So, you have finished your latest screenprint, and it turned out to be a successful project. Now, it is time to start investing and expanding on your hobby or business.
What is the best way to take your screen printing to the next level?
With screen printing, you have two options. You can use a chemical reaction to create the designs you print with or use vinyl cutouts. Not sure which method to use for your business marketing or to practice your hobby?
Why Screen Print With Vinyl?
While using chemicals to alter the screen you want to use permanently is more traditional, the latest and greatest method involves cutting your design out of vinyl.
What makes vinyl the perfect choice for the discerning screen printer? Well, vinyl cutouts are easy to use, they do not permanently alter the screen you print with, and they are cheap if you need to prototype a design rapidly.
To successfully print with vinyl, you need several things. It would be best to have access to a vinyl cutter, a printing screen/tools, and the right plotter knife for the job you are doing.
Wait, What Is a Plotter Blade?
We are glad you asked! A plotter blade is a cutting blade that your vinyl cutter uses to make precise incisions on your material and cut out your design.
If you do not have the right plotter blade for the jobs you take on, you run the risk of snagging your material, tearing instead of cutting, or simply not cutting at all if your blade is installed incorrectly.
How do you choose the right plotter’s blade for your cutter, and how do you install it on your machine?
After all, you could have the best vinyl cutter in the entire world, and it would cut worse than a butter knife if it is not installed correctly.
How Do You Choose the Right Vinyl Cutting Blade?
We will run you through a couple of FAQs to catch you up to speed. These FAQs should cover all of the essential information you need to know to make the right decision for your business signs.
Does the Brand of Your Cutting Blade Matter?
In short, no!
Most, if not all, plotter’s blades are friction-fitted into the vinyl cutters that use them. So, if the blade you want to use is the same diameter or width as the blade you currently have installed, then it should work perfectly fine.
However, some vinyl cutter brands do have specialty blades that require you to purchase directly from the manufacturer who originally made your cutting machine.
Which Blade Angle Should You Use?
If you are buying new blades for your vinyl cutter, then you’ll want to buy a larger pack of blades. That usually means you will need to purchase 5-6 blades at a time to have the variety you need to get up and running.
The exception to this rule is that if you have lost a single blade from a relatively new kit, you will want to replace one.
In general, your set of plotter blades should come with cutting angles that range from 30 to 60 degrees. The most common setup you’ll see consists of a 30-degree cutting angle, a 45-degree cutting angle, and a 60-degree cutting angle.
The vinyl thickness you can cut increases with the degree that the blade slants. So, it would be best if you used a:
- 30-degree angle blades for 2-4 millimeter thick material
- 45-degree angle blades for 4-12 millimeter thick material
- 60-degree angle blades for 12+ millimeter material
What Material Should Your Blades Be Made Out of for a Successful Project?
Even though cutting material matters, you do not have to worry about it. In the world of plotter’s blades, most manufacturers offer whatever material they would like to, and, in most cases, that’s fine.
All you need to know is that, usually, you get what you pay for. More expensive blades will generally last longer than their cheaper alternatives.
How Do You Install and Setup Your New Blade?
Every cutter is different, so we have a hard time giving you exact directions. Still, in general, you’ll want to follow these steps to set up your new blade.
- Remove the blade sleeve from your machine.
- Release the old blade from the sleeve. This process is typically done by unscrewing part of the sleeve or by undoing a screw that clamps it in place.
- Place your new blade in the sleeve.
- Re-tighten the sleeve so that the new blade no longer moves.
- Seat the blade sleeve back inside the machine.
- Run any calibration procedures your machine requires or do a test cut to ensure everything is working correctly.
Even though we can’t give you specific directions, this simple checklist should get you up and running without too much hassle! Now, onto the next important question.
What’s the Lifespan of Your New Blades?
More than anything, the health of your new blades is determined by the material you cut.
Metallic vinyl, acrylic, and paper will all dull your blade faster than other materials. While there is no set lifespan for vinyl cutting blades, you should look out for the following signs to know when your blades need replacing. Be extra alert if you frequently cut one of the above high-risk materials.
Consider replacing your plotter blade if:
- Your cuts have become ragged, or you notice that your cutting machine has started to drag the vinyl around. If you notice jagged cuts in your vinyl, swap in another blade, try reseating the existing blade, and see if the problem continues. A poorly installed blade could easily cause a rough cut.
- Your deeper cuts are fine while your shallow cuts are struggling. These shallow cuts are the sign of your blade starting to dull. Because the materials most people cut are in the smaller range (2-6 millimeters), the tip of your blade will dull faster. When you notice this happening, it’s time to replace the plotter blade.
Are You Ready to Purchase a New Blade For Your Machine?
Have any of the symptoms of a dulling blade become more prominent in your work? Has reseating the blade not worked as well as you would have liked?
If you answered yes to any of the above, it is probably time to buy new blades!
Check out our store for the best options around.
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.