With advancements in technology, the sign-making industry has seen a significant shift towards digital techniques. One tool that has become increasingly popular is the plotter, but can a plotter actually cut magnetic materials?
Below, we will explore the capabilities of plotters and a few alternatives for cutting magnetic material.
Can Plotters Cut Magnet Material?
Yes, you can cut magnet material with a plotter. When you think of the word ‘plotter,’ cutting is not something that comes to mind. After all, a plotter's job is to plot–or rather, to create drawings on a material.
However, plotters can do so much more. We have cutting plotters in the market today, such as the large Summa flatbed cutter. These plotters first plot out a drawing on a material and then cut it using blades. In addition to cutting magnet material, modern plotters can be used to cut window film, paper, cardstock, vinyl, and more.
When using a cutting plotter to cut magnet material, you will need replacement blades and cutting strips to ensure that the blade remains sharp and clean. If you use a worn-out blade or cutting strip, you will have an unclean cutting edge that can cause the machine to malfunction and result in wasted time and money.
Alternatives to a Plotter for Cutting Magnet Material
If you don't have access to a plotter or are searching for other economical alternatives, there are other ways to cut your magnet material. These include:
1. Using a Utility Knife
Cutting magnetic material with a utility knife is an easy and affordable way to get the job done. Here's how:
- Place your magnetic sheet on top of whatever substrate you're using so that it's facing upward.
- Place the straight edge where you want to cut, and then hold it in place with one hand.
- Using your other hand, cut along the straight edge with your knife.
- Remove the straight edge when you're finished cutting. This will allow you to fold up your magnet at the score line and tear it apart easily.
2. Using a Paper Cutter
A paper cutter is another alternative for cutting magnet material. It's easy-to-use, and it has the added benefit of cutting through multiple layers of magnet material at once.
A heavy-duty paper cutter will work the best for this task. Just place the magnet flat over the base of the paper cutter, keeping its magnetic side face-down and the colored one facing up. Then, hold onto it with one hand while pushing down on the steel edge of the paper cutter with your other hand until you've reached your desired length.
One downside to using a paper cutter is you lose precision. You won’t be able to create complex cuts with a paper cutter or utility knife like you can do with a plotter, which is something to keep in mind.
Tips for Successful Cutting of Magnet Material
No matter what method you're using to cut magnet material, here are some tips that will provide good results and keep you safe:
- Use a sharp blade. The sharper the blade, the better the cut. If the blade is not sharp, it will slide on the magnet material instead of cutting it.
- To cut the edge of your design elegantly, you must apply the proper pressure on the material. The minute you lose pressure, your design will lose sharpness and become something you wouldn't want to see.
- Generally, the higher the cutting speed, the better the results. This will not be a problem if you’re using a plotter to cut.
In Summary
Cutting magnet materials can be done with a plotter or other methods, such as a utility knife or paper cutter–just make sure that you use a sharp blade and the right amount of pressure for successful results. If you ever need professional guidance, you can always rely on our team of experts here at Airmark!
Ready to dive into the difference between a flatbed plotter and a drum plotter, or what the best tool to cut MDF is? We’ve got you–take a look at our recent posts!
