Program and Maintain: Getting the Most from Your Automatic Fabric Cutter

Automatic fabric cutters can speed up the cutting process for sewing and craft projects, cutting fabric to precise sizes and shapes. However, to get the most out of your cutter, you’ll need to properly program it to cut your desired designs and maintain it for optimal performance. This article will walk you through how to program your automatic fabric cutter and keep it running well, project after project.

The first step to programming your cutter is ensuring your fabric is securely attached to the cutting mat. Then, you’re ready to set up your cut design. You have two options for doing this:

Import a cut file. If you have a cut file from design software, you can import it into the cutter’s software and send it directly to the cutter. The cutter will cut along the outlines in the design file. This is convenient if you have experience with design software or are using files from someone else.

Create your own cut file. You can use the basic shapes and features in the cutter’s built-in or included design software to draw and edit your own cut file. Add rectangles, circles, lines, and custom shapes as needed to create the cut outlines for your project. Then send your custom file to the cutter to cut your unique design. This method works well if you want to create your own cut patterns.

Once your cut file is ready, you’ll select the blade type and depth and cutting pressure for your fabric type. Delicate fabrics may require a shallower blade depth and slower speed than thicker fabrics. Test the settings on scrap fabric first to ensure clean and accurate cuts. If your cutter offers cut previews or sequencing, take advantage of these to maximize cutting efficiency. Then, you’re ready to load your cutting mat and fabric and start cutting!

Here are some common mistakes to avoid when programming an automatic fabric cutter:

• Not securing the fabric properly on the cutting mat. The fabric must be held firmly in place or it can shift during cutting and result in inaccurate cuts.

• Not adjusting the blade depth and pressure for your fabric type. The wrong settings can lead to poor cutting quality, damaged blades, and wasted fabric. Test settings on scrap fabric first.

• Not sequencing cuts efficiently. If your cutter allows cut sequencing, you want to arrange cuts to minimize fabric movement and cutting time. Poor sequencing can decrease productivity.

• Not estimating fabric grain direction. For some fabrics, cut direction relative to the grain is important. Estimate the grain direction and align the fabric on the mat appropriately to get the best cuts.

• Not paying attention to cut previews. If your cutter offers cut previews, inspect the preview to ensure the cuts are accurate and as expected. Fix any issues before starting the actual cutting.

• Not maintaining and cleaning the cutter properly. Dull blades and buildup on the cutting mat and machine can reduce cutting quality and performance. Follow recommended maintenance and cleaning to keep your cutter in good working order.

To keep your cutter running well and cutting accurately, stick to a regular maintenance schedule. After a few cutting projects, wipe down the exterior of the cutter and clean the cutting mat as recommended in the product instructions.

Every 10 to 20 cutting projects, check and replace the cutting blade if it’s dull or damaged. A dull blade can lead to poor cut quality, wasted fabric, and damage to the cutting mat, so it’s important to change the blade regularly based on your usage.

Once a month, lubricate any moving parts of the cutter as directed in the product instructions. Yearly professional servicing is also typically recommended to inspect and maintain the cutter and address any performance issues.

Following a maintenance schedule for cleaning, blade replacement, and lubrication, using high-quality blades and tools, and programming and cutting properly will help extend the lifespan of your automatic fabric cutter and keep it working as expected.

Although automatic cutters are convenient time-savers, taking the time to learn how to properly program and maintain your cutter will ensure you get the most value and use from this helpful tool for your sewing and craft projects.

With some upfront effort, you’ll be able to make the most of your automatic fabric cutter, project after project.

Resource : Wikipedia