YINK FAQ Series | Episode 6
What Are the Differences Between a Vertical Plotter and a Flatbed Plotter When Cutting Film?
In this FAQ, we will focus on two questions that many shops care about:
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What are the differences between a vertical plotter and a flatbed plotter when cutting film?
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How should workers remove the film after cutting?
Q1: What are the differences between a vertical plotter and a flatbed plotter when cutting film
When cutting PPF, a vertical plotter and a flatbed plotter do not work in the same way. The biggest difference is how deep they cut and what happens to the backing film.
a. Cutting depth
Vertical plotter:
A vertical plotter cuts the PPF film on the surface, but it does not cut through the backing film underneath. In other words, the blade only cuts the film layer and stops before it reaches the liner. The backing film stays in one piece.
Flatbed plotter:
A flatbed plotter is set up to cut through both the PPF film and the backing film. The blade goes all the way through, so the pattern and the liner are cut together as a complete shape.
b. How the pattern looks after cutting
Vertical plotter:
After cutting, the pattern is still sitting on top of an uncut backing film. From the outside, the sheet looks almost the same as before, because the liner is not broken. Only the film layer has been cut into shapes.
Flatbed plotter:
After a flatbed cut, both the film and the backing film are fully cut. The sheet is divided into separate pieces. Each piece is a pattern with its own backing, which can be picked up directly.
c. How the installer works with the film
Vertical plotter:
Because the backing film is not cut through, the installer needs to pick the pattern out by hand. This means they have to lift the edge of the cut line and slowly separate the film from the liner. For every part they want to use, they have to peel the cut shape away from the surrounding material. This takes some patience and good hand control.
Flatbed plotter:
Because the machine cuts through the film and the backing, the installer can simply pick up the whole cut piece, including the backing. The pattern is already separated from the rest of the sheet. Later at the car, they just peel off the backing film and put the film directly onto the panel.
d. Speed and workflow
Vertical plotter:
The cutting itself is fast, but the installer spends more time on weeding and separating patterns from the backing film. This is acceptable for shops with a comfortable workflow and enough time for careful hand work.
Flatbed plotter:
The flatbed plotter saves time after cutting. Since each piece is already cut through with its backing, the installer can prepare and move patterns to the car more quickly. This is helpful for shops with higher daily volume or strict time control.
Q2: After cutting, how should staff remove the film from each type of machine
The way you handle the cut film is different for vertical plotters and flatbed plotters. Below is a simple step guide for both.
a. How to remove film cut by a vertical plotter
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After cutting, keep the sheet flat and check that the cut lines are complete.
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Identify the pattern you need, then use your fingers or a small tool to gently lift one corner of the cut line.
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Slowly peel the film pattern away from the backing film. You are separating the top film from an uncut liner, so do it with steady force.
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Leave the unwanted film on the backing, or remove it if needed. The key is not to stretch or deform the edges of the pattern, especially on sharp corners and narrow strips.
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Once the pattern is fully separated, take it to the car. At this point, there is no backing film attached, so you can position and install directly.
With a vertical plotter, the main point is that the installer must “pick out” each pattern from the liner, because the liner itself has not been cut through.
b. How to remove film cut by a flatbed plotter
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After cutting, the film and the backing film are both cut through along the pattern outline.
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Remove the extra waste material if needed, so only the useful patterns remain on the table.
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Pick up the cut piece together with its backing film. It is already a separate unit, easy to handle and move.
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When you are ready to install, peel the backing film off the PPF in one smooth motion.
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Position the film on the car panel and start your normal installation process.
With a flatbed plotter, the main point is that the pattern and backing come off together as one piece, and you simply remove the liner right before installation.
Summary: How should a shop think about vertical vs flatbed when it comes to cutting and film removal
a. If you use a vertical plotter, remember that the blade does not cut through the backing film. Cutting is done only on the film layer, so the installer needs to spend more time carefully picking the pattern out of the liner.
b. If you use a flatbed plotter, the machine cuts through both the film and the backing film. The pattern can be picked up as a complete piece, and the backing is peeled off right before installation, which makes the whole process faster and simpler.
c. For shops that care more about speed and a clean, simple workflow, a flatbed plotter can save time in the film removal and preparation stage. For shops that are used to careful manual handling and have lower daily volume, a vertical plotter can still work well as long as staff are trained in good weeding technique.
If you tell us what type of jobs you mainly do, how many cars you handle in a typical day, and how many installers you have, we can help you think through whether a vertical plotter, a flatbed plotter, or a combination of both is a better fit for your shop.
Post time: Dec-23-2025
