Cricut is a smart electronic cutting machine that can cut various materials. The machine is a perfect companion for a crafter. Cricut offers cutting machines in different ranges, such as the Maker series, Explore series, and Joy. These machines have their features and specialties. The one thing common in all the machines is that they all use blades to cut the material. In this blog, we will discuss more on the different Cricut blades. Also, their features and the materials that each blade can cut.
1. Premium Fine-Point Blade
The Premium Fine-Point Blade is one of the standard blades you can use with the Explore and Maker machines. The blade is versatile and is made from fine German carbide steel that can cut intricate designs.
Further, since it is compatible with Explore and Maker machines, there is no need to buy housing separately. However, the housing color will depend on the machine you are using. It can be either silver or gold in color. The materials you can cut using this blade range from light to medium weight. The most commonly used materials are cardstock, sticker paper, infusible ink sheets, iron-on, etc.
Additionally, you must use a LightGrip or StandardGrip mat when cutting with this blade. More appropriately, lightweight cardstock goes with a LightGrip mat, whereas vinyl goes with a StandardGrip mat.
2. Deep Point Blade
The Deep Point Blade is one of the strongest blades since it is designed to cut thicker and heavier materials. It is made of harder, durable steel, and the blade angle is 60 degrees.
Although, the blade can be used with Explore 3 or Maker 3 machines. It is not included in them by default, so you must buy it separately. Plus, the housing of the blade is black, and the materials it can cut are cardboard, craft foam, leather, wood veneer, etc.
Further, the mat you need to use while cutting material with this blade is StrongGrip Mat (pink color.)
3. Bonded-Fabric Blade
Another fine-point blade is the Bonded-Fabric blade. As the name suggests, it is made to cut bonded fabric materials. Also, it is similar to the Premium Fine-Point blade. The only difference between them is that this blade is pink in color. So, the color change helps you better locate the blade and not confuse the two blades.
Further, it can be used in all Cricut Explore and Maker machines. The material it can cut is Bonded fabric, a normal fabric stabilized with an iron-on backing. And the mat you need to use with this blade is either a FabricGrip mat or a StandardGrip mat.
4. Rotary Blade
It is exclusive for Maker machines out of all the different Cricut blades. It is infinitely customizable and delivers fabric cuts with high precision. So, the Rotary blade will help you to sew crafts.
Further, the blade should be used only with a FabricGrip mat. It is because the mat will hold the high pressures of the blade during the cutting process. The blade comes with a plastic cover housing with a gear on top of it.
5. Knife Blade
The Knife Blade is also exclusive to Maker machines and can easily cut through dense materials. It is an ideal blade for cutting materials with thicker materials like wood. Further, the housing of the blade comes in silver color with a gold gear on top of it.
Further, the blade can cut materials from wood, leather, mat board, craft foam, etc. Plus, it should always be used with a purple mat, i.eStrong Grip mat.
6. QuickSwap Tools
The QuickSwap tools are a system of different Cricut blades for Maker machines. It comprises single Quick Swap housing and a series of interchangeable blade tips. They are helpful in quickly switching between the different tips. So, with this, you can add different effects to your project. Further, the different QuickSwap tools are Scoring and Double Scoring Wheel,
Debossing Tip, Engraving Tip, Perforation Blade, and finally Wavy Blade.
Conclusion
There are different Cricut blades, and it can be confusing for a new user to understand which blade to use for which material. So, this blog will act like a comprehensive guide to help you understand everything you need to understand about the Cricut blades and tools. The blog specifically discusses the blades you can use with the Cricut Explore and Maker series.
FAQs
What is the Scoring and Double Scoring Wheel?
These tools are a type of QuickSwap tool. They are used in creating crisp, sharp fold lines on different materials. Further, these tools can use up to 10x the Scoring Stylus pressure, resulting in better fold lines on thicker materials. The housing of the blade comes with a plastic cover, and gear sits on top of it.
What is a Debossing Tip?
The debossing tip is another tool in QuickSwap tools. Use the blade to create a detailed depression, and add professional polish by elevating the elegance of the paper. It comprises a tiny rollerball that rolls over the materials and leaves a clean imprint. Further, it is similar to Scoring wheels, but it can leave a deeper imprint on thicker materials.
What is an Engraving Tip?
Another tool that comes with the QuickSwap tool list is the Engraving tip. The tool is helpful when you want to engrave your design or text on a material. It allows you to inscribe designs on materials like Aluminum sheets, Leather, Vinyl Records, etc. Also, you can engrave your customized text or create monograms, etc. It is silver in color, and the tip is marked with the number 41.