Vinyl cutting is a process that uses specialized machines known as plotter machines to cut designs and shapes from vinyl sheets. Vinyl plotters are connected to a computer and they use a blade to cut the vinyl into precise shapes, allowing for a wide variety of designs and applications.
Vinyl cutting services are offered by a variety of businesses, including sign shops, print shops, and online retailers. You can also purchase your own small sticker cutter / plotter cutter online or from graphics equipment supply stores if you do a lot of crafting projects that require vinyl.
How Vinyl Cutting Works
The vinyl cutting process begins with an artwork/design that is created using vector graphics software like Adobe Illustrator or Corel Draw. This design is then sent to a vinyl cutting machine/ plotter cutter machine via a computer with special cutting software. The vinyl cutter plotter uses a small blade to cut the vinyl following the lines on the artwork.
The cut vinyl is then weeded, which involves removing any excess vinyl that is not part of the design. Finally, the vinyl design is applied to the chosen surface using transfer tape. The surface can be a piece of alucobond or forex material or even acrylic to create a sign. It can also be a wall for wall branding, a glass window or door for glass branding or even a car body or window for vehicle branding. If you have cut heat transfer vinyl for t-shirts branding, then your surface would then be a t-shirt.
Read more on the vinyl cut outs applications below.
Applications of Vinyl Cutting
Vinyl cut stickers can be used to create a variety of products, including:
- Signs: Vinyl signs are a popular choice for businesses because they are durable and can be used both indoors and outdoors as they are weather resistant.
- Decals: Cut vinyl decals or stickers can be used for a variety of purposes, such as product labelling, car decals, and window stickers.
- Banners: Vinyl banners are a great way to promote events or businesses and can be used both indoors and outdoors as they are weather resistant.
- Wall graphics: Vinyl wall graphics can be used to decorate homes or businesses.
- Vehicle Branding: Vinyl vehicle wraps can be used to advertise businesses or personalize vehicles again because vinyl is weather resistant.
- T-shirts Vinyl-Used for branding t-shirts with a heat press for product promotion or personalisation. Heat press vinyl is usually cut in reverse with a vinyl cutter for t shirts.
- Vinyl for Crafting: Many crafting and DIY enthusiasts use small vinyl plotter machines meant for home every day in their projects so they have easy access to custom cut vinyl decals/stickers.
Benefits of Vinyl Cutting
There are many benefits to using cut or plotted vinyl for your projects.
- Vinyl is a durable material that can last for many years. It is also weather-resistant, making it a good choice for outdoor applications.
- Vinyl is also relatively inexpensive, making it a cost-effective way to create custom designs and graphics for businesses and personal projects.
Choosing a Vinyl Cutting Service
When choosing a vinyl cutting service, it is important to consider the following factors:
- Experience: Choose a company that has a lot of experience in vinyl cutting.
- Equipment: Make sure the company has state-of-the-art commercial vinyl cutter or cutting machine/cutter for vinyl as opposed to the small vinyl cutters meant for home use.
- Materials: Ask about the types and brand of vinyl that the company uses. Also ask about available colours. Are they suitable for you projects?
- Turnaround time: Find out how long it will take to complete your project.
- Price: Get quotes from several companies before making a decision.
Tips for Using Vinyl Cutting Services
Here are a few tips for using vinyl cutting services:
- Provide high-quality artwork: The better the quality of your artwork, the better the final product will be. The best artwork for vinyl cutting should be vector graphics saved in PDF file.
- Be clear about your needs: Make sure you communicate your needs clearly to the company.
- Get a proof: Always get a proof of your design before it is cut. It is also a good idea to ask for a physical sample before full production is done.
- Allow plenty of time: Vinyl cutting can take some time so is sure to allow plenty of time for your project.
Conclusion
Vinyl cutting services are a great way to create custom designs for a variety of applications.
To find Vinyl cutting services:
- Search for “Vinyl cutting services near me” or “Vinyl cutting Nairobi”
- Check online directories for sign shops and branding companies.
- Ask for recommendations from other businesses or individuals who have previously used vinyl cut out stickers.
Why choose us for your vinyl cutting project?
- Here at Cut To Fit Graphics, we do all vinyl cutting services including kiss cut vinyl stickers and own a large vinyl cutting plotter that can cut vinyl rolls up to 1.5m in width.
- We help with artworks, converting your ideas or sketches into vector artworks ready for production.
- We stock or have access to various kinds of vinyl material in various colours. We have coloured vinyl in matt & gloss finish, white vinyl in matt & gloss vinyl, clear/ transparent vinyl in matt and gloss, reflective coloured vinyl, glow-in-the-dark vinyl and special coloured vinyl like, silver, gold and dark grey.
- We make samples for your approval before final production.
- We have experience working with vinyl cutter machines and will ensure that you get the best possible results from your vinyl cut outs project.
Get in touch via 0715 095968 for all your vinyl cutting projects.
