The Magic of Cricut lies in its ability to create wonderful custom designs. It is frustrating when Cricut is not completing the project as expected. Here are 5 common reason’s why Cricut isn’t cutting and how they can simply be resolved.
Cricut can’t Read Registration Marks
For print then cut designs, Cricut places a large black rectangle (known as a registration makr) around your design when you print it. This is so that Cricut can accurately cut out the printed design.
Cricut needs to read registration marks. Print then cut is only recommended on White Matte paper. If you are using non-white paper, Cricut won’t be able to read the registration mark. Similarly, if you are using highly reflective paper, Cricut will not be able to read the registration mark.
How to resolve the problem
Only use the print then cut feature on white Matte Paper. If you want yo use glossy or colored paper the write/draw function on cruicut is going to be a better option.
“Important: Reflective materials, colored materials, or materials containing any kind of pattern may interfere with the cut sensor marks being read by the Cricut Explore machine. We recommend using an Inkjet Printer and 8.5″ x 11″ white materials for all your Print Then Cut projects with Cricut Explore. The Cricut Maker, though, can Print Then Cut on light to medium colored papers “
-https://help.cricut.com/hc/en-us/articles/360009387274-How-do-I-Print-Then-Cut-in-Design-Space-
Cricut not Cutting becasue Machine needs to be Calibrated
The newest generation of Cricut Machines can do more than just cust, they can also write. The New Generation of Cricuts, can also cut after an image has been printed from a home printer. In order for these combinations of writing and printing and cutting to go off smoothly, the Cricut Machnine must be properly calibrated.
In the image above you can see the Cricut cut circles, but the circles were not cut in the correct spot. The “gracias por compra” should be centered in the circle, and the circles should be cut on the line. This is a tell tale sign that the Cricut requires calibrations.
Cricut Messing up Cuts because of Wrong Material Settings
The new generation of Cricut Machines can cut a variety of materials ranging from vinyl to bassawood. To ensure Cricut cuts your project properly, you have to ensure that the cut settings match the material you are attempting to cut.
The image above was cut using the wrong Cricut Cut Settings. The project should have been cut on the intricate setting for best result. However, since too much pressure was used, the material was ripped to shreds and thhe project is not usable.
Cricut is not Cutting because you are Not using the correct Mat.
If the Mat is too strong, or not strong enough the project will not cut properly.
Change Your Cricut Blade to Get Better Cuts
Changing blades periodically improves the performance of your Cricut Machine. If you’ve taken some of the troubleshooting steps above but your cuts still need improvement. It may be time to change the blade in your Cricut Machine.
There is no set guideline or indicator on the Cricut when it is time to change your mat. Knowing when it is time to change your Cricut Blade is something that you just start to get a “feel” for and begin to notice when your blade begins to become dull.
