Method and apparatus for estimating a life-span of a cutter

An apparatus of estimating a lifetime of a cutter for cutting a sheet comprising:

• a detector for detecting a value of a parameter representing a cutting resistance during sheet cutting;
• a comparator for comparing the detected value of the parameter with a predetermined reference value;
• and
• an output element for outputting a result based on the comparison;
• wherein the parameter is a time that is required from beginning to completion of cutting.

A method of estimating a lifetime of a cutter for cutting a sheet comprising the steps of:

• (a) detecting a value of a parameter representing a cutting resistance during sheet cutting;
• (b) comparing the detected value of the parameter with a predetermined reference value;
• and
• (c) outputting a result based on the comparison,
• wherein the parameter is a time that is required from beginning to completion of cutting.

A sheet cutter for cutting a sheet piece from a sheet by shearing, the sheet cutter comprising:

• a fixed blade;
• a movable blade which is movable along the fixed blade;
• and
• a life estimation element for estimating a life span of the movable blade.

A sheet cutter for cutting a sheet piece from a sheet by shearing, the sheet cutter comprising:

• a fixed blade;
• a movable blade which is movable along the fixed blade;
• a receiving element which receives the sheet piece that is cut off from the sheet, the receiving element being structured so as to be movable together with the movable blade;
• and
• a life estimation element for estimating a life span of the movable blade.