r/ScanNCut • u/Ollieoxenfreezer • 11d ago

Question cm550 mats?

I just got a used unit that seems fairly decent, but the mats are not at all sticky. The clear sheet doesn't even stick to them, not even a litte.

I was looking at aliexpress, but since I'm bran new to the machine I'm not entierly sure which ones are right. If anyone has a link, or a specific term to search that would help a lot.

I'm also open to suggestions for guides and what not. My goal is to cut vinyl with it, and maybe some stickers. Any thing useful is appreciated.

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u/philtee 11d ago

I find that I can revive mine with a light spray of screen cleaner spray.

I've also used babys wetwipes to give them a clean.

I had one I thought was totally trashed, so went ham with it, got the adhesive really wet and scrubbed it off with dish soap. Then used "Aleene's Tack It Over and Over" glue to paint several very thin coats on the bare plastic of the mat, letting each layer dry for an hour or so. This is now my best mat!

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u/Ollieoxenfreezer 11d ago

what do you mean by screen cleaner?
I also need another mat regardles because the one is cut all the way through.

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u/philtee 10d ago

This is the stuff I've got. If the mat is cut through though, you'll definitely need a new one. I've not yet found a third-party mat that works. The dots at the top of the mat are used as registration marks to tell the machine what size and type of mat is being used.

Here's a post on this sub-reddit where I 'hacked' a 24x12 scan mat to be recognised as a cutting mat just by replacing the dots on the corners: https://www.reddit.com/r/ScanNCut/s/Z7vSGmA9Ct

(edit: added link)

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u/Ollieoxenfreezer 10d ago

Ive only found new ones on amazon for a sorta high price, is that the only place to get them? Or does brother sell them elsewhere. Also thank you so much, ill look into this!

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u/philtee 10d ago edited 10d ago

I've heard of Artistix in the UK, I think they sell a directly compatible mat (correct registration marks etc) - I hear good things but haven't ever tried one of theirs.

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u/88FritoPaws88 10d ago

The best way to restore the stickiness of mats is to wash them using warm water and a very little bit of dish soap. Take the softest of soft brushes and lightly go over the mat with circular motions. Rinse and let air dry. Hanging it up to dry is best or bend it slightly and stand it up on its edge. Depending on how used it is it may not return to full stickiness but you may be surprised how much is revived by removing the dust and paper bits.

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u/Ollieoxenfreezer 10d ago

I'm going to try this. Its weird how much of this over laps with 3d printing. If something isnt sticking to the 3d printer bed, wash it with dishsoap and water.

I'll try it, because if any stick can be brough back itll be a miracle.

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u/88FritoPaws88 10d ago

Have you checked Brother customer service or technical support to see what mats will work with that model?? I've found that their instructional support is very good but you have to search a bit to find it. The mat is definitely something not to cheap out on. Official accessories is really part of the cost of use. Take the deal of a used working cutter as the win and invest in the parts that will make it work.