While both machines provide the ability to create a wide range of DIY items, including custom apparel and hard goods for any market, there are two key differences: software and cutting ability. Both machines include vinyl cutter software to help you get started. Users can also download the mobile app to use and connect their machine via Bluetooth. Although the Silhouette software has more graphic design tools and capabilities that allow for more advanced design creation, it has a bigger learning curve.
Both machines offer the same level of cutting force — grams. This means either vinyl cutter will be able to handle thicker and special effect HTV; however, the Silhouette Cameo can handle up to 3mm g of force thick materials while the Cricut Explore will only cut up to 2mm g of force thick. The cutting width and length is the most glaring difference between the machines.
Either cutter is perfectly fine for cutting designs large enough to heat press to a T-shirt or blank apparel, but the Silhouette will allow you to run more continuous jobs if desired. The dimensions and weight are very similar, with the Silhouette coming in slightly smaller and lighter, but both are excellent desktop vinyl cutters and can easily be used as portable vinyl cutters. The warranties are the same, and their cutting ability remains relatively close — either can handle your small business and crafting projects with ease!
Then, load the machine with a sheet of vinyl from which your design will be cut. Adjust the cutter's settings e. Push start: The machine carves the image before ejecting the sheet with your design cut out. Sound too simple to be true? It isn't, especially if you choose the right model for your needs. Consider size to accommodate your projects ; speed especially when producing multiple copies ; output quality precision in cutting , versatility in materials it can handle and in its functions , and software user-friendliness and library of designs ; and connectivity wired vs.
It may seem like a lot to think about, but don't worry — plenty of crafters recommend watching YouTube tutorials on vinyl cutter use and searching project ideas online. Just be sure not to use copyrighted images on items you plan to sell. After reading crafter reviews and interviewing users, we compiled this list of top vinyl cutters for different needs.
We added a product showcase at the top of this guide so you can see a quick snapshot of our recommendations. We also added a selection of related crafting guides. Owners gush over the Cricut Explore Air 2. It's able to cut many different materials e.
Also, it's multifunctional — it cuts with a German carbide premium blade included , writes with a black pen included , and even scores and embosses with a stylus sold separately.
The Cricut Explore Air 2 also comes with a cutting mat and materials for conducting a test-run project as well as practicing using the pen with the blade. It features two compartments for holding accessories, a magnetic strip for grasping extra blades, and a cup-holder-like area for stashing pens or tools. Best of all, this model comes with Bluetooth for cord-free connections to computers, phones, or tablets. Because Design Space is only accessible through the manufacturer's website, you will need access to the internet.
However, the iOS version of Design Space lets you download content for offline use. Nonetheless, when all systems are go, this model cuts intricate designs with accuracy and surgical precision. And if you are in a hurry, simply switch it to Fast Mode for cutting and drawing at twice the speed. Cons: Needs to be connected to internet for downloadable content, software has learning curve for some.
The Silhouette Cameo 3 is a super-handy cutter that offers nearly limitless possibilities in creating projects and supports a variety of materials. In fact, with the Silhouette Deep Cut Blade sold separately , it can slice through materials up to 2 millimeters thick.
This model has a dual-carriage system that holds two tools at once e. For example, you can cut card stock with the blade and then embellish it with the pen, in one pass — no need to change tools manually. Simply tell the machine which tool to use. And there's more: The Silhouette Cameo 3 has a Print and Cut feature that lets you create a design using the included Silhouette Studio software and print it out.
Then, feed the printed design into the cutter for scanning; the cutter then carves out your design. What users really find convenient is that the Silhouette Cameo 3 doesn't have to be connected to the internet in order to operate. As a stand-alone machine with Bluetooth, it offers lots of freedom during use. Pros: Dual-carriage holds two tools, has Print and Scan feature, able to work as a stand-alone machine.
This model not only cuts these images, but also scans and carves out any original designs you create. With its dots-per-inch scanner, you can scan in practically anything a magazine clipping, photos, your own drawings, etc. This lightweight model operates as both a stand-alone machine and a Wi-Fi-ready device. The cutter's design software is CanvasWorkspace, a free cloud-based web application that comes with a library of images, shapes, and fonts.
Using this collection as well as the machine itself presents a learning curve that crafters say is well worth climbing in the end. Its hardworking German carbide blade can cut materials up to two millimeters in thickness. Although it cuts through fabric — and even adds a seam allowance in quarter-inch increments for sewing — some users noted its performance on felt is only so-so. You can see the scanned images on the screen and then make any adjustments. Pros: Worth the investment, scans as well as cuts, great for quilter and sewers.
The compact Silhouette Portrait 2 is a fine, fun tool for beginners to dip their toes into the world of vinyl crafting. Sleek, light, and easy to transport, it takes up little space and is convenient for toting around for on-the-go crafting.
The downside of its cute size is a restriction on project size. Although limited to cutting 8-inch-wide sheets, this model is great for making decals and stickers. The Silhouette Portrait 2 is durable and economical, reportedly lasting years under constant use.
It features an LCD control panel that allows you to view, adjust, or customize your cut settings and gives you total control over the machine. The machine comes with a USB port that allows you to work without a PC and an Ethernet port that allow you to connect the cutter to a network for a streamlined workflow. The digital servo motor drive and the adjustable grams means the machine can cut through both thin and thick materials with a great deal of accuracy and speed without making a loud noise.
This machine comes with the Roland CutStudio software — a powerful and easy to use design software that allows you to quickly and easily create your cutting designs. This software is compatible with both Mac and window computers and includes plug-ins that enable you to import designs from Corel Draw and Adobe Illustrator.
Its durability, speed, accuracy, support for many types of media, and the large cutting area made it the best choice for professionals, graphics business, signage, labels, and automotive industries. Roland DG products blazed trails for the entire industry to earn the company a reputation for quality, innovation, and reliability.
Graphtec corporation has been on the leading edge of measuring, plotting, and cutting solutions for more than six decades. It was established in , developed its first X-Y plotter in and today offers a wide range of input devices including scanners and digitizers, and computer output devices like, inkjet printers, direct imaging plotters, thermal-transfer printers, thermal printers and cutting plotters for apparel and sign industries. Graphtec is one of the first to implement cutting technology in its vinyl cutting machines and is recognized for its best-selling line of roll feed, flatbed and desktop vinyl cutters and plot cutters.
Graphtec vinyl cutters are well-known for their legendary quality and durability. GCC is an international manufacturing company with a wide range of quality products such as inkjet printers, laser cutters, laser markers, laser engravers, and cutting plotters for various applications including apparel, gift, advertising, and signage industries. It was founded in and has remained committed to pursuing the goal of providing its customers with the best performance attainable in technologies, solutions, and services to meet their needs.
GCC is not only a leading equipment manufacturer; it is also a service provider and is well known for its unsurpassed and uncompromising quality. Each of its products especially its line of vinyl cutters goes through strict quality control with advanced testing and measuring techniques.
This award-winning brand offers a full range of superior quality, cutting plotters to satisfy your various needs. Established in , USCutter started by debuting affordable, high-quality vinyl cutting machines to the market. Ever since then, it has been recognized for value, developed its product line, and has introduced craft cutting to thousands of hobbyists, startups, and existing businesses.
Today, USCutter offers the best vinyl cutter for the money. It has the deepest and largest selection of vinyl cutting machines anywhere in the industry as well as a variety of software, tools, and vinyl to make custom apparel, and signs among other products you can produce with a vinyl cutter. Cricut is another top American brand that specializes in the provision of a range of innovative products, including cutting plotters, infusible ink, and the materials and accessories required for a perfect designing and craft cutting experience.
Cricut brand is not only passionate about the creation of astounding products that makes its customers happy; it also committed to providing its customers with the best service and remarkable craft cutting experience. Silhouette is a producer of craft and art products as well as the Silhouette desktop vinyl cutters and continue to invent products and technologies to provide creative people everywhere with the fewest restrictions for crafting, designing and cutting.
Back in , Brother started as a family run business with sewing machines as its very first specialism. Today Brother has become a fantastic brand with a wide range of quality and innovative products such as sewing and embroidery machine, printers, scanner, fax machine, and vinyl cutting machines for home and commercial applications.
Brother vinyl cutters Brother ScanNCut machine is an incredible innovation in craft cutting machine. However, we did not review the Brother ScanNCut machine, that is because we found this machine is not the best choice for users regarding vinyl cutting compared with the products reviewed above.
A vinyl cutting machine will help to save time, create and reproduce your craft and designs more accurately, simplify complex craft projects, and improve your productivity by transforming your design and craft workflow. However, you need to select the right vinyl cutter, especially one that is designed to meet your business or personal needs to enjoy the full benefits of owning one.
Luckily, this article has revealed some of the best vinyl cutters plotters on the market and their features as well as their strengths and weaknesses to help you find the right one for your needs. So, consider your options, grab the one that meets your unique needs, and come back with your testimony. Looking for a good vinyl cutter for your small business or home use?
Take a quick look! Check the review below to select the best vinyl cutting machine for home use. L Unique dual carriage with automatic tool-type detection True mat-less cutting with Bluetooth compatibility. See at Cricut. Silhouette Cameo 4 Max cutting size: 12 in W x 10 ft. L Up to 3x cutting speed vs. Cameo 3 Max cutting force up to 5 kg.
Graphtec CE Series Available in different sizes: 15, 24, inch Scores, plots, and contour cut precisely and accurately Fast and quiet operation. Related: Best Heat Press Machines of Pros Affordable Saves time thanks to its dual ball-bearing media roller system and its spool function Easy to use 1-year warranty.
Verdict The USCutter MH vinyl cutter works well and demonstrates great value for money with its precise and customizable cut. Pros Can perform contour cuts Good tracking ability Easy to set up and use Compatible with a wide range of design software. Also, its contour cutting feature and tracking ability makes it a great value for money. Pros Can cut vinyl and heat transfer without a cutting mat Compatible with Bluetooth and popular design software Fast and accurate performance Good tracking ability.
Cons From our survey, users complained that it comes with no user manual. Verdict The Cameo 4 Plus has a lot of innovative and easy to use features that makes it an awesome large vinyl cutter for hobbyists. Cons You must use the Cricut Design Space software which requires a fast, active internet connection Small cutting area. Verdict The Cricut Maker vinyl cutter is very impressive as it can cut a wide range of materials from thin to thick ones. Pros Powerful design software with wireless functionality Support a wide variety of materials AutoBlade feature reduces trial and error Affordable.
Cons The software requires the purchase of add-ons to enhance its features. Verdict Overall, the Silhouette Cameo 4 is a great vinyl cutting machine.
Pros Easy to use Portable Straightforward software Can perform contour cuts. Cons Small cutting area Slow cutting speed. Pros A versatile vinyl cutter that supports various kinds of materials Easy to use software Scores, plots, and contour cut precisely and accurately Available in different sizes with easy to get spare parts.
Cons No wireless connectivity No catch basket. Verdict The Graphtec CE Plus Series vinyl plotter cutter is durable; it supports a wide range of materials, has an impressive cutting ability, accept most Silhouette pens and blades, and can work for a long period of time without stammering. Cons No support for wireless connectivity. Pros Supports most Silhouette Cameo tools Intuitive machine with easy to use software Scores, plots, and contour cut precisely and accurately Silent operation.
Cons No wireless connectivity Lower cutting force. Verdict The Graphtec CE Lite desktop vinyl cutter is perfect for those looking to start a career in sign making as well as those looking for a suitable cutting plotter for small to medium scale production. Pros Good tracking ability with contour cutting feature Easy to use Precise cutting with silent operation Compatible with a wide range of design software. Pros Vectorization tool for easy image cutting and tracing Fast and quiet operation Durable aluminum alloy construction Come with stand and catch basket.
Verdict This Titan 2 vinyl cutter plotter is easy enough for beginners to operate but has the capabilities to meet the demands of professional users. Pros Super fast cutting speed Cons No Bluetooth Expensive. Pros Fast and accurate cutting plotter with excellent cutting force Superior tracking with the ability to run long jobs Durable construction with customizable user settings Come with ARM 8.
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