Top 6 Paper Cutters for Schools and Print Shops

Paper cutters are machines that are used for accurately cutting large stacks of paper or other materials in a clean and precise manner. These devices come in different sizes and designs. However, all paper cutters usually have a sharp blade that is mounted on a sturdy base or platform. The blade can be utilized manually or mechanically, and can be used as a lever, or can come with a cutting handle. The base of paper cutters have measurements or guides that help users align and measure the paper before cutting. This generates accurate and consistent results.

How Schools Use Paper Cutters

Paper cutters are used in schools since they are efficient at cutting huge amounts of paper, and are faster than using handheld devices like scissors. Schools use paper cutters for arts and crafts projects, classroom materials, and decorations. For example, teachers and students utilize these cutters for craft projects like collages or making posters. Teachers use these products to put together handouts and worksheets since they can cut uniform sheets of paper quickly and efficiently. Also, schools use paper cutters to cut paper decorations and bulletin board materials. This makes schools’ learning environments visually appealing.

How Print Shops Use Paper Cutters

Print shops utilize paper cutters for print production, binding and finishing, large-scale cutting, and custom sizing. After printing brochures, flyers, posters, and other documents, print shops use paper cutters to trim these materials to achieve clean edges and consistent dimensions. In addition, print shops use paper cutters to prepare stacks of paper to be used for spiral binding or saddle stitching. Since paper cutters can cut huge stacks of paper at one time, print shops use these cutters for large-scale cutting and high-volume printing, such as catalogs and booklets. Finally, print shops use paper cutters when their customers need custom-sized materials. Paper cutters allow print shops to trim materials into different dimensions quickly and accurately.

Our Top 6 Paper Cutters for Schools and Print Shops

MBM Triumph 5255 Automatic 20.4" Paper Cutter

Key Features:

• Cutting Width: 20.4 inches
• Cutting Height: 3 inches
• Working Height: 3 inches
• Narrow Cut: 1 inch
• Table Depth: 20.4 inches

Our MBM Triumph 5255 Automatic 20.4” Paper Cutter is a fully automatic programmable paper cutter that has a maximum cutting length of approximately 20.4,” and a maximum cutting height of 3,” which is great for cutting larger format pieces. In order to use the paper cutter, the user has to first load their paper stack onto the cutting table. On the table, there is an optical cutting line signifying where the cut will be executed, which allows for a precise cut every time you use the machine. The device’s touchpad stores up to 99 programs with up to 99 steps each, and also offers pre-programmed DIN sizes and automatic memory for repeat cuts.

Also, the Triumph 5255 has patented easy cut blade activation bars that allows for two-hand operation, and the blade and clamp are activated independently. There are safety features such as a transparent safety guard. For instance, a cut can only be performed if the hinged, electronically controlled safety guard is in the closed position. Blade changes can be made without taking off the machine covers. The blade changing device covers the cutting edge of the blade, ensuring safe blade modifications.

MBM Triumph 4850 Automatic 18.6" Paper Cutter

Key Features:

• Cutting Width: 18.6 inches
• Cutting Height: 3 inches
• Length Behind Blade: 18 inches
• Working Height: 3 inches
• Narrow Cut: 1 inch
• Clamp Type: Automatic

Our MBM Triumph 4850 Automatic 18.6" Paper Cutter has a huge cutting capacity, with a cutting length of 18.6," and a cutting height of 3.” The “18.6” measurement means that this is the maximum width of paper that the cutter can accommodate. The machine has a calibrated hand crank that is used to set the spindle-guided back gauge, and the LED display lets the user set the back gauge with precise positioning.

After the back gauge is positioned, the user can make their cut by pressing the two-step activating bars. In fact, the clamp and blade are controlled by these “easy cut” activating bars that are made for safe, two-hand operation. Finally, the device comes with a tool holder that is located on the back of the machine. It allows the user to have the tools needed for routine maintenance (including blade changes) at hand.

Challenge Champ 185 Pro Light Beam Paper Cutter

Key Features:

• Cutting Width: 18.5 inches
• Clamp Opening: 3.25 inches (without false clamp plate) or 3 inches (with false clamp plate)
• Maximum Cut Depth: 19 inches
• Minimum Cut Depth: 0.75 inches (or 1.75 inches with false clamp plate)
• Table Space in Front of Knife: 13.25 inches
• Hydraulic Clamp Pressure: Up to 2,350 lbs. clamping and cutting

Our Challenge Champ 185 Pro Light Beam Paper Cutter is a commercial-grade paper cutting machine that is designed for use in professional and industrial settings, and is meant for print shops that need heavy-duty cutting. The maximum cutting width for this device is 18.5.” What is unique about this machine is that it uses a light-based cutting guide that assists users in aligning their materials for accurate cuts. The light beam technology helps users accomplish clean and straight cuts.

The device also has hydraulic clamping technology, and uses hydraulic pressure to securely hold a stack of paper or materials in place while cutting, which makes precise cuts. The Challenge Champ 185 Pro Light Beam Paper Cutter has a hydraulic clamp pressure of 2,350 lbs., which means that it can hold a stack of paper with a force of up to 2,350 lbs. This high clamping force can handle office paper as well as heavier cardstock and other materials.

Formax Cut-True 29H Hydraulic Guillotine Cutter

Key Features:

• Cutting Width: 20.5 inches
• Maximum Paper Stack Height: 3.15 inches
• Length Behind Blade: 20.5 inches
• Length in Front of Blade: 18.25 inches
• Minimum Cut with False Clamp: 2.36 inches
• Minimum Cut without False Clamp: 1.18 inches
• Hydraulic Clamp Pressure: 700 to 4,500 lbs.

Our Formax Cut-True 29H Hydraulic Guillotine Cutter can cut stacks of paper up to 20.5” wide. In order to use the paper cutter, the user has to utilize the touchscreen to program and select job settings. This paper cutter has the capacity to program up to 100 jobs and 100 cuts. After choosing job settings, the user can place a stack of paper on the machine. This device has the ability to hold stacks up to 3.15” high. The user can set the back gauge with the touchscreen, and can utilize the foot pedal pre-clamp to check the positioning of the paper. The LED cutting line indicates where the blade will cut, and users can make adjustments.

Like the Challenge Champ 185 Pro Light Beam Paper Cutter , this product has a hydraulic clamp that secures the stacks of paper. It can hold a stack of paper with a force of 700 to 4,500 lbs. The hydraulic clamp pressure can be adjusted with the hydraulic pressure gauge knob. The knob allows the user to set the clamp for various paper weights and stacks. Also, this paper cutter comes with a false clamp, which can be used to reduce the risk of marking sensitive paper stock or perfect bound books.

Martin Yale 7000E Manual Commercial 12" Stack Cutter

Key Features:

• Capacity: 350 sheets
• Cutting Length: 12 inches
• Cutting Depth: 12 inches
• Paper Clamp: Yes
• Stack Height: 1.5 inches thick
• Paper Weight: 20 lb. bond

Our Martin Yale 7000E Manual Commercial 12" Stack Cutter is our lower end and more affordable option of the Formax Cut-True 29H Hydraulic Guillotine Cutter. The paper cutter can stack papers up to 12” wide and 1.5” thick. It can cut up to 350 sheets of 20 lb. paper at one time. This cutter is a tabletop cutter that weighs 50 lbs., and is compact enough to fit into crowded print shops and school copy centers.

While it is lightweight, it has the characteristics of a full stack cutter. Its features include an adjustable back gauge, a positive clamp that holds the stack in place to prevent shifting and tearing, a heavy-duty wood base, a quick crank handle, and non-skid feet. The Martin Yale 7000E Manual Commercial 12” Stack Cutter is ideal for small cutting jobs, or for use as a backup manual paper cutter when your automatic paper cutter is not able to work.

MBM Triumph 7260 Automatic 28" Paper Cutter (VRCut Ready)

Key Features:

• Cutting Length: 28 inches
• Cutting Height: 3 inches (with and without false clamp)
• Length Behind Blade: 18 inches
• Narrow Cut: .75 inches
• Clamp Type: Adjustable Hydraulic
• VRCut: Yes

Our MBM Triumph 7260 Automatic 28" Paper Cutter (VRCut Ready) is the largest model in the Triumph cutter line, and it is a guillotine paper cutter with a touchpad, hydraulic clamp, programmable power back gauge, and safety features. It has a cutting length of 28” and a cutting height of a full 3.” To keep users safe, there is an IR light barrier that is on the front table, which stops if it detects harmful operations. For example, when a user’s hand or clothing enters the cutting zone, the operation is halted. A disc brake prevents the blade from cutting, and activates an automatic return to a safe position.

The MBM Triumph 7260 Automatic 28" Paper Cutter comes with VRCut PC software that is composed of two independent modules that work together - the impose module and the controller module. The impose module generates PDF documents that are formatted to work with the VRCut controller module. The controller module connects to the Triumph Cutter and moves the back gauge, visually guiding operators through the cutting sequence. The software gives the user a visual indication of paper orientation, paper rotation between cuts, when to discard scraps, and how to process cut sheets. This creates an integrated workflow, and makes it easier to cut paper.