Introducing a vinyl cutter into a business or craft project makes life much easier. It is quick, precise and saves time when creating intricate designs on a range of materials. However, when the vinyl cutter is not working properly, it becomes an expensive and time-consuming headache.


Irregularly shaped cuts, jagged edges, and burrs in material are signs that your vinyl cutter is not operating properly. This slows down the cutting process and leads to wasted materials.


By keeping your vinyl cutter in good condition, you'll produce accurate and precise cuts in no time. Below, we’ll discuss why a Summa vinyl cutter may not cut properly and how you can quickly get your project back on track.

Common Problems with Vinyl Cutters

If your vinyl cutter is not cutting properly, it is likely due to one of the following problems with your machine:

1. Dull or Stale Blades

Blades are the lifeblood of any vinyl cutter–they need to be sharp and well-maintained for a precise cut. If your blades are dull, this is why your cutter is not cutting properly.


If the blade is broken or damaged, you should replace it with an OEM or compatible blade. If the blade is dull, sharpen it using a diamond file.

2. Incorrect Blade Depth

The blade depth of your machine is an important factor to consider when cutting any material. If the blade is not deep enough, it may struggle to cut through thicker materials, leading to an imperfect finish. If the blade is too deep, it can cause damage and tearing to the material.


Check that your blade is correctly adjusted for the thickness of your material to get the best cut possible. If you're wondering what you can do with a vinyl cutter, the answer is almost anything–as long you have the correct blade and settings.

3. Dirty or Clogged Rollers

The rollers are responsible for moving the material across the cutting bed. If they are dirty or clogged with debris, this affects the accuracy and precision of cuts. Clean your rollers regularly to ensure top performance.

4. Misaligned Rollers

If your rollers are misaligned, it can cause uneven cuts and jagged edges. Check the alignment of your rollers regularly and adjust them in the correct position.

5. Software Issues

Vinyl cutters use software to control the machine and create precise designs. If there is an issue with your software, this can cause problems with your machine. Check regularly to make sure you have the latest version of your software installed. For example, if you're using Summa vinyl cutters, the right sign-making software would be Summa GoSign. It is designed to work with Summa vinyl cutters and will get you the best results.


The Summa vinyl cutter is a vinyl cutter compatible with Mac and Windows. If you're a Mac user, you can use the Summa Design Pro software to get the best performance.

6. Automation Settings Not Set-Up Properly

Vinyl cutters usually have automation settings that control the speed and pressure of your cuts. If these are not set up properly, it can lead to issues with your machine. Make sure that these settings are correct for the material you're working with for optimal cutting results.


This can also happen if your machine isn’t correctly calibrated; incorrect calibration can lead to inaccurate cuts and jagged edges. Regularly calibrate your machine to achieve optimal results.

7. Incorrectly Loaded Material

If the material is not loaded properly, it can cause misalignment and affect the accuracy of your cuts. Make sure that you're loading your material correctly to avoid this issue.

In Summary

Vinyl cutters are great tools for creating precise designs and graphics on paper, fabric, and other materials. However, they can sometimes experience issues such as inaccurate cutting or slow cutting speeds. Airmark’s experts can help diagnose and repair any issues you may be having with your Summa vinyl cutter.


We recommend following the user manual instructions for setting up and troubleshooting your machine. If you're having trouble resolving an issue, feel free to contact us and we will be happy to help!