Plotter/Cutter Setup

You can use the Plotter/Cutter Setup option, when you want to control the plotting/cutting settings.

The Plotter/Cutter Setup dialog is dynamic according to the driver format you select; therefore some fields may be disabled when a specific driver is selected. This occurs for all tabs in the dialog. Some fields are dependent on other fields,  for example the field becomes enabled, only after selecting a specific field. For more information, see the field description tables below.

Icon & Location

  • Menu: File> Plotter Setup> Plotter/Cutter Setup

To use the Plotter/Cutter Setup option:

  1. From the main menu, go to File > Plotter Setup > Plotter/Cutter Setup.

    The Plotter/Cutter Setup dialog contains various tabs:

    General Tab

  1. View the fields as follows:

Field

Description

Driver Format

Used to select the format that is suitable (syntax type) for your plotter/cutter type. The type of file format defines the type of Plot File.

Device Name

Enables the use of external machine drivers.

Plotter Page Size

Represents the real plotter/ cutter page sizes (to avoid mistakes, take the correct size from the machine user's manual).
The size of the page is important if your machine plotter or cutter is a multi frames machine (IOLINE, Gerber ACCUPLOT, Lectra FlyPen, Lectra E33, etc'). In case of multi frames machines, the Optitex plotting system will automatically use a Clipping method to calculate the Plot File. Therefore, the correct size of the machine page is very important.

X (Length) Y (Width)

Length & Width configuration for plotters with flat paper. X (Length) is only applicable for plotters with rolled paper.

Y Offset

This command is used to shift the bottom of the marker up during plotting. This option can also be used for shifting the paper right margin in case the print/ plot start point is on the right "too much" and a margin is needed.

Gap After Plotting

Used to set the distance between two different plot jobs. 

Note:This option works only when the Frame Advance after Last Frame check box is selected.

Minimal Plot/Cut Line

Used to set the size of the smallest curve that will be plotted. Note that the minimal cut length segment will be added to the cut information formed in the .gbr file. If the distance between the notch's starting point and the polygon's nearest point is less than the default value of the minimal cut length, the point is omitted and as a result the angle of the notch is incorrect. To ensure that the point will not be omitted, decrease the value to 0.01 cm.

Bulge (Chord Error)

The bulge is a measurement for the geometry of an arc segment in a polyline. A bulge of 0 indicates a straight segment, and a bulge of 1 is a semicircle. This parameter is used to make plotted curves smoother by decreasing the bulge value. Decreasing the bulge value will increase the Plot File size because curve lines will be composite from more points.

Minimum Plot Spline Segment

Used to define the distance between 2 points plotted in the plot/cut file

Minimal Circle Radius

Used to determine the minimum circle that will be written in plot/cut file.

Overcut Length

 

Used only for folded pieces. In case of folded pieces on tubular fabric sparing, defining "Overcut" for the folded pieces will insure uncut layers on the lower layers.

Splicing Marker Origin And Size

Used to define the size and origin of the Marker splicing marks. The size of the splice mark defines the thickness of the splice mark, and origin of the splice mark defines where the splice mark will be drawn, inside the marker area or outside the marker area. 

Note: This field is enabled only in the Optitex Marker (not in Optitex PDS) and only when the check box Plot Splice Marker is selected.

One Frame Only

Used when generating plotting with unlimited paper length. This should not be used in a multi frames machines (pen plotters) or if clipping is needed (marker width is wider the paper width). For example, If table length = 800 cm and x=90 cm, plotter will plot frames of x=90.

Frame Advance After The Last Frame

Used when driving HP DesignJet machines (HP 430, HP 500, HP 650 etc). If selected, the printing will pass on to the next frame. For example, when the frame=90, the file will be plotted until it gets to the frame 90.

Plot/Cut Piece in One Frame

Used to plot and cut the piece in one frame. If for example, cutter length paper = 3M and there is a piece in the middle of two frames – the cutter will stopbefore that piece and shift piece to the nextframe.

Order According Tools

Used to define the order of the tools. Text will be plotted first, before anything else on the piece.

Pens (Tools according to sizes)

This is for InkJet plotters and has a connection between colors and sizes. and number of heads.

Plot Continuous

Used to tell the plotter to always plot.

Note: This field is only enabled when Frame Advanced after Last Frame is selected. If One Frame Only is selected, this field is disabled.

 

Device Tab

Field

Description

Options

 

M19 for Slit Notches

This command adds the M19 command which disables overcut and heelcut (used on slit notches). Heelcut (advances before plunge) and overcut are restored at the next M14 knife up or N number. The M19 command is added only in cases where the notch cutting time is with the external contour.

Note: Not available for DM-PL, HP-GL, HP-GL with Bar Codes, HP-GL (InkJet), HP-GL PlotTec, HP-GL Generic, HP-GL2, HP-GL Laser, Gerber Graftech Plotter, KingCut Plotter, Design Partner, Mutoh Plotter, AP-GL Gerber Plotter, AP 700 Plotter, MicroJet, Lectra Flat Bed Plotter, Lectra FlyPen, OptiJet Printer/Plotter, EIA, IOLS, Cybrid Plotter, Cybrid Cutter/Plotter, Gerber Cutter for Plotting, Eastman Cutter, Eastman EDF Cutter, WILD Plotter, WILD Cutter/Plotter, ZUND (PN, LC) Cutter, Exact Plotter/Cutter, Aristomat Cutter

M19 for Non-Slit Notches

This command adds the M19 command in cases of non-slit notches.

Note: Not available for DM-PL, HP-GL, HP, Mutoh Plotter-GL with Bar Codes, HP-GL (InkJet), HP-GL PlotTec, HP-GL Generic, HP-GL2, HP-GL Laser, Gerber Graftech Plotter, KingCut Plotter, Design Partner, AP-GL Gerber Plotter, AP 700 Plotter, MicroJet, Lectra Flat Bed Plotter, Lectra FlyPen, OptiJet Printer/Plotter, EIA, IOLS, Cybrid Plotter, Cybrid Cutter/Plotter, Gerber Cutter for Plotting, Eastman Cutter, Eastman EDF Cutter, Takoaka Cutter, WILD Plotter, WILD Cutter/Plotter, ZUND (PN, LC) Cutter, Exact Plotter/Cutter, Aristomat Cutter

Imperial Units in Metric Work Too

This command allows the machine to read imperial units in metric as well.

Note: Not available for DM-PL, HP-GL,HP-GL with Bar Codes, HP-GL (InkJet), HP-GL PlotTec, HP-GL Generic, HP-GL2, HP-GL Laser, Gerber Graftech Plotter, KingCut Plotter, Design Partner, Mutoh Plotter, AP-GL Gerber Plotter, AP 700 Plotter, MicroJet, Lectra Flat Bed Plotter, Lectra FlyPen, OptiJet Printer/Plotter, EIA, IOLS, Cybrid Plotter, Cybrid Cutter/Plotter, Eastman Cutter, Eastman EDF Cutter, WILD Plotter, WILD Cutter/Plotter, ZUND (PN, LC) Cutter, Exact Plotter/Cutter, Aristomat Cutter

Add G70 in Cutting (Imperial Units)

G70 line 2 indicates that data is in units of inches. If the plotter is a US machine, then this checkbox should be selected to allow for units in inches not millimeters.

Note: Not available for DM-PL, HP-GL, HP-GL with Bar Codes, HP-GL (InkJet), HP-GL PlotTec, HP-GL Generic, HP-GL2, HP-GL Laser, Gerber Graftech Plotter, KingCut Plotter, Design Partner, Mutoh Plotter, AP-GL Gerber Plotter, AP 700 Plotter, MicroJet, Lectra Flat Bed Plotter, Lectra FlyPen, OptiJet Printer/Plotter, EIA, IOLS, Cybrid Plotter, Cybrid Cutter/Plotter, Eastman Cutter, Eastman EDF Cutter, WILD Plotter, WILD Cutter/Plotter, ZUND (PN, LC) Cutter, Exact Plotter/Cutter, Aristomat Cutter

Cut Darts and Pleats Notches

This command cuts darts and pleat notches.

Note: Not available for HP-GL Generic, AP-GL Gerber Plotter, AP 700 Plotter, MicroJet, Lectra Flat Bed Plotter, Lectra FlyPen, OptiJet Printer/Plotter

No Draw

This checkbox is selected when sending cut jobs such as Gerber or Lectra, and the information is not required to be drawn.

(0,0) in Frame Center

This command cuts at the midpoint of the page.

Note: Not available for DM-PL, HP-GL, HP-GL (InkJet), HP-GL Generic, MicroJet, Lectra Flat Bed Plotter, Lectra FlyPen, OptiJet Printer/Plotter, Cybrid Plotter, Cybrid Cutter/Plotter, Gerber Cutter, Lectra ISO Cut, Gerber Cutter for Plotting, Eastman Cutter, Eastman EDF Cutter, Cutting Edge Cutter, Takoaka Cutter, WILD Plotter, WILD Cutter/Plotter, ZUND (PN, LC) Cutter, Exact Plotter/Cutter, Aristomat Cutter

Flip by (0,0) Center

This command flips at the midpoint of the page. This should only be used when required, all depending on the machine and software settings.

Note: Not available for DM-PL, HP-GL, HP-GL (InkJet), HP-GL Generic, MicroJet, Lectra Flat Bed Plotter, Lectra FlyPen, OptiJet Printer/Plotter, Cybrid Plotter, Cybrid Cutter/Plotter, Gerber Cutter, Lectra ISO Cut, Gerber Cutter for Plotting, Eastman Cutter, Eastman EDF Cutter, Cutting Edge Cutter, Takoaka Cutter, WILD Plotter, WILD Cutter/Plotter, ZUND (PN, LC) Cutter, Exact Plotter/Cutter, Aristomat Cutter

Manual Frame Advance

This command presses the button on the machine to advance to the next printing job.

Note: Not available for HP-GL (InkJet), HP-GL Generic, Gerber Graftech Plotter, KingCut Plotter, Design Partner,  AP-GL Gerber Plotter,  AP-GL Gerber Plotter, AP 700 Plotter, MicroJet, Lectra Flat Bed Plotter, Lectra FlyPen, OptiJet Printer/Plotter, EIA, Cybrid Plotter, Cybrid Cutter/Plotter, Exact Plotter/Cutter, Aristomat Cutter

Use CR/LF in Code

This command tells the machine to start printing at the lower left point of the page.

Note: Not available for DM-PL, HP-GL, HP-GL (InkJet), HP-GL Generic, HP-GL2, Gerber Graftech Plotter, KingCut Plotter, Design Partner, Mutoh Plotter, AP-GL Gerber Plotter,  AP-GL Gerber Plotter, AP 700 Plotter, MicroJet, Lectra Flat Bed Plotter, Lectra FlyPen, OptiJet Printer/Plotter, EIA, IOLS, Cybrid Plotter, Cybrid Cutter/Plotter, Lectra ISO Cut, Gerber Cutter for Plotting, Eastman Cutter, Eastman EDF Cutter, Cutting Edge Cutter, WILD Plotter, WILD Cutter/Plotter, ZUND (PN, LC) Cutter, Exact Plotter/Cutter, Aristomat Cutter

Use initialization in file header [M70>/<IN>...]

This command adds the cutting data file the next command. M70 is the automatic origin and instructs the Gerber cutter to make the current head location the origin.

Note: Not available for DM-PL, HP-GL, HP-GL Generic, HP-GL2, Gerber Graftech Plotter, KingCut Plotter, Design Partner, Mutoh Plotter, AP-GL Gerber Plotter, AP-GL Gerber Plotter, AP 700 Plotter, MicroJet, Lectra Flat Bed Plotter, Lectra FlyPen, OptiJet Printer/Plotter, EIA, IOLS, Cybrid Plotter, Cybrid Cutter/Plotter, Eastman Cutter, Eastman EDF Cutter, Exact Plotter/Cutter

Use Byte Offset

Byte is the Cutter frame or page. The Use Byte Offset function will add slit lines between the cutter frames. Use negative values to place the slits at the bottom of the Marker and positive values to place them at the top.

Set to -1 inches for Gerber, or -2 inches for Lectra.

 Default setting: off

Note: Not available for DM-PL, HP-GL, HP-GL with Bar Codes, HP-GL (InkJet), HP-GL PlotTec, HP-GL Generic, HP-GL2, HP-GL Laser, Gerber Graftech Plotter, KingCut Plotter, Design Partner, Mutoh Plotter, AP-GL Gerber Plotter, AP-GL Gerber Plotter, AP 700 Plotter, MicroJet, Lectra Flat Bed Plotter, Lectra FlyPen, OptiJet Printer/Plotter, EIA, IOLS, Cybrid Plotter, Cybrid Cutter/Plotter, Eastman Cutter, Eastman EDF Cutter, Cutting Edge Cutter, WILD Plotter, WILD Cutter/Plotter, ZUND (PN, LC) Cutter, Exact Plotter/Cutter, Aristomat Cutter

HPGL Resolution

This command is used to define the resolution based on the machine's configuration (X, Y size). If available, select the required resolution from the drop-down list. This

Note: Not available for DM-PL, AP-GL Gerber Plotter, AP 700 Plotter, MicroJet, Lectra Flat Bed Plotter, Lectra FlyPen, OptiJet Printer/Plotter, EIA, IOLS, Cybrid Plotter, Cybrid Cutter/Plotter, Gerber Cutter, Lectra ISO Cut, Gerber Cutter for Plotting, Eastman Cutter, Eastman EDF Cutter, Cutting Edge Cutter, Takoaka Cutter, WILD Plotter, WILD Cutter/Plotter, ZUND (PN, LC) Cutter

Labels

Note: Not available for DM-PL, HP-GL (InkJet), HP-GL PlotTec, HP-GL Generic, HP-GL2, HP-GL Laser, KingCut Plotter, Design Partner, Mutoh Plotter, AP-GL Gerber Plotter, AP 700 Plotter, MicroJet, Lectra FlyPen, OptiJet Printer/Plotter, IOLS, Cybrid Plotter, Cybrid Cutter/Plotter, Eastman Cutter, Eastman EDF Cutter, WILD Plotter, WILD Cutter/Plotter, Exact Plotter/Cutter, Aristomat Cutter

Use Labels [M31]

This command is used to print labels with Gerber cutters.

Note: In order to make sure the labels are printed, No Draw must be cleared, Use Labels must be selected and Use Built-in Fonts must be selected.

Ignore Empty Labels

This command ignores empty labels.

File Header

Defines what appears in the file header.

Note: Not available for DM-PL, HP-GL2, Design Partner, MicroJet, Lectra Flat Bed Plotter, Lectra FlyPen, OptiJet Printer/Plotter, IOLS, Cybrid Plotter, Cybrid Cutter-Plotter

Use Custom

This command allows you to add a custom header. For example, in an HPGL file "IN". This depends on the plotter and type of language that is used.

Note: Not available for HP-GL with Bar Codes.

By Frame

This command allows you to define the file header with the frame.

Note: Not available for DM-PL, HP-GL, HP-GL with Bar Codes, HP-GL (InkJet), HP-GL PlotTec, HP-GL Generic, Gerber Graftec Plotter, KingCut Plotter, Mutoh Plotter, AP-GL Gerber Plotter, AP-GL Gerber Plotter, AP 700 Plotter, EIA, Gerber Cutter, LEctra ISO Cut, Gerber Cutter for Plotting, Eastman Cutter, Eastman EDF Cutter, Cutting Edge Cutter, Takoaka Cutter, WILD Plotter, WILD Cutter Plotter, Exact Plotter/Cutter, Aristomat Cutter

File Footer

Defines what appears in the file footer.

Note: Not available for MicroJet, Lectra Flat Bed Plotter, Lectra FlyPen, OptiJet Printer/Plotter, Exact Plotter/Cutter

Use Custom

This command allows you to add a custom footer. For example, in an HPGL file "PG". This depends on the plotter and type of language that is used.

Note: Not available for HP-GL with Bar Codes.

By Frame

This command allows you to define the file footer with the frame.

Note: Not available for DM-PL,HP-GL with Bar Codes, HP-GL (InkJet), HP-GL PlotTec, HP-GL Generic, HP-GL2, Gerber Graftec Plotter, KingCut Plotter, Design Partner, Mutoh Plotter, AP 700 Plotter, EIA, IOLS, Cybrid Plotter, Cybric Cutter-Plotter, Gerber Cutter, Lectra ISO Cut, Gerber Cutter for Plotting, Eastman Cutter, Eastman EDF Cutter, Cutting Edge Cutter, Takoaka Cutter, WILD Plotter, WILD Cutter Plotter, Aristomat Cutter

Font Options

Here you can define the font and font size. If you want to select a font file and not use the default font, click Browse and select the required file.

Use Built-in Font

This commands tells the machine to use the built-in font. This all depends on the output language and machine settings.

Note: Not available for HP-GL with Bar Code, HP-GL Generic, MicroJet, OptiJet Printer/Plotter, EIA, IOLS, Exact Plotter/Cutter, Aristomat Cutter

Default Font Size

This command defines the default font size. This depends on the output language and machine settings.

 

Tools Setup Tab

Note: This tab is not available for the following drivers: AP-GL Gerber Plotter, AP 700 Plotter, MicroJet, Lectra Flat Bed Plotter, Lectra FlyPen, OptiJet Printer/Plotter, Cybrid Plotter, Cybrid Cutter/Plotter Gerber Cutter, Lectra ISO Cut, Gerber Cutter for Plotting, Cutting Edge Cutter, WILD Cutter/Plotter and Aristomat Cutter.

Note: In order to add a customized plot line type, you need to save the attached ini parameter to the 'Plotter' section of the ini file: "HpglDashLineModeOutputFlag" (Yes/No). To do so, In PDS, go to Plot > Select (machine list dialog) > Custom Plotter HPGL > Ok. In Setup > Tools Setup, you can choose what you want to change; for example, to change a sew line to a dashed line. Set the head number (based on the number of heads available below in the same dialog) to a tool you want to change. Choose the plot line and enter Ok. Note that this solution only applies for Lectra Plotters.

Field

Description

Tools

Lists the available tools.

Head Number

Enter the head number to be used for the specific tool. For example, if head number 3 should be used when cutting externals, enter 3 in the Cut External row.

Pen Width (mm)

Enter the pen width to be used for the specific tool.

Note: Not available for HP-GL (InkJet), HP-GL PlotTec, EIA, IOLS, Eastman Cutter, Eastman EDF Cutter, Takaoka Cutter, Exact Plotter/Cutter

Plot Line Type

Select the plot line type from the droop-down list.

Note: Not available for HP-GL (InkJet), HP-GL PlotTec, EIA, IOLS, Eastman Cutter, Eastman EDF Cutter, Takaoka Cutter, Exact Plotter/Cutter

Line Length

Enter the line length to be used for the specific tool.

Note: Not available for HP-GL (InkJet), HP-GL PlotTec, EIA, IOLS, Eastman Cutter, Eastman EDF Cutter, Takaoka Cutter, Exact Plotter/Cutter

Bridge Length

Enter the bridge length to be used for the specific tool. A bridge length can be used when you want a sew line to be a dashed line. The gap between the two lines is referred to as the bridge length.

Note: Not available for HP-GL (InkJet), GP-GL PlotTec, EIA, IOLS, Eastman Cutter, Eastman EDF Cutter, Takaoka Cutter, Exact Plotter/Cutter

Number of Heads

Enter the number of heads the machine has.

Note: This field is not available for Eastman Cutter, Eastman EDF Cutter, Takaoka Cutter

Reset

Click to reset the settings to the default settings

 See also: Plotter Setup Menu