Graphtec Blades & Cutting Strips: Which One Do You Need?
If you're not sure which blade, holder, or cutting strip fits your Graphtec cutter, you're not alone — the part numbers aren't exactly intuitive. This guide breaks down what each part does and which one matches your machine, so you order the right thing the first time.
CB09U vs CB15U — Which Blade for Your Material
Graphtec's two main blade series are built for different material thicknesses, not different cutter models — which is where the confusion usually starts.
CB09U (0.9mm blade) is the standard choice for most sign vinyl, adhesive vinyl, and heat transfer vinyl. If you're cutting Oracal 651, Siser EasyWeed, or similar standard-thickness material, this is your blade.
CB15U (1.5mm blade) is built for thicker or denser materials — heavier cardstock, thicker specialty vinyl, and applications where the CB09U doesn't have the reach or rigidity to cut cleanly through in one pass.
The blade series you need depends on what you're cutting, not which Graphtec cutter you own — a CE8000 and an FC9000 can both use either blade series depending on the job.
Blade Holders — Matching Holder to Blade Series
Each blade series requires its matching holder — they're not interchangeable.
- PHP33-CB09N-HS — holder for the CB09U (0.9mm) blade series
- PHP33-CB15N-HS — holder for the CB15U (1.5mm) blade series
If your cuts are dragging, skipping, or tearing rather than cutting cleanly, check that the blade and holder pairing matches before assuming the blade itself is the problem — a mismatched holder is a common cause of inconsistent cuts.
When to Replace Your Cutting Strip
The cutting strip sits under the blade path and takes the wear every time you cut. Over time it develops grooves at the depth your blade typically cuts, which can cause the blade to follow the old groove instead of cutting cleanly — especially noticeable on detailed or curved designs.
Signs it's time to replace the strip: visible grooving along the cut path, inconsistent cut depth across a job, or fraying at the edges of the strip itself. Cutting strips are inexpensive relative to the material waste caused by cutting on a worn one — most shops replace them as routine maintenance rather than waiting for a failure.
Cutting Strips by Model
- FC9000-140 cutting strip (2-pack)
- CE8000-60 cutting strip — not currently listed as a separate item on our site. If you own a CE8000, call 1-800-999-3160 to confirm the correct part — it may be the same strip previously listed for the CE7000.
If you don't see your exact model listed, call us at 1-800-999-3160 — we can confirm the correct part for your cutter.
Roland Blades — Not Interchangeable with Graphtec
If you own both a Graphtec and a Roland cutter, note that the blade holders are shaped differently between brands — a Roland blade will not fit a Graphtec holder and vice versa. Always confirm the brand before ordering replacement blades if you run mixed equipment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between CB09U and CB15U blades?
CB09U (0.9mm) is for standard-thickness materials like adhesive vinyl and HTV. CB15U (1.5mm) is for thicker or denser materials that need a longer, more rigid blade to cut through cleanly.
Can I use a CB15U blade in a CB09U holder?
No. Each blade series requires its matching holder — PHP33-CB09N-HS for CB09U, PHP33-CB15N-HS for CB15U.
How often should I replace my cutting strip?
There's no fixed interval — it depends on cutting volume. Watch for visible grooving or inconsistent cut depth as the signal to replace it, rather than a set schedule.
Do Roland and Graphtec cutters use the same blades?
No, the blade holder shapes differ between brands and are not interchangeable.