18
head to a different location, do so while the head is still in the up position (the first window of the
Replace Tool
process).
If the mat is used for setting the
Z Origin
when cutting, it’s not necessary to reset the origin when
changing materials, as long as the blade holder remains positioned in the blade holder seat on the
Force.
Understand the Cut Settings
•
There are recommended settings for a wide range of materials at the end of this chapter. However, the
quality of a cut can be affected by the newness of the blade, the condition of the mat, humidity (which adds
moisture to many materials), and qualities of the material including color, texture, and consistency.
Therefore, it’s very important to know which setting(s) to adjust in order to improve a cut.
•
In
Section 2.03
and
2.05
, the cut settings are presented in detail. At the end of this chapter are
recommended settings. When adjusting settings, go up in small increments (~ 5 at a time). Under no
circumstances attempt
to use “extreme values” to see what will happen.
Perform Test Cuts!
•
Test cuts are an important part of getting successful cuts every time you cut. Get into the habit of doing
them because you certainly don’t want to cut a huge project if the test cut indicates a test cut isn’t clean.
Saving scraps of each material you cut will provide you a way to test cut without taking up room on a new
sheet of the material.
•
The SCAL Library has lots of free shapes you can use for testing.
One recommendation is to start with the
Ring
shape. After you pull up the test cut, you can easily check to see if the interior circle has cut too deeply.
Once you have optimized the settings for the ring, try another more detailed shape, such as the asterisk. If
you are cutting across the width of the material, also test a wide thin rectangle to make sure the cutting
depth is sufficent for both sides.
•
Go to
Appendix D4
for a flowchart procedure for test cutting with the Force blade holder. Print this flowchart
and use it when troubleshooting a test cut.
Appendix D5
contains a similar procedure when using the rotary
tool.
Record Your Successes
•
As you begin to have successful cuts, take note of the settings used:
There is a blank form at the end of this chapter that you can print and use to record your cutting results.
At the end of
Chapter 12
is a blank form for recording your results with the Force embosser, engraver,
piercer and your own personal markers, glue pens, etc. At the end of
Chapter 13
is a blank form for
recording results with the rotary tool.
There are suggested settings for a range of materials at the end of
these same chapters. Use these as
starting guides but remember that your results may vary based on the many factors which can affect
cutting.
•
You can also create new presets based on your successful cuts. Refer to
Section 2.04.
•
You can submit your successful settings by emailing them to
•
You can view settings for various materials and accessories at this link:
Keep the Cutting Mat Clean and Sticky
•
Materials like vinyl have a backing sheet that isn’t penetrated during cutting. These backed materials do not
need to be placed on the cutting mat if at least two pinch wheels can grip them during the cut. However, if a
material doesn’t have a backing sheet (and most do not), then the material must be stabilized by pressing
onto a sticky mat for cutting.
Содержание KNK Force
Страница 306: ...306...
