What?

Marker definitions are introduced in Version 6.3. The purpose is to enable the user to create custom definitions to suit their own workflow requirements. They are only available when a flatbed cutter is selected. The definitions window contains the following editable variables:

Registration Marks:

• Marker Size: Size of the marker.
• White Size: Size of the white area around the marker (white ink for e.g.).
• Inner Space: Distance between marker and image.
• Outer Space: Distance between marker and edge of media.
• Distance: Distance between markers.
• Shape: Shape of marker.
• Positioning T/B/L/R: Positioning of marker around the image.

Barcode:

• Type: Type of Barcode or QR code.
• Inner Space: Distance between Barcode and image.
• Offset: Positioning of Barcode.
• Positioning T/B/L/R: Positioning of Barcode around the image.

Label:

• Size: Size of the Label
• Positioning T/B/L/R: Positioning of Label around the image.

Barcode and Label in between marks: Barcode in between marks or outside of marks.

Why?

Many of our end-users have requested greater freedom over the type and position of cutter marks and the accompanying barcode and labels to suit specific requirements for their workflow. Below is some examples of why you may wish to create a custom marker definition:

• It may be useful to move the markers closer to the image, or to touch the image, so that you can fit more onto a sheet.
• To be able to scan the barcode from a further distance, you can make it larger.
• If you have two or more cutters, you can create a definition that will suit them both.

How?

When Layout is opened and a cutter is selected in the cutting tab, the pre-selected marker definition is the default for that selected cutter. If you require a custom marker definition you should first select the closest definition to the one you require and then press the + button to bring up the marker definition window.

You can then make the edits needed in your custom marker definition and give it a name. When you are happy with the chosen variables, hit the OK button and your new marker definition will be available in the drop down menu.

Version 6.5

In version 6.5 there’s a number of changes made to further improve the custom cut marks tool. These changes are detailed below:

• Top-side marker: This will place an additional marker on the top side of the image to help the cutting operator identify the correct orientation of the print.
• Left-side marker: This will place an additional marker on the left side of the image to help the cutting operator identify the correct orientation of the print.
• In between marks: This will place additional cut marks in between the images in the nest. They will be placed in the nesting space between the images. This can be used if the particular material and cutter combination requires additional registration marks to ensure accurate cutting of the job. Some media’s (such as textiles) will stretch or shrink during the print or finishing processes so additional marks in between the images will add additional registration accuracy for the cutter. A help video can be found here.

Note: It is important to realize that it is possible to create custom marker definitions that will not be suitable for your cutter. A degree of knowledge about what is acceptable for your model of cutter is needed to ensure your custom definition will be suitable and the cutter will be able to cut the job. It is recommended to print and cut a test job after a new cutter definition is created.