The Vinyl Die Cutting Machine Info Everyone Needs

No matter what you’re manufacturing, you may come across the need to work with vinyl. And when you’re cutting and reshaping vinyl, it’s hard to avoid the classic vinyl die cutting machine. Vinyl die cutting machines serve many purposes, but it’s certainly not your only option when it comes to working with this material. With that in mind, it’s quite important that you know what you need before making a purchase or signing a contract.

That’s what Conversion Technologies International is here for. We’re ready to offer a few tips about how vinyl cutting works, as well as insight on how to procure vinyl cutting services. Let’s dive in and explore the world of vinyl processing!

Can a die cutting machine cut vinyl?

The short answer is: Yes, a die cutting machine can cut vinyl. In fact, vinyl is one of the most commonly used types of material when it comes to cutting machines. It’s a great fit for a lot of home décor projects, as well as stickers. Additionally, while it’s durable, it’s flexible enough to allow for the kind of material manipulation we use die cutting machines for.

When seeking out a vinyl cutter, you need to be aware that there isn’t just one type of machine made for vinyl and vinyl alone. You should look at a few different types of vinyl cutting machines to make sure you’ve selected the right one for your project.

What cutter machine is best for vinyl?

Generally speaking, you’ll find three main types of industrial die cutting machines. They include:

• Laser cutting machines. These aren’t actually die cutting machines, as they don’t involve a real die. Rather, they rely on lasers to cut through material. However, the lasers also destroy any excess material and burn away adhesive, making them less than ideal for vinyl.
• Rotary die cutting machines. These machines work with cylindrical shapes edged with razors. As they rotate, the razors cut through the material, creating the desired final shape.
• Flatbed die cutting machines. As the name suggests, this type of machine relies on a hydraulic press. The force of the press essentially punches the desired shape out of the material.

These are just the industrial options, however. They don’t even cover the smaller machines, such as the Silhouette and Cricut. These are the types of machines you’ll use as a hobbyist. However, if you want the best vinyl cutter for small business purposes, they’re probably not the best fit.

Choosing the right machine to cut vinyl really depends on the entire scope of your project. You’re not just taking into account the vinyl, but all the stressors involved.

What is the difference between vinyl die cutting machines and a vinyl plotter?

As you consider the vinyl die cutting machine, you may come across the concept of a vinyl plotter. How do these two things differ, and which one may best suit your business needs?

We’ve already covered the different types of die cutters above. Some would argue that vinyl plotters offer more versatility than a typical die cut machine. They use a pen for printing and a knife for cutting shapes, which allows you to alter the design more easily. While a vinyl cutting machine serves its own purposes on an industrial level, vinyl plotters may better serve projects that require a lot of customization. This doesn’t mean you can’t customize vinyl die cutting machine projects at all—but that they don’t quite stand up to vinyl plotters on that front.

Frequently Asked Questions

Below, we’ve listed a few frequently asked questions from our customers about vinyl die cutting machines.

What do we make with a vinyl die cutting machine?

We use vinyl die cutting machines to create specific types of products. Some of the most common products we use this process for are signs, decals, and logos. However, when you scale up on an industrial level, you may be able to take on larger scale products. This can take some time and experience, which is why many small business owners outsource manufacturing to experienced third parties.

When it comes to material, vinyl die cutting machines work best with—beyond vinyl—cardstock and wood. Most of the materials we work with when using this machine need to be flexible and thin. This allows for the maximum level of effectiveness.

What do we make with vinyl plotters?

In comparison, we use vinyl plotters to make signage with high-quality lettering and graphics. The nature of these plotters allows them to work with plastic, as well as fabric, on top of vinyl.

Generally speaking, vinyl plotters may work better for more artistic projects. However, if you need consistent, repeated results, the vinyl cutting machine is a better option. Additionally, business owners attempting to scale up will often find better results with a cutter machine compared to a plotter.

Do I have to buy my own cutting machine?

Not ready to invest in a vinyl die cutting machine just yet? It’s understandable—not all business owners need them for the long term, and even then, they can be a big investment. You’re not only paying for the machine, but the right facilities and trained employees.

However, with the right third party manufacturer, you can outsource services like vinyl cutting. That’s what companies like CTI are for! Give us a call at 419-924-5566 or contact us here for more information. We’re ready to help!