This article explains how to manually define the materials and methods available for a flatbed cutter in its XML configuration file.
The XML file must reflect the materials and methods configured on the cutter controller. Update the file whenever the controller configuration changes.
Info
Use this method when your cutter driver does not display the Editor tab in Cutter Tools Configuration. This applies to some cutter drivers, including Caldera XML, drivers based on Caldera XML, and Kongsberg JDF Enhanced.
If your cutter driver displays the Editor tab, refer to the automatic method documentation.
Warning
Incorrect material or method settings may damage the cutter tool or cutting table. These settings should be configured by experienced operators. If you are unsure about a setting, consult your cutter manufacturer or contact Caldera Support.
How the associations work
A cutting workflow requires the following associations:
- A printer media is associated with a material.
- A material can have one or more cutting methods.
- A cut contour is associated with a cutting method.
When automatic synchronisation with the cutter controller is unavailable, you must manually create an XML file containing the materials and methods configured on the controller.
Warning
Update the XML file whenever you add, remove, or change a material or method in the cutter controller configuration.
Step 1: Locate or create the materials file
CalderaRIP uses a materials file named: CutterName.materialsRaw.xml
Replace CutterName with the name of the cutter selected in CalderaRIP.
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Open the following folder: /opt/caldera/lib/DRIVERS/MISC
Info
On macOS, press Command + Shift + G in Finder to open the Go to Folder window, then enter the path.
- Find the file named CutterName.materialsRaw.xml:
- If the file is not available, use this file "CalderaXML.materialsRaw.xml" as a template. Copy it and rename the copy using the name of the cutter selected in CalderaRIP.
- Copy the file to the following folder: /opt/caldera/lib/shared
Step 2: Edit the materials file
- Open the copied .xml file using a text editor, such as TextEdit on macOS.
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Replace the default content:
Example
With the materials and methods configured on your cutter controller. Use the following example as a template:<Materials> <Material Name="DEFAULT" GUID="DEFAULT"> <Method Name="Kiss-Cut" ID="1" r="255" g="0" b="0"/> </Material> <Material Name="Material_1" GUID="Material_01"> <Method Name="Method_10" ID="1" r="255" g="0" b="0"/> <Method Name="Method_11" ID="2" r="0" g="255" b="0"/> </Material> <Material Name="Material_2" GUID="Material_02"> <Method Name="Method_20" ID="1" r="255" g="0" b="0"/> <Method Name="Method_21" ID="2" r="0" g="255" b="0"/> </Material> <Material Name="Material_3" GUID="Material_03"> <Method Name="Method_30" ID="1" r="255" g="0" b="0"/> <Method Name="Method_31" ID="2" r="0" g="255" b="0"/> </Material> </Materials> - Save the file.
Use meaningful names for your materials and methods. For example:
- Materials: Vinyl, Banner, Dibond, or Foamboard
- Methods: Kiss-Cut, Thru-Cut, or V-Cut
Warning
Keep the DEFAULT material and associate it with at least one method. CalderaRIP uses this material as a fallback for contours that are not associated with another method or material.
Step 3: Associate media and contours
After saving the XML file, open Cutter Tools Configuration to complete the remaining associations:
- In the Materials tab, associate printer media with the materials defined in the XML file.
- In the Methods tab, associate cut contours with the appropriate methods.
For more information, see How to manually associate printer media and cut contours in Cutter Tools Configuration?
Warning
In the Methods tab, associate the * filter for the DEFAULT material with an available method. This ensures that CalderaRIP can process contours that do not match another configured method.