Cricut has introduced its latest cutting machines, the Cricut Explore 4 and Cricut Maker 4, offering enhanced features for crafters and professionals alike
Key Features of Cricut Explore 4 and Cricut Maker 4:
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Faster Cutting Speeds: Both machines are designed to cut materials up to twice as fast as their predecessors, improving project efficiency.
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New Color Options: They are available in two new colors: Seashell (widely available) and Sage (exclusively at Michaels in a bundle).
Cricut Explore 4:
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Target Users: Ideal for hobbyists and crafters focusing on paper crafting, card-making, and vinyl projects.
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Material Compatibility: Cuts over 100 materials, including Smart Materials for matless cutting
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Tool Compatibility: Compatible with six tools.
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Cutting Speed: Can cut up to 10 inches per second in a straight line
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Dimensions and Weight: Measures 22.2″ x 7″ x 5.9″ and weighs 11.1 pounds (5.03 kg)
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Cutting Dimensions: Cuts designs up to 11.7 inches wide. Maximum length depends on the material:
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Without a mat: 11.2 inches (cardstock), 4 feet (adhesive vinyl), or 12 feet (iron-on).
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With a mat: 11.5 inches wide and either 11.5 or 23.5 inches long.
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Connectivity: Supports Bluetooth and works with Cricut Design Space.
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Price: $249.99
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Availability: Available for purchase at Cricut.com and Michaels.com.
Cricut Maker 4:
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Target Users: Suited for advanced crafters, small business owners, and professionals.
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Material Compatibility: Cuts over 300 materials, including fabric, leather, and thin wood.
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Tool Compatibility: Works with thirteen tools and is compatible with advanced tools like the Knife Blade, Rotary Blade, and Wavy Blade.
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Cutting Speed: Can cut up to 10 inches per second in a straight line.
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Dimensions and Weight: Measures 22.1″ x 7.1″ x 6.2″ and weighs 15.4 pounds (6.98 kg).
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Cutting Dimensions: Cuts designs up to 11.7 inches wide. Maximum length depends on the material:
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Without a mat: 11.2 inches (cardstock), 4 feet (adhesive vinyl), or 12 feet (iron-on).
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With a mat: 11.5 inches wide and either 11.5 or 23.5 inches long.
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Connectivity: Supports Bluetooth and works with Cricut Design Space.
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Price: $399.99.
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Availability: Available for purchase at Cricut.com and Michaels.com.
Using Creative Fabrica Products with Cricut Machines:
Integrating digital designs, fonts, and SVG files from Creative Fabrica can enhance the capabilities of your Cricut Explore 4 and Cricut Maker 4.
FAQs:
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When and where can I buy these machines? Both machines launched on February 28 at Cricut.com and Michaels. They became available at all major retailers selling Cricut products on March 14.
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Are they compatible with Creative Fabrica’s products and designs made in Studio? Yes, the new Cricut machines are compatible with Creative Fabrica’s designs. You can upload these designs to Cricut Design Space and cut them with your machine
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Do they require a cutting mat? When using Cricut Smart Materials, a cutting mat is not required, allowing for seamless, long designs up to 12 feet (3.6 meters). However, both machines can also be used with a cutting mat, with a maximum cut size of 11.5 in x 23.5 in (29.2 cm x 59.6 cm)
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What’s the difference between Cricut Explore 4 and Cricut Maker 4? Cricut Explore 4 is recommended for hobbyists and crafters, while Cricut Maker 4 is promoted as the most powerful machine, cutting the widest range of materials with advanced tools
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Are these machines compatible with Design Space? Yes, both machines work with Cricut Design Space, the free software where you can create and customize designs effortlessly.
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What comes in the box with the Cricut Explore 4 and Cricut Maker 4? Each box includes materials and information to help you get started, such as setup details, warranty, and safety information. You’ll also find the power adapter and cord, a USB-C cable, tools and materials to start crafting immediately, an Accessory Adapter in Clamp A, a Premium Fine-Point blade and housing in Clamp B, a blue LightGrip machine mat, Smart Vinyl sheets, Smart Iron-On vinyl, cardstock sheets, transfer tape, a mini weeding tool, and a black fine-point Cricut pen
Alternatives to the Cricut Explore 4 and Cricut Maker 4:
If you’re considering other cutting machines, alternatives include:
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Silhouette CAMEO PRO MK-II
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Silhouette Cameo 5 (Plus)
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Siser Juliet
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Siser Romeo
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Brother ScanNCut SDX2250D
These alternatives offer various features and capabilities that may suit different crafting needs.