When to Change the Blade on Your Cutting Machine?

Changing the Cutting Machine Needle: When, Why and How to Choose the Right One?

If you work with cutting machines like Silhouette, Cricut or Brother , you may have asked yourself:
"Do I really need to change the needle (blade) to cut different materials?"
The answer is yes, and this change makes all the difference in the finish and durability of your equipment.

In this post, you will learn:

• When and why to change the blade

• What are the most commonly used types of blades?

• How to identify signs of wear and tear

• Which materials require special attention?

• Practical tips to ensure clean and precise cuts

• Official recommendations from Silhouette Brazil

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🧠 Understanding the Blade's Role in Cut Quality

The blade (or needle) is responsible for cutting the material according to the machine's software commands. Cutting accuracy depends directly on the blade type, cutting configuration, and the condition of the part.

Each material has specific characteristics — and the same blade may not be effective or safe for all of them.

What influences blade performance:

• Material thickness and density

• Fiber type (flexible, rigid, elastic, adhesive, etc.)

• Accumulation of residue on the blade

• Speed ​​and pressure set on the machine

❗ According to the official Silhouette Brazil guide, using the correct blade for each type of material ensures better performance and prevents permanent damage to the equipment.

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🔄 Is It Necessary to Change Blades for Each Material?

Yes, especially if you work with different materials.
Changing blades prevents unnecessary wear, improves cutting quality and prevents a blade that is "addicted" to one material from damaging another.

Main recommendations:

• Use a blade dedicated to paper and stickers

• Have another one just for thicker materials (EVA, cardboard, acetate, leather)

• And a third if working with fabrics and felt (ideally a rotary blade)

❗ Important: using the same blade for paper and EVA, for example, compromises precision and wears out the piece quickly.

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🔍 Main Types of Blades and Their Uses

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🧼 How to Know if the Blade is Worn?

Some classic signs:

• The cut does not go completely through the material

• The edges come out frayed or chewed

• The machine seems to “drag” the paper instead of cutting

• Even with maximum pressure and blade, the cut fails

👉 Tip: If you notice any of these signs, test with a different type of paper. If the problem persists, it's time to replace it.

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📅 How often should I change it?

It depends on usage. Here's an average:

Observation:

Keep blades separate and labeled by material type. This helps with organization and prevents you from accidentally using the wrong blade.

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✅ Good Practices to Last Longer

• Use the appropriate cutting mat (new and clean)

• Avoid cutting over already damaged areas of the carpet.

• Keep the blade clean and free of debris

• Store in a dry, closed place, away from moisture.

• Do not use materials that the machine cannot handle.

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🧵 And for Those Who Work with Fabric?

• Use rotary blade (Cricut Maker) or fabric blade (Silhouette Cameo)

• Never mix with paper cuts or stickers

• Use fabric-specific mats (like Cricut's "Fabric Grip")

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💬 Conclusion: Is It Worth Investing in Different Blades?

Yes! Having the right set of blades is an investment in the quality of your work. You gain speed, material savings, and a flawless finish.

👉 If you want a professional result, separating and replacing blades isn't a luxury — it's a necessity.