Hi folks, I'd just like to say how much I learn and enjoy looking through this site. I have a question though. I've just got a contract to do some silver for a customer and I'm finding the vinyl is lifting as it's cutting, and stopping the blade from making a clean cut. Is it to do with the blade offset? is it the temperature here? This week it's been up to 37 degrees centigrade. Pretty warm, but I've had the same problem today 22 degrees C. I'm using Avery Fascal silver 500. I've tried cutting at slower speeds and changing blade pressure. Thanks in advance for any replies.
Posted by Kathy Joiner (Member # 1814) on :
Lee, I'm not familiar with that particulare vinyl but most metalized films require a 60 degree blade. Call the Avery Helpline at 1-800-443-9380 and they should be able to help you.
Good luck, and I love this place called Letterville too. Drop by any time!
Posted by Bill Dirkes (Member # 1000) on :
Hi Lee & welcome to the bullboard! I don't have an answer for you, just some questions.
New blade in the plotter? How small are the objects/text you're cutting? What kind of plotter, tangental or drag knife?
If you're cuting real small with old blade/too much force/or drag knife your problem ain't the vinyl. Good luck.
Posted by Jason Davie (Member # 2172) on :
I 've had the same problem before, If you have a drag knive use a 60 deg blade (hopefully a new one)That solved my problem...
Posted by Howard Keiper (Member # 1250) on :
Lee... Sure sounds like a knife system problem to me....perhaps a broken blade, a stuck swivel holder? You can check both. Use the Radio Shack microscope I posted about some time ago to look at your blade; try putting the blade (in it's holder) up against your thumbnail and rotating it gently as if you were drawing a small letter "o". The swivel action should be smooth and effortless. If it's a Graphtec, use a new CB-09UA blade (45Degree); or for really small work in any metalized foil or just foil itself, use the CB-15S (saphire, approx.30 degree). Sixty degree blades are more apt to push or plow, especially if dull, whereas normal blades slice cleanly. hk
Posted by Mike Pipes (Member # 1573) on :
Any time I've ever had a problem with vinyl lifting up it's because of:
1.) Too much blade pressure 2.) Blade depth too deep 3.) Dull blade
Each type of vinyl as well as the same kind of vinyl from different manufacturers will require some slightly different plotter settings.
Now is the time to keep a list of settings for use with particular films. Find the right setting for the film you are using and write it down. The next time you use another film and change the settings, write down the new settings.. so-on and so forth. Eventually you will have a nice list for reference with material brand/type, blade type, blade pressure, blade depth, etc. all handy for quick changes without wasting film for test cuts.
Posted by cheryl nordby (Member # 1100) on :
Was your vinyl rolled too tight before you cut it? That will leave air pockets sometimes and when you cut it....it will do what you mentioned. Especially with Chrome Silver. You have to lift it from the backing and re~lay it so it is smooth.
Posted by LEE ATTEWELL (Member # 2407) on :
Cheers! Lots of great replies. I'll get some new blades this week. I did just plot the logo on the chrome, I thought I'd go for broke & cut it smaller, after seeing the post about offset. I dialed in zero on my software & used manufacturers spec on the plotter...Guess what? it worked...
