Reply To: Cutting machines

[shingen 13941xp 4]

I use Silhouette Cameo 3 with A3 sized workspace.

My machine, and I believe it is true for any similar hobby-grade cutting plotter, will not cut through 1 mm plasticard, not in single nor double pass. That being said, it is not a problem, after two passes (I can make it go twice in the attached software)  you can easily break the plastic along scored lines. Edges will remain reasonably clean.

When it comes to usefulness of the machine, it depends. If you cut some rectangles twice a week, don’t buy it, it will occupy a lot of space and time required for set-up will consume any advantage you might take from use of that tool. However, if you need to cut multiple objects of intricate shapes, and/or need many pieces of ideal dimensions, this may be right choice.

Now, I use my cameo much less since I started 3d-printing, but it is still unbeatable when it comes to cutting airbrush stencils/masks and transfers printed on white transfer paper.

And one more thing, the software. Those hobby machines usually require dedicated software, which is universally crappy. For me, the solution was a vector graphics program which can export *.svg files, I’d recommend investigating that side of the purchase before making final decision on the make and model.

You can also look for industry grade plotters. You may sometimes find used ones for reasonable price and they usually accept normal g-code, so you can use many different programs with them, not to mention that they may be powerful enough to cut the plastic through, however, they usually take a lot of space.

If you have any other questions, I’ll be happy to answer.

 

EDIT I found a piece of project I which involved use of my machine. This is exactly 1 mm plasticard cut with my Cameo. I wouldn’t  make it with normal knife.