Cutter Tool 

The Cutter tool submits a cut job to a selected cutting device from within a PrintFactory workflow. Choose a device and queue, optionally attach a Marker, map Cut Layers to device Tools, and (optionally) include Waste Optimization limits. 

Overview

Place the Cutter step at the output stage to hand off prepared cut data to your device. The step builds a cut‑only job (print content removed), applies layer→tool mappings, applies the selected marker to the imposition, and sends the job to the device queue.

Opening the Tool

1. Open the Workflow Editor.
2. Add or select Cutter.
3. Click Configure.

Cutter Setup Dialog

Device & Queue

• Cutter — Select the cutting device.
• Queue — Choose the device queue to receive this job.

Marker

• Marker — Optional registration/cutter marker from the device’s resource list.
• Marker Black — Controls how the marker’s black is created:
  • Weak = 50% K
  • Black Only = 100% K
  • Rich = 100% CMYK (rich black build)
  Choose the option your cutter/marker expects.

Path Order & Head Position

• Sorting — Path‑ordering strategy (Speed, Transport, None).
• Feed — Head/transport position after cutting (Begin, Right, Top, Transport, Cut and transport).

Tool Mapping

Map each Cut Layer to a device Tool. Use the gear (⚙) to open device‑specific tool settings (stored with the row). Use “–” to remove and “+” to add rows.

Waste Optimization

Enable to pass panel limits and clearance to compatible cutters.

• Max Width / Max Height — Maximum panel size.
• Safe Distance — Clearance from panel edges and between parts.
• Min Reusable Size — Smallest offcut considered reusable.

How It Works

The step constructs a cut‑only job ticket with your device, queue, sorting, and feed choices. If a marker is selected, it is applied to the imposition (including barcodes where available). Each mapped layer is sent as the chosen device tool with per‑tool settings. Non‑mapped layers are removed. If the cutter’s max width requires it (and markers allow), pages may be rotated to fit.

Using the Cutter Step in Workflows

1. Place Cutter after layout/imposition and contour preparation.
2. Select the Cutter and Queue.
3. (Optional) Choose a Marker and set Marker Black.
4. Map your Cut Layers to device Tools (adjust ⚙ as needed).
5. (Optional) Enable Waste Optimization and enter limits.
6. Click OK and run the workflow.

Tips & Best Practices

• Keep layer naming consistent so mappings are predictable.
• Validate tool settings with a small job when adding a new device or tool head.
• Send print and cut via separate workflow steps for clarity.

Summary

Cutter is the finishing hand‑off: device + queue selection, optional marker (with the desired black build), layer→tool mapping, and optional waste‑optimization limits—submitted as a cut‑only job to your cutter.