Use Case
Need to process layouts through two different cutters. Each cutter requires a different type of registration mark, one uses circles, and the other uses squares, the goal is to include both sets of marks on the same printed graphic.
PrimeCenter Workflow
Recipe Step 1: Creates the nest, adds registration marks and a barcode or QR code for Cutter A, and generates Cutter A’s cut file. The layout is then exported to Recipe Step 2.
Recipe Step 2: Adds registration marks and a barcode or QR code for Cutter B to the imported layout, then generates Cutter B’s cut file.
Problem
If cut annotations disappear (barcode/qr code) when output from one PrimeCenter recipe is imported into another, a temporary contour based on the PDF CropBox can help preserve the required area.
Symptoms and cause
The second recipe crops the imported file to its contours, causing the cut annotation to disappear. Converting spot colors on import or export does not resolve this cropping issue.
Resolution
- In the first recipe, open Export Settings and enable Crop Layouts to Data. This prepares the crop box for the next step.
- In the second recipe, add Add Contour from PDFBox upon file import. Select CropBox and set Contour Name to
CutContourAuto. This creates a temporary frame contour to prevent the annotation from being cropped out.
- At Cut export in Recipe 2, add Remove Spot Color Objects and set the input color to
CutContourAuto. This removes the temporary contour from the cutting output.
