Cricut Maker, Cricut Explore, and Cricut Joy are part of Cricut's die-cutting family. Maker 3 and Explore 3 are the newest addition to the Cricut family. We are very much aware of these models, but do you know about the original Cricut Machine? If not, then read this blog to learn about Cricut's History. In this, we will go through all the Cricut models launched by the company over the years. Cricut no longer sells these models. So, without any further due, let's begin.
Cricut Personal
In 2003, Provo Craft & Novelty launched the original Cricut, the Cricut Personal. Later the company name was changed to Cricut. The machine was chunky, had a lot of buttons, and used cartridges. But at that time, its design was fairly novel and took the crafting world by storm. Unlike today's Cricut machine, which can be used for everything, the original Cricut machine was designed for cardmaking and scrapbooking. It was designed as a standalone machine and was quite small, with a very limited cutting area. The machine has a cutting mat of 6’’x12″.
Cricut Create
In January 2005, Cricut Create was launched. Cricut Create was the same size as Cricut Personal but had a slightly different design and came with new colors. The company made major improvements in the display screen, tech, and design features. Cricut Create came with an 8-way directional blade, which can cut many materials, including cardstock, vinyl, and chipboard. And according to various sources, it could even cut fabric if it is stiff enough. Like Cricut Personal, the machine had a 6’’x12″ sticky mat and a cartridge.
Cricut Expression
Next came Cricut Expression, launched in 2010. It came with more significant changes, such as a 12’’x14″ cutting ability and a wider range of materials. Cricut Expression could be used as a standalone tool and can also be used by connecting with a computer. The machine used Cricut Craft Room software and was better at making smaller cuts. The machine could cut thicker materials such as vellum and poster board.
Cricut Imagine
Back in 2010, Cricut also launched Cricut Imagine. This is unique; it is the first and only Cricut machine to date that can print and cut. Cricut partnered with HP to manufacture black and tri-color ink specially designed for Imagine. The Cricut Imagine was compatible with all original Cricut cartridges. It could print and cut on a single pass. The machine would print out a selected image and then cut around the image. The machine featured an LCD screen and a stylus for navigation on the screen. Although it's quite an innovative product, it has a lot of issues.
Cricut Cake Machine
In 2010 Cricut Cake Machine launched another great offering by Cricut. It differed from previous models; unlike other Cricut machines used for cardmaking and scrapbooking, the Cricut Cake machine was used to decorate cakes, cookies, and cupcakes. The machine could cut frosting sheets, gum paste, fondant, and more. At its launch, the machine was not that popular as most people cut icing by hand, and most of us wouldn't want to spend hundreds of dollars on a machine to cut icing. However, it was a novel idea; sadly, it failed.
Cricut Expression 2
Cricut launched Expression 2 in 2011. With the new model, Cricut kept improving the design, although it was still far from desirable. It's still one of the very popular machines to date. The machine came with 200+ pre-loaded designs. You can resize, rotate, flip, and mirror designs using the Cricut Craft Room. Note that Cricut no longer sells this product. The Expression 2 has an LCD full-color touchscreen, making things easier for crafters. Although the machine did not come with Deep Cut Blade, you can purchase it separately to cut thicker materials. If you replace the blades with appropriate pens, you can also use the machine for drawing.
Cricut Mini
Don't confuse it with the Cricut EasyPress Mini. Cricut EasyPress Mini is a heat press used to make custom T-shirts, whereas Cricut Mini is a miniature version of the regular cutting machine. Before Cricut Joy, the company attempted to create a portable and compact Cricut machine in 2015, but it failed then. Cricut Mini was advertised as a quieter, more compact, and more portable machine. The machine can cut up to 8.5×12 inch paper and other materials.
Cricut Explore One
In 2015 Cricut launched Explore One with an elegant, stylish, and functional design. The modern Cricut cutting machine, including the Maker, incorporates the same design. Cricut Explore One had better integration with home computers and was much easier to use than previous models. With the Cricut Explore One in the Cricut Image Library, you can select from tens of thousands of design files or find your SVGs and free fonts. The machine also had storage compartments for extra blades, pens, and other materials.
SOURCE: https://cricutcomregister.wordpress.com/2023/05/04/original-cricut-machine/
