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Skycut V Series Manual

Digital die cutter with signmaster
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Do NOT read this entire manual... unless you want to.
•
At the start of Chapters 1 - 4 are short sections with references to find what you need plus some important
reminders. PLEASE read these short sections at the very least and refer back to them, when needed.
•
Chapters 1 and 2 are very important in terms of correctly setting up your Skycut to work with SignMaster
and learning the ins and outs of cutting.
•
Chapter 3 is for those owners wanting to perform print and cut applications.
•
Chapter 4 covers using Skycut accessory tools.
•
Chapter 5 covers several SignMaster functions of interest: creating contour cuts and engraving fills.
It's not practical to print this entire manual because:
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It's a waste of paper and ink if you only ever need certain sections.
•
The live links to videos and web sites in the manual will not work.
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This manual will be updated from time to time.
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Also:
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Note the green
videos will enhance your learning experience.
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© 2018-2023
Sunrise Electronic Technology Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved

Skycut Series V with SignMaster

March 17, 2023
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Summary of Contents for Skycut V Series

  • Page 1: Skycut Series V With Signmaster

    PLEASE read these short sections at the very least and refer back to them, when needed. • Chapters 1 and 2 are very important in terms of correctly setting up your Skycut to work with SignMaster and learning the ins and outs of cutting.

  • Page 2: Table Of Contents

    Left Side ..............................8 Back ................................8 1.07 A ............................9 CCESSORIES 1.07.1 Assembling the Skycut Stand (optional) ................... 9 1.07.2 Tables .............................. 9 1.07.3 Test Pen ............................10 1.07.4 Skycut Blades ..........................10 1.07.5 Blade Installation..........................11 1.08 P ..................
  • Page 3 2.01.5 Perform Test Cuts! ......................... 47 2.01.6 Keep the Cutting Mat Clean and Sticky ..................47 2.01.7 Don’t Get Frustrated, Get Help! ...................... 47 2.02 C ........................47 HOICES EFORE UTTING 2.02.1 Controlling Which Shapes Will Cut ....................48 2.02.2 Controlling Where Shapes Will Cut....................52 2.02.3 Selecting the Tool to be Used for Cutting ..................
  • Page 4 4.02.2 Score and Cut Project ........................107 4.02.3 Embossing Paper or Cardstock ....................109 4.03 S ........................... 110 CRATCH NGRAVING 4.03.1 Engraving a Metal Tag ......................... 110 4.04 S ....................114 ETTINGS ORM FOR CCESSORY OOLS 5. SIGNMASTER FUNCTIONS OF INTEREST ..................... 115 5.00 Q 5 .......................

  • Page 5: Introduction And Setting Up

    • If you run into difficulties with the operation of your Skycut, turn off the power and look for a solution in this manual. Note that Appendix A is a Troubleshooting section. If you continue to have technical questions or issues, please contact your dealer as soon as possible.

  • Page 6: Warranty

    Always turn off the Skycut before unplugging or removing the power cable from the wall outlet or power strip. • Unplug the Skycut from a wall outlet or power strip during an electrical storm or when the cutter will not be used for an extended period of time. •...

  • Page 7: Parts Of The Skycut

    Power cable USB Cable 60° Blade(blue cap) 45° Blade(red cap) Blade Holder Test Pen and 1 Refill 1 set Cutting Mat 1.06 Parts of the Skycut Front Cutting Strip Alignment Marker (lt. gray) Pinch Wheel Control Panel Right End Cap...

  • Page 8: Right Side

    USB Flash Drive Port: used to load PLT files via control panel for cutting • USB Port: option to connect computer to Skycut with included USB cable • Reset Button: used to reset Skycut’s cutting buffer (does not reset calibrations) Reset USB Flash USB Port Button...

  • Page 9: Accessories

    • The screws required for attaching are already installed in the Skycut. They will be removed and then, after aligning the holes in the table, replaced to securely attach the table. •...

  • Page 10: Test Pen

    1.07.3 Test Pen • The test pen should be used until you are comfortable with the operation of your Skycut and know, with certainty, where images will cut. The test pen should arrive pre-assembled. However, if you want to change...

  • Page 11: Blade Installation

     The 45° capped blade is suited for cutting thinner materials such as paper, all cardstock types, heat transfer vinyl, and wall/auto/decal vinyl.  The 60° blue capped blade is a much longer blade and is well-suited for cutting thicker materials, such as gum paste, craft plastic, craft foam, and rhinestone template material.

  • Page 12: Preparing And Caring For The Cutting Mat

    • Do not leave the pinch wheels in a down position when the Skycut isn’t in use. This warps the plastic sooner, shortening the useful life of the cutting mat. 1.08.2 Cleaning and Replenishing the Cutting Mat •...

  • Page 13: Pinch Wheels

    1.09.1 Raising and Lowering • The pinch wheels can be raised (for loading the material and/or mat) and lowered (for cutting). Depending on when your Skycut was manufactured, the method for this is different. Newer Model Pinch Wheels • If you do NOT have a single pinch lever, press down on an individual lever on a pinch wheel so that it can grip the mat or material.

  • Page 14: Pinch Wheel Locations

    1.10 Control Panel • When you first turn power on the Skycut, after several seconds, the following Main Screen or Home Screen will be displayed:...

  • Page 15: Set Screen

    Repeat last cut. While cutting, this icon and function changes to Pause. Open and cut PLT files from an Change settings inserted USB flash drive Refer to 1.10.1 Set the desired speed and force. Stop and cancel the current cut Execute a test cut using current speed and force settings Toggle the speed for moving the head and...

  • Page 16: Installing From A Download

    Once you have purchased a registration for SignMaster, the software can be downloaded from the following link. It’s important to use this link so that the Skycut will be installed as the cutter of choice. You will need your Product Serial Number that was sent to you. Since you’ll also need this number every time you update the software, keep this number in a safe place.
  • Page 17 (6) Enter the Product Serial Number which should have been sent to you by email when you purchased SignMaster. Note that since you will need this same number any time you update the software, keep it in a safe place: Enter the 20-digit PSN provided when you purchased SignMaster...
  • Page 18 (9) Select SKYCUT V24 (or the model you have purchased) from the drop-down menu: Select SKYCUT D24 (or the model you have purchased) and click on Next (10) In the next window, you’ll have the option to create a desktop icon and install a thumbnail previewer. Both are recommended.

  • Page 19: Connecting The Skycut To Your Computer

    • Powering On:  Plug the power cord into a wall outlet or power strip. Connect the power cord to the Skycut V on the left side end cap.  Turn on the power using the power button that is also on the left side end cap. After several seconds, the light inside the Skycut will turn on and the head will do a slight jog.

  • Page 20: Usb Connection

    1.12.1 USB Connection • Plug the small square end of the USB cable into the right end cap of the Skycut V. Plug the USB end into an available USB port on your computer. •...

  • Page 21: Wi-Fi Connection

    • Note: Not all routers have the same signal strength. It’s usually best to connect the Skycut while it is in the same room with the router. Once connectivity is established, you can then experiment to see how far from the router the Skycut can be located.
  • Page 22 Click on Scan Click on Wifi (2) Click on the Scan button and a list of the available networks will appear. Select your home/office network and click on Apply. You will then be returned to the Wifi screen: Select your network Click on Set Click on Apply...
  • Page 23 IP Address, if needed (6) Next check the IP Address that will be assigned to the Skycut. The Skycut will automatically pick up the first three sets of digits from your router but will continue to display them as shown above. You only need to decide if the last set, which should be defaulting to “200”, can be used.
  • Page 24 Default IP Address • Change the IP Address to the one you set up on the Skycut control panel. Click on Test. A Port OK message should pop up. Click on OK and then click on Apply: Click on Test...

  • Page 25: Wireless Stand-Alone

    Skycut can be located. • There are two situations to consider before getting started. If you are not sure which applies to your Skycut, then select B and go to that section first.
  • Page 26 Select Windows Should read Port SKYCUT V24 (or the model you have purchased) Select TCP Select Port Click on Configure Check to see if this is already set • In the prior screenshot, the IP Address is already set to the correct Stand-Alone IP Address: 192.168.16.254.

  • Page 27: Usb Flash Drive

    • To reset the Skycut so that it will be found as an available network, press and hold the Default button for 3 seconds. Release and you should see the Apply button now displays Wait. In a minute the Apply should return and you can then proceed back to A.
  • Page 28 Click on Done • IMPORTANT: For initial testing of your Skycut, it is highly recommended that the test pen be used until you know, with certainty, where shapes will draw. • Click on the Connection tab and verify that Skycut V24 is selected under Current Cutter. If not, select it from the drop-down menu.
  • Page 29 Click on Save Enter a file name • After saving the file, eject the flash drive and insert it into the right side of the Skycut. On the control panel, select USB and then Open File:...
  • Page 30 Press Open File Set up repeats, refer to Section 1.14.1 (1) Double tap on USB DISK and a screen will open showing any folders and PLT files on the flash drive. Double tap a folder to open it, as needed. Drag the scroll bar on the right to see more files: Double tap here Drag here to scroll (2) Once you have located the PLT file you want to cut, double tap the name.

  • Page 31: Test Draw Shapes

    • New owners tend to be VERY eager to try out their Skycut. It’s important to test your cutter to ensure that data is being sent properly from your computer to the cutter. The following steps will allow you to do some testing with the pen tool.
  • Page 32 • Use any of the horizontal markings at the front of the Skycut (such as the ruler) to align the mat so that it’s straight. Lift the pinch lever to drop the pinch wheels onto the cutting mat. Most of the mat and the paper should now be behind the cutter, not in the front.
  • Page 33 Feed the mat this direction into the Skycut Move pen tip to this corner of the paper. Move the pen tip to this corner of the paper  Once the pen tip is near the lower right corner, you are ready to proceed with the test.
  • Page 34 Drawing Area, change the Width or Height, if desired: Width and Height • At this point, if you plan to export this file to a USB flash drive, rather than cut directly to the Skycut from SignMaster, please go to Section 1.12.4 for instructions. •...
  • Page 35 Blade Offset should now read 0.00 Pen Tool should now appear here • Click on Cut Now and a confirmation window opens. Answer Yes to proceed, No to cancel: • After selecting Yes, the Skycut will draw the arrow on your paper:...
  • Page 36 Feed the mat this direction into the Skycut The arrow is drawn at the origin and points to the right. • To draw again, return to the cut window and choose a different origin. Practice moving the origin to different locations.

  • Page 37: Additional Control Panel Settings

    • The Skycut’s control panel offers a number of default settings. Some of these may not be important at this point in the learning process. So, you may want to skip this section for now but remember that it’s here and could provide you some options to improve your experience with the Skycut.

  • Page 38: Advanced Settings

     In the above screenshot, the shape sent to the Skycut would cut 3 copies across and 7 up and down, for a total of 21 shapes. The spacing between each shape would be 0.20 inches (Note: to use mm instead of inches, switch the Units setting.
  • Page 39 Relative Location Absolute Location As arrow keys are tapped, all locations Press here to reset will update Relative Location Speed control for arrows buttons is located here when Show Point is on. Press to toggle to slow speed when needed: ...
  • Page 40 • To right power on: With this setting turned on, the cutting head will move to the far right whenever the Skycut is powered on. • Y Key Mode: This setting controls the movement of the material or cutting mat when using the up and down...

  • Page 41: General Settings

    Select inches or millimeters Select preferred language for control panel • LED set allows you to change the brightness of the light inside the Skycut or even turn it off: Drag to change the intensity of the light Turn off light...

  • Page 42: Sys Information

    Array. • Language allows you to choose from multiple languages to be used throughout the control panel display screens: 1.14.3 Sys Information • The Sys Information screen displays information about the Skycut and only has three setting changes available:...

  • Page 43: Maintenance

     This initial screen displays current version numbers.  If you ever need to reset your Skycut, press and hold Default All until it turns red. Then wait for the button to update to Success!  If you ever need to change which software is in use with your Skycut, press and hold SOFT for two seconds and release.

  • Page 44: Other Useful Tools And Supplies

    1.16 Other Useful Tools and Supplies • The following list has items you may or may not need while enjoying your Skycut. These are suggestions based on twelve years of collecting information from other cutter owners: ...

  • Page 45: Cutting

    IMPORTANT: Please read all of 2.01!!! 2.01.1 You Have To Make Mistakes • To be a successful owner of a Skycut, you need to keep in mind a few factors:  The key to becoming successful at cutting is to do a lot of it.

  • Page 46: Installing The Blade Holder, Test Pen, Or Accessory Tools

    The recommended method for loading the test pen or another accessory: Place the spacer on top of the material, with the material loaded into the Skycut. Loosen the screw on the blade holder seat and insert the tool so that the tip of the tool is touching...

  • Page 47: Adjust The Speed, Force, And Number Of Passes Based On The Material And Shapes

    • You have two options: (1) Perform the built-in test cut on the Skycut itself using the Test option on the Main Screen or from within the Speed/Force Screen. (2) Select any basic shape and size it to be around 0.3” – 0.5” (~ 8 mm – 13 mm): I personally like using a design with an internal shape, such as a ring.

  • Page 48: Controlling Which Shapes Will Cut

    Option 1: If no shapes are pre-selected, then all shapes will be sent to cut. However, if you pre-select, for example, only the “Skycut” and the arrow, then only those shapes will appear in the Send to be Cut Preview:...
  • Page 49 It’s also noted here that only red shapes are selected Mark the box by Red Click on OK Only the red shapes appear in Preview Along the same lines, you can select all objects of type and only have those shapes sent to cut. To do this, go to Edit>Select by>Object Type (or use the shortcut key “O”) and the following window will open where you can, for example, mark Circle and Star.
  • Page 50 Click this blue Click the Objects tab arrow All of the shapes appear in a list Select a shape, such as the arrow. On the Object tab, it can then be set not to cut: Click this icon to Arrow will not cut turn off cutting Arrow is selected...
  • Page 51  Option 3: Cutting can be controlled by color from within the Send to be Cut window. Click on the Separate by Color option and a drop-down menu will appear: Mark the Separate by Color option Drop-down menu of colors used in the project In the Preview window, shapes with the current color from the menu appear.

  • Page 52: Controlling Where Shapes Will Cut

    Print and Cut (aka Contour Cutting): Cuts the shapes relative to where registration marks are scanned: This is the mode used when you want to print images on your printer and then have the Skycut cut them out. Registration marks are printed, along with your images. The printout is placed into the Skycut and a built-in camera automatically locates and aligns with each printed mark.

  • Page 53: Selecting The Tool To Be Used For Cutting

    Project is too wide to cut left-to-right The red lines and dimensions also indicate the project cannot be cut  Marking the option for Rotate will then rotate the design and allow the project to cut: Rotated project will now fit within the width of the machine The black lines and dimensions indicate the project can now be cut...

  • Page 54: Determining The Cut Settings

    Selecting one of the options, such as 45 degree blade will display an image of the blade, the Blade Offset and Overcut assigned as a Preset: Color of cap on a Skycut 45° blade Presets for Blade Offset and Overcut •...
  • Page 55 Mark Assign Tools by Color A color is selected A Preset is selected or settings can be entered by clicking on Edit  More details for using this feature are covered in Sections 4.01.1 and 4.02.2. • Vinyl Spooler>Cut Options ...

  • Page 56: Cut Settings

    Before presenting the various settings, note that the Force and Speed settings can be set on the control panel itself. In order to cut from SignMaster and use the settings on the Skycut, uncheck these boxes in either of the two places where the settings can be made: ...

  • Page 57: Blade Offset

    • On the Skycut control panel, the default setting is to have the Up Speed and Cut Speed the same and referred to as SPEED. This can be adjusted by pressing the Force/Speed icon and then setting the SPEED to the desired level.

  • Page 58: Overcut

    Click on the Blade Offset icon and a new window opens: 1. Select Calibration tab 4. After loading material and verifying cut settings on the Skycut, click here. 2. Click on Blade 3. Select either Normal Test Offset icon or Quick Test (note material requirements below) ...
  • Page 59 Passes • IMPORTANT: The Open recut option will default to off whenever the Skycut is first powered on. Thus, make a mental note (or, even better, put a Post-It note on your cutter) to turn this option on when using multiple passes.

  • Page 60: Presets

    2.04 Presets • Presets allow you to save your settings for a particular blade type or material. 2.04.1 Saving a Preset for a Blade Type • Let’s say you conducted the calibration for Blade Offset in Section 2.03.3 and determined it to be 0.35 for your red capped blade.

  • Page 61: Saving A Preset For A Material

    Click on Edit Presets • The SKYCUT V24 window opens. Click on the + icon to the right of the current Preset Mode name and a window will open where you can enter the name for your new preset: Click on + Enter a new name •...
  • Page 62 Preset Mode window click on the “-“ icon to the right: Click on “-“ icon to delete preset • Presets for Force and Speed only can also be saved on the Skycut control panel. To create a preset:  Press the Force/Speed icon to open the Force/Speed screen:...
  • Page 63 Adjust settings by sliding bar or using + and - buttons Click on Save  Make the necessary changes to the SPEED and FORCE settings. Select Save and the following screen opens: Select an Select unused box Rename  Press one of the unused preset boxes, e.g. name5, and it will turn blue indicating it is highlighted. Select Rename.

  • Page 64: Setting The Origin Before Cutting

    • IMPORTANT! The Skycut V24 has a maximum cutting width of 24 inches. If you move the head too far to the left to begin the cut and your project is wide, you may exceed the left side limit and cutting will stop at...

  • Page 65: Setting An Origin Using The Camera

    If you do choose the latter, make sure there’s a way to clearly distinguish which intersection you want to use. (3) On the Skycut’s Main Screen, use the arrows to move the center of the blade holder roughly over the origin target. In this example, a dot will be used.
  • Page 66 (6) Press OK. In the new photo, the blue dashed + should be close to the origin target. Press X3 to zoom (7) Use the arrow buttons to move the red + as close as possible to the center of the origin target: (8) Press OK.

  • Page 67: Other Cut Setting Functions

    Section 2.06.3 2.06.1 Advance Mode • The Advance After Plot option in SignMaster Pro is actually controlled on the Skycut itself. The function can be opened by going to Set>Advance Mode on the control panel. Select from these three options Use “-“...

  • Page 68: Mirror

     to left will cause the blade holder to move to the left of the cut project.  The settings below the option are activated when choosing either to end or to left. You can enter a specific distance for the blade holder to advance. This is useful when cutting repeats of the same project because it allows for the origin to be set automatically for the next repeated cut.
  • Page 69 Click Settings tab Change offset here  Auto Speed-Weed: Marking this option places a single weed box around the entire project with an additional horizontal weed line through the middle: After applying Auto Speed-Weed – blue weed Before applying Auto Speed-Weed box plus horizonal weed cut in the middle ...

  • Page 70: Weld Text

    After applying Speed-Weed Text Only – Before applying Speed-Weed Text Only text object has additional weed box plus horizontal cut through the middle 2.06.4 Weld Text • For script fonts, the Weld Text option will remove overlap between letters so that a word will cut as one object.
  • Page 71 1. Select a layer 2. Click on Edit 3. Additional options (covered below) • None-Default will always be initially selected. The other options, however, can be chosen based on situations such as needing more than one pass, perforated cutting, or even changing how the blade handles sharps corners: ...

  • Page 72: Important Checklist Before You Cut

    2.07 Important Checklist Before You Cut! • Do you have your material on the mat and the mat inserted into the Skycut? (Note: materials with a backing sheet, such as vinyl and iron-on transfer do not require a mat for cutting) •...

  • Page 73: Scale Calibration

    • Before beginning this calibration, make sure the Scale setting on the Skycut itself is still set to 1.0 and 1.0. On your Skycut control panel, go to Set>Advanced Settings> Scale. The following window opens where...
  • Page 74  On the Skycut, load a sheet of paper and insert the test pen. Move the test pen to the lower right corner of the paper. Make sure you have proper settings for drawing and click on Cut Test to have the shape drawn.
  • Page 75  Write these measurements onto your sheet:  These values can now be entered into the same Width and Length fields, again adding “mm” after each number as shown: Enter actual Length Enter actual Width and and add “mm” add “mm” ...

  • Page 76: Scale Calibration Using Inches For Measurement

    Leave this checked for each repeated test  Once your test rectangle is drawing at the correct size, the calibration process is complete. 2.08.2 Scale Calibration Using Inches for Measurement • SignMaster has a built-in resolution routine which can be used to easily perform this calibration: ...
  • Page 77 Feed the mat this direction into the Skycut Width, X Height Y  Write these measurements onto your sheet:  Convert the measurements to decimals and enter these values into the same Width and Length fields. After entering each number, the scaling percentage is automatically calculated:...
  • Page 78  Click on Update and a prompt window will ask if you want to Apply Scale Adjustment. Click on Yes and you’ll be back in the Vinyl Spooler window. To verify the scaling, again click on Cutter Scale and repeat the same steps. Make sure you leave your new scale factors in place by having the following option marked: Leave this checked ...

  • Page 79: Test Cutting Flow Chart For The Skycut

    • Select a small test shape. You can use the built-in test on the Skycut. However, a shape w ith an internal path, such as a ring, works better as it allows you to more easily check to see if the blade is cutting into the backing sheet or cutting mat.

  • Page 80: Settings Form For Cutting Materials

    2.10 Settings Form for Cutting Materials Material Brand or Blade Material Blade Force Speed Other Comments Source Offset Passes © 2009- 2023 Sandy McCauley, All Rights Reserved...

  • Page 81: Suggested Settings For Various Materials

    2.11 Suggested Settings for Various Materials IMPORTANT: These settings should be used for the initial test cut only. Adjustments may be necessary based on the condition of the blade, variations in the material, humidity, condition of the cutting mat, blade tip height, etc.
  • Page 82 Material Type Material Brand/Source Blade Passes Force Speed Other Comments Tracing Paper Helix Vellum Paper Vinyl - Heat Transfer Siser EasySubli - with the mat Cut on the mat Siser Glitter - Gold - No cutting 2 passes makes it easier to weed, also slight Vinyl - Heat Transfer 35-40 scratch cut in the backing layer...

  • Page 83: Print And Cut (Contour Cut)

    The print and cut process (also called PNC and contour cutting) involves printing an image from SignMaster to any printer you own and then, with the aid of the Skycut’s camera, have the image or images cut out with perfect precision. Below are three typical kinds of print and cut applications but there can be other kinds.

  • Page 84: What Is Apnc Calibration

     Test pen that came with your Skycut (1) Insert the test pen into the Skycut. Place the sheet of paper into the Skycut. You can use the cutting mat to hold the paper or insert the paper directly. (2) Move the test pen over the sheet of paper. IMPORTANT: For all camera applications, make sure the starting origin is at least 3 inches from the right end cap so that the camera has room to move to the right to take a photo.
  • Page 85 This is where photo will be displayed Two different screens based Magnify photo by 300% on Align versus Adjust Retake photo Align is normal mode Change brightness of LED light Adjust is calibrate mode Update blue dashed + alignment (6) Press Adjust to switch to calibrate mode. Press and hold the OK button for several seconds until it and the arrows around it turn red: 1.
  • Page 86 (9) Press OK. A new photo will be taken and one of two things will happen:  Situation 1: The red + is so close to the center that the Skycut will now take over and find the true center on its own. You will see the red + and the...

  • Page 87: Performing Apnc In Sign Master

    (10) Once the alignment is in place and the arrows have turned blue, press the Home button and then press Stop on the Main Screen to save the calibration and conclude the process: Press Stop 3.04 Performing a PNC in SignMaster 3.04.1 Summary of Steps •...
  • Page 88 Click here to open menu of page sizes Or change the page dimensions directly here (3) For a sample project, go to this link and download the zip. The project used in this tutorial is called Yellow Ox PNC. Alternatively, Section 5.01 presents a tutorial on importing a graphic and adding a contour cut. Note the contour cut around this image: Blue line will be cut but not printed...
  • Page 89 Cut-only preview Print-only preview (8) The following options are available for printing:  Print Direct – Select this option if you are printing directly from this window to your own printer. Note that the printer menu and printer properties appear to the right when this option is selected. ...
  • Page 90 (12) Click on the Spooler and the Cut Options tab. If you want to send the cut settings from SignMaster, adjust the Force and Speeds accordingly or select a Preset. Otherwise, if using the cut settings on the Skycut control panel, turn these off. Click on Done after making any changes:...

  • Page 91: Preparing Designs For Pnc Applications

    Click on Next (14) Click on Next and the Skycut’s camera will now move over each registration mark and take a photo and make an adjustment. Once it has read all four marks plus the first one a second time, it will proceed to cut out the printed shapes.

  • Page 92: Using Vector Images

    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.

  • Page 93: Inaccurate Tracings

    2. Then press Set 1. Press Adjust Current adjustments are set to 0.00 • Δ Δ Press and hold your finger over x and y for several seconds until the other X,Y buttons light up. • Δ Δ One at a time adjust x and y by pressing the X+, X-, Y+, and/or Y- buttons in the direction(s) you need the cut line to move.

  • Page 94: Incorrect Cut Settings

     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.

  • Page 95: Registration Mark Settings

    Array size # of columns # of rows Selected image Repeats appear as empty boxes Spacing Click Apply to see images (3) To see the actual images, click on Apply if no further changes are required: 3.08 Registration Mark Settings 3.08.1 Adding Intermediate Registration Marks •...
  • Page 96 Select Mark Options tab Space marks based on Add more marks distance  Set target mark spacing: use this option as a default or if you want to reduce the maximum spacing allowed between marks, thus increasing the number of marks. For example, if Vertical Mark Spacing is lowered to 100 mm, in this particular case, a new set of intermediary marks are added: Lower spacing to 100 mm A new set of marks...

  • Page 97: Registration Mark Types And Sizes

    • Important: At the current time, only the options marked with an L (which is the right-angle type mark used in the screenshots so far in this chapter) are applicable to current Skycut cutters: L registration marks...

  • Page 98: Mark Position (Offset Distance From Design)

    • Note the following description and size for the individual options in the menu:  L-Shape: L marks that are 20 mm x 20 mm in size  L-Shape 20x9: L marks that are also 20 mm x 20 mm in the four corners. Any intermediate registration marks will be 20 mm x 9 mm in size: Note that the The registration...
  • Page 99 The reg marks have moved closer to the design versus Page Marks Page Marks disabled enabled • You will also then observe that the Mark Position field can now be edited. However, you also need to make sure marks are not too close to anything printed so that the camera doesn’t incorrectly attempt to scan the image instead of a registration mark: Distance of the marks from the outermost shapes...

  • Page 100: Pnc From Usb Flash Drive

    Mark Position = 10 mm Mark Position = 5 mm Mark Position = 2 mm Will work Should work Will not work 3.09 PNC from USB Flash Drive • To perform a print and cut project from the control panel, first perform Steps (1) – (11) from Section 3.04.2. However, before clicking on Done to close the Vinyl Spooler window, click on the Connection tab and change the Port to U-Disk from the drop-down menu.
  • Page 101 Click on Save Name the file • On the Skycut’s control panel, set the Force and Speed, if you elected not to have them activated in the Vinyl Spooler window in Step 11 in Section 3.04.2. • Go to Set>Camera. With Align selected, press Set and the following window will open:...
  • Page 102  Verify that AutoMark box is checked. Then click on Home. • Insert the flash drive into the right side of the Skycut and use the instructions in Section 1.12.3 to open the file into the Skycut: File name should...

  • Page 103: Accessory Tools

    4.01 Drawing with the Test Pen • With the Skycut, you can draw shapes and lettering with the test pen. • If you wish to fill (i.e., color in) a shape, select the shape and click on the Plugins icon and select Engraving Module.
  • Page 104 Mark this option Colors used in project • The layers will be processed in the order shown. However, because it makes more sense to draw first and cut second, the blue layer will be moved down. This is done by selecting the blue layer and clicking on the down arrow below: Select blue layer...
  • Page 105 Both layers have settings assigned Blue layer is selected Assigned settings for blue layer • Load the material into the Skycut. Click on Cut Now and you will be prompted to load the Pen Tool:...
  • Page 106 OK 1. Click on Cut Now • Load the test pen into the Skycut, click on OK, and the design will begin drawing. The second prompt window will immediately open: • As soon as the drawing process has ended, load the blade holder into the Skycut and proceed with the contour cut by clicking on OK in the prior window.

  • Page 107: Embossing And Scoring

    4.02.1 General Info on Embossing • The Skycut embossing tool has two different sized embossing heads. The smaller one is recommended when scoring cardstock for fold-up projects, such as pop-up cards, gift bags, and small boxes. Either head can be used for embossing shapes.
  • Page 108 • Load the material into the Skycut and load the creasing tool with the small end downwards into the Skycut. Move the tool to an appropriate origin. Click on Cut Now and you will be prompted to insert the tool:...

  • Page 109: Embossing Paper Or Cardstock

    • Click on OK and the scoring process will occur. A second prompt will advise you to insert the blade holder which should done after the scoring is completed: • Click on OK and the cut lines will be made. 4.02.3 Embossing Paper or Cardstock •...

  • Page 110: Scratch Engraving

    When engraving items that are already cut (such as metal tags, trophy plates, charms, etc.), it’s very important to have precise alignment before proceeding. Therefore, the camera on the Skycut will be used to set the origin for engraving. If you haven’t already calibrated the camera, go to Section 3.03.
  • Page 111 • Create a replica of the item to be engraved:  If it’s something simple, like a square or a rectangle, use the basic shapes available in SignMaster: Replica of tag created Photo of actual tag using two circles  If it’s not a shape that can easily be recreated in SignMaster, then trace it onto paper: ...
  • Page 112 Mark Page • With both the heart and the design selected, drag to the lower right corner until it snaps to the right and bottom sides of the Page / Drawing Area (Note: to better illustrate placement on the page and later in the Preview, the design has been made much larger.
  • Page 113 The origin will be set at this intersection • Load the mat into the Skycut and be very precise in alignment by using the ruler to make sure the mat is perfectly straight: Align the mat with the ruler •...

  • Page 114: Settings Form For Accessory Tools

    4.04 Settings Form for Accessory Tools Speed Application/Material Tool Force Surface Other Comments (Cut/Up) Passes © 2009- 2022 Sandy McCauley, All Rights Reserved...

  • Page 115: Signmaster Functions Of Interest

    5. SignMaster Functions of Interest 5.00 Quick Reference for Chapter 5 • How to add a contour cut: Section 5.01 • How to node edit a contour: Section 5.01.2 • How to add a contour cut to a vector image: Section 5.02 •...
  • Page 116 Click here to trace at current settings (5) Without making any changes, click on the Trace button to get a preliminary trace which will indicate which settings, if any, need adjustment. The blue line indicates what will cut based on the default settings shown: Carefully check the blue cut line: •...
  • Page 117 (7) After making any changes, click on Retrace at the bottom of the screen. On the other hand, if you are happy with the trace results, click on Apply: Click on Apply if satisfied with existing trace Click on Retrace to adjust to new settings (8) If you selected Retrace, a Composite view of the results will appear where blue indicates the part that will be cut out and red indicates the waste material.
  • Page 118 Contour type options: use these settings Contour shape options Original image options Click on Accept when done  Choose a Corner Style, as desired. For the Outline % or Outline Units (size), note the following: Set to 0 if the cut line should align with the edges of the printed image Set to a positive number for a contour cut around the outside of the printed image Set to a negative number (normally very small) to cut slightly inside the printed image (10) Click on Accept after making any changes and you will be returned to the Drawing Area.

  • Page 119: Editing A Trace

    5.01.2 Editing a Trace • Occasionally you may find a need to edit the tracing/contour cut created. This section presents two examples. • Contour cut doesn’t fit the original graphic in certain spots  In the following example, the Cartoon Owl image will be used: ...
  • Page 120 versus Keep Holes Area below eyes is traced but so No inner paths at all Keep Holes not checked are the inner parts of the eyes checked  The first option, Keep Holes, needs to be selected so that the area beneath the eyes is traced. After accepting the trace, click on the Objects tab on the Page Thumbnail Viewer and hide the original graphic.

  • Page 121: Adding A Contour Cut To A Vector Image

    5.02 Adding a Contour Cut to a Vector Image • As mentioned in Section 3.05.2, vector images require a contour cut assignment in print and cut applications. For example, the following Batman SVG file is imported into SignMaster and then the Contour Cut Wizard window is opened.
  • Page 122 • From the Objects list, click on the shape which represents the contour cut line you wish to use. In this example, it is the black shadow layer: Select this layer • With that layer selected, go to Edit>Duplicate. A new layer will appear at the bottom at the Objects list and, thus, will now be arranged on top of the project: •...

  • Page 123: Contour Cut Which Is Offset From The Printed Design

    Contour cut layer now appears What will cut 5.02.2 Contour Cut Which Is Offset from the Printed Design • This section presents the method to be used when the contour cut is not one of the existing vector shapes. While this section accesses the Create Cut-Contour window from within the Contour Cut Wizard window, note that the same process can be applied by adding the contour from the main screen as was done in Section 5.01 (i.e.
  • Page 124 Click on View Mode to add the Outline preview Use these options Select a Corner Style Keep at 0 for cut line to follow print line or… Increase to add a contour cut or… Decrease to add an inset cut Click on Accept when done Corner Style: Usually select either Round or Sharp depending on the nature of the original vector and your desired contour...
  • Page 125 Blue line shows size of inline inside of original Outline set to -0.03”  After clicking on Accept, the View Cut only preview now indicates a cut path exists and you’re ready to proceed: Contour cut layer now appears What will cut •...

  • Page 126: Engraving Fill

    Internal contour cuts are added Check Keep Holes 5.03 Engraving Fill 5.03.1 Engraving File Module and Settings • If you wish to fill in a shape with a line pattern, SignMaster offers an Engraving Module which can be opened by clicking on the Plugins icon and selecting Engraving Module.
  • Page 127 Original shape appears  Toolpath: There are four options in this menu: None: no fill pattern is created S-Sweep: a line fill pattern in which the tool stays down while filling the entire shape: 1. Tool start here and 2. Tool stays down, follows proceeds to the left path of curve, then crosses to the right...
  • Page 128 Skycut engraver, so you most likely won’t have a need to activate Cleanup Flange.  Tool Diameter: The size of the engraving tip, pen nib, embossing tip, or other tool. For the Skycut engraver, use 0.004 inch or 0.1 mm.

  • Page 129: Inside Fills Versus Outside Fills

    5.03.2 Inside Fills Versus Outside Fills • In certain situations, you might want to reverse the parts of a design that are filled. To do this, add any outside shape to the design, such as a rectangle, an oval, a heart, etc. The engraving fill automatically fills the space between this new outside shape and the original design.

  • Page 130: Appendix A Troubleshooting Faq's

    A1 Communication Issues I cannot get the Skycut to power on. • Make sure the power cable is securely plugged into the Skycut’s port on the left side and securely plugged into a wall socket or a power strip. •...

  • Page 131: A2 Operating Issues

    I had to cancel a cut. Now my Skycut is no longer responding when I click on Cut Now. • There is a reset button on the right side of the Skycut V. Use a pen or pencil to press and hold for one second. You should hear a beep.

  • Page 132: A3 Cutting/Drawing Issues

    ____________________ The Skycut stopped during a cut. • If the Skycut stops with the head over on the left side of the cutter, you have most likely exceeded the cutting range. Several things to consider:  Check the width (W) of your project (or the height H if in Landscape mode). It cannot exceed 24.”...
  • Page 133 • Make sure you raise the pen in the blade holder seat on the Skycut before tightening the screw. The blade holder seat needs to be able to drop the tool down when it reaches the spot to start the shape.
  • Page 134 • Your material may require two passes if it’s not homogenous or if it is heavily textured. Sometimes intricate shapes also cut better with two passes. • Also, if the material has been exposed to humidity, then it will become difficult to cut in one pass. You can dry both paper and cardstock using a blow dryer or in a very low-temperature oven.
  • Page 135 My cardstock is not cutting all the way through. I have the blade all the way out and using the maximum force. • Please refer to Section 1.07.5. It’s important to only have as much blade exposed as is necessary to penetrate the cardstock.

  • Page 136: Appendix B Activating Commands

    Appendix B Activating Commands • This section shows you how to activate commands in order to add certain functions to the control panel. • Go to Set>Advance settings>System Mode and press the cmd… button: Press cmd… • The following screen opens. Press Input: Press Input •...
  • Page 137 030: Deactivate Passes Set • After entering the Input code you need, click on OK and the Input screen will return. The word RUN will now be highlighted and you can press it. The Skycut will beep once. Enter code by pressing keys Press RUN…...

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