Sep. 01, 2025
Flatbed plotters are called “flatbed” because, compared to roller plotters, they use a beam that moves the tools over the material rather than having the material move under the beam, and the same material is placed on a flat surface.
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The main function of these devices is that they allow the operator to cut several substrates without the use of a traditional die cutter. These machines therefore process the raw material by giving it a defined shape. A precise shape that can have different types of applications: the raw material can be transformed into a box, a sticker, a sign or many other applications, depending on the capabilities of each machine.
Flatbed plotters differ from each other mainly for the applications they can realize. The applications are decisive in the sense that they delimit the reference markets of the single model.
Another fundamental element contributing to the differentiation between plotter types concerns the tools that can be mounted on these machines. In fact, tools are very important in determining the applications that a plotter will be able to carry out and the way in which it will be able to do so.
It is often misjudged that size is the most important factor. To be honest, this is the last of the aspects that we should take into account when evaluating a plotter. First of all, we should make sure of the plotter’s ability to process the materials we are going to handle. The choice of the machine size will then go hand in hand with the size of the material to be processed and, if it is printed, with the capacity and maximum print size that can be achieved.
Another factor that determines the type of digital plotter is the software applications. This is not because the machines come without them, but rather because of their ability to manage multiple file formats which, in some way, will also determine the work that will be done.
If we receive a vector format from programs such as Adobe Illustrator or CorelDRAW it is easy to understand that we are dealing with applications belonging to the world of graphics with print-cut combination.
If we receive a .DXF file it is more likely that we are dealing with the world of cutting and modeling of a material. Finally, there are specific files of third-party programs, which do not belong to the machines on the market, and which may have proprietary formats (for example the CF2 of Valiani m3).
Flatbed plotters can cut different types of materials. The workability of a material is closely related to the choice of tools with which the machine will be equipped.
However, flatbed plotters tend to be used for processing soft materials such as paper, cardboard, adhesive, fabrics, foams and all those materials that have a low resistance to processing.
When we talk about these materials, we can make a distinction between those that can be cut by a drag knife, oscillating knife or rotary knife.
In terms of hardness, the hardest material to cut is PVC Forex®, which is the upper limit that a flatbed plotter can process.
Often flatbed plotters do not just make cuts but, as in the case of boxes, need a second tool to make creases or, in the case of adhesives, need to make a half cut. Materials such as Alu-dibond, high-density Forex®, Lexan or Plexiglass, medium-density fiberboard, which are more suitable for the signage market, require the additional use of a cutter.
As you may have guessed, there are many options and customization possibilities for each specific business need.
What we have just listed are the main advantages guaranteed by a flatbed plotter. This type of machinery compared to a traditional die cutting machine is less suitable for cutting large amounts of material. The reason is that the traditional die cutting machine is able to finish these processes much faster.
However, comparing flatbed plotter die-cutting processes with traditional die-cutting processes is a mistake to be avoided. This is because the processes are completely different, both in method and concept. When choosing a machine, it is necessary to have in mind what production volumes we want to achieve. It is the quantity that determines the choice.
You are probably wondering if it is possible to choose both solutions. Well, choosing both solutions can be absolutely correct, because it allows you to respond to two different needs that may occur in your company and integrate with each other.
Traditional die-cutting guarantees performance on high quantities, the flatbed plotter gives the flexibility to choose when to produce in one way and when to produce in another way, according to cost convenience and depending on the quantities for which the machine was designed and chosen by the company.
If you want to learn more about this topic, also read the article we wrote about how to choose between a die cutter and a digital cutting machine.
This aspect may seem trivial, but it is not at all. Too often, in fact, entrepreneurs and decision-makers have the mistaken tendency to focus on what they might want to do, on the types of jobs that we might hypothetically do one day.
This kind of evaluation is often misleading, as it leads to the purchase of plotters that have too many features compared to those that are actually necessary for the company. Features that most likely will never be used.
The result is that many companies buy flatbed plotters that are too expensive in relation to the real needs of the company.
If you decide to buy a plotter, we recommend that you focus on your real needs at the time of purchase: you will save a lot of money and you will be able to do your work more effectively.
All brands claim that their machines are reliable, so how can I prove if the flatbed plotter I’m thinking of is reliable?
If word of mouth and positive testimonials can certainly have a weight in understanding if a machine is reliable, there is probably an even more important factor, the so-called longevity, which amortizes the investment in the long term.
A long-lived company, one that has been around for decades, will most likely be a company with a lot of experience, one that has satisfied its customers and achieved very important results over time. For this reason, it is safe to assume that brands with a long history can offer quality products.
At the same time, the longevity of a product is also an indicator of good quality: a model that has existed for a long time, although with the necessary updates, is most likely a successful model. Just think of everyday products like smartphones or cars: there are products that have been around for decades, that have been so successful and are so loved by their users that they have survived the passage of time. These products are updated periodically, but naming and distinctive design features and functionality never change. The same holds true for flatbed plotters.
Conversely, a plotter that has been manufactured for a short time or about which little is known will probably be a machine to avoid.
When considering the purchase of a flatbed plotter, after-sales service and support are often underestimated, but the ability to receive quality service is fundamental.
You must always remember that you will use the machine you buy for a long time (we are talking about many years) and in a continuous way (at least 8 hours a day). If you invest in a plotter that must ensure a long and continuous use, you cannot underestimate what you might need one day.
Obviously, before buying, it is very difficult to know the quality of a service that will be provided only after buying the plotter and, usually, after a rather long time. However, there are some good practices that you can follow while you are evaluating the machines to buy.
The first criterion to follow is definitely transparency: if information is clear, detailed and accessible, you’ll definitely have a good sign of the seller’s seriousness and you will know better what to expect once you have made the purchase. Knowing how the assistance will be provided, the costs involved, the existence of any packages or assistance programs is essential to make the best choice.
We recommend that you get detailed information and ask the company or retailer many questions.
Once you have all the necessary information, you will be able to make the best choice for your needs. While evaluating your purchase, remember to always assign a very high specific weight to the after-sales service and support!
Finally, among the aspects to evaluate when choosing a flatbed plotter, we recommend that you take into account its ability to integrate with other software. Every user knows well the origin of the workings and therefore the software applications he needs to use. Therefore, when making your choice, you should make sure that the cutting machine you are considering can integrate with these software applications.
In addition, many manufacturers create true bundles in which the flatbed plotter is sold in conjunction with proprietary software. This is something we recommend that you inquire about in detail, because this software may be very useful to you during your daily work.
Today we believe that the most important software in flatbed plotters are those for contour cutting of printed files, without which this type of machine would be diminished, losing appeal and value.
Other important software are CAD (computer-aided design) for paper converting, necessary to facilitate the creation of packaging or displays.
In this article, we took a wide overview of the flatbed plotter world.
We found out what they are, what they are used for, what materials they cut. We advised you on how to figure out if you should buy a flatbed plotter and what criteria you should follow to choose the right one for you.
We hope that you found this article useful and that, after reading it, you have a deeper understanding of flatbed cutters.
The topics we have covered are many and in-depth, but we know that there is still so much more to discover.
To do so, we recommend you read all of the articles on our blog. Or, if you would like to get in touch directly with the Valiani team, send us a request for information by filling out the form below.
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Flatbed cutting plotter is a type of smart CNC digital cutting machine with automatic cutting & finishing for vinyl stickers, vinyl labels, vinyl lettering, vinyl signs, vinyl lettering, digital printing & signage in home shop, small business, or industrial manufacturing. It's a vinyl roll feed cutter with automatic feeding & lifting platform and automatic vacuum chuck. Three knives are equipped on the digital cutting machine, one kisscut knife, one cutting knife, and one creasing wheel. One pen is equipped for writing and drawing. The digital cutter can precisely and quickly complete full cutting, half cutting, creasing and marking. Scribing, indentation, half-cutting, and full-cutting can be achieved at one time on the CNC digital cutter. In addition, CCD camrea is an important part to improve the cutting accuracy.
Vinyl is refer to polyvinyl chloride (PVC), which is a synthetic plastic polymer with durable, tough, and flame-retardant properties. Vinyl is the world's most versatile plastic, which is suitable for a wide range of applications.
Vinyl sticker is a wall decal cut with a flatbed vinyl cutting plotter. A vinyl sticker is also known as wall sticker, tattoo, it is used for hobbyists or commercial use as a sign to promote brand, service, or business on sandwich board, vehicle, or in a shop window. Vinyl label is also known as vinyl decal. Vinyl signage is a form of outdoor advertising. Most signs are now digitally cut with CNC vinyl cutting plotters which are capable of cutting a sign outdoor billboard on vinyl material.
Vinyl lettering is to cut vinyl out of individual letters. Vinyl lettering is to cut directly from colored vinyl material. Vinyl lettering is to cut from durable vinyl material to smooth surfaces.
Accurate
The vinyl cutting machine meets the cutting precision: 0.3mm to 0.5mm.
Are you interested in learning more about flatbed cutting plotters for sale? Contact us today to secure an expert consultation!
Smooth
The oscillating cutting tool will assure the digital cutting machine to cut smoothly. And this cutting effects can hardly be done by laser cutter, die cutter or manual workers.
Delicacy
With the flatbed vinyl cutting machine for vinyl making, you can easily meet the market requirements for customized stickers, labels, signs, or designs.
Multi-Layer
This vinyl cutting plotter can cut several layers materials, and suitable for some custom vinyl cutting.
High Efficiency
Don't need any die mould, or die mould cutting machine, this cutting plotter can press mark, cutting and moulding on soft materials, such as paper, cardboard, fabric, leather, carton and more. Save much labor and cost.
High Performance
Taiwan TBI ball screw and high precision rack pinion will make the machine with low noise, high accurate transmission, long lifespan, and high precision.
High Speed
Max. cutting speed: mm/s
The vinyl cutter machine is 3 to 5 times faster than traditional manual vinyl cutting.
Compatible
Digital flatbed vinyl cutting plotters support any design software which can output files in DXF or PLT format.
Eg: AutoCad, Coreldraw, AI, etc.
Material Saving
The digital vinyl cutting machine is computerized
Accurate and material saving.
User Friendly
All the sharp turnings can be controlled on the machine.
A free training is supported at our company or on your site, and we assure you can operate the vinyl cutting machine.
Multifunctional Cutting Head
The combination of multifunctional cutting head and holders are suitable for full cut, creasing wheel, kisscut, v-cut and laser red light positioning, and the camera can extract large contour to cut with CCD positioning.
1. The new model complies with European Standard.
2. Special safety sensory device meets the European standard.
3. Divisional vacuum suction system, more stable and power saving.
4. Directly control on all sharp turnings on the machine, convenient and easy to operate.
5. Swiss high speed vibrating cutting tool is available for any depth setting of the blades.
Please choose the most suitable digital flatbed vinyl cutting table for yourself.
Your materials size shall determine the table size.
The digital flatbed vinyl cutting machine with an automatic conveyor system is most suitable for materials in roll shapes.
ModelTable SizeSTOmm x 700mmSTOmm x mmSTOmm x mmDigital flatbed vinyl cutting machine is specialized in soft material cutting. And this machine can also be used in a lot of areas such as digital printing, sign making, vinyl sticker making, footwear, apparel, bag & case, airplane, package, advertisement, furniture, lamp, box, color print, packing, car mat, apparel, sofa, seat, car seat cover, car floor mat, car carpet, handbag, shoe industry, clothing industry, composite material industry, luggage industry, automobile industry, advertising and printing industry, electronic industry, decoration industry, furniture industry, and so on.
Flatbed vinyl cutting machines are used to cut many kinds of soft materials and some hard materials as well, including cardboard, paperboard, KT board, grey board, honeycomb board, lamp piece, car sticker, PP Adhesive material, banner cloth, printing cloth, PVC foam board, corrugated board, acrylic board, PVC board, paper, cloth, fabric, mash, jean, fiber, multi-layers leather, PU, corrugated board, honeycomb board, chipboard, plastic corrugated board, rubber, shoe insole, EVA foam, PE foam, thick foam, car mats, acrylic, plastic, composite materials and more.
Pre-Sale Service
1. Free Sample Making:
Before you buy the digital vinyl cutting machine, please send your samples or products CAD graphics to our company, we will do cutting here and make video to show you the cutting effect.
2. Customized Machine Design:
We accept the customized digital flatbed vinyl cutting machine, our company has an experienced professional design team, we can give you our professional suggestions according to your requirements and design a cost-effective machine for your business requirements.
3. Inquiries are typically answered within 24 hours.
4. Factory Visiting:
Welcome to visit our factory to test & inspect the digital cutting machine before you buy.
After-Sales Service
1. Machine Warranty
The warranty is 12 months after shipment date. During the warranty period, the main accessories (except the wearing parts) are replaced free of charge because of the quality problems under the normal operation, but due to improper operation, also well-solved, but not free of charge.
2. We have an experienced after-sales team and a complete after-sale system.
3. Factory trainning support, video technical support, online support, engineers available to service machinery overseas.
1. Standard plywood case packing for exporting, which can guarantee the digital flatbed vinyl cutter safety during the long-distance transportation.
2. Delivery time: 18 days after received the full payment.
If you are looking for more details, kindly visit auto feeding DTF cutter.
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