User Manual


TABLE OF CONTENTS

The Silhouette Curio™ 2 is a flatbed desktop crafting machine that allows you to cut and work on the surface of various materials with incredible precision. The Curio is designed for the modern maker providing a new level of control for electronic cutting with its all-new electrostatic bed to hold materials. 




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Tool Compatibility


The Curio 2 comes with an AutoBlade (Type B). This is the same blade model used for the Portrait 3 - 4 and Cameo 4 - 5.


The Curio 2 is compatible with the following tools:

  • AutoBlade (Type B)
  • Manual Blade (1mm & 2mm)
  • Kraft Blade (2mm & 3mm, all models)
  • Rotary Blade
  • Heat Pen
  • Power Engraver
  • Pen Holder (Type C)
  • Leather Punch Tool
  • Embossing Tool Set (Type C)


NOTE: The Curio 2 was not designed for intended use with older Curio 1 tools. While older Curio 1 tools may technically fit into the Curio 2 with the use of a Tool Adapter, this action is not supported. Silhouette cannot guarantee proper operation or favorable results when using older Curio 1 tools with the Curio 2.


Powering on the Curio 2

The Curio 2 model requires a long press of the power button (approximately 3 seconds) for activation. This design change ensures deliberate on/off action and allows for a quick tap as an emergency stop.


When powered on, the carriage bar of the machine will move forward and then back to reset itself, similar to the carriage movements in other Silhouette cutting machines.


NOTICE: Please be advised that the Curio 2 requires a different power cord than other Silhouette cutting machine models. Please always use the correct power cord that was included in your original purchase.

Curio 2 Emergency Stop Feature

The Curio 2 includes an Emergency Stop feature.


Tap the on/off button during a job for an immediate emergency stop. When the emergency stop is used, the machine will disconnect from the Silhouette Studio software and will not reconnect until the flashing button is pressed on the cutting machine.

Curio 2 Trays

The Curio 2 cutting machine has two tray options to use as your cutting base. These two tray types are the Electrostatic Tray (or ES Tray)  and the Debris Tray. Selection is based on your target material and project type.

Electrostatic Tray


An Electrostatic Tray (highlighted in red below) is included as a standard cutting base with the purchase of a Curio 2. 

The ES Tray can be used with most materials and tools, except the Power Engraver. 



This tray is powered and can be turned on by the press of a button on the machine. Once powered on, wait for about 60 seconds for full grip strength (adsorption) after initially placing your material down.


When using the ES Tray, you must always either use a Protector Sheet.


When using an ES Tray, the ordering of placing your material onto the Curio 2 cutting area is as follows:


TOP - Material

MIDDLE - Protector Sheet OR Cutting Mat

BOTTOM - ES Tray


WARNING: Materials should NEVER be placed directly onto the ES Tray. Cutting into the ES Tray can immediately impair the proper operation of this component.


NOTE: Avoid using both a Protector Sheet and a Cutting Mat simultaneously. This setup can negatively impact the media thickness detection and/or weaken the grip strength (adsorption) on the material.

Debris Tray


The Debris Tray (highlighted in red below) is an optional accessory that can be purchased separately. 


This tray can replace the standard Electrostatic Tray. The Debris Tray is intended for use with material or substrate surfaces when power tools are in use -- such as using a Heat Pen to draw a design on a notebook cover or using a Power Engraver on a metallic material surface. The Debris Tray safeguards the cutting machine from dust and prevents potential damage to the ES Tray when using power tools.



This tray is not powered and has no natural grip. You will need to anchor materials onto the Debris Tray with the help of the provided tape.


When using a Debris Tray, the ordering of placing your material onto the Curio 2 cutting area is as follows:


TOP - Material

SIDES - Tape down (if needed for stabilization)

BOTTOM - Debris Tray


A Cutting Mat can also be used with the Debris Tray to help hold materials in place during the job. The mat can be held in place by using masking tape.

Loading the Debris Tray

To load the Debris Tray onto the Curio 2:


  1. Unlock the tray lock clips found at the front of the machine on either side of the workspace
  2. Slide the Electrostatic Tray out by pulling the tray towards the front of the machine. 
  3. Store the Electrostatic Try away safely once removed
  4. Place the Debris Tray with the lip facing front and flat side up
  5. Holding the tray on the right/left sides, slide your fingers underneath until you can feel the guide rails on the Debris Tray
  6. Slide the guide rails into the guide slots on the machine
    NOTE: Be sure to hold the tray flat for proper guide rail alignment
  7. Slide the Tray toward the back of the machine. The tray will snap lightly when reaching the back. The front should be flush with the machine
  8. Lock the clips in place to keep the Tray securely fastened in the machine

Material Thickness Detection Feature

The Curio 2 model includes a Material Thickness Detection feature.

How It Works


This Curio 2 uses an optical sensor to detect the thickness of the material you place onto your workspace. This can be performed in one of two ways:

  1. Use the guided workflow in Silhouette Studio as you send your job to have the thickness checked automatically
  2. Manually detect the thickness of a material using the arrow keys and the 'Thickness Detection' button


Material Thickness Detection may be affected by uneven or shiny material surfaces. Before using this feature, please cover shiny surfaces with tape or another type of thin, matte surface. Always ensure your material is smooth and flat with no curves or bulges before sending your job.


In Silhouette Go, Media Thickness Detection is performed automatically unless you are using Foil or Glitter Vinyl. If you are using these materials, the manual Media Thickness Detection screens will appear at the appropriate point and guide you through the setup.

Maximum Material Thickness

The Curio 2 provides a maximum of 20 mm clearance for materials.


This does not mean that materials up to 20 mm in thickness can be cut. This means that materials that are thicker can be placed on to the workspace to have pens or one of the power tools work on the surface of the material. For example, applying foil to the cover of a notebook with the Heat Pen, or etching a piece of soft metal with a Power Engraver.


Maximum cutting thickness is determined by the blade. Depending on the blade type and material, some Silhouette blades can be exposed up to a depth of 3 mm.


Click here for more information on cutting capabilities for Silhouette cutting machines.


Curio 2 Power Cord

Compatibility With Other Models


The power cord for the Curio 2 is not compatible with any other Silhouette cutting machine models. It cannot be interchanged to be used with other models, and other models' power cords cannot be used with the Curio 2.