Vinyl Cutter Techniques
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the OFFSET value?
A: The offset value is the distance the plotter sends the blade past each corner. Notice the picture of the pen and the dashed line in the middle of the pen in the figure below:
This dashed line is what is called the center point. When the plotter is told by the computer to move to a certain coordinate, the plotter will move the center point to the coordinate. This works well with a pen since the center point meets perfectly with the pen point.
In contrast, the cutting blade is different. The enlarged drawing in the figure below shows that the location of the cutting point is behind the center point.
This means that the plotter must maneuver the center point beyond the corner to achieve square corners.
Tip: To further test the offset value, with your software, draw a circle and send it to the plotter. If the stop and start points of the circle do not meet, raise or lower your offset by 1.
Q: What is the QUALITY value for?
A: The quality has to do with the acceleration rate. Use this value to avoid torn corners. Ther general rule is if you are cutting large graphics, set the QUALITY higher (4-6). If you are cutting small intricate graphics, set the QUALITY lower (1-3). Commonly, the setting is set to 4 to cover most cases.
Tip: If this value is too high, the cutter will possibly create problems with sharp corners or intricate detailed cutting.
Q: What do I do with used blades?
A: Try not to throw them away. Blades can be re-used on large jobs. Larger lettering jobs (larger than 5") do not require as sharp of a blade since the weeding is easier due to the weight of the larger graphics.
Tip: Many of our users will obtain two blade holders: One for their normal cutting with a sharper, newer blade, and the other for the worn blades that can be used to cut larger graphics.
Q: I am having trouble cutting and setting up the blade.
A:
PROBLEM |
REASON |
SUGGESTION |
| The cut line starts out crooked | The blade does not rotate freely. | Grease the blade holder. Remove any foreign matter inside the plunger. |
| Offset Pressure is too low | Raise the offset cut pressure. (See Offset Pressure in your User's manual) | |
| The blade spring may have loosened. | Replace the blade with a new spring of another blade or replace the blade. | |
| The cutting speed may be too high for the typ of material you are cutting. | Lower the speed. | |
| Corners are being pulled up | The blade is extended too far. | See Setting the blade depth. |
| The blade is broken or dull | Replace the blade. | |
| Quality is too high. | Lower the QUALITY setting. |
Q: What are the max cutting areas of each machine?
A:
Graphtec
CC330-20= 8.5” x 40 inches
CE5000-40= 14.8” x 13.6 feet
CE5000-60= 23.7” x 164 feet
Roland
SV8 = 6.25” x 40 inches
SV12= 9.8” x 40 inches
SV15= 13.4” x 40 inches
GX-24= 22.9” x 82 feet
GX-300= 29” x 82 feet
GX-400= 39” x 82 feet
GX-500= 47” x 82 feet
Q: How do you put t-shirt vinyl into the cutters verse the sign vinyl?
A: The heat applied t-shirt vinyl should be cut with the vinyl side down. You will want to cut the image mirror. If you are cutting FDC sign vinyl you do not want to cut it in a mirror image and you will want to have the vinyl side up.
Q: When do I need to replace my blades?
A: All blades have a 30 day guarantee. Most blades last 3-6 months depending on how often you use them. If you use them frequently you may want to replace them sooner. It is always good to have an extra blade on hand if needed.
Q: What is the difference between the 45 and 60 degree blades?
A: A 45 degree blade is a standard blade that comes with every machine. This is used for vinyl or card stock. For anything thicker such as Flock you will need a 60 degree blade.
Q: Can any of the cutters take scrap...something less than the required vinyl size?
A: None of the Stika machines or the CC330 can take scrap vinyl. The only machines that take sizes other than their normal size are the CE5000-40, CE5000-60, GX-24 and other larger machines. This is because they have the capbility of moving the rollers.
Q: What is an optical eye? Why would I need it?
A: An optical eye is used for t-shirt transfers and card stock. If you have an image that you want to print out on card stock and cut around it you will need an optical eye. You will print three registration marks on the page. The optical eye will then read these marks and cut the outlined area of your image.
Q: What vinyl cutters come with a floor stand?
A: The CC330-20, CE5000-40 and Stika cutters are made only for table top and do not have the option of using floor stands.
Graphtec
CE5000-60
Roland
GX-24 has a floor stand sold separate
GX-300, GX-400, GX-500
Q: What are the tech support numbers for Roland and Graphtec?
A: Roland = 1-888-273-8895
Graphtec = 1-888-318-3247
Q: Do the Graphtec and Stika cutters have plug-ins for CorelDraw and Adobe Illustrator?
A: Yes. Both manufacturers have plug-ins for CorelDraw 10, 11, 12, 13(X3) and 14(X4). They also have plug-ins for Adobe Illustrator 9, 10, CS, CS2, CS3 and CS4.
Q: What files will CutStudio ond ROBO Master Pro take for Windows?
A: CutStudio - BMP, JPG, STX, AI, EPS
ROBO Master Pro - JPEG, BMP, DXF, CAD