It is very frustrating when your Silhouette Cameo doesn’t cut properly or maybe does not cut at all. Almost every Cameo user has experienced this sometimes. Also, sometimes the machine cuts, but not like as it should. And other times, the media may not show any visible cuts. There might be many reasons why is Silhouette Cameo 3 not cutting as it once did. We have concluded some of the common causes that may be the reason in your case.
Let’s see what the problems are and how you can fix them.
Blades Are Not Adjusted Properly Or Locked Down
This is a common issue users encounter. To perform a proper cut, the blades should be pushed all the way down with no gaps between the tool holder and the blade. It is a common issue in the case of Autoblades on Cameo or Portrait models. When you newly set up the machine, you may have to press the blade firmly to set it into place, but over time it becomes easier.
In the case of the ratchet blade, put it with the fin on the casing pointed forward. When you look at the blade from the top, the fin will appear in a 6 o’clock position when properly setup. Also, they should be locked down into the tool holder.
To properly fit the blade into your Cameo or Portrait, lock the lever until you see the little circle turning blue. If the blade raises sightly when locking into place, open the lock lever and push the blade down again. If you need to lock the blade on Cameo 2, 2, or the original Portrait, then turn the black lever clockwise until it clicks into place.
Blade Is Damaged Or Broken
It is a simple thing to understand. How long the blade will last depends on the media you are cutting. Some thick materials, such as cardstock or chipboard, may dull your blade more quickly than vinyl. You may also observe that the blade is damaged or broken from using denser materials for a cut. If you suspect this issue, try using a new blade if the problem persists.
Faulty Cut Settings
The incorrect cut settings often create issues. This is why you should always perform a test cut every time you cut different materials. It would also be good to perform a test cut if you’ve been using the same blade for a long to check if the settings need to be altered.
Cut Lines Are Not Turned On
It can happen while using a Silhouette Cameo or Portrait machine. So, to check that your design has cut lines, check it in the Send Panel. Bold lines will indicate the areas that need to be cut. These bold lines sometimes can’t be seen when the line color is very light or matches the fill color.
So, if the bold lines are not shown, select the design and select either “Cut” or “Cut Edge” from the menu on the right-hand side in the Send Panel, and the bold lines will appear.
Autoblade Is Not Adjusted Properly
To view the settings of Autoblade, see the red indicator line, which is visible in the blade window. If it doesn’t match the settings you selected in the Send Panel, it is not automatically adjusting the way it should. There may be several reasons for this. For instance, if the adjustment slot is blocked anyway. This cause is only for Cameo 3 and Portrait 2.
Other possible reasons can be:
- A blade other than Autoblade is selected in the Send Panel.
- The Autoblade is put into the incorrect tool holder.
- The Autoblade is not fit properly into the tool holder.
Blade Is Dirty Or The Cap Is Loose
Certain media types may leave a residue on your blade. This condition may result in the case of using Silhouette scratch-off sticker sheets. The small traces of vinyl or paper may also collect inside the blade assembly over time. Therefore, don’t forget to clean the blades thoroughly. When you are done cleaning the blade, ensure to tighten the blade cap fully. The ratchet blades will not cut properly if their white cap is loose.
Mat Needs Cleaning Or Replacement
Once you complete a project, there can be some fibers and residue of paper, vinyl, or anything stuck on the mat that interferes with the cutting surface. Hence, you need to clean the mat with a lint roller, baby wipes, or a Magic eraser. If your mat gets older because it has lost its sticking ability and may show signs of wear and tear, these issues may also interfere with cutting. Hence, if the media isn’t sticking to the mat, use painter’s tape to fix it well. You can also replace the mat if it gets worn and damaged.
Design Has Too Many Nodes
If you see the design in Point Editing mode, you will see a series of tiny grey squares. Every square indicates a node. A node is usually a blade’s stopping point along the cutting path. If you trace a design without simplifying, it can result in excess nodes. The excess of nodes may result in cutting issues if there are many nodes in a very small area. It can also stutter when the Silhouette tries to cut, and the resulting cut won’t be smooth. Therefore, to remove the excess nodes, you need to simplify the design. If you are unable to do so, delete the nodes manually.
The cutting Strip Is Damaged
Usually, a cutting strip is a long narrow piece found under the blade holder and runs across the width of the machine bed. Its main work is to prevent damage to the blade and the machine while cutting materials without a mat. But, with time, the strip may wear off. Although, some gouges and frayed areas may cause cutting issues. In this case, the cutting strip has to be replaced.
Outdated Firmware
If your firmware is outdated, your machine may have cutting issues. Hence, in this case, you need to update the firmware to resolve the cutting issue.
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