Which Scan N Cut Mat You Need

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Do you get to the store and wonder which Scan N Cut mat you need? This tutorial will help you tell the difference between the mat so you don’t purchase the wrong one.

Are the mats compatible with all Scan N Cut models

Brother make a number of mats to suit your Scan N Cut cutting machine. This is great!

The main problem is that the mats are not compatible between the CM range of Scan N Cut cutting machines and the new DX range.

But wait, that is not the only problem. Nope! Brother has used the exactly the same color coding for both series. Yup…… This makes it much more of a challenge to know which mat to purchase when you are in the store.

Not only that, but even if you know the difference, if you have both series at home it can be so easy to inadvertently pick up the wrong mat without thinking. Of course, your Scan N Cut is very clever and knows straight away that you have tried to load the wrong mat and say nope… not recognized.

Fortunately I have a few tips that will help you…. read on!

What mats are available for your Scan N Cut

First of all, let us have a quick look at what mats are available in the Scan N Cut range.

Scan N Cut DX range

Note: codes may vary between countries

• Standard Mat 12″ x 12″ – general purpose mat for vinyls and cardstock – CADXMATSTD12
• Low Tack Mat 12″ x 12″ – for more delicate paper type materials as it is not quite as sticky – CADXMATLOW12
• Standard Mat 12″ x 24″ – general purpose for larger projects – CADXMATSTD24
• Low Tack Mat 12″ x 24″ – for larger projects out of more delicate materials – CADXMATLOW24
• Scanning Mat 12 x 12″ – this is to scan only. You cannot cut on this mat. It is designed to provide a clearer scan – CADXMATS12
• Scanning Mat 12 x 24″ – for scanning larger areas. NOTE: not all models scan 24″ – CADXMATS24
• Fabric Mat 12″ x 12″ – for use with the thin fabric blade to cut fabric pieces or applique (DX ONLY) – CADXMATF12
• Paper Piercing Mat 12″ x 12″ – for use with the Paper Piercing kit (DX ONLY) – CADXPPMAT1

My biggest tip when purchasing a mat is if you have a DX look for the product code CADX when ordering. This is easy to remember as the DX model has the DX in its product code for the mats.

Scan N Cut CM range

Note: codes may vary between countries

• Standard Mat 12″ x 12″ – general purpose mat for vinyls and cardstock – CAMATSTD12
• Low Tack Mat 12″ x 12″ – for more delicate paper type materials as it is not quite as sticky – CAMATLOW12
• Standard Mat 12″ x 24″ – general purpose for larger projects – CAMATSTD24
• Low Tack Mat 12″ x 24″ – for larger projects out of more delicate materials – CAMATLOW24
• Scanning Mat 12 x 12″ – this is to scan only. You cannot cut on this mat. It is designed to provide a clearer scan – CAMATS12
• Scanning Mat 12 x 24″ – for scanning larger areas. NOTE: not all models scan 24″ – CAMATS24

None of the Product codes for the CM models have DX in them. If you see the lettering DX in any Scan N Cut product you are purchasing, it will not work in a CM model.

List of supplies for Australian crafters

A detailed list of accessories is available on the Brother site. When you follow this link it will take you to the Australian Brother site where you choose the Scan N Cut as the product type and then your model Scan N Cut on the next screen.

List of supplies for US crafters

Here is a detailed list of what Brother provides for American crafters. You will be able to filter on the particular supplies that you are after.

List of supplies for UK crafters

The UK site is a little different than the AUS or US sites. It has some interesting variances though and worth a stroll through. Check it out here. Enter your model for the correct accessories to be presented.

How to tell the difference between mats for the DX

Fortunately there are some differences between the mats for the DX range and the CM range albeit them being suttle differences.

1. The DX range has a small diamond cut out at the bottom edge of the mat. The CM range does not. At the bottom of the CM mat is a black painted on triangle shape…not diamond and not cut out.
   
   Pictured is the DX and the CM standard 12″ x 12″ mats placed on top of each other to show the difference of the black triangle versus the cut out diamond shape of the DX.

2. I highlighted the mat’s codes in the above section and fortunately, the DX mat code is actually printed on the bottom of the DX mats. There are NO codes on the bottom of the CM mats.

3. Remember – the DX mats have the DX lettering in their code to make it a bit easier which one to purchase.

4. The black markings are also different on the mats however unless you have a photographic memory (I certainly don’t) then this method isn’t the friendliest to work out the Scan N Cut mats. The size of the colored area is smaller on the CM too, however, again, not friendly to work it out from this.

Ideas to keep track of which mat is which.

There are ways to keep track of which mat is which. Having said that, I STILL inadvertently grab the wrong mat if I am using both my CM900 and DX 2200D at the same time. When this happens the Scan N Cut will not recognize the incorrect mat. It is a pity that Brother did not color code them differently. … ah well.

My favorite tip to identify which Scan N Cut is which

My very favorite tip is to create a vinyl design and place it on the clear mat cover. This makes it easily identifiable. It also provides a couple of other bonuses.

1. identifies what the mat is at a quick glance – eg standard, DX
2. you can find that pesky clear cover easily as it is no longer clear – a bit like putting the markers on sliding doors so you don’t walk through them.
3. I don’t know about you but I always have trouble working out the right and wrong side of the clear cover. You know …the dusty side and the not dusty side. LOL (we live in a very dusty country area)
4. it is fun. When I first got my Scan N Cut I labeled everything. I wasn’t wise to stand still in my place. It follows suit that I would label the clear cover.

I have created some for you or you could design your own. Grab the one below from my Resource Library.

More information to help you manage your mat

Check out these tutorials for more information to help you manage your Scan N Cut mats.

Revive your mat and get it sticky again.

Stop materials moving on your mat.

Change mat settings on your Scan N Cut.

Happy creating,

P.S. Don’t forget to pop into our Facebook group and say hi. I love hearing from you! The group is full of awesome crafty friends like you and is where you can share your creations and any issues you might have.

You are always welcome to say Hi at [email protected] or [email protected]. It is always

great to hear from you!