Inside Edging Machine Knives: Key Features, Technical Standards, and Industrial Applications

Types of Edging Machine Knives

An edging machine knife is a vital cutting tool used across industrial manufacturing, furniture production, and packaging operations. These knives ensure clean, precise edges on materials such as wood, veneer, plastic, and composite panels. Choosing the right type of knife significantly impacts cut quality, machine efficiency, and maintenance frequency.

Below is a detailed breakdown of the most common types of edging machine knives, including their composition, advantages, limitations, and ideal applications.

Chromium Steel Knives

Manufactured from high-carbon steel alloyed with chromium, these knives offer excellent hardness and resistance to deformation under high stress.

Advantages

• High wear resistance and durability
• Retains sharpness after repeated sharpening
• Resistant to high-temperature degradation
• Ideal for continuous, heavy-duty cutting operations

Limitations

• Less corrosion-resistant than stainless steel
• May require protective coatings in humid environments
• Harder to machine during initial production

Best for: Heavy-duty industrial edging, hardwood processing, and high-volume manufacturing environments

Solid Carbide Knives

Made from tungsten carbide, these knives are among the hardest available, providing unmatched edge retention and precision.

Advantages

• Exceptional hardness (up to 90 HRC)
• Superior edge retention and longevity
• Produces ultra-clean, burr-free cuts
• Ideal for high-speed and automated cutting systems

Limitations

• Brittle and prone to chipping under impact
• Higher cost compared to steel-based knives
• Requires specialized sharpening equipment

Best for: Precision applications like plywood trimming machines, veneer slicing, and CNC edge banding

High-Speed Steel (HSS) Knives

Engineered from alloy steels containing tungsten, molybdenum, and vanadium, HSS knives maintain hardness at elevated temperatures.

Advantages

• Excellent balance of toughness and sharpness
• Resists softening at high cutting speeds
• Versatile for various materials including wood, MDF, and composites
• Cost-effective with good service life

Limitations

• Wears faster than carbide or chromium steel
• Requires more frequent sharpening
• Not suitable for extremely abrasive materials

Best for: General-purpose edging, especially in veneer machine applications and mid-volume production lines

Stainless Steel Knives

Composed of chromium-rich alloys (typically 13–18%), these knives resist rust and chemical degradation.

Advantages

• High corrosion and moisture resistance
• Hygienic surface ideal for clean environments
• Good durability for light to moderate use
• Low maintenance in wet or chemically active settings

Limitations

• Lower hardness compared to carbide or HSS
• Limited use in high-abrasion applications
• May dull faster when cutting dense materials

Best for: Food processing, packaging machinery, and any environment requiring sanitary, rust-free tools

Tungsten Steel Knives

These are high-performance tools made from tungsten alloyed with carbon and other elements, offering extreme wear resistance.

Advantages

• Outstanding toughness and impact resistance
• Excellent edge retention under heavy loads
• High resistance to abrasion and thermal fatigue
• Long service life in demanding industrial conditions

Limitations

• Higher cost than standard steel knives
• Heavier, which may affect high-speed dynamics
• Requires specialized tooling for sharpening

Best for: Cutting hardwoods, engineered composites, and other dense or abrasive materials in heavy-duty edging machines

Type	Durability	Edge Retention	Corrosion Resistance	Best Application
Chromium Steel	High	High	Medium	Heavy-duty industrial cutting, hardwood processing
Solid Carbide	Very High	Excellent	High	Precision trimming, plywood and veneer machines
High-Speed Steel	Good	Good	Low	General edging, composite and wood materials
Stainless Steel	Medium	Fair	Excellent	Food processing, packaging, wet environments
Tungsten Steel	Very High	Very High	High	Hardwoods, abrasive composites, long-run operations

Expert Tip: For optimal performance and longevity, always match the knife material to the specific application and operating conditions. Regular maintenance, proper sharpening techniques, and correct installation alignment are crucial to maximizing tool life and cut quality.

What Makes Edging Machine Knives Durable? A Comprehensive Guide

The durability of edging machine knives is a critical factor in determining their performance, longevity, and cost-efficiency across industries such as woodworking, paper processing, plastics, and metal fabrication. Durable knives reduce downtime, minimize replacement costs, and ensure consistent cutting quality. Several interrelated factors contribute to the robustness of these precision tools—ranging from material composition to engineering design. Understanding these elements helps in selecting the right knife for specific applications and maximizing operational efficiency.

1. Premium-Quality Materials

The foundation of any durable edging machine knife lies in the quality of materials used during manufacturing. High-performance alloys are selected based on their ability to withstand mechanical stress, abrasion, and thermal degradation. The most commonly used materials include:

High-Speed Steel (HSS)

HSS is widely favored for its excellent balance between toughness and edge retention. It maintains sharpness even under continuous use and can handle dense or fibrous materials like hardwoods and laminates. Its ability to resist deformation at elevated temperatures makes it ideal for high-speed cutting operations.

Carbide (Tungsten Carbide)

Solid carbide blades offer superior hardness and wear resistance compared to steel. They are especially effective in precision applications requiring long tool life, such as trimming engineered wood or composite panels. While more brittle than HSS, modern carbide formulations have improved impact resistance, making them suitable for demanding industrial environments.

Chromium Steel

Known for its corrosion resistance and moderate hardness, chromium steel is often used in wet or chemically aggressive environments. It resists rust and staining, which is beneficial in food processing or paper mills where hygiene and moisture exposure are concerns.

Tool Steel Alloys

Specialized tool steels (e.g., D2, A2) provide high wear resistance and dimensional stability. These are heat-treated to achieve optimal hardness and are commonly used in custom knife designs for heavy-duty industrial edging tasks.

2. Wear-Resistant Coatings

To further enhance durability, many high-end edging knives are equipped with advanced surface coatings that reduce friction, prevent galling, and extend service life. These coatings act as a protective barrier against abrasive wear and heat buildup.

Titanium Nitride (TiN): A gold-colored coating that increases surface hardness and reduces coefficient of friction. TiN-coated knives experience less heat generation and maintain sharpness longer in high-volume production runs.

Chromium Nitride (CrN): Offers excellent resistance to oxidation and corrosion, making it suitable for humid or chemically active environments.

Diamond-Like Carbon (DLC): Provides extreme hardness and low friction, ideal for cutting abrasive composites or coated materials.

Aluminum Titanium Nitride (AlTiN): Superior thermal stability and oxidation resistance at high temperatures, often used in high-speed machining applications.

These coatings not only prolong edge life but also reduce the frequency of blade changes, improving productivity and reducing maintenance costs.

3. Heat Resistance and Thermal Stability

During prolonged cutting operations, especially at high speeds, significant heat is generated at the cutting edge. If not properly managed, this heat can cause the blade to soften, deform, or lose its temper—leading to rapid dulling or failure.

High-speed steel and carbide knives are specifically engineered to retain their hardness at elevated temperatures (up to 600°C for HSS and over 800°C for carbide). This thermal stability ensures that the cutting edge remains hard and effective, even during extended use.

In industries like wood processing, flooring manufacturing, or plastic sheet trimming—where materials generate substantial friction and heat—heat-resistant knives are essential for maintaining consistent cut quality and avoiding premature wear.

4. Precision Edge Geometry

The shape and angle of the cutting edge play a crucial role in both performance and longevity. Manufacturers optimize edge geometry based on the material being cut and the machine’s operating parameters.

Bevel Edge

A single or double bevel edge allows for smooth, clean cuts with minimal resistance. This design reduces the force required during cutting, lowering stress on the blade and decreasing wear. It's particularly effective for laminates, veneers, and softwoods.

Convex Edge

Offers greater durability and strength, ideal for heavy-duty applications involving hard materials like MDF, particleboard, or fiber-reinforced plastics. The curved profile distributes stress more evenly across the edge.

Advanced computer-aided design (CAD) and precision grinding techniques ensure consistent edge profiles, which contribute to uniform cutting performance and extended tool life.

5. Structural Stability and Vibration Resistance

Durability isn’t just about the edge—it also depends on how well the entire knife performs under operational stress. A sturdy construction ensures stability during high-speed rotation or linear motion, minimizing vibrations that can lead to chipping, cracking, or misalignment.

Well-engineered knives are precisely balanced and securely mounted to prevent wobbling or flexing. This stability:

Reduces dynamic stress on the cutting edge

Prevents micro-fractures caused by repeated impact

Maintains alignment for consistent cut quality

Lowers the risk of catastrophic failure during operation

In automated production lines where edging machines run continuously, structural integrity is paramount. Even minor imbalances can accelerate wear and compromise safety.

Factor	Impact on Durability	Best Applications
Carbide Material	Extremely high wear resistance and hardness	Precision trimming, composite materials, high-volume production
TiN / AlTiN Coating	Reduces friction and heat; extends edge life by 30–50%	High-speed cutting, abrasive materials
Heat Treatment (HRC 58–62)	Optimizes hardness and toughness balance	General-purpose industrial edging
Bevel/Convex Geometry	Minimizes cutting force and wear	Wood, laminates, plastics
Vibration-Dampening Design	Prevents chipping and fatigue failure	High-RPM machines, continuous operation

Important: Always match the knife specifications to your machine type and material requirements. Using an improperly designed or low-quality knife can lead to poor cuts, increased energy consumption, equipment damage, and potential safety hazards. Regular inspection, proper installation, and adherence to manufacturer guidelines are essential for maximizing durability and ensuring safe operation.

Commercial Uses of Edging Machine Knives

Edging machine knives are precision-engineered cutting tools designed for high-performance industrial applications. Their exceptional sharpness, durability, and consistency make them essential for achieving clean, accurate trims across a wide range of materials. From wood composites to metals and packaging substrates, these knives play a critical role in enhancing product quality, minimizing waste, and improving operational efficiency across multiple sectors.

Veneer Processing Applications

In veneer manufacturing, edging machine knives are used to precisely trim and square thin wood veneers before they are laminated onto substrates. The trimming machine ensures each sheet has uniform dimensions and clean edges, which is vital for achieving seamless joints and a premium aesthetic finish.

• High-tolerance cutting preserves the integrity of delicate veneer layers without chipping or fraying
• Consistent edge quality enables better alignment during lamination processes
• Optimized blade geometry reduces material waste, especially important when working with rare or expensive hardwoods
• Ideal for processing veneered plywood, decorative panels, and architectural finishes

Key benefit: Enhanced yield and reduced scrap rates in high-value veneer production lines

Plywood Manufacturing

Within plywood production facilities, edging knives are integral components of plywood machines used to trim and square large panels after pressing. Clean, burr-free edges are essential not only for appearance but also for downstream processes like edge banding and finishing.

• Sharp blades ensure smooth cuts that improve glue adhesion during edge sealing
• Durable carbide or high-speed steel knives withstand continuous operation under abrasive conditions
• Uniform trimming enhances dimensional accuracy, critical for modular construction and cabinetry
• Minimizes splintering and delamination at panel edges

Pro tip: Regular blade maintenance and timely replacement prevent costly rework and maintain consistent product standards

Metal Stamping & Die Cutting

In metal stamping and die-cutting operations, edging knives (often integrated into rotary die cutters or trim presses) are used to shape and finish a variety of materials including sheet metal, plastics, rubber, and laminates. Precision edge control is crucial for producing parts that meet tight tolerances.

• High-quality edging knives deliver consistent cut accuracy across thousands of cycles
• Resistant to wear from abrasive materials like coated metals and composite sheets
• Reduce flash and burrs, minimizing post-processing requirements
• Improve tool longevity and reduce downtime caused by frequent blade changes

Critical advantage: Maintains dimensional consistency in high-volume production runs, ensuring part interchangeability and compliance with engineering specs

Furniture Manufacturing

Furniture producers rely on edging machine knives to apply clean, straight edges to engineered wood products such as MDF, particleboard, and plywood. This process not only improves the visual appeal but also strengthens the structural durability of cabinets, shelves, and case goods.

• Enables flawless application of PVC, ABS, or wood veneer edge bands
• Precise trimming removes excess material without damaging the substrate or edge band
• Supports automated edge-banding lines for high-speed, mass production
• Reduces sanding and touch-up labor through superior initial cut quality

Smart investment: Upgraded knife materials (e.g., tungsten carbide) extend service life and reduce long-term operating costs

Label & Packaging Industries

In the label and packaging sector, edging knives are employed to cut and trim printed labels, cartons, folding boxes, and flexible packaging materials. Accurate edge definition is essential for both functionality and brand presentation.

• Ensures labels are precisely sized for automated application systems
• Produces clean, fray-free edges on paper, film, and foil substrates
• Improves registration accuracy in multi-stage printing and die-cutting workflows
• Minimizes misfeeds and jams in high-speed packaging lines

Quality impact: Professional-grade trimming directly influences consumer perception of product quality and brand reliability

Additional Industrial Applications

Beyond the core industries, edging knives serve in diverse sectors where precision trimming is required:

• Plastics Processing: Trimming extruded profiles, sheets, and thermoformed parts
• Textile & Nonwovens: Cutting rolls of fabric, insulation, or synthetic materials
• Automotive Interiors: Shaping headliners, dash components, and acoustic panels
• Printing & Converting: Slitting and cropping large-format prints and laminates

Cross-industry value: Universal design principles allow for customization based on material hardness, thickness, and production speed

Expert Insight: To maximize return on investment, manufacturers should select edging knives based on material compatibility, production volume, and required edge quality. High-performance coatings (like TiN or DLC) and advanced substrate materials (such as CPM steel or polycrystalline diamond) can significantly extend blade life and reduce maintenance frequency. Partnering with reputable suppliers who offer technical support and blade reconditioning services further enhances operational efficiency.

Industry	Primary Function	Material Types	Key Performance Requirements
Veneer & Plywood	Trimming and squaring	Hardwood veneers, softwood plywood, MDF	Precision, chip-free cuts, wear resistance
Furniture Manufacturing	Edge banding and finishing	Particleboard, MDF, laminates	Clean trim lines, minimal burring, durability
Metal Stamping	Die cutting and deburring	Steel, aluminum, composites	Dimensional accuracy, long service life
Label & Packaging	Die-cutting and slitting	Paper, film, foil, cardboard	Sharpness, consistency, low maintenance

Best Practices for Optimal Performance

• Regular Maintenance: Inspect knives frequently for nicks, dulling, or misalignment to prevent quality degradation
• Proper Installation: Ensure correct blade seating and alignment according to manufacturer specifications
• Material Matching: Choose blade hardness and edge geometry suited to the specific material being processed
• Coolant Use: In high-speed applications, cooling systems help prevent heat buildup and premature wear
• Supplier Collaboration: Work with experienced vendors who provide technical guidance and custom solutions

Factors to Consider When Selecting Edging Machine Knives

Selecting the right edging machine knives is crucial for achieving clean, precise, and efficient edge banding results in woodworking and manufacturing operations. The performance, longevity, and cost-efficiency of your edging process depend heavily on choosing knives that align with your material types, production demands, and quality standards. This comprehensive guide outlines the key considerations buyers should evaluate to ensure optimal knife selection for their clients’ specific needs.

Important Note: Choosing the wrong edging knife can lead to poor finish quality, increased downtime, higher maintenance costs, and potential damage to both the machine and workpieces. Always match the knife specifications to your operational requirements.

1. Material Compatibility

The type of material being processed is one of the most critical factors in selecting edging machine knives. Different substrates exert varying levels of stress on the cutting edge, requiring specific blade compositions and geometries.

• Wood and Solid Lumber: Requires knives with balanced hardness and toughness to handle natural grain variations and knots.
• Plywood and Engineered Panels: Contains adhesives and resins that accelerate wear; knives must resist abrasion from glue lines and fillers.
• Particleboard and MDF: Highly abrasive due to wood particles and binders; demands wear-resistant materials like tungsten carbide.
• Veneered or Laminate Surfaces: Sensitive to chipping and tear-out; requires sharp, precision-ground edges for clean cuts without delamination.

Ensure the selected knives are engineered with appropriate hardness (measured in HRC) and fracture resistance to endure the cutting forces without chipping, dulling, or deforming prematurely.

2. Knife Width and Thickness

The physical dimensions of the knife directly influence cutting stability, accuracy, and durability under load.

• Width: Wider knives provide greater rigidity and reduce vibration during high-speed operations, resulting in smoother finishes on large panels. They also distribute cutting forces over a broader area, minimizing localized wear.
• Thickness: Thicker blades offer enhanced structural integrity, making them ideal for heavy-duty or continuous production environments. They resist flexing and deflection when processing dense or thick materials, maintaining consistent cut quality.
• Application Match: High-volume production lines benefit from thicker, wider knives, while lighter-duty applications may use thinner profiles for cost efficiency and easier handling.

Always verify compatibility with your edging machine’s knife holder and adjuster mechanism before purchasing.

3. Beveled-Edge Knives for Precision Cutting

Beveled-edge knives feature a precisely angled cutting edge that enhances control and finish quality, especially in fine woodworking and cabinetry applications.

• Provide cleaner, chip-free cuts by shearing rather than tearing the material surface.
• Ideal for high-end furniture, architectural millwork, and visible edges where aesthetics are paramount.
• Reduce the need for secondary sanding or touch-ups, improving workflow efficiency.
• Available in various bevel angles (e.g., 15°, 20°, 25°) depending on material hardness and desired finish.

For operations demanding tight tolerances and flawless appearance, beveled-edge knives are the preferred choice over flat-ground alternatives.

4. Cost-Effectiveness and Total Ownership Cost

While initial price is often a deciding factor, it's essential to evaluate the total cost of ownership over the knife’s lifecycle.

Cost Factor	High-Quality Knife	Low-Cost Knife
Initial Purchase Price	Higher	Lower
Service Life	Longer (up to 3–5x)	Shorter
Sharpening Frequency	Less frequent	More frequent
Maintenance Downtime	Reduced	Increased
Long-Term Cost	Lower overall	Higher due to replacements

A premium knife may have a higher upfront cost but can deliver significant savings through extended service life, reduced sharpening cycles, and fewer machine stoppages. Conversely, inexpensive knives may seem economical initially but often result in higher cumulative expenses and inconsistent output quality.

5. Durability and Material Composition

Durability is a direct function of the knife’s material construction and protective treatments.

• Tungsten Carbide: Offers exceptional hardness and wear resistance, ideal for abrasive materials like MDF and particleboard. Resists chipping and maintains sharpness longer than steel alternatives.
• Chrome Steel (High-Carbon Chromium Steel): Provides a good balance of toughness and edge retention, suitable for general-purpose edging tasks. Often used in combination with coatings for enhanced performance.
• Coatings and Surface Treatments: Nitride, TiN (titanium nitride), or DLC (diamond-like carbon) coatings improve lubricity, reduce friction, and increase resistance to corrosion and heat buildup—especially beneficial in humid environments or when processing resin-rich materials.
• Corrosion Resistance: In facilities with high moisture exposure or chemical cleaners, corrosion-resistant finishes help prevent pitting and degradation, extending usable life.

Investing in knives made from premium materials ensures consistent performance, reduced replacement frequency, and better return on investment.

Expert Tip: Maintain a log of knife performance, including hours of operation, number of sharpenings, and reasons for replacement. This data helps identify the most cost-effective and reliable knife types for your specific applications and supports informed future purchasing decisions.

Additional Selection Recommendations

• Consult with knife manufacturers or suppliers to get application-specific recommendations based on your materials and production volume.
• Ensure proper installation and alignment—misaligned knives cause uneven wear and poor edge quality.
• Establish a routine maintenance schedule, including regular inspection and timely sharpening, to maximize knife life.
• Train operators on correct handling and storage practices to prevent accidental damage.
• Keep spare knives on hand to minimize downtime during changeovers or sharpening cycles.

By carefully evaluating material compatibility, dimensional specifications, edge geometry, cost-efficiency, and durability, buyers can make informed decisions that enhance productivity, reduce operational costs, and deliver superior edge finishes. Remember, the right knife isn't just a consumable—it's a strategic component of your manufacturing excellence.

Frequently Asked Questions About Edging Machine Knives

Q1: Which edging machine knife is the most suitable for high-volume wood processing?

For high-volume wood processing, the most suitable choice is typically a **carbide-tipped high-speed steel (HSS) knife**. These knives offer an optimal balance of hardness, wear resistance, and edge retention—critical qualities when operating under continuous use.

• Hardness & Durability: Carbide-tipped blades maintain sharpness significantly longer than standard steel, reducing downtime for replacements.
• Versatility: They efficiently cut through both hardwoods (like oak and maple) and softwoods (such as pine and cedar) without chipping or dulling quickly.
• Heat Resistance: High-speed steel resists heat buildup during prolonged cutting, preserving blade integrity.
• Cost-Efficiency: While initially more expensive, their extended lifespan makes them cost-effective over time in industrial settings.

Manufacturers often recommend these knives for planers, jointers, and edge banders used in cabinetry, flooring, and furniture production where precision and throughput are essential.

Q2: What factors contribute to the durability of an edging machine knife?

Durability in edging machine knives is determined by a combination of material composition, design, and protective enhancements. The most influential factors include:

• Material Composition:
  • Solid Carbide: Offers exceptional hardness and resistance to wear but can be brittle under impact.
  • High-Speed Steel (HSS): Provides toughness and thermal stability, ideal for heavy-duty applications.
  • Stainless & Chromium Steel Alloys: Resist corrosion and maintain edge strength, especially in humid or chemically exposed environments.
• Cutting Edge Geometry: A well-designed bevel or grind angle improves chip removal and reduces stress on the blade edge.
• Wear-Resistant Coatings:
  • Titanium Nitride (TiN), Titanium Carbonitride (TiCN), and Diamond-Like Carbon (DLC) coatings reduce friction and protect against abrasion.
  • These coatings can extend tool life by up to 300% in some applications.
• Manufacturing Quality: Precision grinding and heat treatment processes ensure uniform hardness and structural integrity across the blade.

Together, these elements determine how long a knife remains effective before resharpening or replacement is needed, directly impacting productivity and maintenance costs.

Q3: What factors influence the cost of edging machine knives?

The price of edging machine knives varies widely based on several interrelated factors:

Factor	Description	Impact on Cost
Material Type	Tungsten carbide and solid HSS are premium materials with superior performance.	Higher cost due to raw material expense and manufacturing complexity.
Coatings & Treatments	DLC, TiN, and other advanced surface treatments enhance durability.	Adds 15–40% to base price but improves longevity.
Customization	Knives tailored to specific machines or cutting profiles (e.g., radius, angle, hole pattern).	Increases cost due to specialized tooling and lower production volume.
Order Quantity	Bulk purchasing reduces per-unit manufacturing and handling costs.	Larger orders yield lower unit prices (economies of scale).
Market Conditions	Fluctuations in metal prices, supply chain availability, and seasonal demand.	Can cause short-term price volatility even for standard models.

Understanding these variables helps buyers make informed decisions between upfront investment and long-term value, especially in industrial operations where tool performance directly affects output quality and efficiency.

Q4: Are beveled-edge knives suitable for heavy-duty applications?

Generally, **beveled-edge knives are less suitable for heavy-duty applications** compared to straight-edged or square-ground alternatives. Here’s why:

• Cutting Force Distribution: Beveled edges concentrate stress on a smaller surface area, increasing the risk of chipping or deformation under high load.
• Aggressiveness vs. Stability: While beveled knives may offer smoother finishes on softer materials, they lack the aggressive cutting action and structural rigidity of straight-edge blades.
• Application Mismatch: Heavy-duty tasks—such as processing dense hardwoods, laminated boards, or engineered composites—require maximum stability and impact resistance, which straight-edged knives provide.
• Precision Needs: In industrial edging, clean, consistent cuts are more important than fine finishing, making robust blade designs preferable.

That said, beveled knives can still play a role in secondary finishing operations or lighter-duty profiling. However, for primary high-load cutting, manufacturers typically recommend full-height, square-ground carbide or HSS blades for optimal performance and safety.

Q5: Which knives are suitable for cutting metal and plastic materials?

For cutting **metal and plastic**, the preferred choice is **carbide-tipped or solid carbide edging knives**, specifically engineered for non-wood applications. These materials excel due to:

• High Temperature Resistance: Carbide maintains hardness at elevated temperatures generated during metal and plastic machining, preventing softening or warping.
• Wear Resistance: Resists abrasion from hard particulates in plastics (e.g., fiberglass-reinforced polymers) and metallic swarf.
• Edge Retention: Stays sharp longer than HSS when cutting tough or abrasive materials, minimizing downtime for changes.
• Corrosion Resistance: Especially important when cutting plastics that emit corrosive gases when heated (e.g., PVC).
• Precision & Clean Cuts: Essential for achieving tight tolerances in metal trim or plastic sheet edging used in electronics, automotive, and aerospace components.

Some specialized variants include:

• Diamond-Coated Carbide Knives: For ultra-abrasive plastics or composite materials.
• Polycrystalline Diamond (PCD) Blades: Used in high-speed plastic cutting where extreme durability is required.

Always ensure compatibility with your machine’s spindle speed, feed rate, and safety specifications when selecting knives for metal or plastic processing.