Vinyl cutter

Introduction

USCutter TITAN 3 ARMS Contour Cutting Vinyl Cutter - 28"
Located right to the Black Cat Laser Cutter Calico
General Info
Make	USCutter
Model	USCTITAN-3-VMC
Serial	Unknown
Specs	{{{manufacturer_specs}}}
Manual	Titan 3 Manual
Asylum Info
Location	DigiFab Shop
Rubric	{{{rubric}}}
Training	Tool classes
Testing	Tool testing
Restrictions	Green

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Vinyl cutters work with vector images, rather than raster images.

• Raster images are made of individual pixels. Photos and most images downloaded from the internet are raster images. Common formats include JPG, PNG, and GIF. When enlarged, raster images can become blurry or pixelated.
• Vector images are made of mathematically defined lines, curves, and shapes called paths. They can be resized without losing quality. Common vector formats include SVG, AI, EPS, and some PDF files.

Process

1. Design using preferred CAD environment. / Prepare image to cut
2. Import design file to VinylMaster Cut + Vectorize if raster image.
3. Prepare Machine (Load material (backing if needed), test pressure/speed, area test)
4. Send Design to Machine
5. Weeding
6. Transfer using transfer tape or Heat transfer Vinyl post processing steps.

Software

Compatible Design Software / File Format

Because a vinyl cutter follows vector paths to determine where to cut, designs must be prepared as vector-based files before being imported into VinylMaster Cut.

Common software that can create or work with vector graphics includes:

• Adobe Illustrator also available in Digital Design Lab, Inkscape
• TinkerCAD (web-based) and FreeCAD (available in Digital Design Lab)
• VinylMaster (with limited design functionality)

Common vector file formats include SVG, EPS, AI, DXF, and some PDF files.

Vector design file on Adobe illustrator

Design Constraints

This vinyl cutter has a maximum material width of 28 inches. Due to the machine’s structure, approximately 4 inches on the left side are unusable, leaving a maximum cutting/design width of 24 inches. Please limit materials to 28 inches wide and designs to 24 inches wide. There is no practical limit on design length, as the machine can feed material continuously from a roll.

Designing for Heat Transfer Vinyl

When using Heat Transfer Vinyl (HTV), remember to mirror (flip) your design before cutting. Since HTV is cut from the back of the material and then flipped onto the final surface during application, the design must be mirrored so that it appears correctly after transfer.

VinylMaster Cut V5

The lab provides VinylMaster Cut V5 for its users. As VinylMaster is primarily intended for preparing and sending designs to the vinyl cutter, and its native workspace includes a limited selection of fonts and design tools. VinylMaster also includes a built-in vectorize function located on the control bars. (Images>Vectorize - exception to pdf files) This tool can convert raster images into vector outlines; however, the vectorization process may simplify and smooth shapes, resulting in the loss of fine details from the original artwork.

If your design requires a specific font, style, or more advanced design features, create the design in your preferred design software first. Export the finished design in an appropriate vector format, then import it into VinylMaster Cut V5 for production. This workflow helps preserve the intended appearance of your design and reduces the risk of unexpected formatting or font related errors.

1. Program is located on task bar of the computer.	2. Click on New Document
3. File > Import or Ctrl + I	4. Change dimensions so it reflects your material's dimensions.

Machine

1. First, turn the machine on. Power switch is located on the left side of the machine. The screen on the control panel will light up blue.	2. If you are using a spool type material, rotate the machine and there slot with a rod to attach your spool. Place the spool so the correct side faces the blade.	2.2 If you are using a sheet vinyl, you may directly feed the material. Based on the size and malleability of the material, you may want to shift the pinch feeders' placement to accommodate the size or attach a carrier sheet for stability.
Disengage the lever, this will lift the pinch roller giving room to place material.	2. Vinyl placement must be square to the machine. Ensure you have 1/4" space on both sides. Incorrect alignment may cause the material to warp and crease as it feeds, distorting your design or damaging your material.	Re-engage the lever. Pinch roller and Feed roller should be aligned.

Test Cut

A test cut is a small triangle shape cut into a corner or unused area of the material before cutting the full design. This will allow you to check whether the blade depth and cutting settings are appropriate without wasting a large amount of material.

Simply press the Test button on the panel and it should cut a shape

A successful test cut should cut cleanly through the vinyl layer without cutting through the backing.

Force / Speed

Force controls how much pressure the blade applies to the material. Increase or decrease the force depending on the thickness and type of material being cut. Too little force may leave the vinyl incompletely cut, while too much force can cut into or through the backing sheet.

Speed controls how quickly the cutter moves while cutting. Lower speeds are generally better for small, detailed, or intricate designs, while higher speeds may be appropriate for larger and simpler shapes.

Always perform a test cut after loading a new material or changing the blade, force, or other cutting settings before proceeding with the full design.

Send Design to Machine

Once you have adjusted force and speed appropriate to loaded material, you are ready to send your design to the machine.

File > Cut/Plot > Send to Cutter

Machine setting

There are some native functions in VinylMaster Pro that you will find useful.

Area Test

You can press this button to prompt an area test, the knife will trace the cutting area ensuring that your design will but cut within material range.

Area Test button is available File > Cut/Plot > Send to Cutter > Area Test > Yes.

Absolute Position

Absolute Position option allows you to toggle whether your design is positioned according to how you arranged it on your design, or from the origin of the vinylcutter.

If you are cutting a single design, it is likely to be easier to disengage absolute position, as it would align your design to the machine's origin.

Different use of Media Width

You can set media width to your actual media width to maximize material efficiency. Placing your design on the further left will prompt cutting on the left side of the material.

By doing so, you can maximize your medium's worth. Check absolute position if engaged.

Weeding Box

VinylMaster includes a Weeding Box option that creates a boundary around your design to make the weeding process easier.

The blue outline is the weeding box that will be cut for easy post processing. Keep in mind that using a weeding box may reduce the amount of usable vinyl surface.

Post Processing

Weeding

Weeding is the process of removing the unwanted or negative pieces of vinyl from around and inside a cut design, leaving only the parts that will be transferred or applied to the final surface.

The lab does not provide weeding kits. We recommend bringing your own tweezers, X-Acto knives, and any additional tools you consider necessary for weeding and preparing your vinyl project.

Transfer Tape / Heat Transfer Vinyl + Heat Press

For adhesive vinyl, transfer tape may be needed to keep the design properly aligned after weeding. Transfer tape is a clear adhesive material applied over the weeded vinyl, allowing the entire design to be lifted from its backing and transferred to the final surface.

For Heat Transfer Vinyl (HTV), separate transfer tape is generally not needed because HTV comes with its own clear carrier sheet. The carrier sheet holds the design in position during application and is designed to withstand the heat required for pressing.

Troubleshooting

Problem	Solution
The cutter performs erratically during cuts, stops cutting before the cut is finished, or cuts lines that do not appear in the design.	Some computers may not work well when connected to the cutter through USB. If you’re having cutting problems while using USB, try a serial cable connection. If your computer does not have a serial connection, use a third-party USB-to-serial connector or PCI card serial adapter.
After the first cut is made, subsequent cuts are made over the top of the original, or vinyl is fed backwards until it loses contact with the rollers.	Reset the cutter’s origin after each cut. From the cutter’s main screen, press Offline/Pause, then press the Origin button. Otherwise, the cutter retains the previous origin and returns to that position before the next cut.
Cuts are jagged or inconsistent.	The blade may be dull or damaged. Replace it and make sure the blade can turn freely in the blade carriage. Also check the blade depth and Force setting. For solid, uniform cuts, start with a blade depth of about 1/64 inch and pressure of 100 g. Try increasing pressure before increasing blade depth.
Slashes are made across the vinyl from the blade movement during cutting.	The blade may be protruding too far from the blade carriage, causing it to score the material during normal movement. Adjust the blade so that it protrudes only a minimal distance from the carriage.
Vinyl is not feeding straight and the rightmost pinch roller will not move.	The right pinch roller may be stuck on a screw on the back of the machine. Press firmly against the pinch roller until it becomes dislodged. If necessary, remove the screw and reposition the pinch roller.
Cuts are warped and inconsistent.	The carriage arm may have become dislodged from its track. Check that the two white wheels behind the carriage arm are securely resting on top of (not in front of) the track. If not, gently lift the carriage arm and press it back until both wheels are resting on the track.

Advanced

Types of Vinyl

Go to USCutter > Vinyl > Select vinyl rolls under 28”

Usage	Vinyl	Transfer Method	Blade
Digital Printed Graphics	Oracal 3951, 3651 HP Gloss & Matte	Main Tape GFX-341	45° Blade
Glass Application	Oracal 8300, 8500, 8510, 8800	Main Tape GXF-775 R-Tape AT65	45° Blade
Heat Press (Fabric)	EasyWeed for standard fabrics EasyWeed Extra for nylons/water resistant fabrics	N/A	30° Blade (general) 60° Blade (glitter/flock)
Outdoor Signage	Oracal 651, GreenStar Intermediate (calendered) short term Oracal 751, 951 (cast) — long term	GreenStar Layflat Classic Main Tape GXF-775	45° Blade (general); 60° Blade (reflective)
Indoor Wall Vinyl	Oracal 631 GreenStar Wall Vinyl	Main Tape GXP750 Oratape HT55	45° Blade
Stencils and Masks	Anchor BlastLite Oramask	R-Tape 4076RLA	60° Blade

Other Compatible Materials

• Adhesive vinyl
• Heat-transfer vinyl
• Cardstock
• Paint-mask stencil
• Laminate
• Sandblast mask
• Low and high intensity reflective material

Carrier Sheets

Some materials, particularly those without a backing or liner, may need additional support during cutting. A carrier sheet has a lightly adhesive surface that holds the material securely in place as it moves through the vinyl cutter.

Go to Carrier Sheets

Blade Switch/Replacement

Over time, the vinyl cutter blade may become dull or damaged, resulting in incomplete or inconsistent cuts. When this occurs, the blade should be replaced with a Titan 3 compatible blade. Before replacing the blade, check that poor cutting is not caused by incorrect blade depth, pressure, or speed settings.

*Please notify shop steward when in need of blade related modifications.

Go to Titan 3 Compatible Blades