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Formax Cut-True DDC50 Operator's Manual

Automatic high-speed digital die cutter
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Cut-True DDC50
Automatic High-Speed Digital Die Cutter
OPERATOR MANUAL
8/2024

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  • Page 1 Cut-True DDC50 Automatic High-Speed Digital Die Cutter OPERATOR MANUAL 8/2024...
  • Page 2 Page Intentionally Blank...
  • Page 3 Introduction This manual contains instructions on the operation and maintenance of this machine. To get maximum versatil- ity from this machine all operators should carefully read and follow the instructions in this manual. Keep this manual in a handy place near the machine. Please read the Safety Information before using this machine.
  • Page 4 Safety Information When using this machine, the following safety precautions should always be followed. Safety during operation Warning: • To avoid hazardous situations like for instance electric shock or danger while exposed to moving, rotating or cutting devices, do not remove any covers, guards or screws other than those specified in this manual.
  • Page 5 General safety, continued Caution: • Always follow all warnings marked on, or supplied with, the equipment. • When you disconnect the power plug from the wall outlet, always pull the plug (not the cable). • Disconnect the power cord before you move the machine. While moving the machine, always exercise care and make sure that the power cord will not be damaged under the machine.
  • Page 6 General safety, continued Warning: PINCH/CRUSHING HAZARD! There are “Pinch Hazard” stickers on the DDC50 to remind the user to pay extra caution when the machine is running: • Do not ever put your hand under vacuum belt area while machine main switch is ON. Vacuum feed belt goes up and down.
  • Page 7 Safety measures Please read the information and safety measures carefully prior to initial operation of the unit. • Do not place any magnetic objects in the vicinity of the cutting head; otherwise uniform contact pressure may not be ensured. • Do not remove the connection cable to the computer while cutting is in progress. •...
  • Page 8 Page Intentionally Blank...

  • Page 9: Table Of Contents

    Table of Contents What You Can Do With This Machine ....................11 Guide To Components ...........................16 User Interface Cut-True DDC50......................18 DDC50 Pro Main Interface ......................23 1. Basics ......................35 Turning On / Off the Main Power ......................35 Launching Cut-True Pro...........................35 Direct Mode ............................36 Job Server Mode ..........................39...
  • Page 10 2. Setting Up a Job ..................... 65 Graphics File Design - Creating Your Artwork ..................65 Layers..............................66 Drawing Cut, Perforated or Crease Lines .....................67 Line Colors recognized by Cut-True Pro..................67 Registration Page Marks ........................68 Positioning of Registration Page Marks ..................69 Automatically Adding Registration Page Marks ................72 Using ‘Cut-True Pro Add Page Marks’...

  • Page 11: What You Can Do With This Machine

    What You Can Do With This Machine The DDC50 is a compact dual tool digital cutter offering a highly advanced and reliable high capacity (1000 sheets) auto-sheet feeder to cut and crease light sheet card (up to 350 micron), or labels, to any shape without any set up costs.
  • Page 12 To operate your Cut-True DDC50 machine and set up processing jobs, you will need a computer. This manual provides an introduction to the Cut-True Pro Software Suite, which is used for creating files and controlling your cutter. Additionally, it outlines the hardware requirements for your workstation.
  • Page 13 Introduction to Cut-True Pro Software To cut your projects with the Cut-True DDC50 cutter, you need to be able to design your artwork and then apply lines that you designate for cutting, creasing, scoring or perforating. Projects and artwork can be created using either Adobe Illustrator on Mac or PC, or CorelDRAW on PC.
  • Page 14 Intoduction, continued Where access to the original artwork files is not practical, such as where a different user wishes to cut the job, it is recommend jobs are created with a job number and/or QR code. Adding a Job Number will automatically add the Cut file to the Cut-True Pro Job library, thereby enabling the job to be cut using Cut-True Pro - Produc tion Studio software (detailed below), either on the directly by using the same computer or a different computer and also enables the job to be cut in held mode and stored on a USB drive within the...
  • Page 15 Cut-True Pro for Mac Users Mac users can design and generate jobs on Mac workstations using Cut-True Pro’s Job library feature. NOTE: The main Cut-True Pro (Production Studio) cutting application is PC only, so Mac users can design their artwork on the Mac and use a PC to connect to the cutter for the cutting of the jobs. Please be aware whilst held mode files can only be created by the PC-based Cut-True Pro (Production Studio) application, MAC users do need to be able to have access a PC for Directly cutting their files, (or access to a PC Windows environment within their MAC to run the Cut-True Production Studio software...

  • Page 16: Guide To Components

    Guide To Components Tool Carriage Tool 1 Tool 2 Front ‘Dual Grip’ Roller Emergency Stop Switch Main Feed Roller Secondary Grip Roller 7’’ LCD Touch Panel Hard Keys Exit Tray Tag Reduction Plate Continued on next page...
  • Page 17 Guide To Components, continued Front Media Guides AirBlade Vacuum Pick Up Belt Power Switch Power Cable Socket Side Media Guides Rear Media Back Stop SD card USB Interface Connector Wi-Fi antenna Stacker Control Button Long Media Extension Plate...

  • Page 18: User Interface Cut-True Ddc50

    User Interface Cut-True DDC50 Off/Line ENTER The DDC50 rear side panel includes a large silver button which is the Feed Stacker control button. On the control panel there is a 7" Color LCD Touchscreen control panel, with 6 hard buttons to help you make selections and change values to control the DDC50 cutter.
  • Page 19 User Interface Cut-True DDC50, continued Off/Line ENTER When the Home screen is displayed, the Speed and Force for the each tool on the tool carriage is displayed and can be adjusted. At the base of the touch screen is a tab control strip with several buttons and sub- menus.
  • Page 20 User Interface Cut-True DDC50, continued Feed Media The [Feed Media] button activates the feed function and the media on the feed platform is being passed through the cutter. Eject Media The [Feed Media] button changes to [Eject Media] when media is detected in the cutter. This can hap- pen if you cancel a job (or if you have sued the Feed Media button to load a sheet).
  • Page 21 User Interface Cut-True DDC50, continued Hold Mode The Held screen, allows you to cut jobs directly on the cutter without the need for your computer to be connected. There are 2 ways to start cutting. 1. Click the “Scan QR CODE” to automatically retrieve a QR code job stored in the QR-Held folder;...
  • Page 22 User Interface Cut-True DDC50, continued Menu - Settings & Options The Settings & Options Menu screen allows to per- form calibrations, or check and modify settings. Press the Menu Tab to select the Menu Set- tings & Options screen. In the Menu mode, the cutter status changes to [Off Line] and will no longer receive new cutting files.

  • Page 23: Ddc50 Pro Main Interface

    Cut-True Pro Main Interface Job Preview Window Cut-True Pro Direct Mode Cut-True Pro Job Server Mode When launching Cut-True Pro in Direct mode a When launching Cut-True Pro in Job Server pre-view of the cutting profile on the selected mode an information graphic will be displayed in layer will be shown in the Job Preview Window.
  • Page 24 Brightness/Illumination Control The Vision3 CCD camera sensor, includes a LED strip that illuminates the area being captured. With some types of media it may be necessary to increase or decrease the brightness of the illuminated area, particularly with porous substrates like rice paper, or reflective/foiled materials. Adjusting the slider [A] up, will increase the brightness, while adjusting the slide down will reduce it, same applies for exposure slider [B].
  • Page 25 Settings The Settings Button will display the Settings Window as shown below, which allows you adjust general settings such as knife offset, target scanning, units, etc. Productivity The [Productivity] Button will display the Productivity Window, required for setting the Media size loaded in the Auto-Sheet feeder and the default margin of the 1st Page Mark (These are required for correct scanning of the Page Marks &...
  • Page 26 Cut Settings Cut-True Pro displays a preview of the file to be cut in the Job Preview Window [A]. If the cut file contains dif- ferent line colors then each color is matched to one of the 8 primary colors that Cut-True Pro recognizes (See section “Line Colors recognized by Cut-True Pro”).
  • Page 27 Actions You can create Actions for each process/task you wish the cutter to perform in Actions panel [A]. An Action is a profile consisting of the following saved settings being used: • Cutting Tool (Cutter, Crease, or Ignore) • Speed of Tool •...
  • Page 28 The Editing Action Window The Editing Action Window displays the parameters used for the Action selected. You can check,review and edit the settings to suit the action and any changes will be applied to the Action immediately on the next cut. Each Action, includes the following adjustable settings: •...
  • Page 29 Creating TAGs to hold elements in Using “Line Style” The DDC50 is an X-Axis cutter. This means during cutting the sheet is moved back and forwards. This type of cutter is common for label cutting as the backing sheet for the labels naturally holds the labels in place. When using the DDC50 for Die-Cutting (full cut through), applications, it is important to place TAGs in the cutting lines to hold the elements in the sheet to prevent them from falling out during cutting and causing an obstruction.
  • Page 30 Creating TAGs to hold elements in Using “Line Style”, continued 3. Select the new Media Type (“Tags 50 mm”) Ensure the “Tags 50 mm” Use Tool is set to Cut tool [B]. 4. Set the Line Style to “Dashed Line (Adjustable)”[C].
  • Page 31 Creating TAGs to hold elements in Using “Line Style”, continued 7. Repeat Step 2 to add another new . In next example we will add a “Tag 200 mm” for longer lines. 8. Use the [+] symbol under Actions to add a New Material Type and enter the name “Tag 200 mm”.
  • Page 32 Force of the Cut/Crease The parameter Force [E] controls the force applied by the tool. The range available is 0 - 750 g. • A cutting force of 250-350 g should be sufficient for card or media up to 350 microns thick. Settings above 550 g may suggest that more blade is required.
  • Page 33 Overcut, continued 1 mm With OverCut enabled the blade will overcut the endpoint of the object prior to lifting [B]. NOTE: If cutting complete shapes and 1 mm is insufficient, it may be necessary to increase the value to 2 or 3 mm.
  • Page 34 Cut-True Pro. Clicking the icon, when no job is shown in the preview window (When the Cut-True DDC50 is in Job Server Mode), enables you to manually enter a QR code to pre-load the job. This enables you to check line/action assignments prior to large produc- tions.

  • Page 35: Basics

    1. Basics Turning On / Off the Main Power 1. Make sure that the DDC50 power cord is plugged into the wall outlet. 2. Set main power switch on to ON position [A]. Launching Cut-True Pro There are two different ways to Launch Cut-True Pro Production Studio. Cut-True Pro - Production Studio is the full version of Cut-True Pro, and is used to cut your files.

  • Page 36: Direct Mode

    Select the layer for the cutting Ensure only the vector lines you wish to send to your Cut-True DDC50 cutter are on the layer selected before launching Cut-True Pro. In the example below, the layer is ready for you to launch Cut-True Pro.
  • Page 37 Direct Mode, continued Launching Cut-True Pro (Direct Mode) After selecting the layer you wish to send to the Cut-True DDC50 Cutter, select Cut-True Pro from the File menu. Both Adobe Illustrator CorelDRAW seen below with Cutline selected and then Cut-True Pro selected from the [File] drop-down menu.
  • Page 38 Direct Mode, continued Overview of the Cut-True Pro Main Screen (Direct Mode) Preview of selected cut/crease job Change Cutting order Vision3 Sensor video echo Pre-Set Action Camera Illumination control Assigning an action to a color Default Camera Illumination Edit Material/Action setting Exposure control Auto Weld option Default Exposure...

  • Page 39: Job Server Mode

    NOTE: Before cutting for the first time, ensure that you have set up your Cut-True DDC50 in the [Settings] dialogue box. Prior to first use Cut-True Pro must have the Sensor offset aligned and set the offset Continued on next page...
  • Page 40 Job Server Mode, continued Overview of the Cut-True Pro Main Screen (Job Server Mode), continued Preview of selected cut/crease job Change Cutting order Vision3 Sensor video echo Pre-Set Action Camera Illumination control Assigning an action to a color Default Camera Illumination Edit Material/Action setting Exposure control Auto Weld option...

  • Page 41: Cutter Blades (An Overview Of Blade Types)

    Cutter Blades (An overview of Blade types) Your cutter comes with a selection of blades. The blades are packed in a foam packing material. In addition to this there is a colored rubber protective cap. The yellow caps indicate 30 , red caps indicate a 45 blade while the blue caps are 60...

  • Page 42: The Blade Holder

    The Blade Holder Blade Depth Adjustment Lock Flange Warning: When handling cutter blades, be careful to avoid cutting your fingers or other parts of Exposed Blade your body. Replacing the blade The blade is a consumable item and you’ll always get the best quality cut with a newer blade. Please replace with a new blade when the cut quality reduces.

  • Page 43: Blade Adjustment

    Blade Adjustment Blade Depth is a major factor in how well the machine cuts and along with the downforce / pressure, determines how cleanly the material cuts and how easy or difficult it will be to ‘weed’ the material. Too much blade depth is as bad as not enough.

  • Page 44: Test Cut

    Test Cut The Test Cut function allows you to check your blade depth/force settings on your Cut-True DDC50 cutter and perform calibration of Align Tool2 to Tool1. Warning: Do not press [TEST CUT] until you have loaded a sheet of media and moved the tool carriage into a clear area on the media, away from the far left side of the cutter (see following steps).
  • Page 45 Test Cut, continued 5. Press [CUT TEST] button. The DDC50 will draw a Dia- mond Shape using Tool2 (The creasing tool) and cut a Square around the Diamond shape using Tool1 (The blade). 6. The DDC50 will then eject the media forwards so you can check the cut quality/depth and pressure.

  • Page 46: Configuring The Cut-True Pro Plug-In

    In addition to setting the cutter model upon first use, it is important to set/check the configuration settings for the software. Among the settings there are several that are important to understand to get the best results from your Cut-True DDC50 Flatbed cutter. These are: Knife Offset: A range of blades fit DDC50 cutter and different blades may alter the way corners and shapes are cut.

  • Page 47: Blade Adjustment

    Cut-True DDC50 Digital cut engines have a built in routine to manoeuvre the blade in a way that compensates for this, it is known as Knife Offset. Setting this correctly and checking it each time you change blades is important because supplies a range of blades to enable the cutting of different media and various thickness’s.
  • Page 48 Choosing the Correct Blade for the Job Each packet of Blades shows the Knife Offset on the front of the packet. Nominally the standard Yellow, Red and Blue blades that are 1 mm, use a 0.25 mm Knife offset, while the 1.5 mm larger Circlip blades use a 0.75 mm Knife Offset.

  • Page 49: Scan Targets

    The graphics should be designed in accordance with the guide in this manual on Page Mark creation (See section “Registration Page marks”). Only the specific Page Marks detailed will provide origin reference, scale, skew and rotation references for the Cut-True DDC50 software so it can adjust your cutting line appropriately for ac-curate cutting.

  • Page 50: Output Device

    Output Device This setting shows the current Output Device [E] connected. When the Cut-True DDC50 is connected this should read ‘USB Printing Support: x’, where ‘x’ is your cutter type, or ‘Ethernet Direct connect’ (If it is ON- LINE). If the Cut-True Pro software cannot...
  • Page 51 Auto Find - Setting the Sensor Offset to the Blade, continued The Vision 3 ARMS sensor is mounted next to the cutting blade holder and the distance between the centre of the blade, and the centre of the Vison3 camera sensor (known as the sensor offset) must be compensated for to ensure accurate cutting.
  • Page 52 Edge Feed) orientation. Then click [OK]. 8. In the main Cut-True Pro application screen, click on the [Settings] button. 9. The Cut-True DDC50 Settings dialogue box will appear. Here you can manually enter the Sensor offset or automatically set it by clicking the [Auto Find] button.

  • Page 53: Units Of Measurement

    10. Click the [Auto Find] button, a message will appear asking you to place a sheet of media in the cutter, and click [OK], then the Cut-True DDC50, will load the sheet automati- cally from the feeder and use the Pen Calibration Tool, to repeatedly draw a spiral pattern to simulate a registration mark.

  • Page 54: Activation/Deactivating Cut-True Pro License

    Activation/Deactivating Cut-True Pro License Cut-True Pro is activated and licensed using an Online Li- cense server. receive license providing activations. One is for your Artwork PC, one is a remote cutting computer in case you do not wish to use your design PC (or the same person) to perform your cutting tasks.

  • Page 55: Productivity Options

    Productivity Options In addition to the configuration settings there are additional settings that can influence your productivity and furthermore enable automated batch production. These settings are all grouped under the [Productivity] menu. The ‘Sort Method’, ‘Scan For QR Code on every sheet’, ‘After Scanning QR Code ask before Cutting’, Automatic Production control: ‘Mode’, ‘Copies’...

  • Page 56: Sort Method

    Sort Method The Sort Method setting [A] changes how the cutter moves from the end of one cut to the beginning of the next. The Cut-True Pro software can operate in 6 modes: 1. None: No sort to the cutting is employed and the software will cut in the order it read the lines into the application.

  • Page 57: After Scanning Qr Code Ask Before Cutting

    Scan for QR Code on every sheet, continued In Job Library mode this function is recommended and can very useful when different/mixed jobs are placed in the auto-sheet feeder, as each cut file will be retrieved automatically. In addition by scanning each QR Code, Cut-True Pro, will detect if a sheet has been accidentally loaded in the wrong orientation, or rotated around 180 degrees, and automatically rotate your cutting file to match the way you loaded the sheet.

  • Page 58: Media Positioning

    Media Positioning The default setting is to use the Auto-Sheet feeder. How- ever, you can also switch to Manual mode if required here, in the Productivity screen. (The change will be Mirrored on the main screen when you return to that). The Auto-Sheet Feeder, will load sheets following the Automatic Production Profile [G] and the Media size (See section “Media Options”...

  • Page 59: Automatic Production Options

    Automatic Production Options The Automatic Production [G] section in the Productivity dialogue box enables you to change between produc- tion modes. The options are: Copies Mode Displays a new dialogue box in the area, allowing you to enter the number of copies to cut. Single Mode The DDC50 will load a single sheet of media and cut/ crease the media accordingly.

  • Page 60: Media Options

    Media Options The Auto-Sheet feeder, uses self centering media guides, this means the edge of the media will be located in dif- ferent positions depending on the media size you have loaded. Therefore, Media options is one of the most important areas to set within the Productivity settings screen.

  • Page 61: Media Positioning

    Media Positioning The Media Positioning [J] control sets location that the DDC50 should move to, when scanning for the 1st Page MARK. The Top Margin and the Left Margin settings should reflect the margins set under the Cut-True Pro Page Mark Preferences in your Graphics Application. Once set, it should not need to be changed again (as- suming you do not frequently change the Page Mark margins).

  • Page 62: Production Log

    Production Log The DDC50 has two different logs that provide feedback on your cutting. To view the basic log, click the [Production Log] button at the bottom left of the Production screen. Here you will be able to view a summary of any errors during cutting.

  • Page 63: Advanced Productivity Options

    (then returning it to the previous setting). This avoids the need for the user to adjust the Back lighting control on the main Cut-True DDC50 Interface, and enables automation of a range of lighting conditions during the Page Mark scanning and QR code scanning.
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  • Page 65: Setting Up A Job

    2. Setting Up a Job Graphics File Design - Creating Your Artwork The Cut-True Pro Plug-in works directly from Adobe Illustrator or CorelDRAW. It requires the lines for cutting, perforating and creasing to be organised on a single layer. Therefore when designing with graphics you should organize the graphic design in different layers: - One or more layers for the main graphics (the printed artwork).

  • Page 66: Layers

    Layers Layers for Printing In this example, the main graphics layer is visible and active. The Cut-True DDC50 auto-generated 3rd layer with Align-ment Page Marks is also visible. (Detailed later). The cut contour layer is disabled. Drawing is ready for printing.

  • Page 67: Drawing Cut, Perforated Or Crease Lines

    Cutting line. Cut-True Pro can recognise up to 8 pre-defined colored lines (detailed below) making it easier for you to design and assign actions for each line. If you created a job with 4 colored lines (For example; RED, YELLOW, BLUE, GREEN) in the Cut-True DDC50 software you could set the actions as follows :...

  • Page 68: Registration Page Marks

    Registration Page Marks Before you design your page you need to consider that for accurate cutting each job requires 4 Registration Page Marks. The Page Marks are automatically placed on your artwork by Cut-True Cut-True Pro’s Add Page Marks option. They are placed on all 4 corners of a rectangle that is typically surrounding the cut lines.

  • Page 69: Positioning Of Registration Page Marks

    NOTE: The Cut-True DDC50 Plug-in that applies Page Marks automatically includes a preferences option that enables you to define the margin you wish to use. The value you enter here in this option/setting, is the distance to the centre of the Page Mark.
  • Page 70 Configuring Page Marks for maximum cut accuracy For designs or elements requiring the highest cut accuracy, it is recommended that the all Page Marks are placed in a position that enables the main grip roller to retain grip of the sheet during the registration process. If the design includes Page Marks placed close to the trailing edge of the sheet then only the Secondary grip rollers will hold the sheet when it is advanced to scan the trailing edge Page Marks.
  • Page 71 Configuring Page Marks for maximum efficiency Maximising the space on the page is important for many users and here the Dual Grip roller system provides users with the ability to achieve a full page and enable cutting right up to the edge of the media. You can cut beyond the Page Mark position, so it is possible to right to the edge of the sheet but in most cases you will need some media/matrix left on the label sheet to make removing he waste matrix on your labels easier.

  • Page 72: Automatically Adding Registration Page Marks

    Automatically Adding Registration Page Marks You do not need to manually draw your Page Marks on to your designs. Cut-True Pro will automatically add the marks for you. After installing Cut-True Pro and launching Illustrator (or CorelDRAW), you will find a new set of options [A] under the Print command in the File drop-down menu.
  • Page 73 Configuring Automatic Page Marks 1. In Cut-True Pro Page Mark preferences window under Printing Position section [A] select ‘Use Page Size’. NOTE: Page size is updated from your Artboard size in Illustrator, so you do not need to adjust the page size setting here it will automatically adjust when the Page Marks are added.

  • Page 74: Using 'Cut-True Pro Add Page Marks

    Additional Configuration for Mac users Adding Page Marks is exactly the same for Mac users, however Mac users will typically use Cut- True Cut-True Pro’s Job Library feature to assign a job number (and QR code where applicable) to their jobs - enabling them to be cut efficiently in a production environment.
  • Page 75 Selecting the Layer to Add Page Marks Ensure only the vector lines you wish to cut and send to your Cut-True DDC50 are on the layer selected before adding the Page Marks using ‘Cut-True Pro Add Page Marks’. (You do not need to delete your artwork.
  • Page 76 Automatically Adding Page Marks, continued From the File drop-down menu in Illustrator or CorelDRAW, select the menu item ‘Cut-True Pro Add Page Marks will be automatically added to your job and you will see a New Layer ColorCutPro Auto Placement Only [A] added in your Layers palette.

  • Page 77: Cutting Without Using Page Marks

    Job Numbers, Barcodes and the Job Library The standard way of adding Page Marks (detailed above) provides accurate cutting of your files directly from Illustrator or CorelDRAW. However in many cases the Graphic Designer who generates the designs may not be the operator who is responsible for also cutting the jobs. Files including Page Marks must be cut from Illustrator or CorelDRAW, so this means that the operator re- sponsible for cutting the jobs must also use Illustrator or CorelDRAW.
  • Page 78 Design requirements when cutting without Page Marks Cut-True Pro does not use your document page size, normally cutting starts relative to the first Page Mark. Therefore if you disable ‘scan targets’, cutting will start at the furthest left and upper point of the perimeter around your elements for cutting.
  • Page 79 Setting the Origin when cutting without Marks Due to manufacturing tolerances, the feeder guides may present the media fractionally offset from the zero point. However, under normal circumstances the origin for the position of the sheet is automatically obtained using the Vision 3 camera sensor, as it scans the first Page Mark. Any positional inaccuracy in the feeder guides or feed advance is automatically adjusted for and the Mark recentred.
  • Page 80 Feed Advance & Left Margin offset control, continued 6. Your DDC50 should place a tiny dot in the corner of the sheet, then draw the 25 mm (0.98″) square. (The Black square is the printed image, the Red square is an example of what the cutter may have drawn).

  • Page 81: How To Cut Files Using Cut-True Pro

    How To Cut Files Using Cut-True Pro There are two different ways to Launch Cut-True Pro Production Studio. Cut-True Pro - Production Studio is the full version of Cut-True Pro, and is used to cut your files. It can be used in two different ways, you can select the most suitable method for your working environment.

  • Page 82: Cutting Jobs Directly From Graphics Application (Direct Mode)

    Cutting Jobs Directly from Graphics Application (Direct Mode) 1. In Adobe Illustrator or CorelDRAW, open the file you wish to cut. 2. Ensure you have selected the layer with the Cutting lines [A] you wish to cut. 3. Ensure you have already added Page Marks [B] using the Cut-True Pro add Page Marks feature. 4.

  • Page 83: Retrieving Jobs From The Job Library (Job Server Mode)

    Retrieving Jobs from the Job Library (Job Server Mode) Retrieving Jobs from the Job Library Job Server mode enables you to open files previously saved during the design process, to the Cut-True Pro Job Library. This can streamline your production and make your design process easier. Creating Cut Job files using Job Numbers means you can assign a Cut Job number to a specific customer or assign a specific ‘Design Template’/ Style to a Cut Job number.
  • Page 84 Retrieving Jobs with QR codes printed on them, continued 4. Using Cut-True Pro, Click on the [Scan QR Code] button [D] on the main application to load the media from the Auto Sheet Feeder and to scan the QR Code In Live Preview Window you will be able to see an ‘echo’...

  • Page 85: Enter A Job Number To Retrieve The Cut Job File Directly

    In Production menu, you would normally have the option ‘After scanning QR Code ask before cutting’ set to This enables automatic production so that after scanning a QR code the Cut-True DDC50 will automatically start cutting your job using your currently assigned Material actions/ line colors. However in some circumstances this may not be desired, e.g.
  • Page 86 Enter a Job number to retrieve the Cut Job file directly, continued Manually entering the Job Number can enable Jobs without QR codes to be retrieved without the original graphics file Adding your Jobs to the Cut-True Pro Job Library is useful as this enables the job to be retrieved at a later stage or another user to cut the file without needing the original file, or the graphics application that created the design.
  • Page 87 Enter a Job number to retrieve the Cut Job file directly, continued You will notice the [Scan QR Code] button has now changed to [Start] [C]. 3. Assign actions to each Color. 4. Set the number of copies you want to cut after assigning actions to colors and making any other necessary changes, and then click the [Start] button.
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  • Page 89: Settings And Options

    3. Settings and Options This section contains previously outlined Cut-True Pro settings that may be changed directly via the cutter’s user interface. If you wish to utilize the cutter in standalone mode by importing files through USB, you won’t need to make modifications in the Cut-True Pro and may instead do it directly through the cutter’s user interface.

  • Page 90: Scale Calibration

    Scale Calibration To ensure accuracy and precision in the cutter’s cutting process the scale calibration is performed. Scale Calibration involves creating a box shape with predefined measurements and comparing it to the actual dimensions. If there’s a difference, the meas- urements are adjusted until they match, guaranteeing precise cutting.

  • Page 91: Qr Code Positioning

    QR Code Positioning Within the QR code position menu, users have the flexibility to select from five distinct positioning options. This feature proves particularly valuable in scenarios where the design elements intersect with the QR code’s intended location, necessitating an adjustment for optimal placement.

  • Page 92: Network Settings

    Network Settings The network settings screen allows to connect the cutter to either Wi-Fi or Ethernet. When static settings are enabled, it is possible to manually configure the connection settings, while with DHCP turned on, the settings are automatically assigned by default. The default settings after Factory reset is Ethernet - DHCP.

  • Page 93: Network Share

    Network Share Connecting to a network share makes it easier to access data stored on a workstation. To begin this connection, provide the Server IP address and the Share Name “Cut-True DDC50_Held” as the cutter system will recognize and connect to this folder address.

  • Page 94: Sensor Check

    Sensor check The sensor check screen allows to inspect the operat- ing status of a given sensor. When the sensor is obstructed, the indicator dot will transition to a green state, indicating successful de- tection.

  • Page 95: Hold Mode

    4. Hold Mode The Hold mode offers the capability to operate the machine directly using files stored on a USB drive or within the machine itself. This means that for repetitive high-volume production tasks, there is no necessity to maintain a connection to a computer or server station.

  • Page 96: Sharing Cut-True_Held Folder For Network Share On Ddc50

    How to create cut files (.cch files for held mode), continued 6. The default save location is: C:\Program Files (x86)\Cut-True_Held \QR-Held Click [Save] to create the .cch file for Hold Mode on the cutter. 7. To run the .cch file to the cutter, there are two options: a.
  • Page 97 Sharing Cut-True_Held Folder for Network Share on DDC50 3. Right click on the Cut-True_Held folder and select Properties [B]. 4. Click on the Sharing tab [C] and then click on Advanced Sharing [D]. 5. Select the check box ‘Share this folder’ [E]. 6.
  • Page 98 Sharing Cut-True_Held Folder for Network Share on DDC50 7. Select the ‘Allow’ check boxes for Full Control, Change, and Read [G] under the ‘Permissions for Everyone’ section. 8. Clicking Apply [H] and then OK [I]. 9. It then takes you back to the Advanced Sharing window.

  • Page 99: How To Run Job With Usb Stick

    How to run job with USB stick 1. Insert the USB stick into USB port on the rear side of the machine. 2. Enter Hold Mode and choose USB. 3. The cutter will display the available folders on the USB. Locate and select the ‘QR- Held’...

  • Page 100: How To Run Cut Files Via Lan

    How to run cut files via LAN 1. Open Network Share screen 2. Provide the Server IP address and the Share Name “Cut-True_Held” as the cutter system will recognize and connect to this folder address. 3. Enter network credentials: user name and password.

  • Page 101: Remarks

    5. Remarks Do’s and Don’ts • Always follow all warnings marked on, or supplied with, the equipment. • Always exercise care in moving or relocating the equipment. Caution: Unplug the power cord from the wall outlet and machine before you move or relocate the equipment. •...

  • Page 102: Maintaining Your Machine

    Maintaining Your Machine Never attempt any maintenance function that is not specifically described in this documentation. Cutting strip The cutting strip should be checked for signs of wear daily, if the strip is damaged and worn it should be replaced. The longevity of the cutting strip’s effectiveness depends by the material being cut and the operator’s skills in adjusting the blade depth.
  • Page 103 Paper Path The Feed table through to exit tray should be cleaned from paper dust daily using compressed air, engineer wipe and brushes. Turn off the machine and disconnect the power cord before performing any procedures. Feed table Paper path Paper exit Media optical sensors The sensors need to be cleaned every day, more frequent cleaning may be required depending on media...

  • Page 104: Dual Grip Roller

    Dual Grip Roller Typically a vinyl cutter grips and feeds the media using a ‘Pinch’ roller system situated behind the Tool Carriage position. This means the rear of the sheet would not be held by the grip roller during cutting therefore typical cutters can not cut within 30 mm (1”...
  • Page 105 Replace the Dual Grip Rollers, continued 3. With the pressure released from the Dual Grip Levers you can move the Front Grip Roller right (in to the DDC50 chassis) 5 - 10 mm then diagonally move the opposing (left) end of the Grip bar out from the Left side (of the DDC50 chassis) and then diagonally up and out of the cutter.

  • Page 106: Ddc50 Best Practices

    DDC50 Best Practices • It is recommended to crease from the backside of the sheet, as this will provide a more aesthetically pleasing crease on the visible outer edges of your products. • Sheets with Curl will cause more frequent misfeeds and lead to greater inaccuracy during cutting. Be sure to use your printers de-curl function if possible.

  • Page 107: Specifications

    Cut-True Pro 3 plug-in (all features available). Cut-True Pro sends projects designed in Cut-True Pro - Adobe® Illustrator® or CorelDRAW® directly to Cut-True DDC50 label cutter with no need to convert them to a different format. Requires: PC - Adobe® Illustrator® CS1 – CS6, CC, Plugin (PC) CC2014 - CC2021, or CorelDRAW®...

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