Tools/Vinyl Cutter

Specifications

• Maximum paper feed: 34.3"
• Maximum cutting width: 30.7"
• Cutting precision: 0.0004" (2500 dpi?)
• Adjustable cutting pressure: 10-500g
• Adjustable cutting speed: 10-800 mm/s
• Compatible with Roland Blades
• USB & Serial Ports

Cutting with Inkscape

1. Create design in Inkscape
   • Set page width to material width or 30.7" to match available cutting area
   • Note: ensure all objects are paths, including fonts ("Path" > "Object to Path" or "Stroke to Path")
   • This can be done at home, disconnected from the vinyl cutter
2. Plug in the vinyl cutter
3. Load material and appropriate blade
4. Set origin, speed, and cutting force
5. Attach to computer via USB and determine USB COM Port
   • Windows: Open device manager, look for entry "CH340" and remember COM port number
   • Mac: TBD
   • Linux: TBD
6. Send design to cutter from Inkscape
   • Select "Extensions" > "Export" > "Plot"
   • On the "Connection Settings" tab, enter the COM port number from above. Default values for the other settings should be appropriate.
   • TODO: Investigate the effects of settings on "Plotter Settings" and "Plot Features" tabs
   • Hit "Apply" to begin cutting
7. Monitor vinyl cutter until cut is complete. Hit the "Offline/Pause" button to pause cutting.
8. Hit "Reset" to rehome the machine and reset the origin before cutting again
   • TODO: Figure out how to update origin after cutting without resetting machine

Cutting with SignMaster

SignMaster Cut+ARMS software was included with the vinyl cutter, but we currently recommend Inkscape for controlling vinyl cutter. If you experience issues or missing features, please reach out to the Board.