Vinyl Cutter

JUMP TO: OUTPUT | PRODUCTION | MATERIALS | RESOURCES

If you’re looking for project ideas, please check our Workshops!

A vinyl cutter is a machine that attaches to a computer that cuts vinyl, paper and other light-weight materials. Vinyl cutters cut paths, so generally you will be preparing your artwork in Adobe Illustrator or another vector drawing program. There are many varieties of these machines, some are used professionally. We have 2 consumer models in the BMCC Maker Space, a Cricut Maker and a Silhouette Cameo.

Vinyl cutters are bit of a DIY workhorse, you can use them for papercraft, decal making, iron-on prints, sublimation prints, stickers, and more!

Outputting Tips

OUTPUT GUIDES | TEMPLATES

Please note, these tips are assuming you are using Adobe Illustrator. If you’re not using Illustrator, I would suggest looking into your software’s documentation in order to achieve the same results.

Open source programs like Inkscape or the browser-based Vectr are available to use if you don’t have Illustrator, otherwise please come to the Makerspace and familiarize yourself with the program on our computers!

If you do not wish to set up a document yourself, see below for a ready made template for use!

General:

  • Both cutters have a maximum active space 0f 12 inches by 12 inches. Ideally your design should be no larger than 11 inches by 11 inches.
  • Preferred output file is an SVG (Cricut) or DXF (Cameo).
  • For Print and Cut Stickers, it MUST be a large (3000 x 3000 + pixel) transparent PNG
  • When sending the file to the Lab Manager, make sure to send the original working file AND the production file.
  • For decals/HTV, there is no specific color, or preference towards strokes/shapes for the vinyl cutter. However, we suggest you keep it as a solid colored shape. It might help you to color it similar to paper/material you plan to cut from.
  • The adhesive cutting mats are in the back closet. Make sure to use the right mat for each respective cutter for best results.

Cricut Maker:

  • Cricuit Design Studio needs a login. If you are in the Makerspace, check inside the Cricut cover for the Makerspace login.

Production:

While we do occasionally produce things for Departments and Clubs for events, this is usually out of good grace and not when it conflicts with our priority of student projects. For more information, visit Plan Your Visit.

Production Limits:

  • Single Color Decals: 2-5 Pages at Manager’s discretion; Design size dependent.
    File Type Accepted: AI/SVG (ideal), EPS, or PDF (acceptable)
  • HTV / Sublimation: 5-10 Items per semester or Event.
    File Type Accepted: AI (Ideal), SVG, EPS, or PDF (acceptable)
  • Print & Cut Stickers: 2-5 Pages at Manager’s discretion; Design size dependent.
    File Type Accepted: AI/SVG (ideal), EPS, PSD, OR Large scale (more than 3000 x 3000 px) transparent PNG @ 300 DPI (acceptable)

Approved Materials

Check our Materials page on where to purchase materials. Please consult with the Lab Manager FIRST before purchasing!

  • Cardstock
  • Decorative Paper
  • Iron On Transfers
  • Kraft Cardboard
  • Specialty Papers (Tattoo, Sticker)
  • Adhesive Vinyl
  • Fabrics

Other Resources

Manuals: