Supported models
| Graphtec FC9000 | Graphtec CE7000 |
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Drivers
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Drivers history
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CalderaRIP V17.3:
- All drivers: A new "Add direction mark" checkbox was added to the Misc. area of the Cutter Tools Configuration for almost all cutting drivers (both GrandCut and VisualCut). Activating this new field adds direction marks in the form of a triangle pointing to the bottom edge of the cut job, which significantly speeds up the operators' work when managing these files.
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CalderaRIP V17.0.2:
- Graphtec FC9000: Improvement of the Paneling feature, so that the cut is always done row by row, even if the job contains contours that are difficult to scan.
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CalderaRIP V16.3:
- Graphtec CE7000: Now the driver supports Panelling (only in the feed direction).
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CalderaRIP V13.1:
- Type 1 Marks have been supported since this version (as a separate driver for both models)
- Graphtec FC9000 supported
- Graphtec CE7000 supported
Installation
Graphtec FC9000 and CE7000 are VisualCut cutters:
Mark types and detection
These cutters support two types of cutting marks, which is why there are two VisualCut drivers (one for each mark). Depending on your production, ensure you use the correct driver and select the optimal positioning of the detection tool, as outlined in the following guide.
Warning
In previous versions of this documentation, we recommended placing the detection tool outside the corners of the job (for type 2 marks), and gave recommendations on the setup and manual positioning of the tool.
Recent tests have shown that a simpler setup is possible by positioning the detection tool inside the job corners. However, to ensure this setup functions correctly, please avoid pressing the “Origin” button on the cutter panel, as this will lead to detection failure.
| Marks Type 1 | Marks Type 2 | Positioning |
| Single with marks | ||
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Automatic Repeat (Barcode activation required) |
Considerations on marks
- In Single with Marks mode, the cutter detects the bottom-right mark first, while in Auto Repeat mode, it detects the top-right mark. This difference can result in detection errors if the job is not properly aligned.
- The cutter can only detect intermediate marks on the front edge if there are corresponding intermediate marks on the sides; otherwise, they will be ignored. Please note that back-edge marks are never detected.
Panelling option
Both drivers support Panelling; however, the CE700 does it only in the feed direction:
This process is useful for cutting long jobs by dividing them into multiple cutting zones rather than treating the entire job as a single area. The cutter processes all shapes within a zone before moving on to the next, which enhances accuracy by minimizing tool movements. Additionally, intermediate marks are detected as needed for each cutting zone, further improving precision:
Positioning option
It is recommended that you configure the interface of these cutters, depending on your production:
- When working with USB and Ethernet, any positioning option can be used in CalderaRIP, as the software and cutter will communicate constantly.
- If you are using a USB key or flash drive, only the "Single with marks" positioning can be used (read on for more details).
- Position the media on the cutter.
- On the cutter's panel, press Pause/menu to set the Data link properly.
- Press the Right arrow to go to Link:
- Select Server (USB) or Server (LAN) according to your connection type:
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(Example of Automatic Repeat) On CalderaRIP, in the VisualCut window, choose Automatic Repeat in the Positioning field:
- Once the cutter is connected, press Cut.
- On the cutter's panel, press Barcode to detect the first job and follow the panel's instructions.
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- Position the media on the cutter.
- On the cutter's panel, press Pause/menu to set the Data link properly.
- Press the Right arrow to go to Link:
- Select the USB drive:
- On CalderaRIP, in the VisualCut window, configure as follows:
- Type: File.
- Host: Path of the USB key.
- Positioning: Single with marks.
- Enable "Generate XPF file for USB drive":
Info
The XPF file format is used with USB workflows and works exclusively with “Single with marks” positioning. Unlike “Automatic Repeat” positioning, it is applied once per job and does not require continuous communication with the cutter.
- Select the job(s) you want to cut, then press Cut to generate the XPF file for each of them.
- Eject the USB key properly.
- Plug the USB key into the rear USB port of the cutter.
- On the cutter's panel, press Barcode to detect the first job.
Tips & tricks
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Barcodes and Automatic Repeat (Continuous Cut): To use Automatic Repeat mode for consecutive cutting of multiple jobs, you must enable the barcodes in the Cutting tab to print Graphtec's original Barcode.
Info
Although the software allows you to select a QR or standard code, these are not compatible with this cutter and will be ignored.
- Cutter step: Ensure that the cutter step configured on the device matches the cutter step selected in the VisualCut interface.
- Detection errors: The FC9000's sensor has a very narrow detection range. It is essential to align the job properly and adjust the contrast correctly, as detection errors can frequently occur on the FC9000 cutter, particularly when the job is skewed.
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Jobs alignment: To minimize detection errors on the cutter:
- Print-to-cut: Jobs must be aligned to the right side of the media/cutter.
- Print, lamination, then cut: Jobs must be aligned to the left side of the media/cutter.