The HP Latex Print and Cut line features an integrated cutter. For its support on CalderaRIP, the software has three dedicated VisualCut drivers, and in this article we explain how to configure one of them.
Before you start, make sure your license includes the CutServer option. You can verify this by navigating to the "Licenses" tab in CalderaDock or by checking "My Registered Licenses" in WorkSpace.
Install the VisualCut driver
- On the Settings tab, click on the wrench icon (Config). Then, click the "New" button and select "Cutter" for the new application. Enter a name for the cutter and choose the "Configure" option:
- In the window that appears, click the "New" button to create a new configuration:
- From the drop-down menu, select "HP Latex cutter" as the model:
- Select "Queue" to create a new queue folder for the cutter. In the window that appears, click the public folder button (1) to navigate directly to Caldera's public folder. Then, click "New" (2) to create a new folder. Name the folder and click "Open":
- Enter a name for the cutter configuration you just created. If you are running the cutter from the local computer, select "localhost" as the hostname. If you want to control a remote CutServer, enter the IP address of the remote computer. Click "Ok" to finish the configuration:
- Click "Ok" again to confirm the configuration you just created:
- A new cut application will appear with the name you assigned. Click the "Restart" button to restart the Caldera services:
- A new icon will be added to the application window with the cutter included:
Configure the Print and Cut workflow
- Select an image with properly configured cutting paths from the ImageBar and drag it over the printer icon on the ApplicationBar (1). Click on the Page Setup (2) to configure the printing layout:
- In the Page Setup window, go to the Cutting tab and select the "Enable Cutting Contour" option (1). Then, choose the cutter configured in the previous chapter (2). Click on the "Tools" button next to the cutter menu:
- Disable all Edge marks, as the HP cutter does not use them:
- Keep the "Edge registration marks" option enabled:
- Configure the Step&Repeat tab according to the job requirements. Complete the remaining layout configurations by adding marks, bleed, etc. Then, print the job:
- Launch the Spooler module and click on the "Cut" button to open the VisualCut interface:
Configure the VisualCut driver
Configure the cutter connection (1). Select "RawIP" from the Type menu and enter the IP address of the cutter. If you are unsure of the cutter's IP address, refer to the HP's user guide.
Unless you are running a production with multiple pieces, always select "Single with marks" for a single sheet and leave the remaining Settings as shown next (2):
Configure the cutting device
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Adjust the sensor detection as necessary. Refer to the quick guide or video for guidance.
Warning
It is important to adjust the sensor for the material you are using; otherwise, the cutter may not properly detect the barcode and/or registration marks.
- Place the printed sheet on the cutter properly on the proper orientation. Identify the printed barcode from the cutter's menu panel.
- Once everything is ready to go, go back to VisualCut and click on the "Cut" button.
Limitations of Multilayer Sandwich Print and Cut Jobs
The following information does not apply to the recent printer drivers HP Latex 630W, 700W, 800W, 730W, and 830W, as we have addressed this limitation in these drivers with the release of V18.2.
Some printer drivers have limitations when it comes to Print and Cut + Multilayer Sandwich jobs. Specifically, if you activate the cut options for both layers, an error message will appear stating, "There are multiple layers with cutting enabled". If cutting is enabled only on layer A, you will see the error, "Incompatible sizes between side A and side B. Both sides must have the same job sizes".
Although it is possible to process Print and Cut + Multilayer Sandwich jobs, combining these functions is not recommended, as it can be complicated and requires great precision.
However, if your production absolutely requires it, please follow these recommendations:
- The multilayer function is highly sensitive to size differences, so all layers must match precisely in their dimensions (down to the pixel).
- Ensure that the cut is enabled on only one layer at a time. This means you will need to cut without marks or Print and Cut directly.
- To achieve proper alignment, you may need to adjust the margins around images, such as crop marks