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  • simple vinyl cutting program

    Posted by pvluk on November 5, 2007 at 3:20 pm

    We currently use Signlab on one of our Flatbed machines (Zund M1600) which is all well and good, the problem is we also use a Graphtec FC4100-75 for cutting simple text and other vinyl jobs.
    we do not fancy spending £850+ on another Signlab, as it’s way above and beyond what we require.
    I’ve been looking into SignCut X2, however, it doesn’t have a driver compatible with our prehistoric plotter.
    So in short, can you advise me on an alternative basic sign-cutting program compatible with our FC4100-75?

    Brian Hays replied 17 years, 3 months ago 8 Members · 11 Replies
  • 11 Replies
  • Peter Shaw

    Member
    November 5, 2007 at 3:59 pm

    Why can’t you use Signlab to drive the Graphtec?

    Peter

  • pvluk

    Member
    November 6, 2007 at 2:13 pm

    We currently use Signlab for the Graphtec and two Zund M1600.
    However, it is a pain in the rear to have to keep running up and downstairs to swap the dongle over, also we can’t use both machines at the same time, hence why I was after a cheap, simple basic program to run the Graphtec solely.

  • Nick Minall

    Member
    November 6, 2007 at 2:17 pm

    What design software do you have? you maybe able to get a plug-in to cut from there?

    Nick.

  • Robert Lambie

    Member
    November 6, 2007 at 2:25 pm

    assuming you have a network of computers, why not just get the entry level module for signlab that will allow you to open, cut, size etc any files designed and saved via your other signlab onto your server/computer?
    the guy on the cutter just opens the file via the network and sends to cutter… job done!

    maybe an idea to call brian hays at Impact Graphic solutions a call… 01438 350902
    brian will be able to give you the prices and tell you what is and isnt possible.

    i say this based on my own experience… i think its always better keeping to the one software or you will have file compatibility problems that seem trivial to begin with but a major pain in the rear further down then line.
    if you buy a low costing signlab cut module, you can always bolt-on/add to it as and when needed. this is what we did and we now run 5 signlabs…

  • pvluk

    Member
    November 6, 2007 at 3:14 pm

    just spoken to Brian,

    Many thanks,

    James

  • Paul Munford

    Member
    November 6, 2007 at 3:44 pm

    This is about the cheapest thing ive found and your cutter is supported.
    http://www.signgo.com
    Paul.

  • Frank Droog

    Member
    November 6, 2007 at 6:42 pm

    You may want to investigate Signlabs ability to use a remote plot spooler.
    Are the two computers networked?

    You can install Signlabs Plot Spooler on the computer upstairs.
    From the computer downstairs, you install the graphtec driver . Change its port location to Spool, enable Remote Spool, browse to a directory on the computer upstairs.

    On the computer Upstairs, copy/paste Spooler.exe to somewhere where you can run it whenever you want. Run Spooler, go to File/Set default directory and set it to monitor that particular directory for spool jobs.
    Spooler has AutoStart. You probably want it OFF.

    So, plot from the computer downstairs. A Spool file gets sent to the computer upstairs. Spooler upstairs automatically detects it and sucks it up. You click on the job and then click on start. Graphtec starts cutting.

    Note, you can send a bunch of spool jobs to Spooler upstairs.
    You will see all the jobs sitting there waiting to be started.

    Assumes the computers are networked.

    frank at cadlink

  • Frank Droog

    Member
    November 6, 2007 at 6:51 pm

    Forgot to add that No dongle is needed for Plot Spooler.

    frank at cadlink

  • Alan Drury

    Member
    November 7, 2007 at 8:13 am

    I use that method Frank, plotting to one of my plotters. Works well and is quick and easy to set up.
    Alan D

  • Frank Droog

    Member
    November 7, 2007 at 8:35 pm

    Just remembered.

    If the 2 computers are NOT networked, it can still work.
    Use a USB memory stick , or floppy.

    Install the Graphtec driver.
    Change the port location to FILE.
    Plot the job to a file on the USB stick or floppy.
    Give the files a PLT extension ( not sure if thats needed)
    Bring the stick to the other computer.
    Start Plot Spooler on the computer upstairs.
    Click on File/Set Default Port and point to com1 or com2 as the case may be.
    Click on File/ Open and change to ALL TYPE,
    Find your files on the stck and double click on them and click on START.

    No Dongle- No Network

    frank at cadlink

  • Brian Hays

    Member
    November 7, 2007 at 8:41 pm

    quote frank:

    Just remembered.
    If the 2 computers are NOT networked, it can still work.
    Use a USB memory stick, or floppy.
    Install the Graphtec driver.
    Change the port location to FILE.
    Plot the job to a file on the USB stick or floppy.
    Give the files a PLT extension ( not sure if that’s needed)
    Bring the stick to the other computer.
    Start Plot Spooler on the computer upstairs.
    Click on File/Set Default Port and point to com1 or com2 as the case may be.
    Click on File/ Open and change to ALL TYPE,
    Find your files on the stick, double-click on them and click on START.

    No Dongle- No Network
    Frank at Cadlink


    Frank, James has bought Signlab Shortcut from us. Obviously, it’s a lot more flexible than using the Plot Spooler.

    I take it you do not work in the Sales Department @ Cadlink? 🤣

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