Vinyl Cutting – Custom Name & RX 100 Bike Sticker


Introduction


As part of my hands-on journey in digital fabrication and rapid prototyping, I explored vinyl cutting to produce customized stickers. Using SignMaster V5 software and a vinyl cutter, I created two unique designs:


  • My name:"ANANDHAKUMAR A"
  • A classic RX 100 bike logo sticker



This project helped me understand the end-to-end process of digital vector design, machine operation, material handling, and final sticker application.


Tools Used:

  • Software: SignMaster V5
  • Hardware: Vinyl Cutter
  • Materials:Adhesive vinyl sheet, transfer tape
  • Designs:Text-based name sticker and RX 100 logo

Design Preparation in SignMaster


I started by launching SignMaster V5, an industry-grade software tailored for vinyl cutting. Using its clean and intuitive interface, I performed the following steps:




Name Design:







  • Selected the Text Tool
  • Entered “ANANDHAKUMAR A” into the workspace
  • Explored and applied different font styles to personalize the sticker
  • Aligned and resized the text for optimal cutting
RX 100 Logo:







  • Imported a reference image of the Yamaha RX 100 logo
  • Used the Trace Image tool to convert it into a clean vector path
  • Refined edges and curves to match the original design closely
  • Positioned the traced logo for efficient use of material


Blade Intensity & Material Setup







Before starting the cut:

  • I set the blade intensity (cutting force) according to the vinyl thickness
  • Ensured the blade cut only the top layer of vinyl without slicing through the backing sheet
  • Loaded the vinyl roll and aligned it properly to avoid skewed cuts

Area Test & Verification

To ensure material efficiency:




  • I performed an area test using SignMaster to simulate the cutting path
  • This test verified spacing, alignment, and confirmed the design would fit without overlapping or wasting material

Cutting Execution

Once the tests were complete:






  • I sent both designs to the vinyl cutter
  • The machine precisely followed the vector paths, cutting both the name and RX 100 sticker cleanly
  • Each curve, angle, and stroke of the RX 100 logo was sharply replicated

Weeding & Finishing

After the cut:


  • I carefully weeded out the unwanted vinyl around both designs
  • Only the desired elements (text and logo) remained on the vinyl backing

For final application:




  • I used transfer tape to pick up the sticker
  • Carefully applied it onto surfaces (like my laptop for the name, and optionally a bike panel for the RX 100)
  • Ensured proper alignment and bubble-free adhesion


Final Results

The outcome was precise and professional:

  • The name sticker added a personal identity to my laptop



  • The RX 100 sticker came out clean, crisp, and true to the iconic motorcycle branding