The Settings section is where you define certain parameters of the cutter. Depending on the cutter model, some options may not be available or others may be displayed.
Positioning
Single with marks (formerly blind cut)
The user places the blade on the first mark and then launches the cut in VisualCut. When the cutter detects the marks, the cutting begins.
User points marks (formerly semi-automatic)
The user launches the cut then VisualCut prompts the user to place the blade on the media. When the cutter detects the marks, the cutting begins.
Automatic repeat/single
The user launches the cut and the cutter detects the marks and the barcode. Then the cutter searches for the barcode in the Jobs queue. When found, the cutter automatically begins cutting.
The single mode performs the cut action for one job.
The repeat mode tries to find a new job to cut on the media after the first job is done. The cutter stops searching for a new job when a barcode cannot be found on the media and/or in the Jobs queue.
Manual
The user places the blade precisely on the first mark before launching the cut action.
None
Used for colored vinyl when no printed marks appear on the media. The user loads the media in the cutter and then launches the cut.
Cutter step
Adjusts the position of the contour when the cutting is slightly off. This is not to be confused with blade offset. Blade offset is located under Tools settings and priority.
Shapes sorting
Caution
Please note that VisualCut does not influence the sorting of the image itself, but on how the cutter registers the contours.
Specifies how contours are read by the cutter. You have 3 possibilities:
Non even placement
Recommended for most cases, as VisualCut will try to compensate for skewed or incorrect scaling on the image, as well as for misaligned media.
Step-and-Repeat
Reads the contours line by line. Recommended for Paneling and when Step&Repeat is enabled.
Image Step&Repeat
Feature available as of CalderaRIP V15.1.
The shape sorting algorithm called "Image Step&Repeat" saves time of cutting by optimizing cut head movements based on images in nestings and Step&Repeat. Also, by reducing huge movements of the media, this algorithm highly improves the precision of some cutters.
For roll cutters that do not provide optimization of cut vectors out of the box, we propose an algorithm that:
- Works line-by-line from left-to-right then right-to-left in alternate
- Will optimize each image as a block in a Step&Repeat or Nest
- Keeps initial order inside the image (eg. : order of creation in Design tools like Adobe Illustrator)
Limitations
"Image Step&Repeat" shape sorting will not:
- Optimize a single image or a Compose.
- Optimize per group of tools.
- Optimize inside images.
- There should be fewer jumps from one place to another unless you have very elongated images.
Info
If your cutter has its own shape-sorting algorithm, you have 3 possibilities:
- Use the "Image Step&Repeat" shape sorting method provided by Caldera and deactivate the one from the cutter,
- Use the shape sorting method of your cutter and configure the shape sorting from Caldera to "Non even placement",
- Combine both, which can lead to optimized results but also to unexpected behaviors.
Panelling
This setting divides the cutting action into several panels to ensure cutting accuracy for long jobs. Set the panel length according to the cutter driver or by using the marks placed on the job’s margins.
Sheet off
When enabled perform a sheet cut once the cutting action is complete. This is useful to separate jobs for automatic repeat positioning on a roll.