Machine and Materials

This page includes a quick-start video guide to the Card Cutter, an overview of the strengths and limitations of the Card Cutter, and information about the materials students can use on this machine.

Introductory Card Cutter Video

A Quick-start guide to get you started on your card-cutter project.

This video briefly takes you through machine capabilities, file and driver setup, safety and guidelines, and the design to physical process.

If you liked this video and want to learn more about the other machines at FabLab, follow the link below.

Machine Capabilities

The Card Cutter can can only cut sheet materials thinner than 1mm, and is limited by the size of the cutting bed; 850mm x 600mm (larger sheets can be taped down to the bed, but the cutting geometry must be within these bounds or it will not be cut accurately).

The card cutter operates on a 2-axis bed, cutting along both x and y axes. Score or Cut lines are determined by calibrating the "Gorce" setting within the material settings dialogue prior to cutting commencing. Similar to the laser cutters, all geometry must be planar for the card cutter to read it successfully.

A cut or a score can be achieved by varying the force pushing the blade down into the material. Incredibly interesting results can be achieved by scoring and cutting on both sides to produce inward and outward folding joints. In addition to cutting and scoring materials, the card cutter can also plot drawings onto materials. This function can be utilised simultaneously with the Card Cutter's other functions.

Student models made using the card cutter. (2008)

Fab Lab Materials List

Click here to access the FabLab materials list.

All of the materials on this list can be purchased from the Guru desk at FabLab. However, it is important to note that only materials thinner than 1mm are to be used with the Card Cutter.

That excludes common materials such as: Mountboard, Boxboard and any other heavy gauge materials (MDF, Ply, Perspex).

The best results will be achieved with thin, paper like materials such as: Ivory Card, Optix card, and Polypropylene.

Own Materials and Non-Compatible Materials

We encourage students to be experimental and innovative in their use of our facilities, however, safety is always the first priority! This is why if you want to use your own material on the Card Cutter, we require you to have a material safety data sheet MSDS, and to check with our technicians whether it is an approved material for use on the Card Cutter.