Using a Cricut Maker machine to cut acrylic is a great way to create eye-catching projects, such as jewelry and decorations. Although the Maker can cut a variety of materials, including cardstock, vinyl, and fabric, it can also be used to cut acrylic. However, there are some important considerations when using your Maker to cut acrylic.
Types of Acrylic
Before attempting to cut acrylic with your Maker, it’s important to understand the different types of acrylic available. The two main forms are cast and extruded acrylic.
Cast is typically more expensive than extruded and is less prone to cracking or breaking when being cut. Extruded acrylic can be harder on your machine’s blade but will work well if you take the right precautions.
Blade Settings
The type of blade you use will play a large role in how well your Maker cuts through the acrylic. The Deep Cut Blade is recommended for cutting thicker materials such as cast acrylic and wood veneer.
The Fine Point Blade works best for thinner materials like vinyl or paper. For both blades, you should adjust the speed setting to ‘3’ or ‘4’ and increase the pressure setting to ensure that the blade can make a clean cut.
Safety Precautions
Before cutting any type of material with your Cricut Maker machine, it’s important to take safety precautions. Make sure that you have protective eyewear and gloves on before beginning your project.
Additionally, be sure not to place any part of your body near the blade while it is in motion. Finally, when finished cutting the material make sure that all parts are securely stored away from pets or children.
Conclusion
In conclusion, yes, Cricut Maker can be used to cut acrylic with some careful planning and preparation beforehand including selecting an appropriate blade type and adjusting settings accordingly as well as taking necessary safety precautions while using this tool.