The Cricut Explore Air 2 machine is a new generation of equipment ideal for beginners, beginners, and experienced designers. The clean reputation and buzz this Cricut machine has garnered since its inception is proof that it delivers on its promises.
Before we discuss the specific steps to reset a Cricut Explore Air 2 machine, let us look at the key traits that give this machine an upper hand in the market.
Double Speed
The Cricut explore air 2 machine comes with a double-speed feature tailored to help complete design projects faster. With this new machine, you can handle complicated design projects 2x faster. The normal speed is not bad, but as you advance, you need a machine that can complete processes faster, and that’s exactly what the new Cricut machine offers.
Unlike other related products, the Cricut Explore Air 2 has 4,000g cutting power. This makes it ideal for design projects that entail tough materials such as leather. Your blade is sturdy and sharp enough to make the desired deep cuts on such materials without altering the preferred design elements such as drawings.
Look and Feel
The Cricut Explorer Air 2 design is similar to the Cricut Explorer 1, but some minor changes are meant to give users a better experience. One of the new features in this design is the dual carriage or the double tool holder. In addition, you can send details of the design to the machine from your computer wirelessly. The data transfer is completed in seconds, thereby saving you plenty of time for other activities.
Weight and Size
Must say, the Cricut Explorer Air 2 machine compact design is not comparable to the previous models. It only ways 4.98 kilograms, so you can easily move it without straining your muscles.
More importantly, its compact design makes it a little smaller than the competitors even though its performance is unparallel to other cutting machines available. Its size makes it a perfect choice for designers with limited space in their working area.
Design Space Software
Cricut Explore Air 2 machines come with the brand’s custom software, Design Space. This online software has almost everything you need to create impressive designs, even if you have no prior experience.
Unlike the competitors, you don’t need to install anything as the manufacturer installs the software before the product leaves the warehouse. Updates are also made automatically. You need a reliable internet connection to take full advantage of the software’s many features.
The user interface is futurist and, at the same time, designer to give users a perfect designing experience. Now, you can use SVG files without breaking a sweat or paying a penny more. The privacy settings are specifically tailored to protect your designs from plagiarizing without your consent.
Another highlight of this design software is creating handmade drawings of virtually anything and turning them into digital files. There is no limit on the number of times you can replicate the digital files.
Now let’s shift gears and look at resetting a Cricut machine like a professional.
How to Reset a Cricut Explore Air Machine?
When you get your Cricut machine, you must reset it to change the settings to match the design projects you intend to complete using the machine. As mentioned earlier, this Cricut machine is user-oriented, meaning even complex processes that would in the past take hours be completed in less than ten minutes.
The first thing you need to do to start the resetting process is hold down the button below the main menu, the button above the menu, and the power button at the same time. Press them at the same time until a different rainbow screen appears. Once you see the rainbow screen, release the buttons and follow the on-screen prompts to change the screen settings as per your preferences and complete the reset process.
After that, you may also need to reset the Cricut connection. Do that by first turning on the machine without first loading the cartridge. Then, change the gray dials to the lowest settings. There are two dials on the left side of the machine and one dial on the right side.
If the Cricut machine is not connected to your smartphone and you see a Machine Communication Error, resolve the issue by going to your phone’s settings and unpairing all the previous Cricut machines.
Then, re-pair your Cricut Explore Air 2 machine with your smartphone. With the new connection, you can now send over designs from the Design software mobile app to the machine seamlessly. Launch the Design space mobile application and try sending a design to the machine. The process should be successful if you followed the steps discussed in this section.
With your, Cricut Explore Air 2 machine reset successfully and ready to start helping you create amazing designs, the next thing you need is to know how to take care of the machine.
However, first, it’s important to appreciate the fact that there are different Cricut machine brands in the market. Finding the right one is not a walk in the park for most people, especially designers who are just starting. Luckily, we found an informative article with detailed information and an accurate Cricut machine analysis to help you make an informed decision.
Top 5 Critical Cricut Explore Air 2 Machine Maintenance Tips
Like other valuable machines in your home, such as the coffee maker, it’s imperative to take good care of your Cricut Explore Air 2 machine to get the utmost value for every dollar you spent to acquire it. The machine comes with a user manual that you can refer to if you are unsure how to reset or set it up correctly.
Here are the five maintenance practices that will enhance your Cricut machine’s performance, efficiency, and durability.
1. Cleaning
Over time, dust and other forms of debris will accumulate on the machine. It’s recommendable to clean it once or twice per month. However, the frequency of cleaning is dependent on how often you use the machine. Removing the debris on the surface and inside will ensure that you achieve the perfect cuts.
2. Update the Design Space Software
Like other computer software, the Design space software needs to be updated regularly to enhance its performance. Most of the issues people complain about online can be resolved by simply updating the software.
You will get a notification whenever new updates are available, and installing them is easy. With just one click of a button, downloading the updates will commence. As mentioned earlier, you need a reliable internet connection to leverage this software and access its updates.
The update will also seal any security loopholes that hackers could exploit to infiltrate your computer or smartphone and steal personal data remotely. Suppose you haven’t updated the software for months.
In that case, the version you’re using is most likely out updated; head to the Cricut design space homepage >Dropdown menu (found on the top left corner), and from the options, click on the “Update Firmware” option from the menu and follow the instructions.
3. Re-Calibrate Your Machine
You can re-calibrate your Cricut machine for the knife blade, for the rotary blade and print, then cut. Cricut Explore Air 2 machine only allows users to calibrate for print then cut. The calibration process will ensure that you get flawless cuts from the machine.
Even though the only calibration allowed is for the print and cut option, you need to calibrate before getting started if you intend to use a rotary blade or a knife blade.
Like the updating software procedure, click on the menu again, and from the dropdown menu, select the “Calibrate” option. You will get the three calibration options mentioned above. Follow the steps displayed on the screen to complete the process successfully.
4. Remove Old Project Files
Reduce the clutter in your Design Space interface by deleting old project files. If the library is packed with files that you no longer use, your efficiency will be hampered. You may also accidentally send the whole design files to the machine, resulting in a wastage of material.
Access these files on the Cricut Design Space homepage and click on “My Projects,” then click “View All.” All the stored files will be listed; select those you no longer use and delete them. Note that this process is irreversible, so make sure you select the correct files.
5. Cleaning the Cutting Mat
Regularly clean the mat to get better results. Here is a guide on how to clean the mat correctly.
Final Thoughts
Cricut Explore Air 2 machine is worth the price tag if the good reputation it has garnered since its introduction in the market is anything to go by. Be sure to purchase the machine from an accredited store to get value for money.
Ensure that you get a warranty to cushion from mechanical re-pair costs after purchase. More importantly, take good care of it to enhance its functionality by following the five maintenance tips discussed above.
