Issue link: https://nbm.uberflip.com/i/1491557
2 0 G R A P H I C S P R O • J U N E 2 0 2 3 G R A P H I C S - P R O. C O M S I G N A G E & P R I N T I N G the die-cut layer off. We do not want to print the die-cut layer. If you do, there is a good chance it will be seen after routing and ruin your piece. For the CNC or laser f ile only the Regmark and Routme layer should be on. Our workflow requires a high-quality PDF for our VUTEk printer, Multicam CNC, and Trotec laser cutter. If there are large photos in the art, you can simply delete them before saving the cut file to save RIP time or import errors. Key a 5th dot for your operator It is very important to key the fiducial marks. is can be done by using an odd amount of dots. A minimum of three are required to find the proper placement of the graphic. You can use as many as you like, but I typically use five. is gives me the option to skip a dot if the camera is having a hard time recognizing a fiducial. We place one for each corner and a fifth dot placed randomly. e random dot gives us confidence the correct rout file is matched up with the correct print. e workflow put in place should allow the CNC operator to know, without a doubt, the proper orientation of the print. Say you have a 4' × 8' sheet of Gator Foam. Preflight sets up a graphic that is 3' × 6', but it is not placed in the exact middle of the sheet. If your prepress oper- ator decided to put fiducial marks only in the four corners the sheet could be routed upside down. At that point the position- ing of the graphic being routed out will Files with quantities and callout for first or second surface application for our printer operator. Finished product in a cardboard template for install. Template was lasercut with an .020 offset so the letters can easily fit in the guide. Lasercutting with Trotec Vision camera.