Allen Datagraph i-TECH Series Cutters

November 6, 2009

The Allen Datagraph i-TECH Series cutters are cut only devices, and are only available if the special registration code, "CUTTING", is enabled.

Consult the cutter's user manual for information on setting the cutter's force, speed, and other available options.

Note: To ensure constant effective cutting, "Calibrating to printer" and the SmartMark calibration should be done before normal operation, please refer to the i-TECH user manual to complete this process. For optimal setup and operation, use the i-TECH remote control (download from Allen Datagraph's website). Different sized Allen Datagraph registration marks are available for use with the i-TECH series, you will need to use the i-TECH remote control to adjust the registration mark scan radius when changing the size of the marks (refer to the user's manual for this operation).

Properties:

Click on "Properties" to access the controls for cutting. The following window will be displayed:

Registration Mark Detection: There are three selections: Automatic Detect (All Mark), Automatic Detect (First Mark) and Manual Detect. Automatic Detect (All Mark) will scan the origin, scale and skew marks for registration. Automatic Detect (First Mark) will only scan the origin mark. Manual Detect will require operator assistance to align and register each mark manually using the Wasatch prompts and front panel controls on the cutter.

Process Multiple Cut Path Colors: This control allows you to cut Multiple path colors in a single file and in a specified order. The color name(s) must be added to the 'Cutting Colors' tab in the 'Preferences' section of SoftRIP

Cutting Speed and Quality: This controls the speed of cutting around corners. If the slider is at quality, the default cut speed will be used, as you progress towards performance on the slider control, the cut around corners will gradually increase in speed. Note: This control has no impact on the movement and draw speeds of the cutter, you must use the i-TECH remote control to set these variables.

Port:

This device is a serial-only device. You can communicate with the cutter either by serial cable direct or using the Prolific USB to serial adapter.

You will have to install the cutter driver provided by Allen Datagraph before operating the cutter. This driver will automatically assign a com port to the cutter every time windows starts up (assuming the cutter is connected to PC and turned on); you can run the enable driver application anytime when you need to establish a com port assignment and connection.

Alignment:

Automatic Alignment (all mark): This choice will perform skew and scaling on the image. There must be Allen Datagraph type registration marks. Place the Laser as shown below. There is no origin set button as other cutters have, where you place the Laser is the origin.

Automatic Alignment (one mark): This choice will align the origin with one mark. There must be Allen Datagraph type registration marks. Place the Laser as shown below. There is no origin set button as other cutters have, where you place the Laser is the origin.

Manual Alignment: If there are either Allen Datagraph marks or Wasatch marks (1/4 Inch Register or 1/2 Inch Register), the driver will go through a manual alignment set up (see image below). This image will be upside down when looking at the front of the cutter. For Allen Datagraph marks, align the sensor with the outside corner of the mark. Center the sensor with Wasatch type (1/4 Inch Register or 1/2 Inch Register) marks.

When Manual alignment is set and the cut path is sent to the cutter, a window will say, "Use the joystick to move the SmartMark Laser over point #1 and press LOAD on the front panel..". Using the joystick, move the Laser over the cutting registration mark #1. Press the "LOAD" button on the front panel.
Warning: Do not move joystick until the red load light is illuminated.

The screen will now say to move to point #2. Move the Laser over to cutting registration mark #2. Press the "LOAD" button on the front panel.
Warning: Do not move joystick until the red load light is illuminated.

The screen will now say to move to point #3. Move the Laser over cutting registration mark #3. Press the "LOAD" button on the front panel. The head will now move back to the 1st position once you click OK on the last window displayed in Wasatch.

The cutter is now set up and ready to print. Do not move the joystick or the print will become unregistered!

First point: The origin
Second point: Scale Point
Third point: Skew Point

Note: If there are Allen Datagraph marks that are not found when an automatic alignment is performed. There will be a choice whether to continue or abort the cut.