Vinyl plotter blades are an essential tool for any crafter. Many of these tools experience very heavy use, leaving many to wonder how frequently plotter blades need to be replaced to achieve optimal results. Let’s discuss the basics of plotter blades and when it is best to replace them.
The Basics of Plotter Blades
A plotter blade is a tool that can cut shapes and designs into many materials, including vinyl. The benefit of these blades is that they can make extremely precise cuts when other blades cannot. Plotter blades differ from vinyl cutters in that vinyl cutters only perform the function of cutting, while vinyl plotters can print and cut.
Plotter blades usually consist of a small blade, much like a razor, attached to the end of a printer arm. The blade itself can vary to the needs of the printing job. For instance, larger plotter blades may be necessary for bigger decals. Despite these characteristics of various materials, plotter blades are sharp enough to penetrate thick vinyl and other materials.
Because of the precision required for many of these projects, plotter blades must remain very sharp. Otherwise, you can expect less from its performance, and the results will look less appealing. If it’s no longer cutting correctly or getting very hot while cutting, these may be signs it’s time to replace your plotter blade.
Replacing Plotter Blades
Regularly replacing plotter blades is one of the best ways to keep your cutting tools in peak condition, which ensures your projects are cut perfectly every time. Knowing how often to replace these blades is a key part of keeping them in good condition. And while it would be easy if there were a standard timeframe in which all blades should be replaced, the reality is that it often varies based on other factors, such as how often they are used and how thick your material is.
The best estimate for how long you should use a plotter blade before replacing it is the recommendation that the blade is replaced after 500 – 1000 yards of material cut. But again, this estimate can vary depending on the thickness of the material being cut. Also, if you use metallic or reflective surfaces, plotter blades can become dull more rapidly. So, it’s worth paying attention to the type of materials you frequently use to determine whether you need to replace your plotter blades more frequently.
Signs Your Plotter Blade Needs Replacing
The specific signs you will notice when your plotter blade becomes dull can also vary by how you use the blade. However, the common signs that most people notice include:
- Difficulty wedding vinyl: When plotter blades are dull, it often makes it much harder to weed your vinyl. Weeding vinyl is the process of removing the extra material from what you have already cut. It becomes more difficult to weed when a blade becomes dull since the cuts may not be as clean as they would be with a sharp blade.
- Your cuts are less precise: When a plotter blade becomes dull, the cuts are less precise. When cuts become less accurate, you may also have knife offset, which occurs when the blade isn’t in the exact place it needs to be for precise cuts.
- The blades become hotter: When plotter blades cut vinyl, they are bound to get hot. It’s just going to happen when metal blades come into contact with vinyl. However, if you notice your blades overheating frequently, it may be due to dull blades. Dull blades restrict the movement of the comb to the cutter, which causes more friction and heat.
- It has visible damage: If your plotter blade has visible damage, such as chips or nicks, you will want to get a new blade. Once damaged, plotter blades will often not complete accurate and precise cuts.
- The blade slides: If the blade is sliding, it should be immediately replaced.
Experiencing any of these signs can indicate that it is time to replace your vinyl plotter blade.
If you find that you have to replace them more frequently than anticipated, you can use a few strategies to extend the blades’ life. First, you can try making shallower cuts since the paper backing on vinyl can dull the blade. Another consideration is ensuring the blade isn’t extended too far from the holder. It is in the proper place if you can see and feel the sharp edge poking from the holder.
Plotter blade replacement is one of the best ways to keep your cuts clean and precise. And this feature ensures that any clients you have will be satisfied with the end product. To learn more about plotter blades and cutting tools, visit BuySimpleSolutions.com today!
Simple Solutions International offers a full selection of plotter blades and plotter pens as well as a variety of useful tools for use in plotting and sign-making, such as plotter adapters, masking film, spray mask, and other sign-making tools and accessories.