Can you cut acrylic with Cricut Maker? There is a lot of debate about whether or not you can cut acrylic with the Cricut Maker.
Some people say you can, while others say that it is not possible.
In this blog post, we will explore both sides of the argument and provide you with information on how to cut acrylic with your Cricut Maker.
Can You Cut Acrylic With Cricut Machines?
Yes, you can cut acrylic with the Cricut Explore Air 2 and the Cricut Maker, though for both machines the acrylic can’t be thicker than .02mm.
Thicker acrylic sheets will chip, crack, and may not cut at all.
Some people have attempted to cut thicker sheets of acrylic, but the wear and tear on the Cricut is not worth the iffy results.
Thinner sheets cut well, but they can curl or look a bit ragged on the edge.
Remove the protective plastic from the acrylic sheet before cutting because the adhesive can make the blade get sticky.
It also can drag the adhesive sheet across the acrylic creating smudges that are hard to remove.
Read More: Can Cricut Explore Air 2 Cut Magnet? Yes! Follow these steps to make DIY magnets.
Why Would You Cut Acrylic With a Cricut?
Acrylic is a popular material for crafting and home decor projects, due to its versatility and durability.
It is popular for making ornaments, clear cake toppers, shadow boxes, and clear rewritable signs.
Check out our guide for How to Make Acrylic Earrings With Cricut!
Cricut Maker blades can cut acrylic materials, though the edges tend to be rough.
Using the right cutting settings on your Cricut machine is essential for achieving smooth edges and clean cuts in acrylic plastic.
Additionally, some crafters also use engraving tools or specialized engraving settings to create detailed designs in their acrylic pieces.
Regardless of which cutting machine you choose, the knife blade must be strong enough to cut through the acrylic without breaking, and it will take many passes to get through the acrylic cleanly.
Do You Need A Knife Blade To Cut Acrylic Sheets?
A knife blade is a must for getting through acrylic cleanly. The sharper the knife tool, the better results you’ll have cutting acrylic.
When it comes to cutting and engraving materials, the Cricut machine is a versatile tool that is capable of handling a wide range of different substrates.
From paper and fabric to thicker materials like basswood and acrylic, the Cricut can easily handle projects of all shapes and sizes, but it does take a knife blade and many passes to get a clean cut all the way through.
Tips for Cutting Acrylic With a Cricut Maker
Remember that Cricut doesn’t sell vinyl nor have a vinyl setting on the Cricut machine.
Cutting acrylic that is too thick could break your machine, and it may not be covered under warranty.
Having said that, there are a few tips we can give for cutting acrylic with your Cricut maker.
- Only cut thin acrylic with your Cricut. The thickest you can cut and expect a nice finish is .02mm thick.
- Use the basswood setting on your Cricut and expect it will take a few passes to cut through the material.
- Use a sharp knife blade to do the cutting. The duller the blade is, the higher odds you’ll get chipped or rough edges.
- Remove the plastic film from the acrylic before cutting to keep from making the knife sticky, giving you a bad cut.
- Place the acrylic on a purple StrongGrip mat and tape the edges with painter’s tape to keep it from moving around during cutting.
- Use a weeding tool to gently lift an edge of the design before removing it from the cutting mat to ensure that the acrylic is cut all the way through. If it isn’t, you’ll need to add a pass or two to free your design.
Acrylic is not the easiest material to cut, but it’s perfect for making clear designs like ornaments, and reusable projects like backlit signboards.
Read More: How to Make Large Farmhouse Signs With Cricut. Farmhouse chic is BACK and here’s a fun project to make your decor rustic!
Wrapping Up
Think thin when choosing acrylic for your Cricut project. The thinner the sheet, the cleaner cut you’ll get with your Cricut.
A 12×12 sheet is a perfect size to load on your purple mat for cutting.
Whether you’re cutting acrylic for a home project or as part of your business, Cricut has all the tools and resources you need to make your next acrylic or craft project a success.
