KLIC-N-KUT KNK Force User manual

The KNK Force with C3 User Manual
http://knkusa.com/
May 11, 2018
Do NOT read this entire manual… unless you want to.
•Chapters 1 - 3 are very important in terms of setting up your Force and learning cut settings.
•Chapter 4 covers how to export SVGs from the supported design programs. Please read the section on the
design program you’ll be using.
•Chapter 5 covers the dual head feature and how to best use Force accessory tools.
•Chapter 6 is for those owners wanting to perform print and cut applications.
•Chapter 7 covers the Force rotary tool.
•Chapter 8 covers popular materials and applications used on the Force.
It’s not practical to print this entire manual because:
•It’s a waste of paper and ink if you only ever need certain sections.
•The live links to videos, blog posts, products, etc. will not work.
•The user manuals are updated from time to time.
•You cannot search on individual words.

Table of Contents
CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION TO THE KNK FORCE......................................................................................................................... 1-1
1.01 USER MANUAL OPTIONS .................................................................................................................................................................. 1-2
1.02 SAFETY AND WARNINGS .................................................................................................................................................................. 1-2
1.03 WARRANTY ..................................................................................................................................................................................... 1-3
1.04 SUPPORT........................................................................................................................................................................................ 1-3
1.05 UNPACKING..................................................................................................................................................................................... 1-3
1.06 CONTENTS...................................................................................................................................................................................... 1-4
1.07 PARTS OF THE KNK FORCE ............................................................................................................................................................. 1-4
1.08 BLADE HOLDERS AND BLADES.......................................................................................................................................................... 1-5
1.08.1 Blade Installation...........................................................................................................................................................................................1-5
1.08.2 Setting the Blade Tension (BT) .....................................................................................................................................................................1-7
1.09 ACCESSORY TOOLS......................................................................................................................................................................... 1-8
1.10 PREPARING AND CARING FOR THE CUTTING MAT .............................................................................................................................. 1-8
1.10.1 Tips on Using the Cutting Mat.......................................................................................................................................................................1-8
1.10.2 Cleaning and Replenishing the Cutting Mat..................................................................................................................................................1-8
1.11 INSTALLING THE PINCH WHEELS....................................................................................................................................................... 1-9
1.12 OTHER USEFUL TOOLS AND SUPPLIES............................................................................................................................................ 1-11
1.13 REVIEW OF CHAPTER 1................................................................................................................................................................. 1-13
1.13.1 Miscellaneous Things to Note: ....................................................................................................................................................................1-13
CHAPTER 2 GETTING STARTED ....................................................................................................................................................... 2-1
2.01 WHAT IS C3? .................................................................................................................................................................................. 2-1
2.02 SETTING UP THE FORCE .................................................................................................................................................................. 2-1
2.02.1 Terminology...................................................................................................................................................................................................2-1
2.02.2 Choosing a Connection Mode.......................................................................................................................................................................2-2
2.02.3 Connecting and Launching C3......................................................................................................................................................................2-2
2.03 STANDALONE (AD HOC)CONNECTION .............................................................................................................................................. 2-4
2.03.1 First Time Standalone Mode .........................................................................................................................................................................2-4
2.03.2 Switching to Standalone Mode after Being in Another Mode........................................................................................................................2-4
2.04 ETHERNET CONNECTION.................................................................................................................................................................. 2-5
2.05 WI-FI CONNECTION ......................................................................................................................................................................... 2-6
2.05.1 Obtaining the Wi-Fi IP Address.....................................................................................................................................................................2-6
2.05.2 Setting a Static IP..........................................................................................................................................................................................2-7
2.06 SETUP FOR COMMUNICATION TESTING AND DRAWING ....................................................................................................................... 2-8
2.06.1 Selecting a Test File......................................................................................................................................................................................2-8
2.06.2 Preparing the Force for Drawing ...................................................................................................................................................................2-9
2.06.3 Setting the Z Origin .....................................................................................................................................................................................2-10
2.06.4 Entering Settings.........................................................................................................................................................................................2-12
2.06.5 Setting the XY Origin and Drawing .............................................................................................................................................................2-12
2.07 C3 SCREENS AND MISCELLANEOUS SETUP..................................................................................................................................... 2-13
2.07.1 C3 Tabs.......................................................................................................................................................................................................2-13
2.07.2 Choosing Units...........................................................................................................................................................................................2-16
2.07.3 Naming Your Force .....................................................................................................................................................................................2-16
2.08 REVIEW OF CHAPTER 2................................................................................................................................................................. 2-17
2.08.1 Miscellaneous Things to Note .....................................................................................................................................................................2-17
2.08.2 Quick Guide: Setting the Z Origin ...............................................................................................................................................................2-17
CHAPTER 3 CUTTING......................................................................................................................................................................... 3-1
3.01 WHAT YOU NEED TO UNDERSTAND ABOUT CUTTING......................................................................................................................... 3-1
You Have To Make Mistakes ...................................................................................................................................................................................3-1
Begin with Easy Materials and Easy Shapes...........................................................................................................................................................3-1
Use the Correct Blade for the Material You Are Cutting ..........................................................................................................................................3-1
Set the Z Origin When Required ..............................................................................................................................................................................3-1
Understand the Cut Settings ....................................................................................................................................................................................3-2
Perform Test Cuts! ...................................................................................................................................................................................................3-2
Record Your Successes...........................................................................................................................................................................................3-2
Keep the Cutting Mat Clean and Sticky ...................................................................................................................................................................3-2
Know Where Your Images Will Cut..........................................................................................................................................................................3-3
Don’t Get Frustrated, Get Help! ...............................................................................................................................................................................3-3
3.02 CUT SETTINGS IN C3....................................................................................................................................................................... 3-3

3.02.1 Passes (P).....................................................................................................................................................................................................3-4
3.02.2 Cutting Depth (CD) / Ending Depth (ED) ......................................................................................................................................................3-5
3.02.3 Starting Depth (SD).......................................................................................................................................................................................3-5
3.02.4 Cutting Speed (CS) .......................................................................................................................................................................................3-6
3.02.5 Up Speed (US)..............................................................................................................................................................................................3-6
3.02.6 Plunge Speed (PS) .......................................................................................................................................................................................3-6
3.02.7 Lift Speed (LS) ..............................................................................................................................................................................................3-7
3.02.8 Cutting Tool (CT)...........................................................................................................................................................................................3-7
3.02.9 Blade Offset (BO)..........................................................................................................................................................................................3-7
3.02.10 Path Direction..............................................................................................................................................................................................3-8
3.02.11 Closed Path Overcut (CPO)........................................................................................................................................................................3-9
3.02.12 Optimize Cut Order (OCO)..........................................................................................................................................................................3-9
3.02.13 Defaults .....................................................................................................................................................................................................3-10
3.02.14 Download an SVG Preset (Saving a File).................................................................................................................................................3-10
3.03 BLADE TENSION (BT) .................................................................................................................................................................... 3-10
3.04 CONTROLLING WHERE IMAGES WILL CUT ....................................................................................................................................... 3-10
3.04.1 Portrait versus Landscape Cutting ..............................................................................................................................................................3-11
3.04.2 Modes for Cutting (or Engraving, Embossing, etc.) ....................................................................................................................................3-12
3.04.3 Where Shapes Will Cut ...............................................................................................................................................................................3-12
3.04.4 Changing Where Images Will Cut ...............................................................................................................................................................3-16
3.05 PERFORMING A CUT WITH THE BLADE HOLDER................................................................................................................................ 3-17
3.06 CALIBRATING THE FORCE’S SIZING RESOLUTION ............................................................................................................................. 3-20
3.07 REVIEW OF CHAPTER 3.................................................................................................................................................................. 3-22
3.07.1 Summary of Cut Settings ............................................................................................................................................................................3-22
3.07.2 Miscellaneous Things to Note .....................................................................................................................................................................3-23
3.07.3 Quick Guide: Performing a Cut with the Blade Holder................................................................................................................................3-24
SETTINGS FORM FOR CUTTING MATERIALS ON THE KNK FORCE1............................................................................................................ 3-25
SUGGESTED CUT SETTINGS FOR VARIOUS MATERIALS ON THE KNK FORCE1........................................................................................... 3-26
CHAPTER 4 MORE ABOUT C3........................................................................................................................................................... 4-1
4.01 IMPORTING .SVG FILES ................................................................................................................................................................... 4-1
4.01.1 Importing Single Layer SVG Files .................................................................................................................................................................4-1
4.01.2 Importing Multi-layer SVG Files ....................................................................................................................................................................4-2
4.02 PREPARING .SVG FILES FROM OTHER APPLICATIONS ....................................................................................................................... 4-3
4.02.1 SVG Files from Make The Cut (MTC)...........................................................................................................................................................4-4
4.02.2 SVG Files from Sure Cuts a Lot (SCAL) .......................................................................................................................................................4-7
4.02.3 SVG Files from Adobe Illustrator (AI)..........................................................................................................................................................4-11
4.02.4 SVG Files from Inkscape ............................................................................................................................................................................4-14
4.02.5 SVG Files from Corel Draw (CD) ................................................................................................................................................................4-18
4.02.6 SVG Files from KNK Studio ........................................................................................................................................................................4-21
4.02.7 SVG Files from Popup Card Studio (PCS) .................................................................................................................................................4-21
4.02.8 Other SVG Files ..........................................................................................................................................................................................4-23
4.03 UPDATING C3 ............................................................................................................................................................................... 4-23
4.03.1 Verifying Current Version and Available Version ........................................................................................................................................4-23
4.03.2 Downloading and Installing an Update........................................................................................................................................................4-24
4.03.3 Updating C3 Using A File Download...........................................................................................................................................................4-25
4.04 REVIEW OF CHAPTER 4................................................................................................................................................................. 4-27
4.04.1 Quick Guide for Preparing Images for C3 ...................................................................................................................................................4-27
4.04.2 Quick Guide for Controlling Where Shapes Will Cut...................................................................................................................................4-27
4.04.3 Quick Guide for Changing Cut Direction.....................................................................................................................................................4-28
4.04.4 Miscellaneous Things to Note .....................................................................................................................................................................4-28
4.04.5 Updating C3 ................................................................................................................................................................................................4-28
CHAPTER 5 UTILIZING FORCE ACCESSORY TOOLS AND THE DUAL HEADS ........................................................................... 5-1
5.01 WHAT DUAL HEADS MEAN ............................................................................................................................................................... 5-1
5.02 CALIBRATING TWO TOOLS FOR ALIGNMENT....................................................................................................................................... 5-1
5.03 GENERAL GUIDELINES WHEN USING ACCESSORY TOOLS .................................................................................................................. 5-3
5.04 DRAWING WITH A PEN OR GLUE PEN ................................................................................................................................................ 5-3
5.05 EMBOSSING AND SCORING............................................................................................................................................................... 5-3
5.06 ENGRAVING .................................................................................................................................................................................... 5-4
5.07 USING THE PUNCH TOOL ................................................................................................................................................................. 5-5
5.08 USING THREE TOOLS IN THE KNK FORCE......................................................................................................................................... 5-5
5.08.1 Return to Origin Method................................................................................................................................................................................5-5
5.08.2 Registration Mark Method .............................................................................................................................................................................5-8
5.09 REVIEW OF CHAPTER 5................................................................................................................................................................. 5-12

5.09.1 Miscellaneous Things to Note .....................................................................................................................................................................5-12
5.09.2 Quick Guide: Calibrating Two Tools for Alignment .....................................................................................................................................5-12
5.09.3 Quick Guide: Three Tools –Return to Origin Method................................................................................................................................5-12
5.09.4 Quick Guide: Three Tools –Registration Mark Method.............................................................................................................................5-13
SETTINGS FORM FOR FORCE ACCESSORY TOOLS1.................................................................................................................................. 5-14
SUGGESTED SETTINGS FOR VARIOUS FORCE ACCESSORIES1.................................................................................................................. 5-15
CHAPTER 6 PRINT AND CUTS........................................................................................................................................................... 6-1
6.01 WHAT IS A PRINT AND CUT (PNC)? ................................................................................................................................................. 6-1
6.02 WHAT IS A PNC CALIBRATION?........................................................................................................................................................ 6-2
6.03 WHAT YOU NEED FOR CALIBRATING................................................................................................................................................. 6-2
6.04 PRINTING THE CALIBRATION FILE...................................................................................................................................................... 6-2
6.04.1 Printing from Make the Cut ...........................................................................................................................................................................6-3
6.04.2 Printing from SCAL .......................................................................................................................................................................................6-5
6.04.3 Printing from Inkscape ..................................................................................................................................................................................6-6
6.05 PREPARING TO CUT......................................................................................................................................................................... 6-8
6.06 PERFORMING THE REGISTRATION ALIGNMENT................................................................................................................................... 6-9
6.07 ADJUSTING THE XAND YOFFSETS FOR THE ELECTRONIC EYE......................................................................................................... 6-11
6.08 AUTOMATIC PNC.......................................................................................................................................................................... 6-12
6.08.1 Registration Marks for Auto PNC................................................................................................................................................................6-13
6.08.2 Performing the Automatic PNC ...................................................................................................................................................................6-13
6.08.3 Setting the Origin for Automatic PNC..........................................................................................................................................................6-14
6.09 PRINT AND CUT TIPS ..................................................................................................................................................................... 6-15
6.10 PREPARING NEW PNC FILES IN MTC............................................................................................................................................. 6-16
6.10.1 Using the Reg Mark Files in MTC ..............................................................................................................................................................6-16
6.10.2 Moving Shapes to New Layers and Exporting ............................................................................................................................................6-17
6.10.3 The Shape Outline Issue in MTC................................................................................................................................................................6-18
6.11 PREPARING NEW PNC FILES IN SCAL ........................................................................................................................................... 6-19
6.11.1 Using the Reg Marks in SCAL ....................................................................................................................................................................6-19
6.11.2 Moving Shapes to New Layers and Exporting ............................................................................................................................................6-20
6.12 PREPARING NEW PNC FILES IN INKSCAPE...................................................................................................................................... 6-21
6.12.1 Using the Reg Mark Files in Inkscape.........................................................................................................................................................6-21
6.12.2 Moving Shapes to New Layers and Saving ................................................................................................................................................6-21
6.13 PREPARING NEW PNC FILES IN ADOBE ILLUSTRATOR ..................................................................................................................... 6-22
6.13.1 Using the Reg Mark Files in Adobe Illustrator.............................................................................................................................................6-22
6.13.2 Moving Shapes to New Layers and Saving ................................................................................................................................................6-23
6.14 CREATING YOUR OWN REGISTRATION MARKS ................................................................................................................................ 6-23
6.15 REVIEW OF CHAPTER 6................................................................................................................................................................. 6-25
6.15.1 Miscellaneous Things to Note .....................................................................................................................................................................6-25
6.15.2 Quick Guide: Performing a Manual Detection PNC....................................................................................................................................6-25
6.15.3 Quick Guide: Performing an Automatic Detection PNC..............................................................................................................................6-26
CHAPTER 7 ROTARY TOOL............................................................................................................................................................... 7-1
7.01 IMPORTANT SAFETY AND OPERATING CONSIDERATIONS .................................................................................................................... 7-2
7.02 CONTENTS IN THE ROTARY TOOL KIT................................................................................................................................................ 7-2
7.03 SETTINGS FOR THE ROTARY TOOL ................................................................................................................................................... 7-3
7.04 DETERMINING SETTINGS FOR CUTTING A NEW MATERIAL .................................................................................................................. 7-4
7.04.1 Measure the Thickness of the Material .........................................................................................................................................................7-4
7.04.2 Surface Height...............................................................................................................................................................................................7-5
7.04.3 CD/ED Calculator..........................................................................................................................................................................................7-5
7.05 PEN TEST FOR VERIFYING CD/ED BEFORE CUTTING ........................................................................................................................ 7-6
7.06 ATTACHING A DRILL BIT TO THE ROTARY TOOL ................................................................................................................................. 7-8
7.07 ATTACHING THE ROTARY TOOL TO THE KNK FORCE ......................................................................................................................... 7-9
7.07.1 Attaching the Adaptor to the Blade Holder Seat ...........................................................................................................................................7-9
7.07.2 Inserting the Rotary Tool into the Adaptor ..................................................................................................................................................7-10
7.08ENGRAVING .................................................................................................................................................................................. 7-12
7.09 CUTTING....................................................................................................................................................................................... 7-13
7.09.1 Things to Keep in Mind ...............................................................................................................................................................................7-13
7.09.2 Important Checklist Before You Cut!..........................................................................................................................................................7-13
7.10 DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS ............................................................................................................................................................. 7-13
7.11 REVIEW OF CHAPTER 7................................................................................................................................................................. 7-15
7.11.1 Summary or Rotary Tool Settings...............................................................................................................................................................7-15
7.11.2 Miscellaneous Things to Note .....................................................................................................................................................................7-15
7.11.3 Quick Guide: Pen Test ................................................................................................................................................................................7-16

7.11.4 Quick Guide: Test Cutting with the Rotary Tool..........................................................................................................................................7-16
SETTINGS FORM FOR FORCE ROTARY TOOL1.......................................................................................................................................... 7-18
SUGGESTED ENGRAVING SETTINGS FOR FORCE ROTARY TOOL1............................................................................................................. 7-19
CHAPTER 8 TIPS ON CUTTING SPECIFIC MATERIALS .................................................................................................................. 8-1
8.01 CARDSTOCK AND PAPER.................................................................................................................................................................. 8-1
Selecting Cardstock and Paper................................................................................................................................................................................8-1
Settings ....................................................................................................................................................................................................................8-1
Troubleshooting........................................................................................................................................................................................................8-1
8.02 CHIPBOARD..................................................................................................................................................................................... 8-2
Selecting Chipboard.................................................................................................................................................................................................8-2
Settings ....................................................................................................................................................................................................................8-3
Troubleshooting........................................................................................................................................................................................................8-3
8.03 VINYL ............................................................................................................................................................................................. 8-3
Types of Vinyl...........................................................................................................................................................................................................8-3
Settings ....................................................................................................................................................................................................................8-4
Applying Vinyl...........................................................................................................................................................................................................8-4
8.04 FABRIC AND FELT ............................................................................................................................................................................ 8-5
8.05 HEAT TRANSFER VINYL (HTV) ......................................................................................................................................................... 8-5
Types of Heat Transfer Vinyl....................................................................................................................................................................................8-5
Cutting Iron-On.........................................................................................................................................................................................................8-6
Adhering Iron-On......................................................................................................................................................................................................8-6
8.06 RHINESTONE TEMPLATES ................................................................................................................................................................ 8-7
Cutting Rhinestone Template Material.....................................................................................................................................................................8-7
Weeding and Brushing in Rhinestones ....................................................................................................................................................................8-7
Heat Pressing Rhinestones......................................................................................................................................................................................8-8
Extra Tips on Rhinestone Applications ....................................................................................................................................................................8-8
APPENDIX A TROUBLESHOOTING ...............................................................................................................................................A-1
A1 COMMUNICATING ISSUES....................................................................................................................................................................A-1
A2 OPERATING ISSUES............................................................................................................................................................................A-3
A3 CUTTING ISSUES................................................................................................................................................................................A-4
A4 SOFTWARE ISSUES ............................................................................................................................................................................A-7
APPENDIX B ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ...................................................................................................................................B-1
B1 ATTACHING LEVERS TO THE PINCH WHEEL ASSEMBLIES ......................................................................................................................B-1
B2 MORE ABOUT ZORIGIN ......................................................................................................................................................................B-2
B2.1 Why Do You Sometimes Set the Z Origin on the Mat versus the Material?................................................................................................... B-2
B2.2 How does Setting the Origin on the Mat Affect the Settings?......................................................................................................................... B-3
B3 CALCULATION OF DEPTHS IN MULTI-PASS APPLICATIONS .....................................................................................................................B-3
B4 MAT GUIDES......................................................................................................................................................................................B-4
B5. TEST CUTTING A MATERIAL USING THE FORCE BLADE HOLDER ...........................................................................................................B-6
B6. TEST CUTTING A MATERIAL USING THE FORCE ROTARY TOOL.............................................................................................................B-7
B7: SETTING UP THE KNK FORCE PRIOR TO FEBRUARY 2016...................................................................................................................B-8
B7.1 Terminology Used In Force Setup Procedures .............................................................................................................................................. B-8
B7.2 Setting Up the Force....................................................................................................................................................................................... B-8
B7.3 Wi-Fi Connection ............................................................................................................................................................................................ B-9
B8 CONNECTING THE KNK FORCE DIRECTLY TO YOUR COMPUTER .........................................................................................................B-13
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS......................................................................................................................................................................... 150

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Chapter 1 Introduction to the KNK Force
1
Thank you for purchasing a KNK Force! If you are new to digital die cutters, please read the following few
paragraphs before skipping down to read the IMPORTANT section.
Your new KNK Force has the following capabilities:
•Using the blade holder and any of three types of cutting blades, the Force can cut thin materials such as
vinyl, paper, cardstock, poster board, Mylar, HTV, rhinestone template materials, fabric, felt, leather, craft
foam, magnet sheets, acetate, chipboard, icing sheets, and more!
•The limitations on what can be cut with a blade are based on both thickness and density of the material.
You cannot cut materials thicker than 3 mm. Also, with the blade, you cannot cut hard acrylic, steel, glass,
and other dense materials. With some materials, such as craft plastic and styrene, you can cut thin sheets
(0.02” or 0.5 mm) but not thicker sheets. A general rule of thumb is that if you can cut it with a craft knife by
hand, you can mostly likely cut it with the Force blade holder.
•If you purchased the optional KNK Force rotary tool, you have more options for cutting. For example, 1/8”
(3 mm) hard acrylic can be cut. You can also perform deeper engraving than if using the optional Force
engraver which can only achieve thin line “scratch” engraving.
•The KNK Force has two tool seats on the head. This means you can perform functions such as score and
cut, emboss and cut, draw and emboss, etc. by having different tools inserted into the left and right sides of
the machine’s head.
•The KNK Force has a camera which facilitates calibrating the relative positions of two tools. It also is used in
print and cut applications, whereby you send a design to your own printer. The image is printed, along with
registrations marks. The camera then locates the registration marks on the printout and cuts out the shapes
accordingly.
IMPORTANT! The KNK Force is unlike any other blade-based cutter on the market! Regardless of your
past experience with other cutters, including prior KNK models, it is VERY important that you understand the
new principles behind cutting. Please take the time to read the following before trying out your new incredible
machine!
•IMPORTANT: Before connecting your Force and powering on, please read the recommended sequence in
Section 2.02.3.
•The KNK Force has Z axis control. Instead of the head “dropping” to begin cutting, it will move downward at
a controlled speed. This change was necessary for adding rotary tool capability. It has also added a great
deal of power, as well as functionality, to the cutter.
•The blade will now be fully extended at all times. With new depth settings, you control how “far down” the
blade will try to cut. Blades are fragile however, so use caution when inserting and removing your blade
holder from the Force, as well as storing your blade holder. Also, avoid “seeing what happens” by using
extreme settings! You can easily break a blade doing that!
•Every time you insert the blade holder, you will set a Z Origin with the blade tip resting on either the top of
the material or the top of the cutting mat. Thus, you will no longer need to estimate how high to insert the
blade holder above the material. It’s important, when setting this origin, to not have the tool tightened within
the blade holder seat until after the blade holder seat drops. The text on the screen will remind you because
this is another way you can break a blade!
•The blade holder has a Blade Tension setting. This setting is used to provide more or less force, depending
on the material being cut. A material such as vinyl or thin paper will require the least amount of tension,
while a material like mat board will require the most. More is covered in Section 1.08.
1
© 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018 Accugraphic Sales, Inc., All Rights Reserved

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•There is no longer a Force or Pressure setting. This is due to the fact that the force applied is a combination
of the Cutting Depth / Ending Depth and the Blade Tension settings. This will be discussed in more detail
in Chapter 3.
•With multi-pass cutting, you now have the ability to cut progressively through a material versus the blade
trying to penetrate the entire thickness on the first pass. You will enter a Starting Depth, an Ending Depth,
and the number of Passes.
•There are changes in how you approach cutting some materials compared to how they’ve been cut in the
past. For example, there will be different settings for vinyl cut on a mat versus vinyl cut without the mat.
These will be presented separately in the recommended settings table.
•Use the included test pen until you know, with confidence, where shapes will cut.
•It is highly recommended that Chapters 1 and 2, plus Sections 3.01 –3.05 be read before using the blade
holder. The rest of the manual can be used as a reference guide for specific topics of interest, such as
reading Chapter 7 to learn how to use the rotary tool or reading Chapter 6 to learn how to do a print and cut.
1.01 User Manual Options
•The first two chapters of this user manual cover setting up the KNK Force and should be read by all KNK
Force owners. After that point, the manual focuses on those who will be using C3, the built-in software, for
cutting. If you are using Sure Cut A Lot instead, then use the Force with SCAL User Manual.
•Having the Table of Contents continuously viewable makes navigation easier. It’s also useful to know how
to search for specific words or terms. Here is a link to a tutorial which covers how to do these two things:
How to Get the Most from your KNK UM.
•Note the green icons which link to videos related to the section in which they are located. These
videos will enhance your learning.
1.02 Safety and Warnings
Please be aware of the following safety guidelines when working with the KNK Force:
•Pinch Points: Keep hands, long hair, loose clothing, jewelry, etc. away from the moving parts.
•Risk to Children and Pets: Please supervise children around the Force when it is in use. In particular, the
rotary device can pose a danger to unsupervised children and pets.
•Eye Protection: When operating the rotary device, eye protection, such as safety glasses, is recommended.
•Rotary Tool Instructions: Please read Sections 7.01 –7.07 before using the optional rotary tool.
•Movement and Touching: Do not move the KNK Force or touch any circuitry while it is plugged in.
•Additionally:
DO NOT touch or jam the plotter’s track while it is operating. If the cutter is damaged, it is the owner’s
responsibility.
DO NOT shake the cutter while it is operating.
DO NOT cut any materials that have staples or other embellishments attached.
DO NOT touch the cutter with a magnet. It is safe, however, to cut magnetic materials, such as those
used on refrigerators and car exteriors.
DO NOT allow small items to fall into the cutter.
Transporting: When transporting the cutter, move the pinch wheel levers into the upward position or
remove them from the Force by sliding to the far right side (as you face the front of the cutter). Remove

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the blade from the blade holder and cover the tip with the plastic cap. Also, remove items from the
storage compartments inside the fold-down table.
1.03 Warranty
•IMPORTANT! If your KNK Force is damaged during shipment or appears to be defective, then your dealer
should be notified as soon as possible. If damages are reported later than three weeks after delivery, then it
will be the responsibility of the owner to ship the damaged cutter back to KNK USA for repair.
•The one-year parts and labor warranty covers manufacturer’s defects only and does not include normal
wear and tear. If warranty work is required, the owner is responsible for shipping costs to and from KNK
USA.
•KNK Force owners outside the USA should contact their dealer for procedures regarding warranty work or
shipping damage.
•It is also recommended that you retain the original box with packing materials in case you ever need to ship
your KNK Force.
1.04 Support
•If you run into difficulties with the operation of your KNK Force, turn off the power and look for a solution in
this manual. Appendix A is a list of Troubleshooting FAQ’s. If you continue to have technical questions or
issues, please contact your KNK dealer as soon as possible.
•For any shipping issues, including delays or damages, please contact KNK USA (or your KNK distributor if
you are outside the USA) as soon as possible so that appropriate action with the shipping company can be
initiated.
•For any mechanical issues, please contact KNK USA.
•For more help in learning your Force, as well as sharing ideas and photos of projects with other owners, the
following user groups are recommended:
KNK Force Yahoo group: https://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/KNK_Force/
All KNK Yahoo group: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Klic-N-Kut/
KNK Force Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/KNKForce/
Cutterpunk KNK Support site: https://cutterpunk.com/knk-support/
For inspiration and tips on cutting specific materials: http://teamknk.com/
1.05 Unpacking
•After opening the box, slide the KNK Force out carefully. You do not want to tear or break the Styrofoam
end piece in case you need them at a future time.
•Remove the Styrofoam end cap protectors from either side. Cut open and remove the plastic bag from
around the Force. Place the Force on a firm flat surface.
•Open the front fold-down table and remove the large and small foam pieces tucked around the cutting head.
•Because the cutting mat must be folded over to fit into the box, it may have become slightly rounded during
shipping. Gently roll the mat in the opposite direction to remove the roundness and place on a flat table to
make sure the mat now lies horizontally to the surface. Refer to Section 1.10 for additional instructions on
preparing the mat for use.
•We recommend retaining the original box with the foam inserts in case you ever need to ship your KNK.
KNK USA Phone: [phone]
Support Ticket: http://knkusa.com/support/

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•Verify that you have received all contents. There is a checklist in Section 1.06. Please notify your KNK
supplier immediately if anything is missing.
1.06 Contents
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•Your KNK Force package comes with the following:
KNK Force digital die cutter
15” x 15” cutting mat (refer to Section 1.09 for instructions)
Blade holder (refer to Section 1.08 for instructions)
Two blades: thin material blade (red cap) and thick material blade (blue cap)
Test pen
Three pinch wheel assemblies (refer to Section 1.10 for instructions)
Power cord and AC/DC adaptor
Ethernet Cable
USB –Wi-Fi adaptor and CD (Note: the enclosed CD does NOT require installation. It’s already been
done and the adaptor is already plugged into the right side of the Force)
1.07 Parts of the KNK Force
Front
Right Side
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If you were a participant in the KNK Force Kickstarter campaign, you should have received a total of 5 blades, 3 mats, 2
blade holders and an embosser.
Blade Carriage/Head
Pinch Wheels:
Total of 3
Blade Holder Seats
with Front Screws
(total of 2)
Fold-down Front Table
Gray Positioning Labels:
Total of 4
Cutting Strip
Grit Shafts (one directly
under every gray label):
Total of 4
Power Button
Cutting Mat
(Carrier Sheet)
Power Port
USB Ports:
Total of 4
Wi-Fi Adaptor
Ethernet Port

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1.08 Blade Holders and Blades
•There are three kinds of blades for the KNK Force:
The 45 degree red capped blade is suited for cutting thinner materials such as paper, all cardstock
types, iron-on transfer, and vinyl.
The 60 degree blue capped blade is a much longer blade and is well-suited for cutting thicker
materials, such as gum paste, craft plastic, craft foam, and rhinestone template material. IMPORTANT!
This blade is extremely thin at the tip and can be chipped if excessive settings are applied.
The 30 degree yellow capped blade is a wide blade and is well suited for cutting fabric and felt. It has
been reported that it also works well with cardstock that has been exposed to humidity.
•Note that the red capped blade and blue capped blades have a cut back on the opposing side of the blade
(right side, in the prior photo). This reduces the blade offset value and allows for better detailed cutting of
small shapes.
•There are three blade holders sold for the Force: a red one, a blue one, and a yellow one. These three
blade holders are identical, other than the color. Thus, any color of Force blade holder can house any of the
three Force blade types.
•Owners who change materials often find it convenient to have the blade holders assigned to blade types
whose caps match the color of the holder itself. In other words, they will only use red capped blades in their
red blade holder, blue capped blades in their blue blade holder and yellow capped blades in their yellow
blade holder. Again, this is a personal choice. Any of the three blade types can be used in any of the three
Force blade holders.
1.08.1 Blade Installation
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•The blade must be carefully inserted into the blade holder. Do this over a soft surface, such as a paper
towel. It’s important to protect the fragile blade!
•Unscrew and set aside the blade holder cap at the bottom of the blade holder. Remove the protective
plastic cap (e.g. the red cap) from a blade. Keep this plastic cap so that you can cover the blade again
when you change to a different blade type.
•The following photo shows how the blade will be installed relative to the blade holder cap and the main
section of the blade holder:
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Note: At the time of writing, I only had a red blade holder available. The blade holder being shipped with the Force is a blue one. Apart
from color, there is no difference in the blade holders, thus the following procedures apply to any Force blade holder.
Red Blue Yellow
Important: Some Force blade holders have an opening that is slightly
too large and the blade may fall out during the cut. For this reason, if
your blades come with tiny springs, please slide a spring over the
blade before replacing the cap.