The cutting plotter is an essential tool if you work with vinyl, paper, cardstock, or other customised materials. However, like any precision machine, it requires certain maintenance to continue operating as if it were brand new.

Basic and consistent maintenance can prevent errors, extend the lifespan of your equipment, and improve the quality of your cuts. In this guide, we explain how to care for each part of your cutting plotter with useful tips.

External and daily cleaning of the plotter

Regular cleaning is the first step to preventing issues. Although it may not seem like it, dust, vinyl scraps, or paper fibres can accumulate and affect performance. But, what should be cleaned and how?

• External surface: use a soft, dry cloth or one that is slightly dampened. Avoid harsh products.
• Cutting area: remove debris with a soft brush, compressed air, or a lint-free wipe.
• Rollers and Rails: use a dry or slightly damp cotton swab to prevent residue that may affect the feed.

🕒 When to do it: ideally at the end of each work session, especially if you cut materials that leave residue.

Care of the blades

The blades are one of the most delicate components of the vinyl cutter. A poor cut is often due more to a dirty or worn blade than to the material. How to keep them in good condition?

• Do not cut incompatible materials: a vinyl blade is not designed for EVA foam or thick cardboard.
• Carefully clean the tip if you notice residue build-up. Use tweezers or a fine brush.
• Replace it when you notice a loss of precision, irregular cuts, or the need to excessively increase the pressure.

🔁 Remember: blades have a limited lifespan. Replacing them in time prevents straining the machine.

Care of the cutting mat

The cutting mat is adhesive to keep the material in place during cutting. If it loses adhesion or accumulates dirt, it can cause shifts, crooked cuts, or even jams. It is essential:

• Clean it with lukewarm water and mild soap if there are any lint or material residues.
• Avoid using alcohol, solvents, or abrasive scourers.
• Allow it to air dry completely before using it again.
• Rotate the usage orientation to avoid wearing out the same area repeatedly.

🧴 For more effective and safe cleaning, we recommend using the specific cutting mat cleaner, which helps maintain the original adhesion without damaging the adhesive.

When you notice that the grip is not improving or is very worn out, it is best to replace the mat. At Brildor, you can find replacement mats compatible with the main models on the market.

Review of rollers and feed mechanism

The rollers are what move the material forward. If they are dirty, misaligned, or worn out, the cut will not be precise. So, what should you do?

• Clean the rollers with a lint-free cloth and some isopropyl alcohol if there is any adhesive.
• Avoid touching them directly with your fingers to prevent leaving grease.
• Regularly check their alignment (some models allow manual adjustment).

⚙️ If you notice that the vinyl twists or does not advance uniformly, the issue might be here.

Keep the software and firmware updated.

An updated plotter is a more stable plotter. Manufacturers often release improvements that correct errors or add compatibilities. The steps we recommend are:

• Update the control software: Silhouette Studio, Cricut Design Space, etc.
• Check for new firmware for your model on the manufacturer's official website.
• Back up your designs before updating.

📌 An outdated version may cause connection errors, reading failures, or incompatibility with new operating systems.

Avoid mistakes and extend the lifespan

Many common plotter issues originate from poor maintenance. Fortunately, with a few care habits, you can easily avoid them:

Common issues due to lack of maintenance

• Imprecise, incomplete cuts or those that do not penetrate the material well
• Material that shifts, wrinkles, or does not advance properly
• Unusual noises or slower operation
• Designs that used to cut well and now fail
• Blades that scratch or tear instead of cutting

Practical tips to prevent them

• Do not strain the machine with materials that are too thick if it is not designed for them.
• Keep the plotter covered or closed, especially in dusty areas.
• Avoid direct exposure to sunlight or environments with high humidity.
• Disconnect it if you are not going to use it for a long time, to protect its electronics.

🎯 The more you take care of it, the fewer problems you'll have and the longer your equipment will last. Most errors are resolved or avoided with a simple cleaning or timely replacement of consumables.

The cutting plotter is an investment. If you keep it in good condition, it will provide you with precise and long-lasting results for many years. At Brildor, you will find spare parts, mats, blades, cleaners, and support to help you keep your plotter in top condition.

If you have any questions about the specific maintenance of your model, please do not hesitate to share it with us by leaving a comment. Our team will be delighted to provide you with answers and assistance. You can also contact our Customer Service department directly for additional help.

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