This article explains how to set up the cutter panel on Graphtec FC8000 and FC7000 models so they work correctly with CalderaRIP VisualCut.
Cutter Panel Settings
Apply the following settings directly on the cutter panel before using VisualCut.
Good to know
If you do not find the following settings, please refer to the Graphtec user manual:
Common to all settings
- Turn the cutter on
- You will start in the load media screen
- Click the "Menu" button to activate it
Settings table
| Setting | Buttons to push | Why do these settings matter in VisualCut? |
|---|---|---|
| Command |
|
Ensures proper communication between CalderaRIP and the Graphtec cutter. InfoAlthough the drivers automatically set the Command Mode parameter to GP-GL, we recommend setting it manually in the cutter panel as well. If the cutter is still set to HP-GL, you may see an error message on the cutter panel, such as "HPGL Instruction not recognized", the first time you use it with CalderaRIP. |
| Step Size |
|
Keeps the cutter movement resolution aligned with the values expected by VisualCut, which is essential for accurate cutting. InfoThere are four size options available. You can choose the one that best fits your production needs; just make sure to select the same one later in VisualCut > Cutter Step. |
| Condition priority setting |
|
This setting ensures the cutter uses the tool parameters sent by VisualCut instead of prioritizing local cutter conditions. |
| Registration Mark Type |
|
The Registration Mark Type must match the mark type expected by the VisualCut workflow (Type 1 only) to ensure accurate mark detection. |
| Mark Auto Scan |
|
Mark Auto Scan must be enabled so the cutter automatically detects the registration marks used by VisualCut. |
| Setting | Buttons to push | Why do these settings matter in VisualCut? |
|---|---|---|
| Command |
|
Ensures proper communication between CalderaRIP and the Graphtec cutter. InfoAlthough the drivers automatically set the Command Mode parameter to GP-GL, we recommend setting it manually in the cutter panel as well. If the cutter is still set to HP-GL, you may see an error message on the cutter panel, such as "HPGL Instruction not recognized", the first time you use it with CalderaRIP. |
| Step Size |
|
Keeps the cutter movement resolution aligned with the values expected by VisualCut, which is essential for accurate cutting. InfoThere are four size options available. You can choose the one that best fits your production needs; just make sure to select the same one later in VisualCut > Cutter Step. |
| Condition priority setting |
|
This setting ensures the cutter uses the tool parameters sent by VisualCut instead of prioritizing local cutter conditions. |
| Registration Mark Type |
|
The Registration Mark Type must match the mark type expected by the VisualCut workflow (Type 1 only) to ensure accurate mark detection. InfoThe AXIS/R.M.S. menu that appears depends on whether registration mark mode is enabled. Refer to the cutter manual (page 97) for more information. |
| Mark Auto Scan |
|
Mark Auto Scan must be enabled so the cutter automatically detects the registration marks used by VisualCut. |
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
VisualCut Interface Settings
The VisualCut Settings available for these cutter drivers are the standard ones. However, Shapes Sorting is only available in recent versions of CalderaRIP:
Connection
You might be interested in reading: VisualCut Interface - Connection
| FC8000 | FC7000 | |
| USB | ✓ | ✓ |
| Serial | X | ✓ |
| RawIP (Ethernet) | ✓ | X |
Considerations on Ethernet
Available only for the FC8000 driver.
- Ethernet is supported starting with CalderaRIP 9.10 or later and requires at least firmware 2.90 on the FC8000 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.
- 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 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.
Consideration on USB
- 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.
Settings
You might be interested in reading: VisualCut Interface - Settings
Positioning and Registration Mark Type
The available Positioning modes for these cutter drivers 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.
- Mark scan errors: Incorrectly positioned pinch rollers can prevent proper registration mark detection.
-
Marks not detected. If the registration marks are not detected, the maximum page length may be too small for the job. In that case, increase the maximum Page Length on the cutter panel:
- Menu (Activate Menu)
- 4 (Media)
- 3 (Page Length)
- 200.0 cm (default value; adjust up or down as needed)
- E (Enter/Set)
- Left arrow (Back to Menu)
- Press the MENU key.
- Press NEXT until "Area Parameters” appears.
- Press F2 to open the Area Parameters settings.
- Press F4 key (PAGE LENGTH). The default 02000 mm value appears.
- Use the left or right POSITION keys to move the cursor to the digit you want to change. Then use the up or down POSITION keys to increase or decrease the value.
- Press ENTER to save the setting.
- Press MENU to return the plotter to Ready status.