Product Drawings

96
3.05.2 Using Vector Images
• You can design your own vector images in SignMaster using various design and vectorizing tools. You can
also directly import vector files in a variety of common file formats including: AI, DXF, EPS, PDF, PLT, and
SVG.
• While vector images are essentially ready-to-cut files, SignMaster will not apply them as contour cuts in print
and cut applications without having them assigned as such. Refer to Section 5.02 for instructions on how to
perform a contour cut using a vector image.
3.06 Inaccurate Cuts
• There are several reasons why your print and cut results may not be as accurate as you need:
◊ The contours around the printed image are not accurate
◊ The cut settings are too aggressive
• The following two sections present solutions for each of these.
3.06.1 Inaccurate Tracings
• When tracing imported images, the resulting cut lines may not necessarily follow the original image,
especially in tight spots. This can result in tiny bits of white appearing, suggesting the PNC wasn’t accurate.
Zoom in on the image so that you can see the trace line following the outline of the image. Compare by
looking at the same spots where the cut didn’t follow the image perfectly. This could be the cause of the
inaccurate PNC. There are several ways of handling this situation:
◊ Retrace the imported image using a lower Smoothing setting (refer to Section 5.01). This will result in a
tighter fit around the original graphic.
◊ Use the Node EditingTools to move the trace lines to more closely fit the original graphic.
◊ Create an inset contour cut line to use for cutting instead of the original trace line.
◊ Create a bleed by choosing Cutting Contour + Bleed in the Create Cut Contour window.
• Another possibility is that the contour cut line was inadvertently shifted from the graphic to be printed. So,
check to see if a misalignment may have occurred when you were moving or simply clicking on the design.
3.06.2 Incorrect Cut Settings
• If a PNC is not precise and the cause is not the calibration nor the alignment of the trace lines, then go
through the following check list of other possible causes:
◊ Try slowing down the speed. If the mat is moving numerous times, in and out of the cutter, a slight
shifting can occur, especially at high speeds. On the Skycut, try a speed of 7 or lower.
◊ Verify that the pinch wheels are still centered over grit shafts beneath.
◊ Make sure the blade isn’t over-extended which can cause it to cut too deeply and drag the cutting mat.
◊ Make sure the bottom of the mat isn’t sticky and the pinch wheels and grit shafts are clean and not
sticky. Clean with a lint-free cloth and a small amount of isopropyl alcohol or Un-Du.
◊ If the print and cut project contains numerous repeats, use additional registration marks so that
additional scans can occur during the cut. Refer to Section 3.08 for instructions.