What materials can I cut with the ScanNCut machine? The ScanNCut machine was developed with fabric cutting in mind. However, it is great for paper, cellophane, acetate, leather, craft vinyl, wood veneer, and a wide variety of other materials. What is the maximum thickness of material that can be scanned or cut with the machine? The machine will feed, scan, and cut a maximum thickness of 1.5mm for paper, fabric, and a variety of other materials. Maximum thickness for cutting: 0.8mm with STD Cut Blade; 1.5mm with Deep Cut Blade. (*Please note that this depends on the materials you are going to cut.) Maximum thickness for scanning: 1.5mm with Cutting Mats; 1.0mm with Scanning Mat. What is the overall work area for cutting and/or drawing? The cut/draw size is up to 11 ¾" x 11 ¾" (296mm x 298mm) when using the 12" x 12" mat and up to 11 ¾" x 23 ¾" (296mm x 603mm) when using the 12" x 24" mat. Can I connect the ScanNCut machine to my PC to transfer pictures I want to use in my craft projects instead scanning them into the ScanNCut machine? The ScanNCut machine was created to give crafters the creative freedom of not being tethered to a computer or the expense of cartridges. With the ScanNCut machine, designs can easily be scanned in and saved or cut directly from your surface. For those crafters that enjoy the freedom of their cutting machine software and like the versatility of using SVG files, Brother has developed a cloud based website to allow for editing features which may include converting SVG files into ScanNCut files (FMC files). https://scanncutcanvas.brother.com What kind of Guarantee and/or Warranty do you offer with the ScanNCut machine? The ScanNCut machine comes with a 1 year limited warranty, from original purchase date, on parts, labor and accompanying accessories; 2 years from original purchase date for Electronic Components and Printed Circuit Boards (replacement labor excluded). What are the differences between the types of mats? What mat should I use for what? The Low Tack Adhesive Mat is made for delicate materials such as thin papers, tissue paper, vellum, thin patterned papers, vinyl, computer paper, and such. The low tack, although not quite as tacky, will still survive through many cuts of varying materials. The Standard Mat is made for more substantial materials. This mat will assist in cutting items such as painted canvas, chipboard, cardboard, denim, leather, heavy and regular cardstock, glittered cardstock, and such. This mat was created to be able to support thicker and more difficult to cut materials. In addition to help secure and support fabric while cutting, Brother has created a Fabric Support Sheet that can be used multiple times, removed and reapplied to your purple mat. This Fabric Support Sheet helps to make sure that fabric is secured during the cutting process. How long will my mats last? This depends on what each mat is used for and how often the mat is used. We recommend using the Fabric Support Sheets to help preserve your Standard Mat. This reusable and disposable sheet is perfect for cutting fibrous materials such as thicker types of fabric. When your Fabric Support Sheet has been used, simply remove from your mat and replace with a new one. You will notice that your mat will remain as you left it while using the support sheets, which help to prolong the life of your mats during fabric cutting and use. In addition, to prevent cutting through mats we do recommend that you always try a test cut before proceeding to cut out your design.
Can I use adhesive spray on my mat? No. We do not recommend using an adhesive spray on the low tack mat, standard mat, or fabric support sheet. How long do the blades last? The blades longevity will depend on the use and frequency of use of each blade. How long do the pens last? The life of a pen will depend on a variety of factors including use. Why do I need to buy the Pen Holder when I purchase the pens? The pens need a holder in order to fit appropriately in the carriage on the ScanNCut machine. Do I need the Scanning Mat in order to scan an image or photo into the ScanNCut? No, you do not need the Scanning Mat. The Low-Tack Adhesive Mat and the Standard Mat can be used for both scanning and cutting. Photos and/or printed images on thin paper can be scanned into the ScanNCut using the Low-Tack Adhesive Mat (turquoise). If you will be using the ScanNCut for archival purposes frequently for pictures and documents by saving them to your USB memory stick, we recommend that you purchase the Scanning Mat. What are the differences between the types of mats? What mat should I use for what? The Low Tack Adhesive Mat is made for delicate materials such as thin papers, tissue paper, vellum, thin patterned papers, vinyl, computer paper and such. The low tack, although not quite as tacky, will still survive through many cuts of varying materials. The Standard Mat is made for more substantial materials. This mat will assist in cutting items such as painted canvas, chipboard, cardboard, denim, leather, heavy and regular cardstock, glittered cardstock and such. This mat was created to be able to support thicker more difficult to cut materials. In addition to help secure and support fabric while cutting, Brother has created a Fabric Support Sheet that can be used multiple times, removed and re-applied to your purple mat. This Fabric Support Sheet helps to make sure that fabric is secured during the cutting process. Is the 12"x24" mat only for cutting? Yes. To use the 12"x24" mat, select the 12"x24" cut area on Page 1 of the Setting Screen. You can create 12"x24" designs with ScanNCutCanvas. Go to https://scanncutcanvas.brother.com. How do I use ScanNCut to cut fabric? Fabric and cutting machines seldom worked until the ScanNCut machine. With their commitment to excellence in the sewing and quilting industries, Brother applied its knowledge and experience to the development of the ScanNCut machine and its supporting accessories. To begin, starch and iron your fabric if possible. Next, apply a fabric support sheet to your Standard Mat. Then, take your fabric and gently lay it across your mat within the grid area. Once placed correctly, take the backside of your spatula handle and run it across your fabric to press the fabric securely to your mat as well as release any air pockets. Before cutting your fabric, always perform a test cut to insure that your fabric and blade depth work together. Start with a smaller blade depth and work your way up to what you need in order to avoid cutting too deep and through your mat. Once you have your fabric secure and your desired blade depth, cut your design as desired. If the blade is still not working, experiment with Cut Pressure and Cut Speed in your tools function.
What is the Fabric Support Sheet and how do I use it? There are two pieces of Fabric Support Sheet included with the ScanNCut. It is glossy on one side and tacky on the other. The tacky side has a blue release paper on it. The fabric support sheet should be applied directly to the Standard Mat (glossy side down) when cutting fabrics. The blue release gets peeled away (do not discard, you may want to keep this to cover the tackiness when not in use) and the fabric is placed onto the Fabric Support Sheet. Additional Fabric Support Sheets are available as an accessory item. 1 2 3 Use the standard mat when cutting fabric. For best results, use a clean or new mat. Select the fabric support sheet (glossy on one side and blue release paper on the other). Position the fabric support sheet (glossy side down) on top of the standard mat. 4 5 6 Slowly place the fabric support sheet onto the standard mat working from top to bottom, smoothing out any air bubbles along the way. To minimize air bubbles use a credit card or the spatula as needed. Remove the blue release paper to expose the tacky side of the fabric support sheet. Secure the fabric to the newly prepared fabric support sheet. I am trying to cut fabric and the blade is dragging. How do I know what blade and mat are best for this? To use the 12" x 24" mat, select the 12" x 24" cut area on Page 1 of the Setting Screen. You can create 12" x 24" The most common instances for fabric cutting will be for fabric backed with an iron-on material (stabilizer), or a quilting cotton pressed with spray starch or fabric sizing applied first. In either case, the fabric has a form of stabilization applied to it before cutting. Next, select the Standard Mat and the Standard Blade Holder and Blade. Start with a blade depth setting of 6 on the cartridge and the default settings for Cut Speed [3] and Cut Pressure [0] in the tools function. (The default settings are highlighted for easy reference.) Use the Test mode to cut a test piece first. We recommend that the test square be sized to about 1 square. If the blade depth of 6 does not work to your liking, work your way up through blade depths until you find what will work for you. We recommend keeping a Cut Journal so that this information will be handy to you in the future.
How many layers of fabric can I cut? For best results, only one layer of fabric can be cut with ScanNCut. The fabric must be adhered to the Standard Mat using the Fabric Support Sheet. Mats are also available in a 12 x 24 format for mass cutting or for cutting larger images. Should I use the Deep Cut Blade for fabric? It depends on the thickness of your fabric. Most cotton fabrics will use the turquoise Standard Blade. Please reference the Quick Guide provided with the machine s Operation Manual for suggested material, blade, and mat recommendations. What fusible backing can I use with my fabrics? There are 2 sheets of iron-on backing included with the ScanNCut and additional iron-on backing is available for purchase. Other types of fusible backing work well such as Steam a Seam 2, Heat n Bond Light, Wonder Under, and Misty Fuse. Please always use the Test Cut function prior to beginning your project. Can I wash fabrics attached with the iron-on appliqué contact sheet? No. We do not recommend that you wash fabrics attached together with the contact sheet. I know there are a lot of paper types that ScanNCut can cut through. How do I know where to start? Paper is one of the many wonderful surfaces that ScanNCut is great for cutting. Because of the Background Scan and Direct Cut functions, the ScanNCut machine takes cutting paper to a whole new world of possibilities. When attempting to cut paper, the best way to start is by analyzing your paper and seeing what depth you may need to cut, as well as performing a test cut. We recommend always starting with a smaller blade depth and working your way up. Your standard machine setting should work fine, but you can adjust as needed. If your paper is thin, start with your Standard Blade at a setting of 1 or 2. If you are using cardstock or heavier patterned paper, you may want to start with a blade depth of 4. For glittered cardstock, you may want to start with a blade depth of 6. For specialty papers, you will want to measure your blade to your paper and see what depth will work and not be too deep. To become comfortable with paper cutting and other materials you may work with on your ScanNCut, we recommend starting a Cut Journal to keep track of what settings work best for you and your machine. Your mat will also depend on what type of material you are using. Check out the FAQ: What mat should I use for what? to find the exact answer for your cutting needs. How do I cut vinyl? Vinyl is popular and its application will vary but the most common use of vinyl in crafting appears to be the application to plastic cups, walls or windows. Cutting Vinyl with ScanNCut is extremely easy. All you have to do is use the Standard Blade, set between a 1 and 2 and Cut Pressure at 0. Depending on the thickness of your material, this is a great place to start for blade depth. When creating a test cut, make sure that your blade does not cut through the protective backing. Creating a kiss cut image with vinyl is simple with ScanNCut. From here, follow the transfer directions of your material for further guidance.
I was trying to cut vinyl and it ripped. How do I clean up the roller area? Situations like this happen to beginners and experienced crafters alike. To help protect your machine and remove the excess vinyl, take a piece of heavy paper and slide the paper into the roller area so that it protrudes from the rear of the machine and pull the paper back and forth to floss the area. This process will dislodge the excess papers. How come my ScanNCut machine does not cut with the same settings as my friend s ScanNCut machine and the mat s adhesive seems different. There are a lot of factors that determine this. First, each machine may vary a small amount as well as the mats. The mat s usage, materials used, climate and humidity may play a part into why various mats react and work differently. Can I use the ScanNCut machine with food products such as fondant? No. Neither the ScanNCut machine nor the accessories are designed to be used with fondant or any other type of food product. My mat is way too sticky to work with for my first cut, I am worried it will not let go of my paper and may rip my design? One suggestion made by crafter Erin Bassett is to lightly press your mat on a piece of clothing to reduce the initial tackiness, yet still allow the mat to remain tacky enough to be used for regular use. Why did my scrapbook paper tear when removing it from the Standard Mat? If your scrapbook paper tore when removing it from the Standard Mat, then there was too much pressure applied when securing the scrapbook paper to the Standard Mat. For best results, lightly press the scrapbook paper to the Standard Mat; do not use a brayer or spatula. Gently remove the scrapbook paper and cut designs off the mat immediately. If the paper continues to tear, try using the Low Tack Mat. Why do I get an error message using the scanning mat in Direct-Cut mode? The Scanning Mat should be used to scan images and/or documents that will be saved to a USB drive. The Scanning Mat can also be used with the Scan-to-Cut Data function. The Low Tack Mat and Standard Mat are to be used with the Direct Cut function. My scanner is not recognizing image and/or document. What should I do? Your scanner may need to be cleaned. To do this, open the compartment on the bottom of the scanner to expose the scanner glass. Wipe clean with a dry, lint free cloth and secure the cover. If you need further assistance, please contact Customer Support. What should I do if my image/design is not showing up in the Direct-Cut function? If the image and/or design have too much detail or the background has a lot of information for the scanner to read, then Direct Cut will not recognize it. You should use the Scan-to-Cut Data function with images and/ or designs that may have a lot of detail or background.
How do I know the blade is cutting in the proper direction each time? The ScanNCut adjusts the blade s direction each time before it starts to cut. You will notice small notches above the ruler in your mat and this is the process of the machine making sure the blade is in the proper direction each time. Why should I do if I get an error message that reads The mat cannot be recognized. The mat will unload. The scanner glass may be dirty. Clean the scanner glass at the bottom of the machine (follow instructions on page 59 of the Operation Manual). Then, try the mat again. How do I scan and cut intricate designs successfully? Select your design from the book and use the Scan-to-Cut Data function. Make sure you select only the design you want on the on-screen grid. If not all portions of the design are selected, click on the Image Detection Level and then delete the Size function. You will want to decrease the size to ensure that all the intricate details of the design are selected on the on-screen grid. d. What is the smallest image that can be scanned? When using the Direct Cut mode, use patterns that are at least 5mm square. With the Scan-to-Cut Data function, the default limitation for the smallest image is 5mm and you can adjust it down to 1mm. Do I need a converter to use my ScanNCut outside the United States? No. The power adapter input is 100-240 volts. However, you may need to use a plug adapter.