Silhouette machines can be used for a wide range of purposes. They are used for 3D printing, stamping, or cutting. The machines help to bring efficiency and quality results to the final item. However, that is not everything that a Silhouette machine can offer. They come with many additional features and software that make them highly beneficial for the users.
Silhouette machines are loved by DIY enthusiasts and crafters worldwide. If you are planning to purchase the Silhouette machine right now, then you must not hesitate. There are many units that you can choose from. However, to help you pick the best Silhouette machine, we have reviewed some of the top-rated machines for you.
Silhouette Machine Reviews
1. Silhouette Portrait 2 Electronic Cutting Tool – Best Selling Unit
Compact: If you are looking for a machine that is small, compact, and a lighter version of a Silhouette Cameo electronic unit, then this compact unit is perfect for you.
Connectivity: This Silhouette Portrait 2 connects to your PC easily and allows you complete freedom to download various designs from the online store.
Custom designs: It also lets you design your custom designs equipped with powerful software.
DIY Unit: If you are looking for powerful DIY units to help take your skills to the next level, this one is for you. The Silhouette Portrait 2 will help you develop a successful cutting business.
Cutting space: This machine is an ideal choice for large scale projects. It comes with an auto-adjusting blade and is also equipped with a large cutting area.
My Opinion
Pros: The machine allows you to create your designs wirelessly, and this can be done conveniently by connecting your smartphone, tablet, or desktop computer with your Portrait 2.
Cons: You have to pay an extra cost for the software upgrade.
2. Silhouette Cameo 4 – Best Budget
Ultimate Unit: The Silhouette Cameo 4 is the machine that has all the upgraded features. It is the latest invention by this brand and is designed with the latest technology.
Advantages: It comes with ten exclusive designs, Silhouette Handbook, compactness, and affordability.
Versatile: This machine comes designed with a pull-out drawer and a built-in cross cutter that can allow you to cut smoothly.
Cutting: It comes with a unique dual carriage that allows the user for tool-type detection. It is also designed with a new dual-motor system that will enable you to cut in two different ways.
Rotatory blade: Its rotary blade is designed to operate with the Cameo smart tangential technology, which gives you fine cutting results.
My Opinion
Pros: This machine allows you to cut a wide range of materials like paper, cardstock without a mat. It comes with a second-generation auto blade, which reduces the machine’s time to adjust the blade.
Cons: The machine doesn’t cut leather.
3. Silhouette America Curio Crafting Printer – Best Overall
Design: Silhouette is different and unique in design, while the function is much better than all its predecessors. It is compact so it will not take much space in your office or home. It is an affordable machine, but it can help you buy it with a one-year warranty.
Easy to use: This machine’s primary function is to create stamps. The output designs can reach a maximum of 45mm x 90mm in size. It is considered one of the best Silhouette machines for making stickers.
Cutting and Printing: With Silhouette America, all you have to do as a user is to select the image, text, or design, and you can quickly turn into a stamp or send it to the device. After the cutting and printing process, you can attach it to the stamp kit. Later add ink and use it to mark the design on as many surfaces as you want.
USB cable: All the Information will be easily transmitted to the device from your computer via a USB cable. Even though there is no Bluetooth capability, it is worth the purchase.
My Opinion
Pros: The machine is compact and lightweight. The one year warranty is a fair offer given by manufacturers.
Cons: It can only be used to stamp designs.
4. Silhouette Alta Machine 3D Printer – Editor’s Choice
3D printer: A silhouette machine with a 3D printer is a lot different than other devices. It can only be used to make 3D models of specific/selective designs. The maximum dimension areas of this machine are 120mm tall and 116mm wide.
Software: It comes equipped with software so you can make full use of the device. When you place this machine on a desk next to your computer, it will make your challenging projects look easy. The nozzle tip cleaner and print removal tools are given as an accessory.
Design: You can conveniently choose your favorite designs from the Silhouette design store and get to printing. If you have innovative ideas, you can create and customize some of your arrangements before using the device for printing them. You can easily select the colors of prints from the given collections before you start your work.
Rolls: You will be pleasantly surprised to find four different filament rolls featured in the machine. The primary colors on the rolls are blue, red, green, and yellow. They have a measuring length of 1000 inches. You will get done with a variety of designs and prints before the capacity runs out.
Speed parameters: The users will have to adjust speed parameters according to the projects’ requirements, and it will give the best of results. Changing the print speed from high to low in an instant will make things easy.
My opinion
Pros: The machine can handle printing both in high and low temperatures giving the best prints as a result.
Cons: The machine can produce 3D designs only.
Buying Guide
There is a lot that you have to consider before you can buy a Silhouette machine. You must consider the computer requirements for software, materials the device can cut. We are listing down a few primary considerations that can help you have a much easier time shopping for the Silhouette machine.
Job type
There are three main kinds of Silhouette machines. The most common ones allow you to cut designs of various materials. A different kind of device is the one that produces 3D prints. The stamp-making machine is also another type of Silhouette machine. The machine is the smallest and compact, and can only make stamp size cuttings and designs. You can consider the job type you need to do with the machine and choose the right one to satisfy your needs.
Dimensions and weight
The dimensions and the machine’s weight can affect where you can place the device and the size of materials you can cut with it. The Silhouette Mint Custom Printer allows you only to make stamps that are a maximum of 45mm x 90mm, because of its dimensions. Other machines come with a maximum cutting area. These machines have 24 x 11 x 9-inch dimensions.
Computer requirements
Fortunately, the users will not need high-end computers for connecting with a Silhouette machine. However, if you want the computer to be compatible, you need at least 1 GB of RAM, which isn’t massive in this modern age.
Bundles
The wise customers know precisely what will be offered in the package along with the Silhouette machine. For example, the Silhouette Alta 3D Printer Bundle comes with four filament rolls that will act as the building blocks for your first few designs. Other machines come with software and some free designs too.
Materials
You have to thoroughly check the materials the device will be using. If your projects require using a specific type of material, containing the suitability before making the purchase is essential.
Other features
The warranty is a common factor checked by any purchaser when they are buying the best machine. Additionally, you can check other extra features to find out if the machine is suitable or not. The device should support Bluetooth because it allows the use of thick and thin materials. Checking the overall value and price of the machine is equally important.
FAQS
Can you use a Silhouette machine without a computer?
The Silhouette machine comes with Bluetooth compatibility, and you don’t need a PC to make full use of the device. The user can also use another Bluetooth-enabled device to cut design on a particular type of material or fabric.
Is Silhouette studio free?
The Silhouette machines come with a free version of the Silhouette Studio. Users can freely download the software. If you want to upgrade the device to a different version, then you will have to invest money. The upgraded version comes with more functionality.
Which silhouette machine is the best?
All the silhouette machines we have reviewed above are durable and have got quality features. It depends on your choice and your projects’ requirements to decide which device can give you the best of results.
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