TABLE OF CONTENTS

Machine Functions and Limitations

Material Limitations

For a list of Silhouette approved materials click here

Machine Limitations

First, there’s the machine’s limitations in regard to the roller bar clearance. If a material can be fed into the machine and rolled through the machine, this doesn’t mean that the material CAN be cut, just that this is the first restriction in determining the material’s viability. 

Machine limitations are as follows:


  • 5 mm - Curio

  • 3 mm - Cameo 4 series 

  • 2 mm - Portrait 2 - 3, Cameo 3

  • 1 mm - Portrait 1, Cameo 1- 2


Blade Limitations

Next, there’s the blade’s limitation. Standard blades can only be exposed to a maximum of 1 mm in length. This means that the blade would only be able to cut materials that were up to 1 mm in thickness, Some specialty blades can be set to longer lengths. 

Blade capabilities are as follows:


  • 1 mm - AutoBlade, Regular Blade (Ratchet), Premium Blade, 1mm Manual Blade, Rotary Blade

  • 2 mm - Deep Cut Blade, 2mm Manual Blade, 2mm Kraft Blade

  • 3 mm - 3mm Kraft Blade


Material Types & Settings Video


Below is a video to review the information above and show you where the settings can be found in the software.



Auto Tool Detection

Current and newer cutting machine models* include an Automated Tool Detection feature. 


This feature automatically updates the software's tool selection based on the blade or tool that is loaded into the machine. 


* Feature included with Cameo 4, Cameo 4 Plus, Cameo Pro, and Portrait 3 models.

How it Works


Each tool that is compatible with machines that offer the Auto Tool Detection feature includes a metallic strip on the back.



This strip is read by the machine when the tool is inserted and is communicated to the Silhouette Studio software. When a tool is automatically detected, it will be automatically selected in the software. You will see the word “Auto” preceding the tool name when this occurs.


This feature allows you to conveniently proceed with the cutting flow without needing to specify which tool you are using.

Intelligent Path Technology™ (IPT)

 

Intelligent Path Technology™ (IPT) is a new algorithmic technology that provides newer Silhouette cutting machine models with specialized cutting order protocols for crisper cutting results.


This patented technology optimizes the cutting order on your job to prevent paper tears. This makes it possible for equipped models to cut sharper angles in thin materials such as copy paper with a large reduction in snags or tears. It is especially suitable for designs that require cutting the same shape repeatedly, as it works to reduce directional friction.


You can enable IPT under the advanced materials settings in Silhouette Studio, or under 'Modify Settings' in Silhouette Go.

Compatible Machines

The following machines are equipped with IPT:



IPT is not backwards compatible with older cutting machine models.

Matless Cutting

All Silhouette roll-through cutting machine models offer matless cutting options. This means that you can cut certain material types without needing a cutting mat. 


There are two types of Matless Cutting -- Kiss Cut and Pop-out Cut.

Kiss Cut

A 'Kiss Cut' is when you cut through the material, but not through the backing.

You can perform a 'Kiss Cut' if your material is:


a) wide enough to be gripped by the machine's rollers, AND 

b) has its own backing (i.e. sticker sheet or vinyl) 


A few examples are shown below:


This sticker sheet has been loaded directly without a cutting mat and is performing a Kiss Cut on the material.


This vinyl is being fed directly into the machine without a cutting mat and is performing a Kiss Cut on the material.


The default cut settings for select materials that have their own backing, such as sticker sheets or vinyl, are set to cut through the material, but not the backing.

Pop-Out Cut


Current cutting models* also have the ability to cut additional material types that are wide enough to be gripped by the rollers but do not have any material backing, such as cardstock. This means you can cut the material all the way through, even without a cutting mat.


* Cameo 4 and above; Portrait 3 and above only. This feature is not available for older cutting machine models.


Loading Material Without a Cutting Mat


When cutting materials that are fed directly into the cutting machine, make sure that you have defined your cutting mat setting as 'None' and the correct material size in the software.


The leading edge of the material should be straight across and not cut at an angle.


Align the left-hand side of the material with the left-most guide mark.


The right-hand pinch roller should be in the appropriate position for your material width. If your material is slightly smaller than the pinch roller setting, you will need to move to a smaller pinch roller position. If the size of the material is smaller than the smallest pinch roller setting, you will need to use the cutting mat.


With the right-hand pinch roller in its proper position, the right-hand side of the material should be properly gripped. Both rollers should be gripping the sides of the material evenly. 


Be careful not to shift the left side of your material beyond the loading mark guideline. Otherwise, it can obstruct the AutoBlade’s ability to set itself.


With the material aligned properly, press the leading top edge of the material up against the pinch rollers and press the load button, or UP arrow, on the machine. The material should be pulled into the machine and ready to receive your job


Machine Crosscutter

About the Crosscutter


A built-in crosscutter tool is included with the Cameo 4 series models.




A manual removable crosscutter tool is included with the Cameo 2 and Cameo 3 models.



Replacements


Crosscutters may require replacement as the blade inside wears down, or if the crosscutter tool is lost.

Click here to purchase a replacement crosscutter.

Replacement Instructions for Cameo 4


To replace the crosscutter on the Cameo 4 model:


  1. Turn your machine around to face the back of the machine
  2. Make sure that the crosscutter levers are in the UP position
  3. Find the outline of the crosscutter cartridge
    NOTE: This is a long rectangular shape that is inserted in the machine that runs the width of the machine
  4. On the upper right and left-hand corners, press the tabs downward at the same time and pull forward
    NOTE: The tabs are different from the levers that lower the crosscutter blade into position
  5. Remove the crosscutter cartridge from the machine, including the rectangular frame and crosscutter blade
  6. Take the new crosscutter cartridge and blade with the tabs pointing upward and press it into same place where the original cartridge was removed.
    NOTE: Angle the cartridge so that the bottom goes in first, and then press the top until it clicks into place

Glass Etching

Silhouette cutting machines can be used to cut out templates for glass etching projects.



NOTE: Glass etching effects are permanent and cannot be scraped off or washed away. If you are looking to create a similar temporary effect on a glass surface, you can use Frosted Vinyl instead.

Creating Glass Etching Projects

Warning: This product is not intended for use by children under the age of 13. Etching cream should only be used by persons between 13 - 17 with adult supervision. This product will cause chemical burns to the skin if contacted directly. Rubber gloves are recommended when using this product to avoid direct skin contact. Etching results from etching cream are permanent (cannot be scraped off or washed away).


To create glass etching projects with a Silhouette machine:

  1. Open Silhouette Studio

  2. Create your stencil project
    NOTE: Remember that when creating your stencil project, you are going to weed away the design rather than the excess material. Because of this, you'll want to center your project in your workspace so you have enough area around the edges of the design to protect the glass (or similar surface material) from etching material spreading beyond the intended design area.
  3. Cut your design out of Stencil Vinyl
  4. Weed away the design from the material (rather than weeding away the excess material as you normally would with other vinyl material jobs). This will create the stencil for your project. 
  5. Apply the stencil vinyl onto your project surface

    IMPORTANT: If there is not enough vinyl material padding the edges of your design, you may need to add masking tape to extend and protect the glass surface areas that could be otherwise touched by etching cream.
  6. Put on protective gloves
  7. Stir your Etching Cream with a popsicle stick (or similar)
    CAUTION: Do not use a metallic instrument to stir the etching cream
  8. Apply etching cream onto the project surface
  9. Allow to sit for 1 to 5 minutes, depending on the level of etching desired
    NOTE: Shorter set times will provide a finer, more subtle etching effect. Longer set times may provide a more pronounced etching effect.
  10. Remove etching cream from project surface
  11. Gently wipe glass with a paper towel and move to a sink to rinse off the rmaining etching cream
  12. Remove your gloves
  13. Remove the stencil material and any additional tape that was applied
  14. Wipe the resulting project surface with glass cleaner, as desired
  15. Enjoy your project!

You can also download the free Silhouette 101 eBook 'Guide to Glass Etching' for full instructions.

Glass Etching Products


Silhouette offers a Glass Etching Starter Kit, which includes all of the components necessary (aside from a Silhouette cutting machine) to create etched projects with glass, mirrors, or other similar surfaces such as glass cookware.


You can also obtain additional Etching Cream and additional Stencil Vinyl to continue to create additional etching projects.

Glass Etching Video



Crystal Formations


Glass Etching Cream contains small crystalline particles. These may coagulate due to naturally occurring phenomena in etching cream where crystals attract and bond to each other.

 

If these formations in the etching cream become a problem, the crystals can be dissolved as follows:

  1. Tightly close the cap to the bottle 
  2. Place the bottle in very warm water (approx. 110° F)
  3. Leave the bottle in the water for 90 - 120 minutes (depending on the volume of crystals)
    NOTE: Remove the bottle from the water and shake it to reblend the contents every 15-20 minutes. Never add water to the etching cream.
  1. Remove the bottle from the warm water and shake it well
  2. Dry the bottle off to remove all moisture from the outside of the bottle
  3. Unscrew the cap off the bottle
  4. Stir the contents of the bottle with a wooden stick
    NOTE: You will want to mix the cream until it is as consistent as possible. Never use a metallic spoon or another metallic instrument to stir the etching cream.

As the etching cream is applied to your project surface, the cream should be gently moved around on the glass with your application tool. Larger crystal chunks that have not been resolved can be gently removed from the stencil and returned to the bottle or discarded.