KNK Maxx or Craft Robo Pro

[konaboy76]

I see a lot of comparisons between the KNK and CR, but not so much with the CR Pro which I think is more in the same class.

I am seriously considering the KNK Maxx either the 15 or 24 mainly because of cutting force. Actually, I am on the fence between the KNK Maxx and the Craft Robo Pro. The only thing stopping me from getting the CRP is the 300g of force as compared to almost 1K of force on the KNK machines. But, the main thing that is stopping me from jumping for the KNK is the fact that I do plan on doing quite a few print and cuts (having it done automatically rather than manual is really appealing), plan on doing scoring, and the fact that I am a heavy heavy Illustrator person.

The main reason for wanting a lot of downforce is because I would need it to score ~100lbs cover card stock paper. So, does the KNK have a scoring tip? I know the CRP does, but 300g isn't nearly enough force.

Also, the fact that I am a Illustrator guy makes the decision even harder for me. But, I do hear that you can open AI files in the KNK software. Does this mean layers too? Also, does the KNK software "open" or "import" and AI file? In other words, can I open the AI file in KNK, see something wrong, save the project as a KNK project, close the file, open the file in AI, fix whatever needs to be fixed, close out of AI, and reopen the KNK project and have it reflect the change? Wow, that was a lot of commas.

Cutting. I downloaded the CRP software to take a look at it. What I find really appealing is that I can have the machine cut different layers (or colors) at different pressures and blades depths so I can cut one layer through and "scratch" one layer for valley or mountain folds. Can the KNK software do this?

One pro for the KNK is the 24" machine which I will probably get if I choose to go KNK. The reason is that I can make a 24" x 24" mat and cut out 4 12" x 12" sheets at one time. This is very appealing for when I have to cut one layer with a blade, change tips, and score another layer.

I know I am asking a lot so any help would be appreciated. Oh, I do plan on doing production cutting A LOT for retail.

Moku

[Paperthreads]

I see a lot of comparisons between the KNK and CR, but not so much with the CR Pro which I think is more in the same class.

We don't do a lot of comparing with the CRPro, as it never really reached a large market in the US....but yes, they would be a bit more comparible.

But, the main thing that is stopping me from jumping for the KNK is the fact that I do plan on doing quite a few print and cuts (having it done automatically rather than manual is really appealing), plan on doing scoring, and the fact that I am a heavy heavy Illustrator person.

The optical eye versus the laser alignment have their pros and cons. The CONS of the optical eye are that you have to use white or very light colored paper in order for the optic eye to read the registration marks. The registration marks on the machine takes your cutting width even further down, requiring a large margin around the graphic. These are not the case with the laser alignment. The con to the laser alignment is you have to align manually, in the beginning this will be a bit more time consuming, but as you practice and get good at it, it can be done FASTER than the optical eye can read and align.

The main reason for wanting a lot of downforce is because I would need it to score ~100lbs cover card stock paper. So, does the KNK have a scoring tip? I know the CRP does, but 300g isn't nearly enough force.

The KNK has a large blade jaw, allowing you to USE the scoring tip the CRP uses So, in essence, yes it has a scoring tip, as you can use SEVERAL of the different brands out there on this machine.

Also, the fact that I am a Illustrator guy makes the decision even harder for me.

You can use either import or open to get an AI File in KNK. Even easier, you can COPY the cut lines in AI, then PASTE directly into your document in KNK, alleviating the need to save, close, open, resave, reclose, back and forth between the two programs.

Cutting. I downloaded the CRP software to take a look at it. What I find really appealing is that I can have the machine cut different layers (or colors) at different pressures and blades depths so I can cut one layer through and "scratch" one layer for valley or mountain folds. Can the KNK software do this?

Yes...you can cut by color, you can change blades, tools, pressure and speed between each colored cut. It's actually even MORE flexible than the CRP machines capabilities.

I know I am asking a lot so any help would be appreciated. Oh, I do plan on doing production cutting A LOT for retail.

For retail, the KNK is ultimately a more flexible machine, with excellent long term usability. No matter what project you do, in the beginning it will be a bit more time consuming, but as your grow more familar with the machine, the software and the process, you can seriously get some good production times going for your projects! I personally us the KNK machines (have been using them for over 2 years now) in the production capacity, and my machines get a good workout, and have been very very good to me!

[games]

Michelle can he cut from Illy directly to the knk maxx? with the bridge?

I have an knk element (which is smaller and not as much cutting force) but I do love my element. It is perfect for my cutting needs. If you look in the cutter vision section you can see some videos that may help you. Also check out videos on utube. Enjoy!

[Paperthreads]

There is no bridge to cut directly from AI to KNK All files cut to a KNK has to go through KNK Program (old models can go through Funtime, new models only through KNK program)

[konaboy76]

Hey Michelle,

Thanks for all the great info. I am really starting to lean more towards the KNK machines even though I won't be able to work from within AI.

I know that AI is an Adobe products and on whatever version making it a much more mature program, but how close is the KNK program in terms of what it can do compared to KNK? Does it have the pen path tool? Can it edit nodes on that path after the fact? I am sure it has a line tool? Copy and paste in front? Basically, does it have the same tools as AI?

Next, how is the warranty with KNK? If it breaks, do I sent it to you or Accu? Do I have to pay for shipping to and from? How long does it typically take to fix?

Purchasing accessories. Typically, I will be cutting 100 lb cover paper, whatever weight regular 12 x 12 craft paper is which is a lot less than 100 lb cover, and probably chipboard eventually. Oh, these will more than likely be scored somewhere on the page. Oh, I should get the FLATbed thing I guess. So, with that said, what other accessories should be I buying?

Lastly, shipping. How much to Hawaii (96819) using 2nd day air (ground takes too long) using whichever carrier? Oh, most places say that the Krylon spray that comes with the KNK machines can't go air. Oh, if it can go air, can I buy more than one can since no one seems to have it here and better take advantage of the opportunity? I am thinking 5 cans or so which should last me a while.

Well, that is about all I can think of for now. I really need as much info as I can so I can pitch it to my partners (I am the prototype/production person in the team so I use the tools to make the goods).

Moku

[scramper75]

Just my little input here... You can use AI to make your file and just import them into KNK studio to cut your design.

[Shirley803]

Most of the designers at Paperthreads design in AI and then convert it to a KNK file. It takes a few steps but is relatively easy!

The warranty is a year and you have to pay to have it sent to Accugraphics and then they send it back to you. Honestly though, I think these machines are pretty durable and the chances of having to use the warranty is pretty remote.

If you get the MAXX, the flatbeds are included.

Good luck with your pitch the partners!:o

[Paperthreads]

One correction...

On warranty, you pay shipping both ways, they pay for the repair. It takes about 3-4 days once in house to get it fixed. They often do it within a day, as they don't have to do a lot of repairs, so when one comes in for repair, they take care of it right away.

You can edit nodes, but not in EXACTLY the same way that AI does it, it's more in the way that corel draw does it...but you can use the pen tool, drop some edit nodes on the page and then manipulate the path. Check out the Cuttervision tutorials, you will see some things on the videos that show the software working.

I recommend the sliver 2 and sliver blades for the heavy material. The sliver2 will take care of most of your cutting needs.

Flatbeds come with the machine! They ship the machine FEDEX, and I will find out a shipping price on the Maxx machine for you, and we can add more spray to the order, which would be a good idea for you, so you don't have to add more shipping later!

[konaboy76]

Elizabeth,

I know that you can import/open an AI file in KNK, but the concern for me was editing that AI file at a later time. In other words, say I design my object in AI, open in KNK, and cut it out. After looking at the cutout, I realize that something needs to be changed. So, I want to be able to edit that same AI file in AI and able to reopen and cut in KNK without too much trouble. Currently (our first stab at die cutting), I am using a Cricut Expression and SCAL and it is killing me to have to get out of AI to cut and then go back into AI to edit and repeat. I think that was the #1 reason for looking at Graphtec which was because I could cut right from AI.

Shirley and Michelle, it seemed like the FLATbeds didn't come with the machine, but glad that it does.

While looking at through the store, I did notice the punch tool and also noticed that the KNK has a drill and pounce function. I do recall that the CRP also has this function which means it can do perforations? If so, can it be turned off/on from within the KNK software? What I would use this function for it to have my file set up in multiple layers with one being for "cut," one for "score," and the other for perforations.

Hmm, can you create "presets" in the cut section of the software? In the CRP software, you can create different presets depending on what you want like cut and perforate with a certain cutting pressure depending on your medium and then be able to call it up again later to use again on a different file.

How about a cutting manager? Flexisign has this and I think it could be very useful. I think the main reason for this is if I have multiple machines (just thinking about the future). It would be cool if I could be able to hook up multiple cutters to the computer and be able to send different (or same) jobs to different cutters. I would then be able prep one machine while the other one cuts. Wow, that would be cool.

I didn't notice, but is there a trial version of the KNK software? I lot of my questions would be answered if I could just play around with it.

This is great. I am really starting to narrow it down.

Moku

[Shirley803]

I feel your pain about going back to AI to do corrections, BUT I'm happy to say that I'm learning to do things in KNK. So once I convert into KNK, I cut and if I need to make changes, I do it in the KNK program, then I can export the KNK into Illustrator. It works well and forces me to learn new things in KNK!

You can do perforations without the punch tool. It's called pounced (dashed lines) in KNK. You can set the length of your dashes too! It's too cool! YOu can do it all in the same layer, you just specify a color for pounced lines only.

There is a way to set up some presets. I haven't tried it yet, but that's my understanding. Michelle will correct me if I'm wrong.

And yes, you can get a demo version of KNK. I also suggest you go to the Cuttervsion section and watch Michelle's videos. They will help you to see how easy the KNK software is. Michelle I went to get the link for the demo software and coudln't find the demo download. Maybe it's too early? That's my excuse!