At-home hobbyists, crafters, and even professionals entering the sign-making industry alike need to familiarize themselves with rolls of vinyl and sheet cutters. This material and equipment is extremely common in vinyl and digital print shops due to their versatility.
Whether you’re working with Avery Dennison or 3M vinyl, or Roland or Summa S3 cutters, you can accomplish the projects listed below with a vinyl roll and sheet cutter.
What Are Vinyl Rolls and Sheet Cutters?
A vinyl roll is a roll of a synthetic resin or plastic that consists of polyvinyl chloride or other types of polymer. This material is generally weather-resistant, vibrant, and can come in a variety of finishes, such as glossy or matte. A roll of vinyl isn’t an exact measurement of how much vinyl you get per roll, so be sure to refer to the manufacturer’s information to know how much vinyl you are ordering.
A sheet cutter is an integral piece of equipment used for making signs. High-quality vinyl cutters can take computer-designed vector files with patterns or lettering and cut them directly onto a roll of vinyl. The vinyl is then fed through the cutter using a USB or serial cable.
Best Uses for Vinyl Roll and Sheet Cutter
Because sheet cutters are standard in crafting and sign-making, there’s no shortage of projects they can complete. Vinyl, however, can be limiting depending on the type of vinyl you’re working with. Not all types of vinyl are ideal for outdoor applications, such as billboards or outdoor signage, and not all are appropriate for fabric, like graphic t-shirts.
Let’s explore some of the best applications for popular types of vinyl that you can use with your sheet cutter.
Heat Transfer Vinyl Projects
Heat transfer vinyl (HTV) is a specialty polyurethane with a heat-activated adhesive. It is commonly used on fabrics and other materials to apply designs or graphics for promotional materials.
If your business makes promotional materials using apparel, such as hoodies, t-shirts, or tote bags, you need HTV. All you need to complete these projects is a roll of HTV, a heat press machine, and your sheet cutter. You can also find printable vinyl that uses an inkjet printer and a heat press machine
Removable Vinyl Projects
Removable vinyl is exactly what you’d expect–vinyl with one side that is coated with an adhesive that can be easily peeled off without leaving behind glue or sticker-marks. This type of vinyl is ideal for temporary projects or signs, like decorative wall decals, because they can be removed without causing damage to the paint or substrate underneath.
This type of vinyl is popular amongst craft-enthusiasts and hobbyists because you can easily make fun or cute decorations and stickers for windows, walls, and cars. However, because it is easy to remove this type of vinyl, it’s best to use them for indoor projects. This type of vinyl is not as weather-resistant and durable.
Permanent Vinyl Projects
Permanent vinyl is ideal for long-lasting and outdoor applications. It’s very similar to removable vinyl, except the glue used on the adhesive side is much stronger. Premium, permanent vinyl is waterproof and weather-resistant, making it perfect for outdoor signs, vehicle decals, and floor decals.
It can usually last for three or more years, depending on weather conditions or frequent contact with other things (hands, foot traffic, weather conditions, etc). Permanent vinyl is also used on smaller crafts and projects, like prints on mugs, tumblers, and wine glasses, because they’re meant to last on high-contact areas.
In Conclusion
For all your printing and cutting equipment and accessory news, AirMark is your one-stop shop. Check out our catalog today or reach out for expert advice, no matter your project!
