Vinyl Cutter & Heat Press

Yes! MakerSpace staff have created an in-depth video tutorial for the TITAN 3 Vinyl Cutter.

There is a Heat Press instructable here.

Manufacturers PDFs for set up and use can be found here:

• TITAN 3 - 15" Craft Vinyl Cutter w/ ARMS Contour Cutting
• Hix Evo Pro S450 15" x 15" Clamshell Auto-Open Heat Pres

• Adhesive backed vinyl

• Static cling vinyl

• Heat press vinyl

The software we use to create and send files to the vinyl cutter is called VinylMaster Cut. Watch tutorials.

It has basic tools for creating and editing files. VinylMaster can import the most common raster file types including: bmp, .gif, .jpg, .jpeg, .png, .psd, .raw, .rle, .tga and .tiff.  You can also import vector files from other design programs such as Adobe Illustrator or Inkscape. 

Heat transfer vinyl. Remember to mirror your image before cutting. 

Bring your own materials to cut. Check the allowable materials tab above.

You may bring files with you. VinylMaster Cut can import the most common raster file types including: bmp, .gif, .jpg, .jpeg, .png, .psd, .raw, .rle, .tga and .tiff. You can also import the most popular vector based formats including .ai, .dxf, .emf, .eps, .hpgl, .pdf, .plt, .ps, .psd, .pdoc, .vClip, .vLogo, and .wmf.

If you have other file types, you can likely convert them using a MakerSpace computer and software. Just ask our staff!

Vinyl Cutter Settings

The goal is to cut as efficiently as possible while maintaining detail and using the appropriate force to cut through the material. Start with these settings and adjust as needed.

Adhesive Vinyl

Blade: 30° | Passes: 1 | Speed: 250–300 mm/s | Force: 60 g

HTV (Heat Transfer Vinyl)

Blade: 45° | Passes: 1 | Speed: 200–300 mm/s | Force: 120 g

Freezer Paper

Blade: 30° | Passes: 1 | Speed: 250–300 mm/s | Force: 55 g

65 lb Cardstock

Blade: 45° | Passes: 1 | Speed: 200–300 mm/s | Force: 180 g

Mylar

Blade: 45° | Passes: 1 | Speed: 200–300 mm/s | Force: 210 g

Watercolor Paper

Blade: 60° | Passes: 2 | Speed: 200–300 mm/s | Force: 230 g

Paper Board

Blade: 60° | Passes: 2 | Speed: 200–300 mm/s | Force: 250 g

Cereal Box

Blade: 60° | Passes: 3 | Speed: 200–300 mm/s | Force: 345 g

Laminated Paper

Blade: 60° | Passes: 2 | Speed: 200–300 mm/s | Force: 500 g

Speed Guidelines

• Start at 200–300 mm/s for most materials.
• More detail = slower speed for accuracy.
• Less detail = faster speed for quicker cuts.

Force Settings

• Start lower than expected and adjust upward if needed.
• Blade depth matters: Use the least amount of force required to cut cleanly without cutting into the backing or mat.

Setting Multiple Passes

To adjust the number of passes:

1. Go to "Send to be cut".
2. Switch from "General" to "Cutter Control" to modify passes.

Additional Recommendations

• Mat Adhesion: When cutting fragile materials, use a mat with lower tack.
• Blade Calibration:  Correct blade exposure is important. If cuts are rough or tearing, check the blade rather than increasing force.
• Test Cuts: Always test before running a full cut, especially for intricate designs or thicker materials.
• Overcut Setting: For materials like HTV or Mylar, enabling a small overcut can help ensure clean cuts at corners.