How to use the Automatic registration marks (ExtraMarks)?

Automatic registration marks (ExtraMarks) allow you to place cut marks inside the job and between images, which can be very useful to increase cutting accuracy (especially for textiles) and to optimize media usage, especially for plates, as it eliminates the need for cut marks on the borders.

In Compose

The Compose module fully integrates the ExtraMarks functionality into its creation document window. You can add automatic marks or place them manually on the composition.

The ExtraMarks settings are located at two places in the Compose module:

To properly set up your cut marks, please follow these instructions:

1. Select your cutter (Area 1). This list contains only the cutters that are already installed in your CalderaRIP and compatible with the ExtraMarks.
2. Then, fill in your marks parameters (Area 2):
   • The mark size is fixed according to your cutter model.
   • Indicate the Total size you want for your mark, the margin will adapt automatically. This size includes the printed part (the actual size of the mark) and the margin left for better recognition of the mark by the cutter camera.
   • Finally, fill in the Step (which is the minimum distance between two marks). This parameter is used for automatic marks.

How to manually place ExtraMarks in Compose?

To manually add a mark:

1. Click on the New Mark button (Area 2):
   
   
   
2. Place your mark on the composition:
   

   When selected, the mark looks bigger than its actual size. This is due to the preview zoom.	By zooming on the image (Ctrl + left click) you will be able to see the real shape and size of the mark. Be careful, this size includes the non-printed margin and the mark itself.

3. You can move your mark on the composition. When you select it, just drag and drop it where you want or use the Center X and Center Y fields from the Cut marks settings (Area 2).
   
   These fields are deactivated by default and are only enabled when a mark is selected.
   
   
4. You can add as many marks as you want, and place them without taking the Step into account.

How to automatically place ExtraMarks in Compose?

You can add cut marks between the images by using the nesting tools (including Contour Nesting), and these will take into account the real shapes of the images:

1. On Area 1, select your cutter.
2. Activate the automatic ExtraMarks by clicking on this button:
3. Make sure ContourNesting is enabled.
4. Then launch the nesting:
   • Use the left button to nest with the current page.
   • Use the right button to adjust the media length of the images.
   
   

     Warning

   If you already have ExtraMarks on your composition, they will be deleted and replaced by the automatic ones.

5. Marks are automatically placed with a minimum distance equal to the Step set in the parameters. Example of automatic cut marks placement in Compose:
   
   
   
6. You can, after the addition of automatic ExtraMarks, add manual marks, delete, and/or move marks on the composition (including the automatic ones).

How to delete the ExtraMarks in Compose?

To delete marks individually in Area 2:

1. Select on the Preview the mark you want to delete.
2. Press the Delete button on your keyboard, and that's it.

You can also delete all marks in one action. To do this, click the corresponding button in the Cut Marks panel (Area 2):

In the Print module

ExtraMarks is a dedicated feature to use with ContourNesting but it can also be used with Step&Repeat and Nest-O-Matik.

Step&Repeat

Step&Repeat nests one image at the same size several times. When you enable the cut marks, the nesting is computed according to the Step, and the Allocated space for marks.

Nest-O-Matik

Nest-O-Matik nests several images with different sizes. When you click the Print button of the Print module, the nesting is done and displayed in the Spooler. The document is recomputed every time you send a new batch of images. Example of a Nest-O-Matik document using ExtraMarks:

How to set the ExtraMarks in the Print Module?

Either you use Step&Repeat or Nest-O-Matik, ExtraMarks are configured in the same way in the Print module.

1. Open your Print module and add your image.
2. Open the Page setup:
   
   
   
3. Go to the S&R tab, enable Step&Repeat, and select the Contour type of nesting.
   

     Info

   In this example, we will use Step&Repeat but you can use Nest-O-Matik if that is what you prefer.

4. Then, go to the Cutting tab. Click on Enable Cutting Contour and select your cutter.
   

     Warning

   Not all cutters are compatible with ExtraMarks. If your selected cutter is not, you will not be able to check “Automatic Registration Marks”.

   
   
   
   
5. Check the Automatic registration marks option and set:
   • The Allocated space for each mark. This includes the size of the printed mark and its margin.
     

       Warning

     With Step&Repeat > Standard, the margin between images must be larger than the Allocated space for ExtraMarks. Otherwise, the cut marks will not have the necessary spacing and will not be placed between the images. This restriction is not mandatory while using Step&Repeat > Contour.

   • The Step is the minimal space between two marks. The smaller the Step is, the more marks you will have. You can also add a Background color for the space around the mark (useful for backlit printing):
     
     
     
6. You can then launch your print or continue with the preparation of your job.

Useful links

• Compose module 
• Print module
  • How to use Nest-O-Matik?
• Page setup
  • Step&Repeat tab
    • Contour Nesting
  • Cutting tab
    • Page Setup - Cutting - Registration Marks
    • How to add white or color under the marks?
    • Cutter Tools Configuration
• Spooler module