Vinyl Roll Cutter Machine Buying Guide: What to Look For

Author: Janey

Jun. 23, 2025

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Vinyl Roll Cutter Machine Buying Guide: What to Look For

A vinyl cutter roll machine is an indispensable piece of equipment for creative individuals, professional designers, and entrepreneurs. This versatile machine can handle various materials beyond vinyl, including reflective materials and thick laminates. . A top-notch vinyl cutting machine like the Summa S3 offers the precision and versatility you need to go from idea to finished project.

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When you're looking for the right vinyl roll cutter, there are some key items you want to keep in mind. First, consider the machine's cutting force, speed, and precision because these will directly affect how efficiently you can work. Also, don't forget to check which design software the machine uses because this will shape the projects you can tackle. 

Let's take a closer look at the factors you should consider:

Cutting Force

A machine with ample cutting force can handle various types of vinyl, from thin films to thicker, textured sheets. Cutting force is usually measured in grams of force (GF), ranging from low values like fifty GF for more delicate materials to high values like 500 GF or more for thicker and more robust materials. 

Determine the vinyl thickness and durability you'll be working with regularly. Though it might be tempting to select the most powerful machine, there's no need to over-invest in cutting force if you're primarily dealing with standard vinyl types.

Precision and Accuracy

Precision and accuracy should be top of mind if your projects involve detailed designs or fine cuts. The quality of the cutting head, the sharpness and condition of the blade, and the machine's mechanical stability all play crucial roles. 


The calibration process is also an important, but often overlooked, factor that can greatly influence your long-term satisfaction with the device. Calibration ensures that your machine's hardware and software are in perfect harmony, leading to precise and consistent cuts. 

Some advanced machines offer self-calibration features that simplify the setup, whereas others might require more manual input. Knowing what to expect regarding calibration can save you both time and frustration.

Software Compatibility and Flexibility

Software can shape your user experience and the range of design options you can explore. Make sure the software is not only feature-rich but also compatible with your operating system. 

The downside of complex software is that it can be overwhelming for beginners. Opt for a machine that offers software with both basic and advanced modes so you can grow into the complexities.

Not only should the software be compatible with your computer's operating system, but it should also be able to import or handle the types of files you commonly work with. Explore software features like nesting, which allows you to optimize material use by automatically arranging cuts to minimize waste. Check if the software allows third-party plugins or add-ons, which can substantially extend your design capabilities in the future.

Ease of Use

If ease of use is your top priority, you might want to lean toward models that feature self-calibration. These advanced machines have built-in sensors and software algorithms that automatically adjust to optimize performance. This is especially handy if you plan to work with different types of vinyl or varying roll sizes because the machine will adjust to the specific material without your intervention.

If you are particular about the details and want more hands-on control, a vinyl cutter requiring manual calibration might be more up your alley. With these machines, you'll need to go through several steps to adjust settings, such as blade pressure, alignment, and sometimes even the roll feeder. While this approach can offer more customization, it's also more time-consuming and opens the potential for human error.

Only Buy the Best

Ready to invest in equipment that aligns with your needs for precision, versatility, and efficiency? Explore AirMark's range of vinyl roll cutter machines designed to empower creativity while driving productivity. With AirMark, you are not just buying a machine–you’re investing in a relationship that promises incomparable customer support!

Troubleshooting 10 common VFFS packaging machine issues

It's not fun when your VFFS packaging machine throws an error code.

But with proper preventive maintenance and training, vertical form fill seal troubleshooting should be infrequent and easy.

Need help troubleshooting your Viking machine? Contact support here >>

General vertical form fill seal troubleshooting

Error messages report issues with the VFFS machine. Every trouble report will stay displayed on the HMI screen until it is acknowledged by an operator.

Before getting into the specifics of your issue, ask yourself 3 general questions:

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  1. Is the machine set up in the correct environment as specified?
  2. Are the ambient temperature and humidity levels as specified?
  3. Are there any other factors that may cause potential issues with the machine, product, or film?

If the environment, temperature, or humidity levels in your facility deviate from what your vertical form fill machine was specified for, this can cause malfunctions. Additionally, if you have recently changed the machine over to an untested new product or film, it may need some tweaking. If the above questions don't uncover anything abnormal, you can move on to more specific VFFS troubleshooting, starting with 10 common issues and their possible causes below:

NOTE: These are general tips. Your machine may not have all features listed. Consult your owner's manual or machine manufacturer's service department for VFFS troubleshooting specific to your machine.

1. The machine does not power up

Possible causes:

  • Incoming power issue
  • Main disconnect is off

2. The machine does not reset

Possible causes:

  • Safety circuit not reset
  • Low air pressure
  • Guard doors open
  • E-Stop
  • Faulty wiring
  • Bad safety relay

3. Low air pressure

Possible causes:

  • Machine not reset
  • Safety circuit not reset
  • Incoming air pressure low
  • Low air pressure during run mode
  • Supply airline too small

4. The temperature of the jaw is out of range

This means the set jaw temperature does not correspond to real temperature. In this situation, you should check all wiring and connections using electrical prints. Also verify the solid-state relay light is coming on.

Possible causes:

  • Sealing jaws are not warmed up
  • PLC fault
  • Temperature sensor fault
  • Heater fault
  • Faulty fuses or breakers

5. Jaws are not working

This error means the jaws cannot completely open.

Possible causes:

  • Assembly not able to function freely
  • Low air pressure
  • Air cylinder fault
  • Cylinder slide fault
  • Piston position sensor fault
  • Air distribution fault
  • E-Stop during machine run

6. Printer does not work

Possible causes:

  • Printer is not ready to run
  • Printer is switched off
  • Printer cable is damaged or disconnected
  • Printer ribbon is broken
  • Printer is damaged

7. Film is not tracking properly

This means the film is not moving through the machine properly. First, check to make sure the film carriage moves freely. Also check all wiring, relays, and power to the motor. Wipe the film brake roller clean.

Possible causes:

  • Film is not centered on spindle
  • Film is not webbed up properly
  • Rollers and dancer levels are parallel
  • Film is loose on one side and tight on the other
  • Splice table clamps down
  • Rollers not spinning freely
  • Auto film tracking not working
  • Forming tube damaged or not installed properly
  • Splice tape stuck in forming tube
  • Pull belts not set up properly
  • Brake roller dirty

8. Bad vertical seals

This error means the vertical seals on the packages are inadequate. First check the film tracking to make sure film is properly loaded, folded, and in position. Work with time, temperature, and pressure settings to create acceptable seals. Also check the foam and tape on the forming tube.

Possible causes:

  • Forming tube backstop set improperly
  • Incorrect distance between film and forming tube

9. Bad cross (horizontal) seals

This error means the horizontal seals on the packages are inadequate. First check to make sure the jaws are properly aligned and that there are no wrinkles on the film. Work with time, temperature, and pressure settings to create acceptable seals.

Possible cause:

  • Product in end seal

10. Jaw jam

This means there is something causing a jam in the sealing jaws.

Possible causes:

  • Product in end seal
  • Incorrect timing between filler and bagger
  • Jaws not set up properly
  • Jaw air pressure low

VFFS troubleshooting and maintenance

With a proper preventive maintenance plan, vertical form fill seal troubleshooting should be infrequent and easy. Need help getting started? Download our free VFFS Preventive Maintenance Planner:

Are you interested in learning more about film cutting machine manufacturer? Contact us today to secure an expert consultation!

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