Abstract: The apparatus for testing the sharpness of a blade is arranged with a tape extending between a feeder spool and a receiver spool. The apparatus applies tension to the tape, and has a carriage arranged to bring the blade into contact with a stretch of the tape. The blade progressively makes a long-ways cut in the tape and, as it does, a measuring device detects the amount of force exerted for the cut to occur to determine whether the blade is sharp. A clamp locks the stretch of tape when in a straight line for contact with the blade, and has a main opening through which the tape moves longitudinally when driven between the spools A guide is arranged to help keep the stretch of tape in the straight line and has a main opening through which the tape moves longitudinally when driven between the feeder and receiver spools.

Abstract: A system for testing blade sharpness comprises a mounting arrangement for mounting a material to be cut; a force measuring device operable, in use, to determine variations in force along a blade as parts of the blade contact the material; and a control system. The control system is adapted to receive a signal that a blade sharpness test is to be performed; in response to the signal, prepare the mounting arrangement for a blade sharpness test; detect when force on the material rises above a pre-determined level; detect when the blade sharpness test is completed; and provide an indication of the force of the blade on the material.

Abstract: A rotary blade sharpness tester is provided. The rotary blade sharpness tester comprises a rotary blade holder, supporting means for supporting a cuttable material, a moving mechanism to cause relative movement between the blade holder and the supporting means, and hence the cuttable material when supported on the supporting means, an activation means to activate a rotary blade held in the rotary blade holder and cause rotation of the blade before the blade comes into contact with the cuttable material. During the relative movement between the blade holder and supporting means the rotary blade movably contacts the material. The sharpness tester further comprises force measuring means operable in use to measure the force of the rotary blade on the cuttable material.

Abstract: A system for testing blade sharpness comprises a mounting arrangement for mounting a material to be cut; a force measuring device operable, in use, to determine variations in force along a blade as parts of the blade contact the material; and a control system. The control system is adapted to receive a signal that a blade sharpness test is to be performed; in response to the signal, prepare the mounting arrangement for a blade sharpness test; detect when force on the material rises above a pre-determined level; detect when the blade sharpness test is completed; and provide an indication of the force of the blade on the material.

Abstract: A cutting force analyser is provided, comprising weighing means adapted to determine the weight of an object and force applied to the object; a record of a force threshold for cutting the object; and indicating means. The analyser is formed to use the weighing means to differentiate between the weight of the object and cutting force applied to it, to compare the cutting force with the force threshold, and to use the indicating means to communicate how the force compares with the threshold.