The vinyl cutter is a versatile tool for any Makerspace. There are numerous reviews available online that compare several models produced by the major brands, Graphtec, Roland, USCutter, etc. What is addressed in this review, for those already with cutters or those considering, is an understanding that the vinyl cutter is far more useful than just a sticker machine. While the ability to produce custom stickers, labels, wall-pieces, and iron-ons can be appreciated, the possibilities the tool provides in process work should not be overlooked. Majority of these applications use the vinyl cut product as a mask, stencil, or resist to protect a surface from a paint or chemical.

For example, basic stencils created for spray paint may seem a little overboard when cardboard does so well, but for sharp lines on curved or uneven surfaces vinyl will stretch and stick. In regards to wood projects, it is very useful for selective staining. Vinyl stencils work rather well for silk screening; though to make multiple prints one should use vinyl with solvent resistant glue. One can also glass etch using an acid to roughen the surface of a window for fog/translucency. There are vinyl products designed to resist these chemicals allowing for home-made custom glass etchings.

Many vinyl cutters allow for the use of a fiber pen instead of a blade. This is what the machines were originally designed for, drawing blueprints quicker than a draftsman. This ability is both amusing on its own and very useful when attempting to transfer complex shapes larger than any other available printer. From CAD or graphic art files one can sketch lines on a large page to transfer to wood or other 2D material. In this case the ink is cheaper than a large sheet of vinyl for a single use.

Another example of application is the production of low power circuit boards that tape to any material. Some vinyl cutters allow for a mat which backs the blade for cutting paper or other materials without a peel-off. Curious minds have used copper tape intended for RF shielding and cut out circuit patterns designed on the simplest 2D CAD software. These cut outs were able to be soldered after applied to wood, fabric, acrylic, and even paper thus making reproducible flexible circuit boards ready to receive components. As you can see, the possibilities of Making are endless when using a vinyl cutter. If you have any questions or would like any additional information please email Nahdi Bropleh at [email protected]