Silhouette CAMEO 3 Materials Question

Hi,

I have an older Silhouette, not the Cameo 3, so I don't know if I can help much.  But I do seem to recall that most Silhouette cutters do not have the same down force as other brands, which may be limiting for your needs.

Some stuff online suggests that the Cameo 3 can do a maximum of 210gm of down force, whereas some other cutters can do from 350 to 400gm (as I understand it).

https://personaldiecutting.com/reviews/silhouette-cameo-3-review/

https://personaldiecutting.com/reviews/cricut-explore-air-2-review/

As such, you might be a bit limited on what you can cut with the Cameo.  That said though, I really like my older Silhouette machine.  Especially since I can import CAD generated DXF files for cutting.

PF

I have a daughter who is quite experienced on the Cricut, and is quite familiar with all models of that, and some models of the Silouette, but not the new model.  She said to me that the Silouette may have slightless less force, and also a little less resolution.  I am just learning the ropes on my Cricut Explore, and intend to run cutting thickness and resolution tests.  So far I have successfully cut thin card stock and .020 styrene. 

Micro Mark seems to have some attractive materials for use with vinyl cutter machines, So I am going to be trying their stuff with my Cricut.

The thing that attacts me about the model Silouette that MM offers is the automatic depth setting they mention- hope it works well.  Setting cut depth on my Cricut is not easy.

 

Thank you both for your feedback.

 

Maybe I should expand on what my needs are.

 

I'm making some 1/24 scale buildings (as well as some 1/43).

 

I want to use the diecut machine to make signs, cut out logo lettering and shapes (in order to build up a layered billboard or sign), and make stencils to make painted-on advertisements on buildings.

 

The stencils I know I can use pretty much any material, but for the signs and billboards, I would prefer styrene or wood.

 

Here is an example of what I am after. Note how the letters are raised off of the building. I would like to cut out a logo/letters and do a similar thing.

I do know these machines will do a nice job on sheet styrene, just have not found how thick the limit is. I haven't tried wood yet, but I intend to try soon.  I am assuming regular sheet wood, say basswood, may differ from plywood.  Last time I looked, ply was available as thin as 1/64, 1/32 is readily available.

I have been getting advertising cards in mail for last couple of years that use a very glossy card stock- it paints very nicely. I collect the junk mail using that stock, and will be trying it soon in the cutter.

Can anyone tell me what settings cutting on the Cameo 3 for .010, .015 and .020 styrene

Bobsmr2

Can anyone tell me what settings cutting on the Cameo 3 for .010, .015 and .020 styrene

 

That all depends on what the manufacturer‘s intruction guide recommendation says. 

Hi, Thanks for the reply. Cameo doesn't have a clue as to what settings to use since styrene is not on their list of materials to use. I know others have used styrene with the Cameo with good results so I'm hoping to hear from them. The first time I used it on .015 styrene it worked great but didn't cut thru so I had to snap it but they were very clean snaps. I tried the deep cutter and more pressure (recommendations from Cameo) but that just made things worse.

Then this tells you the Cameo isn't a great product to cut styrene. 

I have a Cameo 3, though I've yet to cut plastic sheets. I do plan to try at some point, and this was a factor when I was researching before purchasing. I would have to look again, but if you wanted to search something like "silhouette cameo 3 pla plates" or "silhouette cameo 3 styrene sheets." I know I came across some threads where people did some test cuts. I specifically remember someone experimenting with Star Trek insignias cut from styrene. From what I can recall, it did cut through really thin sheets, and it can score thicker ones which you can then either snap or cut through manually, using the score as a guide. I definitely don't remember the settings off the top of my head though.

It's arguably useless for simple shapes, but if you had something more complex it can definitely save some aggravation.

When I get my space set up in the basement and I drag the Cameo off the cluttered shelf it's been sitting on, I'll try some sheets and get back to you. I think I have an Evergreen variety pack stashed somewhere.

Hello I have a question for you & your daughter,  Can I use the silhouette cameo 3 to make water slide Decal for my WWI & WWII Aircarfts , tanks and Navy ships Model kits or can anyone let me know please . Thank You !

Bobsmr2

Hi, Thanks for the reply. Cameo doesn't have a clue as to what settings to use since styrene is not on their list of materials to use. I know others have used styrene with the Cameo with good results so I'm hoping to hear from them. The first time I used it on .015 styrene it worked great but didn't cut thru so I had to snap it but they were very clean snaps. I tried the deep cutter and more pressure (recommendations from Cameo) but that just made things worse.

 

On my Crickcut I have been experimenting on .020 styrene and have not got the depth quite right yet.  But the parts are usable, just the same results as above.