Last month Cricut released 2 new machines; the Cricut Explore 3 and the Cricut Maker 3. I’ve had a chance to play with the Cricut Explore 3 over the past few weeks and it truly is smarter, MUCH faster and better than ever!
Below are some of the new features that make the Cricut Explore 3 and the Cricut Maker 3 stand out from the other competitors!
The Cricut Explore 3 can cut MATLESS!
As a long time Cricut user, I can’t tell you the amount of mats that I’ve gone through (well that was until I learned how to clean them). The matless feature saves you time and money and allows you to start creating right away!
Smart Materials
Smart Materials are a new product that works with both the Cricut Explore 3 and the Cricut Maker 3 and for the first time, allows you to stretch your creativity even more as you can make cuts up to 12ft! The machine even has sensors that measure your material first to ensure you have enough for your project.
- Smart Vinyl comes in a variety of colors and material lengths ranging from 3ft to 75ft. You also have the option to purchase it in both permanent and removable. Imagine the possibilities when it comes to DIY wall decor!
- Smart Iron-On also comes in a variety of colors with lengths ranging from 4ft to 12ft! You now have the flexibility to make a shirt for you or for your entire family in record time!
- Smart Paper Sticker Cardstock is definitely one of my favorite materials. Just cut, peel, and stick to create cards, banners, labels, and layered paper projects of all sorts.
Complete your projects in record time!
When I tell you I blinked and my projects were completed…..ok maybe I blinked a couple of times! On Smart Materials, Cricut Maker 3 and Cricut Explore 3 can cut two times faster than Cricut Maker and Cricut Explore Air 2’s Fast Mode.
Check out the videos below to see just how fast the Cricut Explore 3 was able to cut the projects I made using the Smart Vinyl, Smart Iron-on and Smart Paper Sticker Cardstock!
https://youtu.be/SRxjJpFJcdAhttps://youtu.be/4Jjw3KZjujohttps://youtu.be/78KZLmxFqwc
Cricut Explore 3 FAQ
What is the difference between Cricut Explore Air 2 and Cricut Explore 3?
Technological innovations in speed, cutting length, and Smart Materials compatibility.
Can I use other brands of vinyl or iron-on without a mat?
No. Cricut recommends using a machine mat when using other brands of vinyl or iron-on. Cricut Smart Materials have been rigorously tested to cut without a mat on Cricut Explore 3 machines.
Do I need to measure and cut my Smart Materials before loading?
No, you can load Smart Materials directly into your machine without measuring, or precutting. If using Smart Vinyl or Smart Iron-On, we recommend leaving material attached to the rest of the roll while cutting.
How wide is a roll of Smart Vinyl or Smart Iron-On?
The roll of material is 13 in (33 cm) wide. The maximum cuttable width is 11.7 in (29.7 cm).
What comes in the box with Cricut Explore 3?
- Cricut Explore 3 machine
- Premium Fine-Point Blade + Blade Housing (pre-installed in the B clamp)
- Accessory Adapter (pre-installed in the A clamp)
- Quick Start Guide
- Safety Document
- Warranty Document
- USB Cable
- Power adapter and power cord
- Material for test cut
- Bonus materials
By default, Cricut Explore 3 runs at Fast Mode speeds for cutting and writing with certain materials on a mat, and is already optimized for top speed when cutting Smart Materials without a machine mat, so no Fast Mode needed!