This article outlines the available Settings in VisualCut. This section is used to configure various cutter parameters:
Info
Depending on the cutter model, some options may be unavailable, while others may vary.
Positioning
Single with marks (formerly Blind Cut)
The user positions the blade on the first mark, then starts the cut from VisualCut. Once the cutter detects the registration marks, cutting begins.
User points marks (formerly Semi-Automatic)
The user starts the cut, and VisualCut prompts them to position the blade on the media. Once the cutter detects the registration marks, cutting begins.
Automatic Repeat / Single
The user starts the cut, and the cutter automatically detects the registration marks and the barcode. It then searches for the matching barcode in the Jobs queue. When a match is found, cutting starts automatically.
- Single mode cuts one job only.
- Repeat mode searches for another job on the media after the first one is completed.
The cutter stops searching when no barcode can be found on the media or in the Jobs queue.
Manual
The user must position the blade precisely on the first mark before starting the cut.
None
Use this mode for colored vinyl or other media without printed registration marks. The user loads the media into the cutter and then starts the cut.
Cutter Step
Warning
This setting should not be confused with Blade Offset, which is configured in the Tools Settings and Priority.
Use Cutter Step to adjust contour position when the cut is slightly misaligned.
Shapes Sorting
Warning
VisualCut does not affect the sorting of the image itself. It only defines how the cutter reads and processes the contours.
This setting specifies how contours are read by the cutter. Three modes are available:
Non-even placement
Recommended in most cases. VisualCut attempts to compensate for skewed or incorrectly scaled images, as well as misaligned media.
Step-and-Repeat
Contours are read line by line. This mode is recommended for Panelling and when Step&Repeat is enabled.
Image Step&Repeat
The Image Step&Repeat shape sorting algorithm reduces cutting time by optimizing cut head movements based on images arranged in Nesting and Step&Repeat workflows. By reducing large media movements, it can also significantly improve cutting precision on some cutters.
For roll cutters that do not provide built-in cut vector optimization, this algorithm:
- Works line by line, alternating from left to right and then right to left.
- Optimizes each image as a block within a Step&Repeat or Nest.
- Preserves the original order within each image, for example, the creation order from design applications such as Adobe Illustrator.
Limitations
The Image Step&Repeat shape sorting method does not:
- Optimize a single image or a Compose file.
- Optimize by tool group.
- Optimize inside individual images.
In most cases, this reduces unnecessary jumps between distant cutting areas, unless the images are very elongated.
Info
If your cutter includes its own shape sorting algorithm, you have three options:
- Use CalderaRIP's Image Step&Repeat shape sorting and disable the cutter’s own sorting method.
- Use the cutter’s shape sorting method and set Caldera’s shape sorting to Non-Even Placement.
- Combine both methods, which may improve results but can also produce unexpected behavior.
Panelling
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Panelling is useful for cutting long jobs by dividing them into several cutting zones instead of processing the entire job as a single area. The cutter completes all shapes within one zone before moving to the next, which improves accuracy by reducing tool movement. Intermediate registration marks are also detected as needed for each zone, further enhancing cutting precision. Set the panel length either according to the cutter driver settings or based on the marks placed in the job margins. |
Sheet off
When enabled, the cutter performs a sheet cut after the cutting operation is complete. This is useful for separating jobs and enabling Automatic Repeat positioning on roll media.