How to Perfectly Calibrate Your Cricut Explore Air 2 for Optimal Cutting Performance_4

How to Calibrate Your Cricut Explore Air 2

The Cricut Explore Air 2 is a versatile and powerful cutting machine that can handle a wide range of materials, from paper to fabric. However, to ensure that your cuts are precise and accurate, it’s essential to calibrate your machine regularly. Calibration involves adjusting the machine’s settings to match the thickness of the material you’re using. In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of calibrating your Cricut Explore Air 2 to ensure optimal performance.

Step 1: Prepare Your Materials

Before you begin calibrating your Cricut Explore Air 2, gather the following materials:

– Cricut Explore Air 2 cutting machine
– Cricut cutting mat
– Cricut blade
– Cricut mat adhesive (if needed)
– A piece of the material you plan to use for your project

Step 2: Clean the Cutting Mat

Ensure that your cutting mat is clean and free of debris. Dust, lint, and adhesive residue can affect the accuracy of your cuts. Use a damp cloth to wipe the mat clean, and let it dry completely before proceeding.

Step 3: Load the Material

Place your chosen material on the cutting mat, ensuring it’s centered and aligned with the cutting mat’s guidelines. If you’re using a thin material, you may need to apply Cricut mat adhesive to the back to prevent shifting during cutting.

Step 4: Adjust the Material Type

Open the Cricut Design Space software on your computer or mobile device. In the software, select the material type that matches the material you’ve loaded on your cutting mat. If you’re unsure, refer to the Cricut material guide for recommendations.

Step 5: Set the Material Thickness

In the Design Space software, click on the “Custom” button under the “Material Type” dropdown menu. Enter the thickness of your material in the “Thickness” field. For example, if you’re using standard cardstock, enter “0.006.” If you’re using a thicker material like chipboard, enter a higher value, such as “0.020.”

Step 6: Calibrate the Machine

Connect your Cricut Explore Air 2 to your computer or mobile device using the included USB cable. In the Design Space software, click on the “Make It” button to send the cutting instructions to the machine. The machine will now perform a calibration test by cutting a small piece of material. Once the test is complete, the machine will display the calibration results.

Step 7: Adjust the Blade

If the calibration results indicate that the blade is not cutting deep enough, you may need to adjust the blade depth. To do this, remove the blade from the machine and use a hex wrench to turn the blade depth adjustment screw clockwise to increase the depth or counterclockwise to decrease the depth. Reinsert the blade and repeat the calibration process.

Step 8: Test the Cuts

After calibrating your Cricut Explore Air 2, test the cuts on your project material. If the cuts are still not accurate, repeat the calibration process, making adjustments as needed until you achieve the desired results.

By following these steps, you can ensure that your Cricut Explore Air 2 is calibrated correctly, allowing you to create professional-quality projects with ease. Regular calibration will help maintain the precision and accuracy of your machine, ensuring that your cuts are consistently perfect.