anago KST Series User manual

OPERATING MANUAL
ANAGO Knife Sharpness Tester (KST) Series
KST200e Standard
KST300e Standard
Version 5.0
April 2021

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©2003-2021 Anago Ltd
WARRANTY INFORMATION
Anago warrants that the products supplied are fit for purpose and free from defects for a period of
twelve (12) months from the date of delivery.
All other guarantees, warranties and representations in relation to the products or their supply implied
by law or otherwise are excluded except to the extent that Anago cannot lawfully exclude them.
Anago will not be liable, whether pursuant to this warranty or otherwise;
a. For any direct or indirect consequential loss (including loss of business or profits) incurred by
the customer, as a result of breach of the warranty or any defect in the product;
b. For fair wear and tear or wilful or accidental damage to the product;
c. For any damage cause by abnormal use or failure to properly maintain or service the product.
Anago’s liability to the customer, whether pursuant to this warranty or otherwise, is limited to the
value of the product and Anago may, at its option, either:
a. Repair any defective product; or
b. Replace any defective product; or
c. Pay to the customer the price the customer paid to Anago for the product.
Anago will not have any liability to the customer, whether pursuant to this warranty or otherwise, or
any defect in the product or other claim unless:
a. The customer notifies Anago of the defect or claim within 14 days of the customer becoming
aware of the defect or claim; and
b. The customer allows Anago to fully investigate the defect or claim.
DO NOT RETURN THIS PAGE TO ANAGO
Please fill in the fields below and retain with your purchase documentation for reference purposes.
Model No. _______________________
Serial No. _______________________
Date of Purchase _______________________
FOR ALL PRODUCT AND WARRANTY ENQUIRIES
EMAIL [email protected]

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CONTENTS
Frequently Asked Questions .................................................................................................................. 3
1. Introduction .................................................................................................................................... 5
Anago Limited ......................................................................................................................... 5
Safety ...................................................................................................................................... 6
2. Initial setup ..................................................................................................................................... 6
Software Installation ............................................................................................................... 6
Test Media .............................................................................................................................. 7
Connecting to a PC or Laptop ................................................................................................. 8
Operating Modes .................................................................................................................... 8
Calibration ............................................................................................................................... 9
Operation ...................................................................................................................................... 12
3.1. Basic Operations ................................................................................................................... 12
3.2. Keypad Functions .................................................................................................................. 13
3.3. Rapid Clamp .......................................................................................................................... 14
3.4. Running a Test ....................................................................................................................... 16
Test Results ................................................................................................................................... 18
4.1. PC Mode ................................................................................................................................ 18
4.2. Stand-Alone Mode ................................................................................................................ 21
Data management ........................................................................................................................ 22
5.1. Viewing Previous Results ...................................................................................................... 22
5.2. Editing Test Information ....................................................................................................... 24
5.3. Exporting Test Results ............................................................................................................. 0
5.4. Backing up, Restoring and Importing Data ........................................................................... 25
Troubleshooting and maintenance .............................................................................................. 26
6.1. Caring for Your Machine ....................................................................................................... 26
6.2. Spare Parts ............................................................................................................................ 27
6.3. Software Updates ................................................................................................................. 27
6.4. Machine Components ........................................................................................................... 28
6.5. Specifications ........................................................................................................................ 30

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How do I set up the Knife Sharpness Tester?
 We supply a laminated A3 Quick Start Guide with pictures and simple-to-follow
instructions. Follow this guide for initial setup.
 We recommend establishing an in-house Anago Champion. This person can be trained
at the commissioning session and becomes a key contact for our Service Technician.
How do I get the best results from our knife testing?
 Each test will provide an immediate visual result on the sharpness of the knife.
 Connect the KST to a PC with the included PC software, this will allow you to save the
test data for further analysis.
 Most sites choose to use Anago Analytics that allows individuals/ shifts/ plants the
ability to develop a more in depth understanding of how knife sharpness is progressing
corresponding to productivity/safety intentions within the organization.
What is included with my Sharpness Tester?
 Knife Sharpness Tester
 Operating Manual
 USB Cable
 Power Cable
 Quick Start Guide
 Calibration Mass
 USB flash drive (with included software and manuals)
 Access to Service Support line.
 1-year warranty against any manufacturing defects.
What are the ongoing operational costs?
 Anago Test Media consumable is required to run tests. One box of Test Media (5 rolls)
will run approximately 625 tests, depending on knife length (approx. 125 tests per roll).
 Anago’s optional online Analytics has a monthly subscription cost per site.
 For US-based customers, we recommend an annual ½ day onsite visit from our Service
Technician (flat rate of USD$500, plus travel costs, plus any parts not covered by
warranty).
 Anago genuine Test Media will ensure your machine runs efficiently and can be
purchased from [email protected].
Who do I talk to when I have a problem?
 We have a dedicated support line directly to the engineers. This can be done through
email ([email protected]) or by skype/ phone [phone].
 For US-based customers, we also have our service technician based in Missouri for site
visits. He can spend time with your Anago Champions, diagnosing issues, completing
service work and helping to train employees in sharpness management.
 Check out our YouTube channel for frequently requested video tutorials

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Can I get a Technician to visit?
 Please contact our support team at [email protected] to see if there is an available
technician in your area.

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1. INTRODUCTION
Thank you for buying an Anago Knife Sharpness Tester.
You now own the world’s best system for accurately, objectively and repeatedly testing and
auditing blade sharpness.
Sharp blades can be dangerous when handled without cut-resistant or cut-proof gloves.
With the Anago KST200e and KST300e series of sharpness analyzers you can now;
 Test and record the sharpness of blades
 Evaluate edge life
 Analyze and compare blade sharpness between people, departments and facilities
 Graph sharpness results in an easy-to-read format
 Export sharpness test results
 Control the quality of sharpness at your facility
Anago Limited
Anago Limited is a technology company based in Hamilton, New Zealand. Established in 2001, Anago
specializes in products that improve safety and production performance, primarily in the food
processing industry. Anago invented and commercialized the world’s leading knife sharpness testing
technology.
Anago Knife Sharpness Testers (KST’s) have been instrumental in the improvement of knife sharpness
levels and the optimization of sharpening methods throughout the United States, Australasia, and
Europe. Within food processing companies, these improvements have directly resulted in increases
in production yield and output as well as reduced musculoskeletal disorders amongst workers.
Anago also provides customised sharpness testing technology and consulting services to specialist
blade manufacturers (including the medical industry), processors and researchers.
Anago knife and blade sharpness testing technology is represented and serviced globally by Anago
direct and through a distributor and service agent network. Please contact Anago to find your nearest
representative.

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Safety
IMPORTANT
It is highly recommended that the operator wears appropriate cut-resistant or chain mail gloves
when loading and unloading blades into the Anago KST.
Keep the guard screen installed securely during use. At all times, ensure care is taken
when handling blades.
2. INITIAL SETUP
Software Installation
 Ensure you are logged on with a username that has administrator privileges. This must be
done before new programs can be installed
 Plug the provided Anago USB flash drive into a USB port on the PC / Laptop

The setup program should run automatically. If it doesn’t, navigate to the Anago KST
Setup.exe file. Right-click and choose “Run as administrator”
 Follow all prompts from the installation guide
 After Installation, select the program from the Start Menu: AnagoSharp
 You will be prompted to install a license – this is the license.xml file on the supplied USB. If
you already own a KST, fill out the information to receive a license

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Test Media
The Anago KST comes with ST-TM-5 Sharpness Test Media already loaded.
To ensure the best results, always operate your KST with genuine Anago test media. Other
counterfeit brands have been shown to cause inconsistencies and errors while tensioning, leading
to less accurate results. All purchase orders should go through [email protected].
Name: Anago Sharpness Test Media (box of 5 rolls)
Part Code: ST-TM-5
Removing the used roll of test media
 Remove the top and bottom brackets
 Release the top self-locking clamp, remove the used test media and the black media core
 Remove the used fabric from the core. The core can now be reused
Loading the new roll of test media
 Take out the new test media roll and unwind about a meter of test media (sufficient that it
can be thread from bottom to top)
 Thread the new media through as shown in red
 At the top, insert the media into the perpendicular slot in the black media core
 Re-attach the top and bottom brackets
Ensure the media is loaded in a clockwise direction on the top
roller.

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Connecting to a PC or Laptop
Connect the KST as follows:
 USB (Type A) male into an available USB port on the laptop / PC
 USB (Type B) male into the USB port on the side of the KST
Operating Modes
The Anago KST has two operating modes: PC-Control mode and Local mode. These modes have
different functions to fulfil different requirements.
Switching between PC-Control and Local Modes
Press the PC CONTROL button on the keypad to switch between operating modes.
The PC-Control indicator will light up when the KST is in PC Control Mode.
When in Local (Manual) Mode:
 The KST will not respond to any motion commands from an attached PC / Laptop.
 All motion control (including running a test) will need to be performed on the keypad
 The KST will calculate the score locally and display the results on the LED display screen
 The LCD display will show “Manual” at the bottom right hand corner
When in PC-Control Mode:
 The KST can be controlled by an attached PC / Laptop, or by the keypad
 The KST will not calculate or display the score locally

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 Test results will be transferred to the connected PC
 The LCD display will show “PC-Ctrl” at the bottom right hand corner
Calibration
Load Cell Calibration
The calibration process requires the use of the standard 2kg calibration mass shipped with the Anago
KST.
Calibration
Calibration is performed by Anago prior to shipment; however, we recommend recalibrating:
 Before using the KST for the first time
 Every 1 to 2 weeks during normal operations
 Whenever the KST200e/300e may have suffered significant vibration (e.g. during transport or
from a knock)
 After particularly blunt knives have been tested
Setting Calibration
 Turn the KST on using the Power button
 Ensure the guards are closed
 Press Setup on the keypad
 Check that the LCD screen displays ‘Setup Menu’
 Press Down until the screen displays ‘Calibration’
 Press Run to select ‘OK’ and enter into the calibration sub-menu
 Ensure the test media is loose and with the screen displaying ’Zero Load’ press the Run
button to save the new “Zero Load” calibration setting
 With the screen displaying ‘2kg Load’, hang the calibration mass onto the test media

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
Press the Run button to save the new 2kg load calibration setting.
 Remove the 2kg calibration mass and close the guards
 Press Setup button to exit the setup mode
Your KST is now calibrated and ready for sharpness testing.
Setting Knife Limits
The top and bottom limits control the start and end positions the blade clamp will reach during
a test. This allows for different portions of a knife or different length knives to be tested for
sharpness.
 Clamp the blade to be tested into the Anago KST. Doing this will give you an indication of
where the initial and final positions of the blade clamp should be relative to the length of the
blade which is to be tested
 Close the guards. Using the Down button on the keypad, lower the blade until the
tip is about to touch the test media
 Press the Setup button on the keypad
 Check the LCD screen displays ‘Setup Menu’
 Press the Down button on the keypad until the LCD screen displays ‘Bottom Limits’
 Press the Run button to select ‘Ok’ and enter into the bottom limit sub-menu
 With the screen displaying, ‘Select Bot Limit’ press the UP / Down
button to cycle through to the appropriate bottom limit to be set
 Press the Run button
 Open the right guard

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 Using an object, carefully move the test media to the side of the blade (refer to the picture for
an example)
 Close the right guard again
 With the screen displaying, ‘Set Bot Limit 1’ reposition the blade clamp using the Up
/ Down buttons until it is in the required end position
 Press the Run button to save the current bottom limit position
 Press the Retract button to return to the main setup menu
 Press the Down button on the keypad until the LCD screen displays ‘Top Limits’ the
top limit sub-menu
 Press the Run button to select ‘Ok’ and enter into the top limit sub-menu
 With the screen displaying, ‘Select Top Limit’ press the Up / Down
button to cycle through to the appropriate bottom limit to be set
 Press the Run button to select ‘Ok’ and enter into the required top limit’s settings
 With the screen displaying, ‘Set Top Limit 1’ reposition the blade clamp using the Up
/ Down buttons until it is in the required start position
 Press the Run button to save the current top limit position
 Press the Retract button to return to the main setup menu
Note: as a minimum, Bottom Limit 1 and Top Limit 1 should be set.

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OPERATION
3.1. Basic Operations
3.1.1. Saving Tests
Once you have run a test, you will be asked if you wish to save the test. If so, click “Yes”.
If you want to change any test details after the test has been completed, save it, and locate the test
in ‘view tests’. Right click the test and select Edit (this functionality must be enabled in admin settings).
See section 5.2
3.1.2. Running Multiple Tests
It is possible to run multiple consecutive tests for a single blade when the KST is connected to a PC /
laptop.
 Click on "Settings" on the menu bar
 Under “Test”, Check the "Multi-Test Mode" box
 Type in the number of tests per run required
You can then prepare and run tests normally. The KST will run your designated number of tests, saving
each one, and then stop.
3.1.3. Setting Score Cut-Offs
A sharpness acceptance level can be set to colour code the parameters of sharpness. The software
will display a colour coded window that indicates GREEN if the results are within the acceptance levels
or RED if the results are outside the acceptance limits.
 Click on "Settings" on the menu bar
 Ensure the Admin settings have been unlocked (admin password may be required, which is
‘Adm1n’ by default)
 Under “Score Cut-Offs” set the desired scores for: sharp, very sharp, extremely sharp
 Scores will now be displayed with relative colour coding
3.1.4. Pausing or Stopping Tests
The KST models all allow you to pause and restart tests at any time during an analysis.
This is particularly useful for blades with notches in them (e.g. mechanical slicing blades) and/or blades
with intentionally dull tips that require a slot to be pre-cut into the test media before an accurate
analysis can be conducted.
 To pause or resume a test at any point, you can press the Run/Pause button on the
keypad
 To stop a test at any point, you may press the Stop button on the keypad

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3.2. Keypad Functions
3.2.1. Switching the KST on / off
Press the Power button on the keypad
3.2.2. Moving Blade Manually
Press the Up or Down button on the keypad to position the blade
clamp.
The clamp will stop once you release the Up or Down button.
3.2.3. Stopping the blade clamp
Press the Stop button to stop motion at any time.
3.2.4. Running a test
Press the Run button
The test will run automatically, stop and then calculate and display the resulting score on both
the LCD (text) display and the LED (lights) display.
STOP
(stops blade movement and
cancels test)
RETRACT
(send blade to top
position)
POWER
(switch KST on/off)
SETUP
(access setup and calibration)
DOWN
(move blade downwards)
RUN
(start/pause test)
UP
(move blade upwards)
PC CONTROL
(change operating mode)

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3.2.5. Retracting the blade clamp
Press the Retract button. The KST200e/300e will retract the blade to its top position.
3.2.6. Switching between Auto and Local operating mode.
Press the PC Control button on the keypad to move between Local and PC Control
modes.
The Auto Mode indicator will light up when the KST200e/300e is in PC Control Mode.
PC Control mode allows the KST to be controlled by the PC Software.
3.2.7. Advancing the media
Simultaneously press the Up and Down buttons on the keypad to
advance the media.
3.3. Rapid Clamp
Wear appropriate cut-resistant or chain mail gloves when loading and
unloading blades!
3.3.1. Clamping the Blade
Note: For safety reasons, knives should always be loaded holding the knife's
handle from the top.
 Ensure the blade is firmly clamped, by choosing the correct hook
 If you require a custom clamp for specialist blades, contact us at [email protected] for
additional clamping options.
Rapid Clamp

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3.3.2. Aligning the Blade
Align the blade so that the entire length is in line with the centre of the test media.
3.3.3. Laser guiding for Alignment
 Press the silver button at the top of the KST to activate the two laser beams
 When the blade is properly aligned, the lasers will shine directly onto the top of the blade
Pressing the laser button will turn the lasers on and pressing it again will turn them off.
1. Laser Beam 2. Knife Blade
3. Rapid Clamp 4. Laser Button
5.
Top Self
-
Locking Clamp
3.3.4. Blades with Blunt tips
The recommended method for testing blades with intentionally blunt tips is to clamp the blade, then
manually cut the portion of the test media which will be struck by the tip. This will allow the knife to
travel through and perform a test as usual.
Self
-
locking
clamp
Knife blade

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3.3.5. Scalpels and blades without handles
Scalpels and short blades that don’t have a handle generally benefit from the use of a special clamping
attachment developed specifically for accurate and quick clamping of these types of blades.
Please contact us at [e-mail] or [email protected] for more information on this and
other specialist clamping options.
3.4. Running a Test
3.4.1. Running a Sharpness Test without a PC / Laptop
The KST allows you to run a sharpness test without a PC attached. It also contains an on-board battery
for portable testing.
It calculates the score locally and displays the results on the LCD and LED screens.
How to run a test without a PC / Laptop
 Clamp the blade to be tested in the KST blade clamp
 Pull the bottom end of the test media and clamp it with a 2.00-2.30kg force reading on the
LCD display. The test must begin within this range.
 Press the Run button on the keypad
The results will be displayed on the Anago KST. Unclamp the test media before retracting the
knife.
3.4.2. Running a Sharpness Test with a PC / Laptop
Running a sharpness test with a PC / laptop allows you to save, view and analyse data. In addition, it
allows you to run multiple tests on the same blade or to use the accept / reject mode.
How to run a Sharpness Test with a PC / Laptop
On the Anago KST:
 Clamp the blade to be tested in the KST blade clamp.
Position the blade tip to touch
test media, then cut the
horizontal strands that
contact the tip

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 Press the PC Control button on the keypad to switch to PC Control Mode – the Auto
Mode indicator will light when the KST is in PC Control Mode
 Open AnagoSharp software
 Select “Home” on the menu bar
 Click the “Auto Fill” button to automatically fill the test information with the information from
the most recent test using the drop-down lists.
 Change any field as required. Use the drop-down lists to select previously entered data.
 Pull the bottom end of the test media and clamp it with a 2.00-2.30kg force reading on the
LCD display. The test must begin within this range.
 Start the test by clicking the “Run” button, the test will run.
 The test can be stopped at any time by clicking the “Stop test” button.
 A screen will pop up asking you if you wish to save the test. Click “Yes” to save the test.
 Unclamp the test media before retracting the knife.

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TEST RESULTS
4.1. PC Mode
Term Meaning
Anago Score The Anago Score provides a measurement scale that can be used to compare sharpness
levels across facilities, cities, countries, continents and the world. The Anago Score has
two components:
• The objective score that is applied to each measured point along the edge of a
blade.
The average score for the entire blade length. Recommended minimum:
o 8.0 for food processing blades
o 9.0 for scalpels
Cutting Force The force required to cut the test media at any given point along the blade
Distance from Tip The distance from the tip of the blade to the position being discussed
Peak The top of each jagged portion of the Raw Data graph
Preload The tension applied to the test media when the test starts – consistent preload for
each test is very important in ensuring consistent results
Score vs. Effort
The table below shows the change in effort required to use a knife/blade relative to a knife that scores
8.0 on the Anago Sharpness Score.
As can be seen, a small change in Anago Score means a large change in cutting effort. In this table, a
score of 8.0 has been compared to higher and lower scores.
4.1.1. Viewing Results
The AnagoSharp Software enables you to view your test results in three ways:
 Score shows the score profile along the length of the blade.
Anago Score Relative Force Required to Cut
10 0
9.7 0.1
9.5 0.3
9 0.5
8.5 0.66
8 (ideal) 1
7.5 1.33
7 1.8
6.5 2.5
6 3
5.5 4
5.0 5.5
4.5 7
4.0 9
3.5 13
3.0 18
2.0 42

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 Raw Test Data shows the data as it was recorded by the KST. It shows the actual forces
measured by the Anago KST.
 Clean Test Data presents the analysed forces after normalization, i.e. a peak analysis of the
data with the initial flat (prior to the blade hitting the media) removed.
Each of these can be found on the corresponding tabs: “Raw”, “Clean” and “Score” in the “View Tests”
option. Note: A set of results needs to be selected and ticked for this function to work.
 Click the relevant table to display different graph types.
 It is possible to zoom in on results for closer inspection: Drag / draw a box on the graph to
zoom in on those results. To return to full view, double-click on the chart.
Score
This is the most common way of viewing the results of a sharpness test.
This mode shows you an overall sharpness score out of 10 for your blade and produces a profile of
sharpness. Each section of the blade is categorized under sharpness zones on the vertical axis.
This view is also useful when layering tests on top of each other for a direct comparison of
sharpness, or to track an individual blade’s performance over time.