Find in this article the settings specific to the Generic HPGL driver used in PrimeCenter. These settings are available from Cutter options .
- To learn more about creating and editing cutters, read this article.
- To learn more about how the different options work, read this article.
Specifications
Job submission method
| Hotfolder: cut files are generated in a folder | Supported |
| Network: cut files are directly sent to the controller | Not supported |
Cut file format
| Format | PLT (HPGL) |
Info
This driver is compatible with cutters using the OptiScout controller.
History
PrimeCenter V4.5
Fixed |
When the driver is set to curve optimization using simplified arcs and lines, it no longer generates cut files with deformed contours. |
PrimeCenter V3.4
Improved |
Settings for defining tool numbers are now more clearly presented for better understanding. | ||
Fixed |
The plotter unit has been corrected and set to 0,025 mm. | ||
PrimeCenter V3.3
Improved |
Curve simplification with lines has been improved for better approximation of Bezier curves. | ||
Fixed |
On Ubuntu, when using the 'Simplified curves with lines' option, the Cutter options module no longer gets blocked after exporting cut files. | ||
PrimeCenter V3.2
New |
Generic HPGL cut driver is available. | ||
Cutter options
Cut mark shape and size
| Field | Circle |
| Size (mm) | min = 3 default = 5 max = 12 |
Cut marks
Options
For further details on each option, refer to this article.
| Origin extra mark | Not supported |
| Placement | Edges and corners |
| Placement priority | Optical code over cut marks |
| Internal cut marks | Not supported |
Origin position
This setting determines how your design will be positioned on the cutting machine. You have the choice to place the cutting origin point at the bottom-right corner of the design or at the bottom-left.
Ranges
Info
There is a non-reducible minimum distance of 40 mm between the cut marks and any other element, such as optical codes.
| Field | Range |
||
| Margins from media borders (mm) | min = 0 | default = 10 | max = 999 |
| Margins from image trimbox (mm) | min = -999 | default = 5 | max = 999 |
| Spacing between edge marks (mm) | min = 80 | default = 450 | max = 9 999 |
| Spacing between internal marks (mm) | min = 80 | default = 400 | max = 9 999 |
Optical code
General options
For further details on each option, refer to this article.
| Print code as text prout | Supported |
| Add orientation information in the code | Supported |
| Optical code position | 3 codes / edge |
Ranges
| Field | Range |
||
| QR code size (mm) | min = 10 | default = 20 | max = 30 |
| Bar code width (mm) | min = 80 | default = 80 | max = 100 |
| Bar code height (mm) | min = 10 | default = 13 | max = 30 |
| Anchor offset (mm) | min = -999 | default = 10 | max = 999 |
| Margins from image trimbox (mm) | min = -999 | default = 5 | max = 999 |
Additional options
Curve optimization supported by the cutter
This parameter allows you to choose the level of detail used when representing curves in your cut file. The choice you make depends on the capabilities of your cutting machine and the desired outcome. You have several options:
High precision (Bezier curve)
This option uses Bezier curves, a mathematical representation that creates smooth and accurate curves. Choose this option if your cutting machine has high precision and you require very detailed cuts.
Recommendation
Some cutters may not support Besier curves, so selecting that option might result in errors. Consult your cutter's documentation for compatibility information.
Simplified curve with lines
This option approximates curves with a series of straight lines. Choose this option if your cutting machine has lower precision or if you prioritize faster cutting times. While less precise, this option can still produce acceptable results for simpler cuts.
High precision (Bezier curve) |
Simplified curve with lines |
|---|---|
Tool numbers and cut elements association
With HPGL, cutting methods are associated to a tool number, also called “Select Pen” (SP). These tool numbers are associated to cut elements in PrimeCenter. You can change them at the cutter level from Settings > Cutters tab.
Cut contour tool number
Allows you to specify the tool number associated with the cutting method you want to use for cutting the shapes defined with the cut contours. The number 1 is often used for the basic "Draw" method.
Registration marks tool number
Allows you to specify the tool number associated with the method used to detect cut marks. The number 99 is often used for the "Register" method
Recommendation
Tool numbers used for cutting methods can vary depending on your cutter. Refer to your cutter's documentation for the exact list of supported tool numbers and their functions.