Difference between revisions of "GCC Jaguar VLX Vinyl Cutter"
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''(If you would like to become certified on this machine, attend an [[Introduction to 2D vector cutting with the GCC Jaguar VLX Vinyl Cutter|Introduction to vector cutting with the GCC Jaguar VLX Vinyl Cutter]] workshop!)'' | ''(If you would like to become certified on this machine, attend an [[Introduction to 2D vector cutting with the GCC Jaguar VLX Vinyl Cutter|Introduction to vector cutting with the GCC Jaguar VLX Vinyl Cutter]] workshop!)'' | ||
− | The GCC Jaguar VLX vinyl cutter is a 2D [[Manufacturing techniques#Subtractive manufacturing|subtractive manufacturing]] machine. | + | The GCC Jaguar VLX vinyl cutter is a 2D [[Manufacturing techniques#Subtractive manufacturing|subtractive manufacturing]] machine. Put simply, the vinyl cutter is a computer-numeric-controlled (CNC) blade. It’s capable of making many exact cuts into a sheet of vinyl very rapidly. This makes the vinyl cutter most useful for cutting designs into vinyl stickers and heat transfers. The machine does not exclusively cut vinyl but can also cut other materials such a standard paper. |
− | + | ==CAD== | |
+ | The input for this machine is 2D vector graphics. That means that your design needs to incorporate vectors such as in an SVG file. The SVG, or Scalable Vector Graphic is an XML-based vector image format for two-dimensional graphics. It uses precise mathematical equations in order to draw lines and shapes. By doing this the blade of the machine knows exactly where go in order to cut your design. To learn how to design items to cut, see [[Introduction to 2D CAD (with Inkscape)]]. Inkscape is a free and open-source software similar to illustrator that will create SVG files. You can also google "[My Design] svg" to try and get a design which suits your needs. | ||
+ | ==CAM== | ||
+ | The CAM software used with the Jaguar is called GreatCut4. | ||
+ | |||
+ | There are material profiles within which you should heed when you are cutting different materials. | ||
+ | |||
+ | ===Default Material Cutting Settings=== | ||
+ | {| class="wikitable" | ||
+ | !Material (profile) | ||
+ | !Blade | ||
+ | !Pressure (g) | ||
+ | !Speed (cm/s) | ||
+ | |- | ||
+ | |'''Adhesive Back, Standard''' | ||
+ | |Red (45º) | ||
+ | |40 | ||
+ | |90 | ||
+ | |- | ||
+ | |'''Heat Transfer, Standard''' | ||
+ | |Red (45º) | ||
+ | |40 | ||
+ | |90 | ||
+ | |- | ||
+ | |'''Heat Transfer, Sparkle''' | ||
+ | |Red (45º) | ||
+ | |80 | ||
+ | |70 | ||
+ | |- | ||
+ | |'''Heat Transfer, Felt''' | ||
+ | |See a [[Creative and Technical Specialist|CaTS]] for further guidance | ||
+ | |60 | ||
+ | |50 | ||
+ | |} | ||
− | == Sizing Material == | + | ==Sizing Material== |
After loading stock into the machine, we need to properly measure the dimensions of the material so that the CAM software knows what it has available to cut. It is important to note that the material should always be within the front and back sensors. There are 3 methods for sizing material: | After loading stock into the machine, we need to properly measure the dimensions of the material so that the CAM software knows what it has available to cut. It is important to note that the material should always be within the front and back sensors. There are 3 methods for sizing material: | ||
− | # Roll (Left arrow) | + | #Roll (Left arrow) |
− | # Edge (Down arrow) | + | #Edge (Down arrow) |
− | # Single (Right arrow) | + | #Single (Right arrow) |
The "Roll" option will spool out the entire roll of material and measure the length on what is the x-axis. "Edge" serves as the complement as it will only measure the width of the material using the y-axis across the front of the machine. The last option, "Single" will do both; it measures both the length and width of the material on both axes. Options 2 and 3 find frequent use on this machine while option 1 does not. Using "Edge" is great for spools of vinyl as it will measure just the width. However, it will spool out about a meter when cutting just as a calibration test so keep this in mind. "Single" is effective in using smaller scrap pieces that have arbitrary dimensions. We currently do not have a use for "Roll" so it is best to not use that option. | The "Roll" option will spool out the entire roll of material and measure the length on what is the x-axis. "Edge" serves as the complement as it will only measure the width of the material using the y-axis across the front of the machine. The last option, "Single" will do both; it measures both the length and width of the material on both axes. Options 2 and 3 find frequent use on this machine while option 1 does not. Using "Edge" is great for spools of vinyl as it will measure just the width. However, it will spool out about a meter when cutting just as a calibration test so keep this in mind. "Single" is effective in using smaller scrap pieces that have arbitrary dimensions. We currently do not have a use for "Roll" so it is best to not use that option. | ||
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|60 | |60 | ||
|50 | |50 | ||
− | |} | + | |}<br /> |
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Revision as of 18:21, 19 November 2019
(If you would like to become certified on this machine, attend an Introduction to vector cutting with the GCC Jaguar VLX Vinyl Cutter workshop!)
The GCC Jaguar VLX vinyl cutter is a 2D subtractive manufacturing machine. Put simply, the vinyl cutter is a computer-numeric-controlled (CNC) blade. It’s capable of making many exact cuts into a sheet of vinyl very rapidly. This makes the vinyl cutter most useful for cutting designs into vinyl stickers and heat transfers. The machine does not exclusively cut vinyl but can also cut other materials such a standard paper.
Contents
CAD
The input for this machine is 2D vector graphics. That means that your design needs to incorporate vectors such as in an SVG file. The SVG, or Scalable Vector Graphic is an XML-based vector image format for two-dimensional graphics. It uses precise mathematical equations in order to draw lines and shapes. By doing this the blade of the machine knows exactly where go in order to cut your design. To learn how to design items to cut, see Introduction to 2D CAD (with Inkscape). Inkscape is a free and open-source software similar to illustrator that will create SVG files. You can also google "[My Design] svg" to try and get a design which suits your needs.
CAM
The CAM software used with the Jaguar is called GreatCut4.
There are material profiles within which you should heed when you are cutting different materials.
Default Material Cutting Settings
Material (profile) | Blade | Pressure (g) | Speed (cm/s) |
---|---|---|---|
Adhesive Back, Standard | Red (45º) | 40 | 90 |
Heat Transfer, Standard | Red (45º) | 40 | 90 |
Heat Transfer, Sparkle | Red (45º) | 80 | 70 |
Heat Transfer, Felt | See a CaTS for further guidance | 60 | 50 |
Sizing Material
After loading stock into the machine, we need to properly measure the dimensions of the material so that the CAM software knows what it has available to cut. It is important to note that the material should always be within the front and back sensors. There are 3 methods for sizing material:
- Roll (Left arrow)
- Edge (Down arrow)
- Single (Right arrow)
The "Roll" option will spool out the entire roll of material and measure the length on what is the x-axis. "Edge" serves as the complement as it will only measure the width of the material using the y-axis across the front of the machine. The last option, "Single" will do both; it measures both the length and width of the material on both axes. Options 2 and 3 find frequent use on this machine while option 1 does not. Using "Edge" is great for spools of vinyl as it will measure just the width. However, it will spool out about a meter when cutting just as a calibration test so keep this in mind. "Single" is effective in using smaller scrap pieces that have arbitrary dimensions. We currently do not have a use for "Roll" so it is best to not use that option.
CAM
The CAM software used with the Jaguar is called GreatCut4. There are material profiles within which you should heed when you are cutting different materials.
Default Material Cutting Settings
Material (profile) | Blade | Pressure (g) | Speed (cm/s) |
---|---|---|---|
Adhesive Back, Standard | Red (45º) | 40 | 90 |
Heat Transfer, Standard | Red (45º) | 40 | 90 |
Heat Transfer, Sparkle | Red (45º) | 80 | 70 |
Heat Transfer, Felt | See a CaTS for further guidance | 60 | 50 |