Cutting Glossary and Terms
Carrier Sheet
Clear masking that is applied to vinyl. This may be applied by the manufacturer
Heat Transfer Vinyl
HTV
Vinyl that is applied with a heat source (i.e. iron or heat press)
Mask/ Masking
Using transfer tape to cover a design allowing a person to move it from one location to another
Permanent Vinyl
A term used to define vinyl that has glue that typically cannot be removed with water alone
Removable Vinyl
Vinyl that can typically be removed with water and a little scrubbing. Best for walls and such that need to be removed at a later time
Transfer Tape (Transfer Sheet)
A sticky adhesive used to move a design from one location to another maintaining the original design and spacing. Typically defined by tack (light tack, medium tack, etc)
Vinyl
A colored plastic coating that is adhered with glue. Glue is typically placed on vinyl by manufacturer. May be sticky adhesive or applied with heat, etc
Weeding
Removing the excess materials typically after cutting a design
Weeding Tool
Hooks, tweezers and the like used to remove unwanted material (vinyl)
651 Vinyl
Brand name from Oracal, see Permanent Vinyl
631 Vinyl
Brand name from Oracal, see Removable Vinyl
Adhesive/ Sticky Vinyl
Vinyl with a sticky back that can be applied with pressure alone. Vinyl may be permanent or removable.
PSV
Brand name from Siser, see Adhesive Vinyl
Scraper/ squeegee
Used to apply vinyl by pressing down and smoothing out material in a uniform fashion
Cutter
Machine used for precision cutting utilizing different blades, pressure and speed
Plotter
Typically a larger machine used in commercial production, in this case, cutter used for precision cutting utilizing different blades, pressure and speed
Scalable Vector Graphix
SVG
Data that is stored in points, lines and pathways allowing the user to size (scale) an image without losing clarity. Typically for storing shape information not photo imagery
Trace
Convert a raster graphic to a vector graphic allowing the program to scale the graphic without pixelation
Printed Vinyl
Vinyl that goes through a specific vinyl printer. Vinyl printers are usually solvent, eco-solvent or latex.