The paper guillotine has always been a crucial tool used in many print rooms, offices and the workplace. Whilst it contributes considerably to making a process more efficient and effective, a paper guillotine, like all other equipment, can pose safety risks if not maintained and used correctly.
Before using a paper guillotine, it’s important to understand the key components, operational features, and capabilities of your specific model. Whether you’re using a manual tabletop cutter or a high-capacity electric guillotine, knowing how it works is the first step toward safe and effective use.
🧠 Know Before You Cut
- Review the operating manual before first use.
- Familiarise yourself with all safety features – light beams, fixed safety guard, etc.
- Conduct a test cut with scrap paper if you’re unfamiliar with the machine.
- If unsure, ask a trained colleague or contact Printex for guidance or product support.
Guillotine Maintenance Checks
- Regular maintenance is essential for keeping your paper guillotine operating safely and efficiently. Whether you’re using a manual, or electric model, a proactive maintenance routine helps prevent breakdowns, extends equipment life, and ensures clean, precise cuts.
- At Printex, we recommend the following maintenance checks as part of your routine equipment care.
- Daily/Shift maintenance checks
- Weekly maintenance checks
- Monthly maintenance checks
- Six-monthly maintenance (health and safety) checks – carried out by a Printex engineer
If you would like a copy of operator checks then please do not hesitate to contact us.
📋 Maintenance Tips
- Use Manufacturer-Approved Parts Only: Always replace machine components with genuine parts. At Printex we supply and fit Ideal/EBA guillotine parts.
- Keep a Maintenance Log: Record dates of inspections, issues found, and actions taken. This helps with servicing schedules and warranty validation. Our engineers also provide a guillotine log book to record all of this.
- Train All Users: Ensure anyone using the guillotine understands how to perform basic checks and report problems.
🚨 When to Call a Professional
Contact Printex if you notice any of the following:
- Unusual noises during cutting
- Loose or unstable components
- Inconsistent cutting results
- Blade misalignment
- Electrical faults (for powered models)
- Blunt guillotine blade
- Dim/blown bulbs or LEDs on your guillotine
- Guillotine error codes
Guillotine Operator Training for All Users
Proper training ensures that all personnel operating a guillotine – whether manual, or electrical can do so safely, efficiently, and in line with legal and workplace health and safety standards.
At Printex, we strongly recommend that every guillotine user receives formal operator training before operating any type of paper cutting machine.
Guillotine Safety Features
All paper guillotines, whether manual or powered, are designed with multiple built-in safety features to prevent accidents and protect the user during operation, e.g. tow handed operation, safety light beams, fixed safety guard, etc. Understanding and correctly using these features is essential for maintaining a safe work environment. It is always important to never by-pass any of these safety features.
At Printex, we ensure all equipment is equipped with safety systems and provide guidance to help your team use them effectively. These checks are carried out by an engineer on the 6-monthly health and safety visits.
Using a paper guillotine can significantly improve workflow efficiency, but it must always be handled with care and respect. By understanding your machine, following proper operating procedures, and making full use of its safety features, you can minimise risks and ensure consistent, clean cuts.
At Printex, we emphasise that safety is not just about equipment—it’s about mindset. Regular operator training, routine maintenance, and adherence to safety protocols are essential for preventing accidents and maintaining a productive, injury-free workplace.
Whether you’re an occasional user or operating guillotines daily, never become complacent. Treat every cut with caution, keep your equipment in optimal condition, and encourage a culture of responsibility and awareness.
Remember: a safe operator is an effective operator.
At Printex we offer guillotine service contracts with regular maintenance and health & safety checks to ensure your guillotine is in good working order. These regular maintenance visits include guillotine blade changing and sharpening.
