Cricut’s New Compact Crafter Prints, Cuts & Laminates
▼ Summary
– Cricut has launched two new compact crafting machines, the StickerPix Print plus Cut and the StickerPix Print, designed for creating stickers.
– The larger StickerPix Print plus Cut starts at $299 and features dye-sublimation printing, lamination, and cutting capabilities for 4×7-inch sheets.
– The smaller StickerPix Print starts at $169 and prints directly onto pre-cut sticker shapes without cutting functionality.
– Both machines utilize a built-in lamination process to ensure prints are resistant to water, scratches, and fading over time.
– A key distinction is that the Plus Cut model produces kiss-cut stickers attached to a backing sheet, unlike Cricut’s die-cut machines.
Cricut has expanded its lineup with two new compact machines, the StickerPix Print plus Cut and the StickerPix Print, designed to bring professional-grade sticker production into smaller workspaces. These devices represent a shift toward all-in-one crafting solutions that handle printing, laminating, and cutting in a single streamlined process. Ideal for users constrained by storage space or those seeking efficiency, the new models focus on transforming digital images into durable, pre-cut stickers without requiring extensive equipment setups.
Starting at $299, the StickerPix Print plus Cut serves as the flagship option for this new series. It supports 4×7-inch sticker sheets and 4×6-inch photo paper, utilizing a dye-sublimation printing process. This method employs heat rather than traditional ink spraying, which results in superior color accuracy and vibrancy. A key differentiator from Cricut’s larger existing machines is the integrated lamination feature. This built-in process seals prints against water damage, scratches, and fading, ensuring longevity for both indoor and outdoor projects. The machine produces kiss-cut stickers, meaning it slices only through the top layer of material while leaving the backing intact. This design allows stickers to remain attached to a larger sheet for easier handling and peeling.
For those prioritizing affordability and simplicity, the Cricut StickerPix Print offers a more budget-friendly entry point starting at $169. While it shares many core functionalities with its larger counterpart, it lacks the ability to cut shapes independently. Instead, it relies on pre-cut sticker sheets available in standard formats like circles, rectangles, and squares. Users can also utilize the device to print directly onto 4×6-inch photo paper, making it versatile for personal photography needs. Both models are offered individually or as part of bundles that include additional consumables, catering to hobbyists who want to start crafting immediately without sourcing separate materials.
The distinction between these new compact units and Cricut’s previous generation of crafters lies primarily in their cutting mechanics. Traditional Cricut machines are capable of producing die-cut stickers, where the blade cuts completely through both the vinyl and the backing paper, freeing individual shapes entirely. In contrast, the StickerPix series creates kiss-cut outputs. This approach keeps the finished stickers adhered to the carrier sheet until manually peeled, a technique that simplifies organization and reduces the risk of losing small pieces during the crafting process.
(Source: The Verge)
