Vinyl Cutter and Heat Press
About the Equipment
A vinyl cutter is a machine that can cut shapes and designs from sheets of material. It works by cutting through the top layer of vinyl while leaving the backing intact. It's used to create decals and stickers for things like t-shirts and signs.
Reserve Equipment
- Reserve up to four hours per week
- Reserving more than one piece of equipment is not permitted
- Equipment that is not reserved is available for same day reservations
Using the Equipment
The US Cutter TITAN 3 15" Vinyl Cutter has a max cutting width of 15" and can accept media 19" wide or less.
The Hix Evo Pro Heat Press has a 15" x 15" surface area.
The Transforsa Clamshell Cap Press has a 5" x 3.5" surface area.
If you are utilizing the vinyl cutter for the first time, we recommend watching our in-depth tutorial first, then making a minimum reservation time of two hours. This allows time for our staff to walk you through finding/preparing vinyl job, setting up the software, and time for you to use the machine.
What's Provided
- Computers with the VinylMaster Cut software
- Tweezers and utility knives to weed your designs after cutting
- An Iron and ironing pad
What To Bring
- Materials to cut - adhesive backed vinyl, static cling vinyl, or heat press vinyl.
- The MakerSpace does not have materials for sale.
- Your file to make your masterpiece! The VinylMaster Cut software can use most common raster file types, such as .bmp, .gif, .jpg, .png, and .psd. You can also use most vector file types, such as .ai, .eps, .pdf, .psd, .vClip, and .vLogo.
- For a complete list, please see our FAQ.
- You may bring your file on a storage device.
- Don't have a design? The Makers can help with converting designs or getting started with a beginner-friendly file.
Inspiration
From the Makers
Creatives of All Types Thrive in MakerSpace
Tutorials and Resources
Maker Tutorial: Vinyl Cutter
Resources
- Article from Instructable: Getting Started with the Heat Press
- Manufacturer's manual for the TITAN 3 Vinyl Cutter (PDF)
- Manufacturer's manual for the Hix Evo Pro S450 Heat Press (PDF)
- Staff List: MakerSpace Vinyl Cutter
Vinyl Cutter and Heat Press FAQs
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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:
- Go to "Send to be cut".
- 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.
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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!
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Heat transfer vinyl. Remember to mirror your image before cutting.
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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.
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- Adhesive backed vinyl
- Static cling vinyl
- Heat press vinyl
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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:
MakerSpace FAQs
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The Black & Veatch MakerSpace hours are slightly different than the Central Resource Library open hours. For up to date information about the MakerSpace, please visit the main MakerSpace page.
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The Black and Veatch MakerSpace is located at the Central Resource branch.
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You cannot create anything designed for or capable of causing harm, such as firearms, knives, swords, and other items that could be used to inflict injury or intimidate. If you’re unsure whether your project might fall under this rule, please ask a Maker staff member before starting. Library staff reserve the right to stop any print or job at their discretion if it is deemed unsafe, violates library policies, or is otherwise inappropriate.
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Questions? We're here for you.