How to Create Cut-Outs using Graphtec Cutting Plotter

Vinyl signs require software to create their design and a machine to cut out the design. How should we go about it?

The machine has a head that contains a blade positioned to cut a sign's design on vinyl, this machine is called a vinyl cutter or a cutting plotter. Vinyl is fed into the cutter to put the design on it. Then the cut vinyl design is transferred to a surface used for the sign. 

Here is a full-proof way for you to create cut-outs using a Graphtec Cutting Plotter. In this particular article, we will be using the economy and reliable Graphtec CE6000-60CM cutting plotter. 

1. Choose which vinyl you want to print your sign's design with. 
There are different types of vinyl, some of them can be cut with an economy version cutting plotter. Graphtec CE6000-60CM supports cutting of self-adhesive marking film (vinyl, fluorescent, reflective) excluding high-intensity reflective film, up to 0.25mm thickness, Polyester film up to 0.25mm thickness.
These types of vinyls and films generally last from 2 to 5 years. 
It is also recommended that you check the blade you are using is compatible with the media being cut and with the cutting plotter being used.

2. Determine how much vinyl you need for your sign. 
Vinyl for making signs is sold usually in rolls of height 1.22 mtr x width 50 mtrs. It should have adhesive on 1 side covered with a paper backing.

3. Cut a piece of vinyl from your roll large enough for your design.
It is better to be safe than not, so make sure that your media width also matches the maximum allowed on your cutting plotter. Your design should fit within the media width loaded on the plotter and must contain a bleed on all sides.

4. Feed your unrolled vinyl into your vinyl cutter. 
The paper backing should still be on the vinyl when you put it in. Adjust your cutter's feed rollers to line up with your vinyl piece's edges. Use any guide markings on the cutter to also help you feed in your vinyl. Set the rollers down on the vinyl to keep it in place for cutting. 

5. Cut your vinyl sign using the cutter's blade. 
Graphtec's cutting software, the Cutting Master, is compatible to work with Adobe Illustrator and Corel Draw, resolving the need for you to design within Graphtec's software itself. You can simply send the command through Illustrator by installing the plugin of Cutting Master. 

6. Check before you remove the cut vinyl from the cutter.
Make sure that the plotter has completed the job and then with a blade, you can cut off your vinyl design. 

7. Take hold of a corner of unwanted background vinyl from the cut piece. 
Pull it back to peel it off the paper backing.

8. Continue peeling off unwanted bits of vinyl from your sign. 
This process is known as "weeding." You can use a hook and spatula to pull out small, difficult-to-reach vinyl pieces, such as spaces in the centers of letters.

9. Transfer your vinyl to its intended sign surface.
Roll out enough transfer or application tape to cover your vinyl sign design. Cut off the length of tape with scissors.
Run a squeegee applicator over the tape to smooth it over your vinyl sign. Carefully pull the tape and its attached vinyl away from the vinyl's paper backing. The adhesive side of the vinyl will now be exposed.
Spray an application fluid on the background surface for your sign's vinyl if you think you may need to readjust the vinyl. The fluid will prevent the vinyl's adhesive from sticking to the surface for 20 to 30 seconds.
Place the vinyl adhesive-side down on the intended surface for the sign. Reposition it if necessary.
Press out any air bubbles between the vinyl and its surface by running the squeegee applicator over the transfer tape.
Pull off the transfer tape gently to reveal your sign. Start pulling from 1 of the tape's corners.

Your design is ready to be showed off! ☺✌