die-cutting paper machines

[retunga]

HI all

today on one of the online stores that I do buy from time to time they have a Cricut Expression 2 for sale at a good price, has anyone ever brought one of these machines and I know there is many other versions of this die-cutting machines?

The reason I am asking is with me doing my Engine model that is still busy been built, the number of parts that make it up is around +/-5300 parts which is a LOT, and seeing one of these machines would save a lot of time.

Has anyone brought and used a these die-cutters in the past and has it worked out for you or not?

R

[mbauer]

Great question! I'll be watching this thread for replies.

Was thinking of getting a Klick-n-Cut years ago. Prices were extremely high back then. Some model would only cut certain templates that you had to buy. These were for scrap-booking doo-dads.

Hope someone chimes in with experience....

Mike

[KCinKC46]

There have been several previous discussions on here on the same subject. You might try looking them up.

[elliott]

Here's one link Cricut Opinions Sought

There are others.

[retunga]

Hi Elliott

Thanks for the link to the past thread.
:-)

[aansorge]

www.papermodelers.com/forum/tips-techniques/12153-silhouette-have-one.html
one of the first discussions I remember.

When we were watching the build of the Eiffel tower, I remember thinking how handy these would be.

[airdave]

A "die" cutter, is a cutting machine that uses a "die".
A die is cutting tool made form the original object to be reproduced.
its generally a metal strip formed into the shape of an object
to be stamp cut out of a sheet of material.
Like a "cookie cutter".

Computer controlled plotters are adapted to be "sheet cutters"
by replacing the plotting tool with a knife blade.

These small hobby/craft cutters work with predigitized patterns.
Digital templates that the cutter can follow ...to cut specific types of papers and plastics.
The software that comes with these cutters usually has a collection of cutting templates.

To use a craft cutter to cut a paper model you will probably need:
- a digital map of the object, usually some form of vector based artwork.
- a machine that can recgnize and utilise that artwork.
- or software that can convert the artwork into a usable filetype.

Scanning and tracing is not very accurate even with the best software
so trying to turn a preprinted model into a cut template could be very frustrating.
The most accurate method would be physically tracing the artwork
(within digital editing software) and creating your own cut template
...which you would then need to convert to the correct filetype for your particular cutting software.

You also need to deal with registration...lining up artwork and cut templates.

Sounds like it would be a lot easier to buy a new Knife handle and an extra pack of blades.

[Pgtaylorart]

I have the Silhouette Cameo cutter and I think it's great. The included software is pretty good for drawing the vector paths needed to send to the cutter. There is a "print to cut" feature which adds registration marks to your artwork, then you print and send through the cutter. I was very skeptical, but the registration was pretty damn good every time. I wouldn't use it for everything, but if you have dozens of repetitive parts like wheels or wing ribs, then I highly recommend it.

-George

[airdave]

are you using it on pre-printed kits?

what files are you starting with?
I've looked at the Silhouette site, and it describes exactly what I said.
There is vector based software that you can use to create art, or use one of the included patterns.
I'm not sure what types of files you could import, but I would assume they have to be vector art?
Can you trace on top of scanned bitmap within their software? Hand draw a vector outline?

See, thats what I can do in Corel, and then I can send that to cut (on my big cutter).
But if I put a preprinted kit into the machine, and the registration is only a tiny bit off,
then I have ruined my one and only printed page.

...
Please don't think I am playing antagonist.
Because I have access to a cutter/plotter, I am very interested in a practical method of doing this with printed kits.

[Pgtaylorart]

Dave,
You can import bitmap and vector art to trace and create cutting paths. It also has an auto trace feature that traces bitmap but I haven't used it. I'm using the Cameo plug-in for Illustrator to send files to the cutter directly from Illustrator. It works very well, and you can make quick changes and re-cut without exporting your file and opening it over and over. I think Cameo has the same plug-in for Corel.
I've been cutting my own artwork from my Paper Creek building kits. It cuts almost as intricately as the laser did, but it's much easier to register. I create the model in Rhino, export vector to illustrator for cutting, and then to photoshop for creating realistic textured artwork. I'm sure you could scan a commercial kit and add cut paths, but you'd have to reprint to add the registration marks that the Silhouette needs.

PS: My computer just died so I can't post examples, but I'll be up and running again soon. Fortunately I've been able to use my ipad to browse this forum or I'd be having major withdrawals.