Graphtec FC9000-160 Cutting Strip 2-Pack PM-CR-008

The Graphtec FC9000-160 Cutting Strip 2-Pack (part number PM-CR-008) is the genuine original Graphtec replacement Teflon cutting mat strip for the FC9000-160 64" cutting plotter. This consumable spare protects both the cutter's platen (gutter rail) from blade penetration and the blade itself from premature dulling caused by contact with the metal bed — a key maintenance item for any FC9000-160 running production volume. Each pack contains 2 strips, 10 mm wide and pre-cut to the length of the FC9000-160's gutter rail, with an aggressive adhesive backing for secure installation and a rigid Teflon base on the cutting face for blade protection. Every PM-CR-008 we stock at Digiprint USA is 100% genuine original Graphtec — not aftermarket, not generic.

Product Details

FC9000 Cutting Strip Part Numbers by Model

Graphtec cutting strips are sized specifically for each FC9000 model. Order the correct part for your machine:

What Does a Cutting Strip Do?

The cutting strip (also called a cutting mat strip or gutter strip) sits in the gutter rail of the FC9000 platen — the recessed channel that the blade passes over when cutting. Its function is twofold: it gives the blade a safe surface to fully penetrate without contacting the metal gutter rail below, and it cushions blade contact to prevent premature tip dulling. When the blade force is set correctly for through-cut work (vinyl, reflective film, sandblast stencil, magnetic material), the tip must penetrate the media completely — without the Teflon strip, the blade would contact bare metal on every cut stroke, dulling rapidly and potentially chipping. A worn or groove-scored cutting strip that no longer provides a clean surface also causes inconsistent blade penetration depth, leading to incomplete cuts, media lifting, and tracking errors on long jobs.

When to Replace Your Cutting Strip

Replace the PM-CR-008 cutting strip when you notice any of the following:

• Deep grooves or channels worn into the strip surface along the cutting path

• Incomplete cuts despite correct blade force and depth settings — a worn strip no longer provides consistent blade penetration depth

• Media lifting or pulling during cutting — degraded strip adhesion allows the strip to shift, causing inconsistent backing

• Visible discolouration, crumbling edges, or loss of the non-stick Teflon surface

• Blade tip dulling faster than normal — contact with exposed metal beneath a worn strip accelerates blade wear

As a general guideline for production FC9000-160 environments, inspect the cutting strip monthly and replace as soon as grooving is visible along the primary cutting path. Keeping a 2-pack in stock ensures you can replace immediately without production downtime.

Why Genuine Graphtec Strips vs Aftermarket

Generic cutting strips may not match the thickness tolerance, Teflon density, or adhesive strength of genuine Graphtec parts. The FC9000 series sets blade force and depth calibration against the gutter rail geometry and strip thickness — using a strip that is slightly thinner or thicker than specification shifts the effective cut depth, requiring recalibration and potentially causing blade tip breakage on thick materials. Genuine Graphtec PM-CR-008 strips are manufactured to the exact thickness and Teflon specification of the FC9000-160's factory design, ensuring blade force settings remain accurate without recalibration after strip replacement.

Applications — FC9000-160 Use Cases

The FC9000-160's cutting strip supports all materials the FC9000-160 is designed to cut, including:

• Vinyl and self-adhesive films — standard signage vinyl, window graphics, and decal media

• Vehicle wrap and overlaminate — cast and calendared vinyl for automotive and fleet graphics

• Reflective and high-intensity reflective film — CB15UA/CB15UA-K30 grade and standard Hi-Intensity reflective

• Sandblast stencil — heavy-duty rubber and polyester stencil materials

• Magnetic material — vehicle magnet sheets requiring high blade force

• Window tint and heat transfer vinyl — thin film and HTV for apparel decoration

Why Buy from Digiprint USA

• 100% genuine original Graphtec PM-CR-008 — not generic, not aftermarket

• 2-pack for immediate replacement and one in reserve — no production delays

• In stock in Doral, Miami FL — same day shipping before 2PM EST

• We stock PM-CR-005 through PM-CR-008 — all FC9000 sizes available

• Ideal for Latin American sign shops running FC9000-160 cutters using Miami freight forwarders

View our full range of genuine Graphtec spare parts and accessories stocked by Digiprint USA.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is PM-CR-008 the same as the cutting strip for other FC9000 models?
No. Cutting strips are model-specific — PM-CR-008 is cut to the length of the FC9000-160's 64" gutter rail only. The FC9000-75, FC9000-100, and FC9000-140 use PM-CR-005, PM-CR-006, and PM-CR-007 respectively. Using the wrong length strip will leave sections of the gutter rail unprotected. See the model/part number table above.

How do I install the cutting strip?
Clean the gutter rail thoroughly with isopropyl alcohol to remove ink, adhesive residue, and debris from the old strip. Allow to dry completely. Peel back the adhesive liner from the new strip and align one end of the strip with the gutter rail. Press down firmly along the entire length, working out any air bubbles. Allow 15–30 minutes for the adhesive to fully bond before running a cutting job. After installation, run a test cut and re-verify blade force and depth settings — the new strip's uniform surface may require minor adjustment.

How often should I replace the cutting strip?
Replacement frequency depends on media type and blade force settings. For standard vinyl production (moderate blade force), inspect monthly and replace when visible grooving appears. For heavy-force materials (reflective, magnetic, sandblast), inspect more frequently — heavy blade pressure accelerates strip wear. Keeping the 2-pack as a 1+1 spare/install stock prevents unplanned downtime.

Do you stock cutting strips for other FC9000 models?
Yes — we stock cutting strips for all FC9000 series models. PM-CR-005 (FC9000-75), PM-CR-006 (FC9000-100), and PM-CR-007 (FC9000-140) are available. Contact us or search by part number to order the correct strip for your machine.