Graphtec FC8000 and FC7000 - Cutter Panel and VisualCut Settings

This article explains how to set up the cutter panel on Graphtec FC8000 and FC7000 models so they work correctly with CalderaRIP VisualCut.

You might be interested in reading: How to install a Roll-to-Roll cutter?

Cutter Panel Settings

Apply the following settings directly on the cutter panel before using VisualCut:

• Condition Priority:
  • FC8000: MENU > TOOL > CONDITION PRIORITY > PROGRAM.
  • FC7000: MENU > BACKGROUND SETTINGS > CONDITION PRIORITY > PROGRAM.
• Step Size:
  • Both Models: MENU > INTERFACE > STEP SIZE > 0.01 mm / 2540 steps per inch.
• Command:

  • Both Models: MENU > INTERFACE > COMMAND > GPGL.

      Info

    Although the driver automatically sets the Command Mode parameter to GPGL, we recommend setting it manually in the cutter panel as well. If the cutter is still set to HPGL, you may see an error message on the cutter panel, such as "HPGL Instruction not recognized", the first time you use it with CalderaRIP.

• Registration Mark Type:
  • Both Models: NEXT (3 times) > SCAN REP AUTO NEXT (2 times) > REGISTRATION MARK > TYPE 1.

For more information about these menus, refer to the Graphtec user manual.

Step size conversion reference

If you need to convert between imperial and metric step values, use the following reference:

• 254 steps/inch = 0.1 mm
• 508 steps/inch = 0.05 mm
• 1016 steps/inch = 0.025 mm
• 2540 steps/inch = 0.01 mm

Why do these settings matter in VisualCut?

• Condition Priority = PROGRAM: Ensures the cutter uses the parameters sent by VisualCut instead of prioritizing local cutter conditions.
• Step Size = 0.01 mm / 2540 steps per inch: Keeps the cutter resolution aligned with the values expected by VisualCut, which is essential for accurate cutting.
• Command = GPGL: Ensures proper communication between CalderaRIP and the Graphtec cutter.
• Registration Mark Type = TYPE 1: Must match the registration mark type expected by the workflow in VisualCut for accurate mark detection.

VisualCut Interface Settings

The VisualCut Settings available for these cutter drivers are the standard ones. However, Shapes Sorting is only available in more recent versions of CalderaRIP:

CalderaRIP 10 and newer CalderaRIP 9.20

Connection

You might be interested in reading: VisualCut Interface - Connection

• USB

• RawIP (Ethernet)

    Good to know

  Ethernet is supported starting with CalderaRIP 9.10 or later and requires at least firmware 2.90 on the cutter. To use an Ethernet connection in VisualCut:

  • In the Connection section, change the connection type from USB to RawIP.
  • In the Host field, enter the IP address of the cutter.

Limitations

• Using a USB connection on macOS may be slower than on Linux. A delay of up to 15 seconds can occur when connecting to the cutter, and you may also notice a delay between registration mark scanning and the start of the cutting process.
• RawIP (Ethernet) connections may be less stable than USB or serial connections on all platforms. In particular, if a cut job is started while the cutter is not ready, for example, if no media is loaded or if the cutter panel is in a menu, the cutter may stop responding to commands and need to be restarted. Restarting VisualCut's interface does not restore communication.
• When using a RawIP (Ethernet) connection, do not connect more than one VisualCut instance to the same cutter. Doing so may cause the cutter to stop responding, requiring a restart to restore communication.

Settings

You might be interested in reading: VisualCut Interface - Settings

Positioning and Registration Mark Type

The available Positioning modes for this cutter driver are None and Single with Marks.

In Single with Marks mode, the cutter detects the bottom-right mark first using the Marks Type 1:

Troubleshooting and Common Errors

• Connection Failed: The cutter will only connect when media is loaded.
• Send Data error: If the RIP loses connection to the cutter, click Detect Cutter in VisualCut to rescan the USB bus.
• Mark scan errors: Incorrectly positioned pinch rollers can prevent proper registration mark detection.
• Marks not detected. Check whether the maximum page length set on the cutter is large enough for the job:
  • Maximum page length: If registration marks are not detected, the maximum page length configured on the cutter may be too small for the job.
    On the Graphtec cutter panel, increase the maximum page length if needed, going to MENU > MEDIA > PAGE LENGTH. By default, this value is often set to 200 cm.