I just LOVE a new cutter! And this one is going to rock the cutting world! The price of $399 is just amaZING for a machine that has 750g of cutting force, along with a 14″ wide cutting range. Just like with our other KNK’s, you can insert 15″ wide rolled materials, such as vinyl, for cutting and there will be a cutting mat included for cutting 12″ x 12″ cardstock or other materials such as fabric, thin chipboard, craft plastic, rhinestone template material, felt, fun foam, mylar, duralar, posterboard, and most of the other materials you see in the photo gallery here:
30 Plus Materials To Cut on A KNK
The only materials I show in that photo album that the Zing probably won’t handle are styrene and mat board. But I’ll give a full report once I have a Zing prototype of my own to test… fingers crossed for that to happen in the second half of August.
As you can see from the link at the new Zing home page, the compact siZING is another great feature! This KNK will be far easier to transport and I look forward to that.
Make The Cut is proving to be a popular software for the existing KNK owners, as well. The Print and Cut function is so much faster and easier to use with the automatic movement of the laser light to within about 1/4″ of each printed mark, thus requiring just a tweaking of movement to align perfectly. I’m also looking forward to the improved auto-tracing function which has always allowed previews of the trace before accepting the results. A demo video of the upcoming new version shows additional functionality with separate tabs to use when choosing the best best vectoriZING method based on the imported raster image.
For those who already own and use KNK Studio, a copy/paste function will be added so that existing KNK files can easily be moved to MTC for cutting to the Zing.
All in all, a lot to look forward to in the upcoming months! So, keep checking for more information and I will be reporting the latest, as I receive it.
Hi Danielle,
The Zing comes with Make The Cut software and there are over 4000 free designs available to download from the on-line MTC Gallery. Also, MTC will import cutting files that are the following formats: SVG, AI, EPS, vector PDF, SCUT, and SCUT2. For those who own KNK Studio, you can directly copy/paste opened KNK files into MTC for cutting.
The MTC also can vectorize clipart in the following formats: .JPG, .BMP, .PNG, .TIF and .GIF.
Yes, you can do print and cut applications for temporary tatoos using the laser alignment light and MTC’s 3 point registration process.
and if I wanted to cut an item, Ie a circle. and that circle had lines cut in it .. how thin could that line be?
where do I find the available designs for the Zing? also will this print temporary tattoos like the Silhouette does?
Hi Elizabeth,
1. MTC has an on-line gallery with over 4000 FREE cutting files plus it will import SVG, AI, EPS, SCUT and vector PDF for cutting. It will also import and convert JPG, BMP, TIF, and PNG.
2. There are many MAC owners using Windows-based cutting programs. They do prefer certain emulators over others and I believe Parallels is one of the preferred ones. You do need to buy a copy of Windows, as well.
Hi Sandy
Sorry I’m new to this cutter thing but I was wondering a couple of things about the zing:
1. How does MTC work? Does it have files to use in the zing already or do you have to import them from other sources? I am looking at the zing versus silhouette cameo and I know that sil has a store to buy images but I’m not sure how it works with zing.
2. I am a Mac user and I know MTC doesn’t currently work with Mac…how easy is it to use the windows parallel software to make it work with MTC…just wondering if there is any other Mac users out there that can tell me about this?
Thanks
Hi Jill,
WPC is a proprietary format and only programs developed by Sign Max will open them (such as Win PC Sign, Funtime, and Pazzles Inspiration Studio). But all of those various programs will export files in AI format and that will import into MTC to cut to a Zing.
You can create your cut lines in either AI or MTC and then import or even copy/paste from AI to MTC. There are no laser printer/cutters in one under $1000.
Hi Sandy,
I am interested in buying the zing for cutting out decals, specifically small circles (1/4-1/2 inch).I use CS4 Illustrator for my designs. So if I create my vector ai design in Illustrator, import it into MTC I can then create my cut lines from there and it will cut? What if I create my cut lines in Illustrator? Thank you. BTW are they any laser printers and cutters in 1 under 1000.00?
Will the Zing accept wpc files? I have the ability to import svg and pdf but my cutter doesn’t seem to be able to export those same file formats. Do wpc files work with Zing?
Just send me a sample PNG you’ve made in Photoshop and I’ll make a quick video to show you how it works.
For the import once its in PNG form do you import it using pixel trace?? perhaps my graphic is a bad one but when i tried to import it into MTC that way it put a green blob around my A the line around the A wasnt at all what the A looked liked…I am lost atm
You export your graphic from Photoshop in jpg, png, or bmp (any of the standard raster formats). Then in MTC, you import it and vectorize it. Not to worry… it doesn’t do anything to your original graphic. Picture taking a pencil and some tracing paper and tracing the outline of the graphic onto the tracing paper. This tracing is the vector part and provides a path, like a road map) for the blade to travel when cutting it out. The settings in MTC will control whether or not you want just the outside cut or parts of the inside as well. That will be your choice!
Then, when printing from MTC, the trace lines will NOT be cut. But registration marks will be automatically printed around the outside of the image. That’s what you use for the print and cut process so that the cutter will know where your image is located on the printout.
Ok let me clarify what i am confused with is how to get colorful graphic into MTC for the print and cut or does it not work exactly that way ? As smart as i am in adobe i seem to be stumped here lol
There is no way to cut from Photoshop. It doesn’t have the ability to communicate with most cutters.
Regarding the other question… the import from CS5. You can only import vectors or rasters… not a combination. So if your friend made a file that has both an original design for printing AND a vector, then it won’t work. The best solution is to export from Photoshop as either PNG or JPG and then import that file into MTC for vectorizing. MTC has a phenomenal vectorizing feature that puts other programs to shame and easily competes on the same level as AI! Do NOT underestimate its capability. : )
You can but Photoshop is not the best place to do it, especially if you are planning on a print and cut. Photoshop is best suited for designing what you want to print. And then Make The Cut is the best place for creating the cut lines and then performing the print and cut.
Ok now i am completly lost on this Print and Cut…My friend has Adobe Cs5 and made a vector then sent it to me yet i was unable to get into MTC…Help!!
i did just find that photoshop cs2 has convert to shape for text items as i dont have CS2 right now i cant try it was just hoping i could import some text to print then cut from photoshop maybe not so much
is it possible though to make something in photoshop and then vectorize it as you call it…sorry terms sorta of out of my leauge.
The printing and the cutting need to be from MTC. Plus you’ll need to vectorize whatever you plan to cut and typically Photoshop is used for just the raster part of the PNC and not the vector part.
Can you make graphics in say adobe photoshop then print and cut with the zing? I have photoshop 7 right now or is the printing from MTC??
Hi George! Actually, my name is Sandy! : )
You won’t be able to cut directly from those programs to the Zing. But you should be able to export in a format that Make The Cut will import, such as EPS, SVG, PDF.
Hello Peggy, can i use the Zing cutter with the Cadworxlive software
and the Vector cut software that they have?? I would be using it for
heat vinyl transfers!!
Essentially, yes! All blade-based digital die cutters use vector graphics while most of the clipart you find on the Internet is raster. But the tracing process in Make The Cut works beautifully. So, you trace ANY imported clipart (web sites, from your scanner, from a CD, etc) and that defines the part that will be cut. When you send it to be printed on your home printer, registration marks are automatically added to the outside of your image. You place your printout onto the cutting mat and then the print and cut process automatically moves the laser light within about 1/8″ of your first mark. You user your arrow keys to get the laser dot right on the mark and set it and then it goes to the next one. You do this for all three marks and then the Zing will cut it out perfectly. You don’t even need the printout to be straight on the mat.
Yeah its a long term investment for sure…i know the cricut cartriges are sooo expensive and you so very trapped at what you can do…Can you explain a little more about the print and cut…does it mean any thing i find on the net i can print and then cut with the zing or only a selection of items?
When you look at how much more you can do with the Zing, I think you’ll really appreciate the value! And the fact you already use and love MTC will make the Zing learning process a piece of cake!
well that certianly clears up a few things since MTC is my driving need in a cutter and being able to sell the activation pin would be the same as getting a discount…I mainly cut for my kids scrapbooks which are 8.5 by 11 so the added size of the Zing doesnt appeal to me but I will tell you what I love MTC!! I also have done alot of projects with cutting vinyl…I am very intrested about print and cut and how that works…I just hope a Zing can make it under my tree for christmas lol…the cricut was only 200 bucks and 400 bucks is bigger step but i will put off all other presents for this i am lost with out a cutter!!
Hi Kimberly,
That’s not an option, unfortunately. But the owners of MTC and KNK have agreed that new owners are free to sell the MTC Activation Pin that comes with their new Zing.
Note that the Zing cuts up to 14.5″ whereas the Cameo cuts up to 12″. The Zing has a maximum of 750g of cutting force whereas the Cameo only has the same as the Silh SD, which is 230g. Also, there is no indication that the Cameo will cut from MTC. It does not use the same driver as the Silhouette.
Let me know if you have any other questions!
The Zing seems like the thing to get…I be running around trying to figure out which is the best i already have make the cut software as i have a circut but now cant use it all and will be selling it as they do not have any software near what make the cut was and i can not bring myself to buy a bunch or cartiges. I have seen nice reviews on the Silhouette Cameo as well the SD but will be the Cameo soon…I am wondering the diffence so hard to decied! I would like to know as i see the Zing says it will be coming with make the cut if you can get the Zing with out the make the cut as this would be a deal clincher for me if i could get a zing for a slightly cheeper price with out the mtc software i would probally go for that!
Great! Thanks!!
The Zing has the required force to be able to do these two functions, even though we won’t have the accessories immediately available. I believe Pazzles has tools for both and they will fit in the Zing.
Thanks for the info. Guess I’ll have to wait to order more mats once they are listed for the Zing. BTW, I was looking at this comparison chart by Paperthreads:
http://www.paperthreads.com/bonus/paperthreads_machine_compare_112008.html
It says that the Zing will be able to do distressing and punching. Is this accurate? Can you give any details on these two features?
Thanks!
No, the Maxx mats are very thick and heavy, which is why the Maxx and Groove-E cutters come with flatbed tables to support the mat.
The Zing mats will be more like our other mats sold here:
http://scrapbookdiecutter.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=KNK&Product_Code=KNKCM1212B&Category_Code=KNKACC
We are planning to provide larger mats than even these. We’re waiting to see what sizes are going to be the most in demand.
Will this mat work in the new Zing cutter:
http://scrapbookdiecutter.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=KNK&Product_Code=KNKCM-1524&Category_Code=KNKACC
Hi Dedie,
The Zing should begin shipping by early November. BUT it should be well worth the wait! : )
If Silhouette Studio ever adds an export filter of ANY kind then yes, I’m sure MTC will open those files. But for now, .Studio is a proprietary format and Silhouette does NOT want its users able to save in any format that would allow them to open the file in another software program. : ( The only way to get them converted is by filling the image with black or another dark color and then importing a screen shot of that image into Make The Cut for auto-tracing… which works great, actually!
Hi Sandy! Has the Zing come out yet? I can’t wait to get one! I have the Silhouette right now and have been making several of my own die cuts in Silhouette Studio. Do you know if I’ll be able to transfer them over?
It sort of depends on what you plan to do with your new Zing! We do not have the accessories for the Zing listed on the site yet, so wait until we post the accessories. You will receive a cutting mat, blade holder, 45 deg and 60 deg blades with your Zing. If you plan to cut fabric, then you might want to order the new Zing fabric blade which should be available by the time we begin shipping. You might want to order a second cutting mat. There will be a travel bag sold for the Zing and I believe a dust cover. And then we plan to have engraving and embossing tools, but I don’t know when they will be listed. I’ll make an announcement on the blog, as soon as I know for sure or you can make sure your dealer knows to email me as we have more info! 🙂
I’m so excited….preordered last night. Now to be patient until the day! Any suggestions as to accessories to get?
My cutter family is expanding—and I like each one for it’s capabilities!
J
Yes… we have a dealer in the UK… The Cake Decorating Company. You can reach them at:
info@thecakedecoratingcompany.uk.co
Or is there a distributor in the UK I could pre-order from please?
I am in the UK, and would love this machine. Any idea how much the shipping to the UK is likely to be please?
Hi Flo! Yes, the Zing will easily cut gum paste! It will ship with one sticky mat, but we already have mats with no adhesive available. This pack of three will be perfect for your application:
http://scrapbookdiecutter.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=KNK&Product_Code=KNKCM11212A&Category_Code=KNKACC
Also note that KNK USA can custom cut mats to the sizes needed by customers! So, if you determine a particular set of dimensions that you feel will work best for your business, then just let them know!
I am a cake decorator and presently use a Cricut Cake to cut gumpaste to decorate my cakes. Do you think that the Zing will cut gumpaste? I need to use mats that aren’t sticky. I originally used a Cricut Expression.
Hi MariAnne,
We won’t have an embossing tool immediately available however you can use the ones sold by Cri-Kut or by Amy Chomas… plus others!
Sounds interesting. Does it have the ability to emboss??
Do you still have the original Silhouette software (before Silhouette Studio) with your collections in the Library or in GSD format? If so, then you should be able to use a print to PDF to get those files in a format that will then import into Make The Cut. But if you only can access your files using the Silhouette Studio, then you won’t be able to get them into MTC without taking a screen shot and then auto-tracing. Silhouette Studio has been designed to prevent their owners from being able to use the files with other cutters or software.
I currently own a silhouette SD, and over the past few years have collected thousands of silhouette files. I was thinking of purchasing a zing and getting rid of my silhouette, but I dont want to lose all the files I’ve invested so much money in. Will I be able to import my silhouette library for use with the zing?
No… you use your own printer for the printing. Then there are some steps you do up front (one time only) to get the Zing’s laser and sizing perfectly calibrated. Then you are ready to use the cool 3 point registration process included in the MTC KNK Plug-in to accurately cut out images you print on your printer.
What is the print and cut feature about? does the zing print too?
Same here!!! I’m fascinated by how small it will be but with so many of the same specs!
So very excited about this new KNK Zing that’s coming out. Just can’t wait to get one and try it out!!!