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Graphtec FC 8600 – can it work with the Roland XC540 Pro 3?
hi all, does anyone know (maybe roland suppliers hint hint) how i would get the fc8600 graphtec to work with the roland xc540 pro 3, what I’m looking to do is use the roland as just a printer and use the graphtec to cut all my workload as i find waiting to print everything then cut it after very time consuming. do i need other drivers or software? will the graphtec run from versa works, if someone uses this set up or knows how to it would be a great help, many thanks in advance.
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8 Replies
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What design software are you using?
We ran a roland along side out Graphtec, using illustrator & Graphtec’s cutting master 3 (available to download from their website)
If you’re using Signlab, that should have the drivers for the graphtec.
Before printing your artwork on the roland, you will need to add the graphtec registration marks, then print, laminate, and cut in the plotter.
Make sure the software type matches the plotter type of mark (type 1 or 2)
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hi david thanks for that, i use illustrator so can download the graphtec cutting master 3 no probs, i currently use the 2 version with my fc5100,
Before printing my artwork on the roland, how do i add the graphtec registration marks to my print? then run it through versa works, well confused lol?, also what is type 1 or type 2 ( sorry for ignorance only used to print and cut through versa works) cheers in advance shawn -
Download the CM3 plug in, then
file -> Cutting Master 3 -> Registration Marks
The Dialog will open, asking you to specify margin between the reg marks, and the artwork, Whether you want to align it to the art board, or the artwork, and what type etc.
Type 1 & 2 refers to the type mark, (Corner in, or corner out) We tend to use corner out.
A few other tips…
If you select either Horizontal or Vertical Segment Type 1 or 2, you cannot rotate the cutting in CM3. So if when you print it VW rotates it for the best fit, you can’t just rotate it.
Make sure you leave plenty of space either side of the reg marks on the roll when printing to allow for the grit rollers. If they’re too close to the edge it will show an error. You can expand the area in the menu. Similar thing if you print on 1600 wide media, and only have the 1300 plotter, if it’s not in the right spot you find yourself chopping chunks off the sides to run it through the machine.
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cheers david, i know prob silly question but how do i then run my print through the roland and versa works and it reckonise the reg marks from the graphtec ?
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Here’s how I set up artwork.
Put all the cut paths on their own layer (names cut paths, although that doesn’t matter)
Add registration marks using CM3 plugin
Turn off cut paths layer
Save as an EPS
Import into Versaworks
Print as you would any other job
Laminate as required
Load into your plotter
Align the blade of the plotter with the reg mark in the bottom right corner
Open your EPS, turn off the print layers, leaving only the remarks, and cut paths layer,File -> Send to Cutting Master 3
Click send and watch in awe.
We often add 2-3mm of bleed on the printed image to avoid white space.
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David Thank u great help well appreciated
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No problem :thumbup2:
Give us a shout if you get stuck.
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cheers
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