For creative people who love manual work, cutting their materials by hand can be a real task! These devices designed for cutting will surely help you!
Cutters are cleaner, faster, and much more perfect than using hands. They are called punching machines or cutting machines for short. You can learn a thing or two about it in the article here.
What is a cutting machine?
These are manual, electronic or digital devices that can be used to cut certain designs and shapes from various materials such as paper, cards, fabric, wood, chipboard, etc. Some of these machines can also be used for embossing. Most of these devices are portable and small enough to sit on tables. They can also be stored easily.
There are several types of these tools. The manual machines are operated using a lever and are usually equipped with metal tools. The electronic ones are similar to the manual ones, but use an electric motor instead of a lever. With both methods, the user has to create a "sandwich" – place the die and the material between the inserts, one on top and one on the bottom. When this is done, it is passed through the machine and then pressure is applied, cutting the design into the material. If it is a manual type, you need to use the handle to apply pressure, and this will cut into the material. An electronic one will do the printing for you.
The third type of cutting machine is the computer controlled one. These do not require matrices, but use computer software and cartridges to cut out your designs. These digital designs are either pre-installed or uploaded via USB or Bluetooth. To use it, load the device with your material, upload your design and select it using your computer or the touchscreen on the device. Just wait for your shape to appear.
One of the most popular of its kind is Cricut; A very versatile brand of cutting and embossing machines that can cut most materials from vinyl to paper, cardboard, felt, leather, etc. There are various models of this brand that are available manually, electronically or digitally.
Use of punching machines
The main application of a punch press is to cut structures into materials using stamps, but they can also be used for other purposes such as stamping. In order to use the device as a punch as already mentioned, the raised edge of the stamp should be placed on the medium of your choice and these two should be placed between the cutting inserts. This sandwich is then put through the machine rolls. Here you can see ways you can use the equipment for your projects.
When embossing, embossing folders can only work if you have a punching machine. These are like plastic folders that have plastic motifs and open like a book. When a material is placed in the embossing folder and passed through the machine, the design in the folder is embossed on the material. Instead of cutting the material this time, it leaves a design on it. There is a separate sandwich that is created or used for both the punch and embossing folder. You need to read the manual that came with your Cricut device to know how to use it.
Components and accessories for punching machines
The most popular component of a punching device is the punching machine. These are thin metals that come in a variety of shapes and designs with a raised or sharp edge that cuts the design of the die into your material. To get the most out of your equipment, you need a supply or set of dies for the different shapes and designs you want to cut if your device is either manual or electronic. You do not need to use matrices for digital machines. Some matrices can be combined with a small metal strip. To use them, you need to cut them with a wire cutter or any cutting tool. For the embossing part you need embossing folders with which you can work. These are hard plastics that have two sides. One of these pages has an increased impression and the other has an indented one. Embossing folders come in different sizes, with two (2 "x 6" and 5 "x 7") being used most often. However, these can vary slightly depending on the manufacturer. When buying embossing folders, always remember to take a measuring tool such as a ruler or a measuring tape with you. This is because the manufacturers of these folders do not put sizes on the packaging and you want to be sure that everything you buy fits in your equipment.
Other components and accessories that can be supplied with a punch press include blades, pens, scribing tools, and cartridges that are used for the digital types.
Buy a cutting machine
Cutting machines are available in some very good brands, whether manual, electronic or digital. When buying a cutting machine, you have to consider the following factors:
- Whether you need a manual or a digital one. This may depend on the scope and type of projects you have carried out.
- Component and part availability.
- size
- user friendliness
- The materials you will be working with, as not all of these devices can cut all available materials.
- price
Conclusion
Cutting and embossing machines are good tools if you are serious about handicrafts and if you want to produce beautiful, beautiful and perfect cuts. Although there are many brands, Cricut is characterized by a versatile and professional brand that offers you numerous options with its components and plenty of space to express your creativity. Check out what they have to offer and compare them against other brands to make sure you get the best for yourself.
