The following are instructions for using the DCRL Vinyl Cutter and associated SignBlazer software. Prior to starting SignBlazer, please copy the file that you would like to cut, onto the Desktop. Your file should be saved as an .EPS file type from Adobe Illustrator. Only outlines are necessary and no fills. If Rhino is being used as your main drawing software, you are able to export from Rhino as an .AI file. Make sure your design is located on the grid in Rhino (rather than off of the grid). This exported .AI can then be opened in Illustrator and immediately "saved as..." an .EPS file.
When you first start SignBlazer it will ask you to register. SignBlazer is a free program that does not require registration in order to use.
Click "Cancel".
Click "Yes" when you are asked if you "are sure you don't want to register".
Click "Trial Mode"
Click "Yes" when you are asked if "you want to continue in trial mode".
SignBlazer will initialize trail mode. This may take a few seconds. Progress can be seen on the green progress bar.
From the file menu, select "Import...".
Navigate to the Desktop on the right side of the screen by double clicking. You then should see a display of available .EPS files that can be selected. There is a slider bar at the bottom of the screen that will let you move through the images on the desktop.
Once your desired image file has been selected, you will find a pop up menu asking you about Import Mode. Select "Use postscript scanner".
The image file will open, but your "Art or Sign Board" will be missing. Scroll out making sure to keep your cursor over the selected drawing. The scroll feature is backwards in SignBlazer so this phase can get a little out of control. Not to mention the scroll is radically quick.
Scroll out enough that your Art Board is visible.
Make sure that your image file is still selected and drag it into the Art Board; trying to line it up with the lower left corner of the Art Board.
It should appear as above.
It is possible to resize the image file if need be. Simply select the image and then type a value into the "Horizontal" measurement box at the bottom of the page. If "Keep Proportional" is selected, then the Vertical measurement will auto adjust.
Make sure to reposition image inside Art Board after scaling the image.
If you would like to add additional versions of your image, you can select Duplicate from the "Edit" menu.
A duplicate will be placed and if zoomed in you will be able to see the overlap. An alternative to Duplicate is CTRL-C and CTRL-V. When this is done, the duplicate will align with the original. This sometimes makes it difficult to realize that there are duplicate images. When cutting the vinyl cutter will cut as many versions of the image that are located in that same space, resulting in torn up vinyl from cutting over the same area more than once. Lifting of the vinyl will occur and the potential for a damaged cut file is high.
Select the duplicate image and drag it into place next to the previous image; making sure there is no overlap.
Your file is now ready to cut.
Select "Cutter" from the file menu.
A new screen will replace the Art Board screen which shows the Vinyl Cutter and the arrangement of your cut files on the vinyl. It is here that you should pay attention to whether you have too many images stretching across the vinyl page. If there are too many images, you will have multiple cut windows showing. These cut windows are numbered (see the number 1 above). It is usually a good idea to fill the entire 23.75" vinyl across the front edge when you are cutting just so as not to waste vinyl. If you have room for another image then squeeze one in or adjust the "extra" image to a smaller scale so as to fill the page.
You are able to change the number of copies of the file you have prepared as well as adjust file orientation and weeding settings from the left side of the screen. When you are ready to cut, make sure that your vinyl has been loaded into the cutter and that the machine is on. Make sure there is not excessive vinyl sticking out from the machine. Click "CUT!" from the top menu.
Click "cut tile" from the pop-up window that came up after selecting "CUT!" from the top menu.
The vinyl cutter will start cutting immediately and you should see a progress bar in the pop-up window.
The vinyl cutter should complete cutting the file and then you are able to remove your vinyl by advancing the vinyl and cutting your design off the roll with a pair of scissors. Make sure to close down the program when completed. Once the job is complete click File, "Finish Cutting".
Your Art Board will reappear and you can either close the program or make adjustments to your file and cut again.
If you ever get disoriented within the program and your Art Board is missing or too small select "Sign" and the Art Board will zoom extents and come into view.
Congratulations! You now have been trained in the basics of SignBlazer.
