PLATO 170 flush cutter for filament and copper wire up to 1 mm

The PLATO 170 Platoshear is a compact flush-cutting tool designed for precision electronics and assembly work. Its thin blade profile provides access to confined areas and makes it particularly useful for cutting 3D printing filament, electronic component leads and soft copper wire.

It uses a shearing action that cuts through the material instead of pinching it between the blades. According to the manufacturer, this provides a clean cut while requiring less effort than conventional pinching cutters.

Main features

• Brand and model: PLATO 170 Platoshear.
• Cutting action: shearing, near-flush cut.
• Documented maximum capacity: 18 AWG, 0.040 inch or 1 mm diameter soft copper wire.
• Overall length: approximately 130.17 mm.
• Head width: approximately 15.88 mm.
• Blade length: approximately 19.05 mm.
• Automatic opening: integrated return spring.
• Handles: thin profile with cushioned coating.
• Design: lightweight and suitable for confined areas.

Use with 3D printing filament

This tool is particularly useful for cutting 1.75 mm filament before inserting it into an extruder, filament sensor or Bowden tube. A clean, slightly angled cut can make it easier to guide the filament through narrow internal paths.

It can be used with common materials such as PLA, PETG, ABS and TPU. Abrasive or fibre-reinforced filaments may accelerate blade wear, so a dedicated cutter is advisable when these materials are used frequently.

Compatibility with 2.85 or 3 mm filament is not guaranteed, particularly with rigid, abrasive or reinforced materials.

Typical applications

• Cutting 1.75 mm 3D printing filament.
• Flush trimming of electronic component leads.
• Cutting soft copper wire up to 1 mm in diameter.
• Cutting small cable ties and soft plastic parts.
• Electronic assembly, repair and maintenance.

Operating limits and safety

The manufacturer's 1 mm cutting capacity applies specifically to soft copper wire. It must not be assumed to apply to other materials of the same diameter.

• Do not use it to cut steel, hardened wire, piano wire, screws, nails, rods or other hard materials.
• Do not use the blades for gripping, levering or applying sideways force.
• Wear safety glasses: this version does not include a cut-lead catcher.
• Do not work on energised circuits. The handle coating is not documented as electrical insulation.
• Keep the cutting edges clean, dry and protected from impact.

Differences from other PLATO versions

This product is the standard PLATO 170. It should not be confused with the PLATO 170SD, which has static-dissipative ESD handles, or the PLATO 175, which includes a catcher designed to retain trimmed component leads.

Contents

1 PLATO 170 flush cutter.