K101

A direct replacement for the Zund Z101 (5217696 / 101), with no holder modification needed. Double edge drag blade for through-cut cutting on Zund, Esko, and Gerber / MCT flatbed cutting systems.

Sold individually.

Direct OEM replacement

The K101 slots directly into the same holder used by the Zund Z101 (5217696 / 101). Same form, same fit, same geometry. No modification required. If your machine is running a Z101, the K101 is the direct drop-in.

What is through cutting?

Through cutting means the blade cuts completely through all layers of the material, including any backing or liner. The cut piece separates fully from the sheet. This blade is built for full separation cuts. It is not a kiss-cut blade.

Fine-grain tungsten carbide

Fine-grain carbide holds a sharper edge longer than standard grades. On dense materials like polycarbonate and expanded PVC, that means cleaner cut edges and more cuts before you need a swap. The K101 handles the full material list without switching blades mid-job.

Common questions

How do I know this fits my machine?

If your Zund runs the Z101 (5217696 or 101), the K101 is the direct replacement. Not sure? Contact us before you order. We know these machines and can confirm the right blade for your setup.

What materials does it cut?

The K101 is rated for magnetic foil, polycarbonate, polypropylene, PVC, vinyl, folding carton, and expanded PVC, up to 0.039in / 1.0mm deep. For thinner kiss-cut applications like adhesive vinyl or transfer paper, a different blade geometry is a better call. Contact us and we will point you to the right one.

What does "asymmetrical" mean on a double-edge blade?

An asymmetrical double-edge blade has two cutting edges, but the bevel angles differ on each side rather than mirroring each other. This geometry affects how the blade tracks through material and releases from the cut. It is specific to the holder and tool path it is designed for, which is why matching the OEM part number matters when ordering a replacement.

How do I know when to replace it?

Watch the cut edge. When cuts start to drag, tear, or the material does not release cleanly from the sheet, the blade is done. Carbide holds up longer than steel, but it still dulls over time on abrasive materials like polycarbonate. Swap before cut quality degrades to the point where material is wasted.

Getting the most from your cutting table

A fresh blade is a good start. But if you are going through blades faster than expected, or cut quality has become inconsistent, the blade is rarely the whole story. Cut depth, speed, pressure, and machine condition all affect how long a blade lasts and how clean it cuts.

It is worth asking: When was your machine last serviced? Are your parameters dialed in for this material? Is this the right blade geometry for what you are cutting? Could your operators use time with someone who runs these machines every day?

Flatbed Tools offers machine service, preventive maintenance, operator training, and workflow consulting. If something is not cutting right, reach out. We have probably seen it before.