i-cut Production Console

User Manual

05 - 2020
 i-cut Production Console

Contents
1. Preface.......................................................................................................................................................10

2. Change Record......................................................................................................................................... 11

3. Welcome.................................................................................................................................................... 12

4. Using this manual................................................................................................................................... 13

4.1. Main Sections.................................................................................................................................. 13
4.2. Name Styles and Symbols..............................................................................................................14
4.3. Pictures and Illustrations................................................................................................................15

5. System Description................................................................................................................................. 16
5.1. Naming Conventions...................................................................................................................... 16
5.1.1. My Jobs.................................................................................................................................. 16
5.1.2. Opened Job............................................................................................................................17
5.1.3. Tool Configuration................................................................................................................ 17
5.2. Menu Bar......................................................................................................................................... 18
5.2.1. File.......................................................................................................................................... 18
5.2.2. Edit......................................................................................................................................... 19
5.2.3. View........................................................................................................................................ 20
5.2.4. Selection................................................................................................................................ 21
5.2.5. Job.......................................................................................................................................... 22
5.2.6. Layer.......................................................................................................................................22
5.2.7. Curves.................................................................................................................................... 23
5.2.8. Machine................................................................................................................................. 24
5.2.9. Advanced............................................................................................................................... 25
5.2.10. Help...................................................................................................................................... 25
5.3. My Jobs.............................................................................................................................................26
5.3.1. Import Files to My Jobs List................................................................................................. 27
5.3.2. My Jobs List........................................................................................................................... 28
5.3.3. Job Estimation Status........................................................................................................... 29
5.3.4. Select a File........................................................................................................................... 30
5.3.5. Job Info.................................................................................................................................. 31
5.3.6. My Jobs Actions.....................................................................................................................33
5.4. Opened Job......................................................................................................................................34
5.4.1. Open a Job............................................................................................................................ 35
5.4.2. Select a Job............................................................................................................................35
5.4.3. Close a Job.............................................................................................................................35
5.4.4. Ready for Execution............................................................................................................. 36
5.5. Opened Job, select Material...........................................................................................................37
5.6. Opened Job, select Tooling Preset.................................................................................................37

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5.6.1. Select Tooling Preset Wizard................................................................................................38

5.7. Opened Job, Layers Setup..............................................................................................................40
5.7.1. Layers Tab..............................................................................................................................41
5.7.2. Select Layer........................................................................................................................... 43
5.7.3. Include a Layer......................................................................................................................44
5.7.4. Layer Sequence.....................................................................................................................45
5.7.5. Edit Selected Layer............................................................................................................... 45
5.7.6. Layer types............................................................................................................................ 56
5.7.7. Layer Actions.........................................................................................................................57
5.8. Opened Job, Production Setup...................................................................................................... 61
5.8.1. Production Tab...................................................................................................................... 62
5.8.2. Number of Copies................................................................................................................ 62
5.8.3. Quality....................................................................................................................................64
5.8.4. Material Handling................................................................................................................. 64
5.8.5. Registration............................................................................................................................64
5.8.6. Position.................................................................................................................................. 69
5.8.7. Step and Repeat................................................................................................................... 70
5.8.8. Tool Head Parking................................................................................................................ 71
5.8.9. Measure Tool Height with regular intervals....................................................................... 72
5.9. Toolbar............................................................................................................................................. 73
5.9.1. Zoom Tool..............................................................................................................................74
5.9.2. Zoom In................................................................................................................................. 74
5.9.3. Zoom Out.............................................................................................................................. 75
5.9.4. Fit to Job................................................................................................................................ 75
5.9.5. Fit to Board........................................................................................................................... 75
5.9.6. Fit to Table.............................................................................................................................75
5.9.7. Edit Points............................................................................................................................. 76
5.9.8. Show Curve Directions......................................................................................................... 76
5.9.9. Show Curve Points................................................................................................................76
5.9.10. Show Tool Path................................................................................................................... 77
5.9.11. Vacuum Zones.................................................................................................................... 77
5.9.12. Park Position....................................................................................................................... 77
5.9.13. Show Table Rulers.............................................................................................................. 77
5.9.14. Reference Point...................................................................................................................78
5.9.15. Bounding Box......................................................................................................................78
5.9.16. Show Rulers.........................................................................................................................78
5.9.17. Show Material Size............................................................................................................. 79
5.10. Properties Bar............................................................................................................................... 79
5.10.1. Layer View........................................................................................................................... 79
5.10.2. Production View.................................................................................................................. 81
5.11. Machine Panel............................................................................................................................... 83
5.11.1. Machine Panel Views..........................................................................................................84
5.11.2. Machine Panel Functions................................................................................................... 85

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5.11.3. Machine Panel Toolbar.......................................................................................................96

5.11.4. Machine Panel Statusbar................................................................................................... 99
5.12. Machine Connection................................................................................................................... 100

6. Before We Start..................................................................................................................................... 101

6.1. Introduction................................................................................................................................... 101
6.2. About Table....................................................................................................................................101
6.3. Material is the key........................................................................................................................ 102
6.4. Materials and Presets, an overview............................................................................................ 103
6.5. Resource Manager........................................................................................................................ 104
6.6. Tooling Presets.............................................................................................................................. 105
6.6.1. Select Tooling Preset.......................................................................................................... 106
6.6.2. Create Tooling Preset......................................................................................................... 107
6.6.3. Update Tooling Preset........................................................................................................109
6.7. Optimization Presets.................................................................................................................... 109
6.7.1. Edit Optimization Presets.................................................................................................. 111
6.7.2. No Optimization..................................................................................................................112
6.7.3. Optimize, Standard............................................................................................................. 113
6.7.4. Optimize, Sample Making.................................................................................................. 115
6.8. Production Presets........................................................................................................................115
6.8.1. Select Production Presets.................................................................................................. 117
6.8.2. Create Production Presets................................................................................................. 117
6.8.3. Update Production Presets................................................................................................118
6.9. Cutting Profiles.............................................................................................................................. 118
6.9.1. Cutting Profile Details.........................................................................................................120
6.10. My Materials................................................................................................................................ 121
6.10.1. Edit My Material................................................................................................................121
6.10.2. Use Cutting Profile to define cutting settings................................................................ 122
6.10.3. Use Material to define cutting settings.......................................................................... 123
6.10.4. Specify Material Size.........................................................................................................123
6.11. Material Families......................................................................................................................... 124
6.11.1. Maintain Material Families...............................................................................................125
6.11.2. Select Material Families................................................................................................... 126
6.12. Mapping Presets......................................................................................................................... 126
6.12.1. Select Mapping Presets....................................................................................................127
6.12.2. Maintain Mapping Presets............................................................................................... 128
6.13. Table Presets............................................................................................................................... 132
6.13.1. Table Presets, installed by default.................................................................................. 133
6.13.2. Optional Table Presets..................................................................................................... 138
6.13.3. Additional settings............................................................................................................ 143
6.13.4. Maintain Table Presets..................................................................................................... 145
6.14. About Registration...................................................................................................................... 146
6.14.1. Adding Registration Marks...............................................................................................146
6.14.2. Types of Registration Marks............................................................................................ 148

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6.14.3. Compensation Types........................................................................................................ 149

6.14.4. About Compensation Types............................................................................................ 153
6.15. File Preparation for iPC.............................................................................................................. 153
6.15.1. File Types...........................................................................................................................153
6.15.2. Defining Cut Paths............................................................................................................154
6.16. Configure Tools........................................................................................................................... 155
6.16.1. Depth Control, Tools........................................................................................................ 158

7. Get Started............................................................................................................................................. 159

7.1. Start Up Sequence........................................................................................................................ 159
7.2. Shut Down Sequence................................................................................................................... 159

8. Work Flow............................................................................................................................................... 160

8.1. File Import..................................................................................................................................... 161
8.1.1. My Jobs List......................................................................................................................... 161
8.1.2. Open Job..............................................................................................................................162
8.2. Opened Job....................................................................................................................................163
8.2.1. Layers View / Production View.......................................................................................... 163
8.2.2. Opened Job, Edit.................................................................................................................164
8.3. Prepare for Production.................................................................................................................164
8.3.1. Layer Setup, manual.......................................................................................................... 165
8.3.2. Layer Setup using Material................................................................................................ 165
8.3.3. Layer Setup using Tooling Preset......................................................................................165
8.3.4. Modify Layers......................................................................................................................166
8.3.5. Production Setup................................................................................................................ 166
8.4. Save Job......................................................................................................................................... 168
8.5. Running a Job................................................................................................................................ 169
8.5.1. Execute a Job.......................................................................................................................169
8.5.2. Run a Job, No Registration.................................................................................................169
8.5.3. Run a Job, Reading Registration Marks............................................................................ 170
8.5.4. Run a Job, Registration using Laser Pointer..................................................................... 171
8.5.5. Run a Job, using Edge Recognition................................................................................... 171

9. Optimal Production Workflow............................................................................................................173

9.1. Basic Workflow.............................................................................................................................. 173
9.2. Optimize Add Job dialog...............................................................................................................173
9.3. Use Cutting Profiles in Job Info................................................................................................... 174

10. Edit Job, Advanced.............................................................................................................................. 176

10.1. Job Modifications........................................................................................................................ 176
10.1.1. Rotate 90 deg. CW............................................................................................................176
10.1.2. Rotate 90 deg. CCW..........................................................................................................176
10.1.3. Mirror Horizontal.............................................................................................................. 176
10.1.4. Mirror Vertical................................................................................................................... 177
10.1.5. Remove Double Lines and Sequence............................................................................. 177

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10.1.6. Remove Double Lines and Join Across Gaps..................................................................178

10.1.7. Optimize for Production.................................................................................................. 179
10.1.8. Remove Internal Offset.................................................................................................... 188
10.1.9. Move Open Curves to Separate Layer............................................................................189
10.2. Curve Modifications.................................................................................................................... 189
10.2.1. Select a Curve................................................................................................................... 189
10.2.2. Move...................................................................................................................................190
10.2.3. Jog Curves..........................................................................................................................191
10.2.4. Scale Curve........................................................................................................................192
10.2.5. Mirror Curve......................................................................................................................193
10.2.6. Rotate Curve..................................................................................................................... 195
10.2.7. Merge Curves.................................................................................................................... 197
10.2.8. Invert Curve Direction...................................................................................................... 198
10.2.9. Lead-in/Lead-out...............................................................................................................198
10.2.10. Tool Offset.......................................................................................................................199
10.2.11. Optimize Shape...............................................................................................................201
10.2.12. Remove Curves............................................................................................................... 203
10.3. Curve Segment Modifications....................................................................................................203
10.3.1. Select a Curve Segment................................................................................................... 203
10.3.2. Add Corner........................................................................................................................ 204
10.3.3. Add Arc.............................................................................................................................. 204
10.3.4. Add Bezier......................................................................................................................... 205
10.3.5. Split Curve......................................................................................................................... 205
10.3.6. Close Curve....................................................................................................................... 206
10.3.7. Add Regmark.....................................................................................................................206
10.4. Curve Point Modifications.......................................................................................................... 207
10.4.1. Select a Point.................................................................................................................... 208
10.4.2. Edit Point........................................................................................................................... 208
10.4.3. Remove Point.................................................................................................................... 209
10.4.4. Smooth.............................................................................................................................. 209
10.4.5. Add Regmark.....................................................................................................................209
10.4.6. Use as Start Point.............................................................................................................210
10.4.7. Add Lead-in/Lead-out.......................................................................................................211
10.4.8. Split Curve......................................................................................................................... 211
10.4.9. Close Curve....................................................................................................................... 212
10.5. Add new Geometry.....................................................................................................................213
10.5.1. Add Regmark.....................................................................................................................213
10.5.2. Add Square........................................................................................................................214
10.5.3. Add Circle.......................................................................................................................... 215
10.5.4. Add Ellipse.........................................................................................................................215
10.5.5. Add Rectangle................................................................................................................... 216

11. Job Alternatives, Advanced............................................................................................................... 218

11.1. Step and Repeat..........................................................................................................................218

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11.2. Job Layout....................................................................................................................................218

11.2.1. Introduction.......................................................................................................................218
11.2.2. Create Job Layout............................................................................................................. 219
11.2.3. Job Layout functions.........................................................................................................220
11.2.4. More Job Layout functions.............................................................................................. 224
11.3. Jobs Longer than Table...............................................................................................................226
11.3.1. Split Lines for Jobs Longer than Table............................................................................ 227
11.4. Quick Box, ArtiosCAD Standards............................................................................................... 228
11.4.1. ArtiosCAD, introduction....................................................................................................228
11.4.2. Work with ArtiosCAD Standards......................................................................................229
11.5. Jobs with Barcodes..................................................................................................................... 232
11.6. Production via Barcodes............................................................................................................ 234
11.6.1. Introduction.......................................................................................................................234
11.6.2. Flowchart, Production via Barcodes................................................................................234
11.6.3. Procedure.......................................................................................................................... 236
11.7. Job including Reverse Operation............................................................................................... 239
11.7.1. Reverse Operation by Left and Right Rulers.................................................................. 240
11.7.2. Reverse Operation by use of Camera.............................................................................241
11.7.3. Reverse Operation in combination with Step and Repeat............................................ 241
11.8. Stop at Tool Select...................................................................................................................... 242
11.9. Multi-pass.....................................................................................................................................242
11.9.1. Opened Job->Multi-pass Depth....................................................................................... 243
11.10. MultiZone Production............................................................................................................... 245
11.10.1. Introduction.....................................................................................................................245
11.10.2. User Interface................................................................................................................. 246
11.10.3. Workflow, controlled from GUI......................................................................................247
11.10.4. Workflow, controlled from MZP Panel.......................................................................... 250
11.10.5. Registration..................................................................................................................... 254
11.10.6. More Zones..................................................................................................................... 255
11.10.7. Rotated Table View......................................................................................................... 255

12. Direct Commands................................................................................................................................257

12.1. iPC Commands............................................................................................................................258

13. Backup and Restore........................................................................................................................... 259

13.1. Backup System Parameters....................................................................................................... 259
13.2. Restore System Parameters.......................................................................................................259

14. iPC Configurations.............................................................................................................................. 261

14.1. General.........................................................................................................................................261
14.1.1. History................................................................................................................................263
14.2. Production................................................................................................................................... 264
14.2.1. Table Presets..................................................................................................................... 264
14.2.2. Read Furthest Registration Mark First............................................................................ 265
14.2.3. Step X-axis before Y-axis..................................................................................................265

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14.2.4. Break Long Lines.............................................................................................................. 265

14.2.5. Automation........................................................................................................................266
14.3. Estimation.................................................................................................................................... 266
14.4. Automation Devices....................................................................................................................267
14.5. Lead-in/Lead-out......................................................................................................................... 269
14.6. Backup..........................................................................................................................................271
14.7. Language......................................................................................................................................272
14.8. Reference Points......................................................................................................................... 273
14.8.1. Main Reference Point.......................................................................................................274
14.8.2. User Defined Reference Points....................................................................................... 274
14.9. Connections................................................................................................................................. 275
14.10. Jobs Longer than Table............................................................................................................ 276
14.10.1. Compensate for shift during feed................................................................................ 277
14.10.2. Split Job into frames.......................................................................................................278
14.11. Underside Camera.................................................................................................................... 278
14.11.1. Tune System Settings in Sheet profile.......................................................................... 279
14.12. Internet of Things..................................................................................................................... 280

15. Machine Connection and Configuration.........................................................................................282

15.1. Machine Configuration............................................................................................................... 282
15.1.1. Hardware Configuration...................................................................................................283
15.1.2. Setup.................................................................................................................................. 284
15.1.3. Installation......................................................................................................................... 285
15.2. Tool Configuration.......................................................................................................................287
15.2.1. Adjust Active Tool............................................................................................................. 288
15.2.2. More...................................................................................................................................290
15.3. Camera Operations.....................................................................................................................291
15.4. Service Menu............................................................................................................................... 297
15.4.1. Message Display............................................................................................................... 297
15.4.2. Memory Dump..................................................................................................................298
15.4.3. Position Display................................................................................................................ 298
15.4.4. Show Vacuum Dialog........................................................................................................299
15.4.5. Emulate operator panel................................................................................................... 299
15.4.6. Tool Holder Select............................................................................................................ 299
15.5. About machine connection........................................................................................................ 300
15.5.1. Maintenance Info..............................................................................................................301
15.6. Terminate.....................................................................................................................................301
15.7. Logging.........................................................................................................................................301
15.7.1. General.............................................................................................................................. 301
15.7.2. Log Options....................................................................................................................... 302

16. Install Software................................................................................................................................... 304

16.1. PC setup.......................................................................................................................................304
16.1.1. Power Options.................................................................................................................. 304

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16.1.2. Disable Dell update.......................................................................................................... 306

16.1.3. Windows 10 using i-cut camera...................................................................................... 307
16.2. Install iPC..................................................................................................................................... 308
16.2.1. Procedure.......................................................................................................................... 308
16.2.2. Silent Installation.............................................................................................................. 312
16.2.3. Activate License................................................................................................................ 313
16.2.4. Installation and Configuration of Camera Interface Device Drivers............................. 315
16.3. File Save Structure...................................................................................................................... 317
16.4. Multiple users..............................................................................................................................318

17. About Licenses.....................................................................................................................................319

18. Keyboard Shortcuts............................................................................................................................ 321

19. Using ai-cut/i-cutCDR..........................................................................................................................323

20. i-script....................................................................................................................................................324

21. JDF Workflow........................................................................................................................................325

22. Open Source Credits........................................................................................................................... 326

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1 i-cut Production Console

1. Preface
User Manual
for
i-cut Production Console

Note: We remind you that only the Esko Staff, or persons having received appropriate training,
are allowed to handle, manipulate or do repairs on the system.

Note: Original instructions are in English. Instructions in other languages are translations of
original instructions.

Disclaimer: Do not operate this equipment in an EU member State if the Instructions are not
written in that State's language. Contact Esko if a translation is needed.

©Copyright 2020, Esko-Graphics Kongsberg AS, Norway

All Rights Reserved.

This copyright does not indicate that this work has been published.
This material, information and instructions for use contained herein are the property of Esko-Graphics
Kongsberg AS. There are no warranties granted or extended by this document. Furthermore, Esko-Graphics
Kongsberg AS does not warrant, guarantee or make any representations regarding the use, or the results
of the use of the system or the information contained herein. Esko-Graphics Kongsberg AS shall not be
liable for any direct, indirect, consequential or incidental damages arising out of the use or inability to use
the system or the information contained herein. The information contained herein is subject to change
without notice. Revisions may be issued from time to time to advise of such changes and/or additions.
No part of this system may be reproduced, stored in a data base or retrieval system, or
published, in any form or in any way, electronically, mechanically, by print, photoprint, microfilm
or any other means without prior written permission from Esko-Graphics Kongsberg AS.
This document supersedes all previous dated versions.
Correspondence regarding this publication should be forwarded to:
Global support
Esko-Graphics Kongsberg AS

Document no: D3389

Part no: 32462368

Esko-Graphics Kongsberg AS
www.esko.com
P.O.Box 1016, NO-3601 Kongsberg, NORWAY
Tel.: +47 32 28 99 00

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2

2. Change Record
Date By Description

dd.mm.yyyy

04.05.2020 DHO New edition for iPC 2.4.

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3 i-cut Production Console

3. Welcome
Welcome to the Kongsberg i-cut Production Console User Manual.
Throughout this manual, the abbreviation iPC is used for i-cut Production Console.

This manual will provide a complete and detailed description of all iPC functions.
It is aimed for operators of Kongsberg cutting tables and people preparing files for such
equipment.

Installation of iPC is described here: Install iPC on page 308

Note: Some of the functions and equipments described in this manual are optional.

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4

4. Using this manual

4.1. Main Sections

The manual is divided into the following main sections:

System Description
• A short-form description of the User Interface.

• All menues and tool bars are described one by one.

Before We Start
In this chapter, important Basic Topics are discussed:
• Material is the key

• Resource Manager

• File Preparation

• Registration

• Configure Tools

Workflow Description
A typical Workflow is described, with detailed information about each step:
1. Get Started
2. File Import
3. Opened Job
4. Prepare for Production
5. Save a Job
6. Run a Job

Advanced Section
Optional functions for the Advanced User are available in the chapters:
• Edit Job - Possible modifications to the Opened Job.

• Job Alternatives - Additional processing alternatives available.

Backup and Restore

• How to configure a proper Backup regime.

• How to initiate a Backup.

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4 i-cut Production Console

• How to restore from Backup.

iPC Configuration
• Option settings, specifying the general behaviour of the system.

Appendices
• Install Software

• Keyboard Shortcuts - a complete list of Keyboard Shortcuts available.

• iPC Commands - iPC command language.

4.2. Name Styles and Symbols

Name or style Description
Pop-up dialog This is the dialog that appears when you click the Right
Mouse Button.
Start button The italic style indicates this is a button on the
Operator Panel.
[OK] The bold style indicates this is a button or function in
the Graphical User Interface (GUI).
Machine Configuration Link to topic.

Menu selection: From Menu Bar, select Edit and then

Menu Bar->Edit-> Options Options.
This symbol indicates that the function depends upon
actual hardware.
If hardware is not available, this functions is hidden.

This symbol indicates that the function is license

dependant.

Table Operations
Operator Panel buttons are different on the different Kongsberg tables.
Througout this manual, we use one common symbol for each function.
Information about the Operator Panel on your table is available from the User Manual for
the actual Cutting Table.
The symbols used are:

Press button to Start execution

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4

Press button to Pause execution

Press button to Set Reference Point

4.3. Pictures and Illustrations

Orientation

In this document, pictures and illustrations related to the Cutting Table are viewed as shown
here:

In the User Interface, several Viewing Options are available.

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5 i-cut Production Console

5. System Description
This chapter will explore the iPC User Interface in detail.

5.1. Naming Conventions

The iPC User Interface appears in two different views, depending upon the mode you work in,
My Jobs or Opened Jobs:

5.1.1. My Jobs

1 - Menu Bar 5 - Windows Toolbar with Machine Connection icon

2 - Job Tabs 6 - Machine Panel
3 - Job Info 7 - My Jobs Actions
4 - Production -> Estimated 8 - My Jobs List
Time.
The estimated execution time
is shown here.

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5
For more info, see Job
Estimation Status.

5.1.2. Opened Job

1 - Menu Bar 5 - Machine Panel

2 - Toolbar 6 - Properties Bar
3 - Layers View / Production View, see below 7 - Job Setup. Comprises Layers Setup and
Production Setup
4 - Windows Toolbar with Machine Connection
icon 8 - Job Tabs

5.1.3. Tool Configuration

Be aware the difference between Tool Configuration and Configure Tools:

Configure Tools
Edit Tool Settings to be used in a Layer

Tool Configuration
Maintain the Tool Configuration on the connected Cutting Table.

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5.2. Menu Bar

The following Menu Bar entries are available:

• File • Layer

• Edit • Curves

• View • Machine

• Selection • Advanced

• Job • Help

5.2.1. File

Menu Bar->File

The following menu items are available:

New Job (Ctrl+N) Save Job (Ctrl+S)

Create an empty Job. Save Opened JobJob.
You can add/edit geometry using the Toolbar The Job is saved using the iPC .cut format.
functions.

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5
You are prompted for destination folder and
file name.

Open File... (Ctrl+O) Save Job As (Ctrl+Shift+S)

Open an Input File, add it to My Jobs List. Save Opened Job.
You are prompted for destination folder and
file name.

Open via Barcode... (Ctrl+Alt+O) Export

See Jobs with Barcodes Export Opened Job to pdf.
You are prompted for destination folder and
file name.

Open from ArtiosCAD Standards... (Ctrl+Alt Reload

+Shift+O) Reload Opened Job. All changes you have
See Open from ArtiosCAD Standards made to the job will be lost.

Start Production via Barcode... (Ctrl+Alt+P) Exit

See Start Production via Barcode Terminate iPC.

Close Job (Ctrl+W)

Close the Opened Job.

5.2.2. Edit

Menu Bar->Edit

The following menu items are available:

Undo (Ctrl+Z)
Undo previous operation(s).

Options
• Options settings
• Basic Configuration
• Default value settings
For more information, see iPC Configurations on page 261

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5 i-cut Production Console

5.2.3. View

Menu Bar->View

All View functions relates to the Opened Job as shown in Layers View / Production View
window.
The following menu items are available:

Zoom Tool Table View Orientation

By the mouse, define a zoom area. Select viewpoint for Layers View /
Production View

Zoom In (Ctrl+Add) Reference Point

Click to zoom in. The selected Reference Point is shown in the
Layers View / Production View window.

Zoom Out (Ctrl+Subtract) Table Rulers

Click to zoom out. Cutting Table Rulers are shown in the Layers
View / Production View window (machine
dependant).

Fit to Job (Ctrl+Shift+J)) Vacuum Zones

Opened Job will fill the Layers View / Selected Vacuum Zones are indicated in the
Production View window. Layers View / Production View window.

Fit to Table (Ctrl+Shift+T) Parking Position

A picture of the Cutting Table including Show current Park Position as a symbol in
the Opened Job will fill the Layers View / the Layers View / Production View window.
Production View window.

Curve Direction Bounding Box

An arrow on each curve indicates curve Show a Bounding Box surrounding Opened
direction. Job.

Curve Points Rulers

Curve Points are visible, available for edit. Add Rulers to Layers View / Production
View.

Tool Path

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5
The Tool Path is shown.

Layers View / Production View Orientation

Menu Bar->View->Table View Orientation

Select viewpoint for Layers View / Production View.

Alternatives:
o
• 0
o
• 90
o
• 180
o
• 270

Viewpoint and Operator Panel position should be co-ordinated, in order to get correct Jog
Direction.
For more information, see Hardware Configuration.

5.2.4. Selection

Menu Bar->Selection

All Selection functions relates to Opened Job->Layers Tab.

The following menu items are available:

Select All Curves (Ctrl+A) Deselect All Curves (Ctrl+D)

In Opened Job, select all Curves. In Opened Job, deselect all Curves.

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5.2.5. Job

Menu Bar->Job

All Job functions relates to Opened Job.

The following menu items are available:

0
Rotate 90 CW Remove Double Lines and Sequence
Rotate the entire Job. Use this function to remove double lines and
optimize cutting sequence in a Job.

0
Rotate 90 CCW Remove Double Lines, Join Across Gaps
Rotate the entire Job. Double lines will be removed.
Gaps between consecutive lines that are
below a certain limit will be joined.

Mirror Horisontally Optimize for Production...

Mirror Opened Job. Opens the Optimize for Production dialog.

Mirror Vertically Remove Internal Offset

Mirror Opened Job. The lower left corner of Opened Job will be
placed in currently selected Reference Point
+ Material Position + Job Offset.

Move Open Curves to Separate Layer

Use this function to separate Open Curves
from Closed Curves.

5.2.6. Layer

Menu Bar->Layer

All Layer functions relates to Opened Job.

The following menu items are available:

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Add Layer... (Ctrl+L) Copy Layer with Curves (Ctrl+Shift+C)

Opens the Add Layer dialog. The currently selected Layer is copied,
geometry included.

Add Regmark Layer... Remove Layer... (Shift+Del)

Opens the Add Regmark Layer dialog. The currently selected Layer(s) are removed.

Edit Layer... Remove Empty Layers... (Ctrl+U)

Opens the Edit Layer... dialog. Layer(s) with no geometry are removed.

Copy Layer without Curves (Ctrl+C) Remove Hidden Layers...

The currently selected Layer is copied, no Hidden Layer(s) are removed.
geometry included.

5.2.7. Curves

Menu Bar->Curves

All Curves functions are available under Layers Tab-> Selected Curve(s).

The following menu items are available:

Move... (Ctrl+M) Merge Curves

Move Selected Curves Merge Selected Curves

Jog Curves Invert Curve Direction (Ctrl+Shift+I)

Jog Selected Curves Invert Curve Direction for Selected Curves

Scale... (Ctrl+T) Lead-in/Lead-out

Scale Selected Curves Add Lead-in/Lead-out to Selected Curves

Mirror... (Ctrl+Shift+M) Tool Offset...

Mirror Selected Curves Apply Tool Offset to Selected Curves

Rotate... (Ctrl+Shift+R) Optimize Shape

Rotate Selected Curves Optimize Selected Curves

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5 i-cut Production Console

For more information, go here.

Edit Points Remove Curves...

Enter Edit Point Mode Remove Selected Curves

5.2.8. Machine

Menu Bar->Machine

Functions for the connected Cutting Table.

The following menu items are available:

Connect Show Camera ...

Connect to Cutting Table Shows Camera view dialogue.

Start Spindle Warm Up Material Measurement

On the Cutting Table, a Spindle Warm Up On the Cutting Table, a Measure Material
sequence is executed. Thickness sequence is executed.

Start Vacuum Cleaner Vacuum Zones...

Vacuum Cleaner on/off control. Select Vacuum Zones suitable for Opened Job.

Identify Tools Direct Commands

On the Cutting Table, execute a Tool Select functions for immediate execution on
Identification sequence. the Cutting Table

Set Table Top Reference Stacker assistance

On the Cutting Table, execute the Table Top This menu item is visible if a Stacker is
Reference wizard. present.

Adjust Tool Height... Prepare Table

On the Cutting Table, execute the Adjust Tool This menu item is visible if a Robot cell is
Height wizard. present.

Note: For daily use, some of these functions are easy available also from Machine Panel.

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5.2.9. Advanced

Menu Bar->Advanced

The following menu items are available:

Manage Presets Backup Configuration...

Functions to save as Production Presets and Initiate a System Backup.
Tooling Presets.

Resources Restore Configuration...

Functions to maintain Resources, see Initiate a System Restore.
Resource Manager on page 104.

Configure Tools... Log Options... (Ctrl+Alt+Shift+L)

Functions to Configure Tools to be used in Configure the Log Options available.
Layers. For details, see Log Options.

Migrate
For details, see Migrate.

Migrate

Menu Bar > Advanced > Migrate

5.2.10. Help

Menu Bar->Help

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5 i-cut Production Console

The following menu items are available:

User Manuals... F1 Knowledge Base...

All documentation... Buy accessories online

i-cut Production Console User Manual About i-cut Production Console...

online...

Kongsberg Table User Manual online... License Manager...

Online Support...

5.3. My Jobs

1 - My Jobs List

2 - My Jobs Actions

3 - Job Info
When you select a job in My Jobs List, the corresponding Job Info is shown.

4 - Production
For the selected file, the estimated execution time is shown. See Job Estimation Status.

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5.3.1. Import Files to My Jobs List

Menu Bar->File->Open File

My Jobs Actions->Add...

My Jobs Actions->Actions...->Add...

Material
Select Material to use when importing selected Input File.
Use the default selection From File and the Material information will be fetched from the
input file, if it is available.

Selecting Material give you access to a set of Tooling Presets, as well as Production Presets
and Optimization Presets suitable for the material (Presets that the Material is mapped to).
For more information about the concept Material is the key, see Material is the key on page
102.

Mapping
Select Mapping to use when importing selected Input File.
The different Mapping selections specifies different rules for how to transfer information from
the Input File to the iPC Job.

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5.3.2. My Jobs List

Each file is identified by it's Name and Size.

In addition, the following columns are available:

• Queue Entry Number

• Job ID

• Name & Size

• File Type

• Material

• Thickness

• Flute Direction

• Customer

• Copies

• Priority

• Status

• Estimated Time

• Remaining Time

• Due Date

• Added on

• Modified on

• Finished on

This information (metadata) is fetched from the Input File.

If the information is available or not, depends upon if the CAD system / Job Preparation
software used supports such data.
If a job is saved using the iPC .cut format, the metadata are stored as part of the .cut file.

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Show history
Show history jobs. For more information, see History on page 263

Sort by Column
A double-click on a Column Header will sort the file list alphabetically by the column content.
Another double-click will sort the content in opposite order.

Modify which Columns you want to see

While pointing at My Jobs List, click the Right Mouse Button.

Select columns to be displayed.

5.3.3. Job Estimation Status

The execution time for files imported into My Jobs will be estimated automatically.
The Estimation Status appears as follows:

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Estimation is done and job ready for

production.

Estimation in progress.

Estimation not possible. Hoover over

the question mark to get additional
information.

Estimation completed, but job is not ready

due to correct tools not mounted.

You can select if the estimation includes the time used to prepare and complete a job.
For more information, see Estimation on page 266.

5.3.4. Select a File

Select a Job in My Jobs List:

Single Click
The file is selected, available for:
• My Jobs Actions functions (2)

• Job Info (3)

Double Click
From the selected file, a new Job is created, shown as a separate Job Tab.
The same function is achieved using the Open button in My Jobs Actions.

Select a Job by search:

All files added to iPC are available in the MyJobs list. In case the list is long and requested file is
difficult to find, a search function is available:

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5.3.5. Job Info

Each file is identified by it's file name.

In addition, the following information is

available:
• Customer
• Due Date
• Modified on - Modification Date
• Dimensions - Job Size
• Flute Direction

This information (metadata) is fetched from

the Input File.
If the information is available or not, depends
upon if the CAD system / Job Preparation
software used, supports such data.
If a job is saved using the iPC .cut format, the
metadata are stored as part of the .cut file.

Use this dialog to provide proper settings for the Selected Job.
These settings will be applied when you open this job.

Ordered Copies
Number of Copies specified.

Set...
Specify number of copies. See Ordered Copies on page 32.

Material
Press the Left Mousebutton to open the Material drop down list.

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From the drop down list, select one of:

From File - information about the material is fetched from the Input file.
None - no material specified.
List of materials - Previously used Materials
Select Material - select from List of Material.
New Material - add material to List of Material.

Cutting Profile
Press the Left Mousebutton to open the Cutting Profile drop down list.
Cutting Profiles assigned to this Material are displayed.
From the drop down list, select proper Cutting Profile.
When you select a Cutting Profile, you get a pre-defined combination of Tooling Preset,
Optimization Preset and Production Preset.
If you now change any of those from the selections below, the Cutting Profile change name
to Custom.
You are about to customize the settings for this Material.

Tooling Preset
Press the Left Mousebutton to open the Tooling Preset drop down list.
From the drop down list, select proper Tooling Preset.
The Layer Type and corresponding Tool is shown

Optimization Preset
Press the Left Mousebutton to open the Optimization Preset drop down list.
From the drop down list, select proper Optimization Preset.

Production Preset
Press the Left Mousebutton to open the Production Preset drop down list.
From the drop down list, select proper Production Preset.

Ordered Copies

My Jobs > Job Info > Ordered Copies

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• Ordered Copies - specify number of copies

to be completed.

• Reject Copies - specify number of copies

that has been rejected.
This information is important, not only for
the operator, but as well to ensure correct
reporting back to production planning.

Summary:
Produced - number of copies produced
Successful - how many were successful
Rejected - how many were rejected
Remaining - number of remaining copies

5.3.6. My Jobs Actions

The following entries are available:

Add a job to My Jobs List.

Remove the Selected Job from My Jobs List.

Open the Selected Job in My Jobs List.

A new Job is created.
The new Job is shown as a separate Job Tab.
The same function is achieved by double-clicking the Job in My Jobs List.

This function is described here Job Layout.

The following Actions are available:

Add...
Add a job to My Jobs List.

Start Production via Barcode

Locate Queued Jobs (Ctrl+Q)

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The queued jobs are shown at the top of My Jobs List. This option is only
available if history is enabled in the Options dialog.

Open
Open the Selected Job in My Jobs List.

Remove (Del)
Remove the selected Job from My Jobs List.

Remove Unreferenced Jobs

Jobs in My Jobs List where the corresponding file is missing, will be
removed from My Jobs List.

5.4. Opened Job

A Job is identified as a separate tab including the actual file name on Job Tabs (1).
You can have several Jobs opened, all identified with its own tab.
A Job contains two main groups of information; Layers and Production (2).
A preview of the selected Opened Job is shown in the Layers View / Production View window
(4).
You can edit an Opened Job using the available Toolbar functions (5).
You can edit an Opened Job while another job is executed on the Cutting Table. In this way,
you can prepare next Job for execution.
During execution, a Job is locked for editing.

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5.4.1. Open a Job

You create a Job from My Jobs List:

In My Jobs List, double-click a file.

My Jobs Actions->Open.
A Job is opened based upon currently selected file in My Jobs List.

My Jobs Actions->Actions...->Open.
A Job is opened based upon currently selected file in My Jobs List.

Creating an empty Job is available as:

Menu Bar->File->New Job (Ctrl+N).

A new, empty Job is created.

5.4.2. Select a Job

Jobs are selected using the Job Tabs.

The selected Job Tab is highlighted.

5.4.3. Close a Job

Closing an Opened Job is available from:

Menu Bar->File->Close Job (Ctrl+W).

Opened Job is closed.

Job Tab->Close.

If the Job to be closed has been modified, a Save As dialog appears.

The Job will be saved in the .cut - format regardless the format of the Input File.

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In My Jobs List, the new .cut file will replace previous version.

5.4.4. Ready for Execution

To prepare a Job for execution, complete Layers Setup (1) and Production Setup (2).

In the Properties Bar (3), you find the status indicator for Job ready:

Layers Setup and Production Setup are properly set.

The Job is ready for execution.

This Job is not properly prepared for execution.

Click on the text to get more information.

This Job is ready, but you should check the warnings.

Click on the text to get more information.
The Job is checked for the following, potential error
conditions:
• A big curve, typically a rectangle, is included in the
Camera / Regmark Layer.

• The Regmark Layer is not the first Layer in the Layer

List.

• The Job contains two Regmark Layers.

• A Cut Layer is placed before a Crease Layer.

• Non Reverse operation Layers are placed before

Reverse operation Layers.

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5.5. Opened Job, select Material

After a new Job is created, no Material is selected, unless it is specified:

• In the Open File dialog.

• In the My Job->Job Info window.

Press the left mouse button to open the drop-down menu and select Material:
From File
Material information is fetched from the Input File.

None
Material is unknown.

List of previously selected Materials.

Select Material
Invoke the Select Material dialog.

New Material
Invoke the New Material dialog.

5.6. Opened Job, select Tooling Preset

After a new Job is created, no Tooling Preset is selected, unless it is specified:

• In the My Job->Job Info window.

• By the selection of a Material, you get a default Tooling Preset as specified in the
Resource Manager.

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Press the left mouse button to open the drop-down menu and select Tooling Preset:
• If the Material is None, you get a list of previously selected Tooling Presets.

• If you selected a Material, you get a list of Tooling Presets that are applicable to this
material.

Select Tooling Preset

Invoke the Select Tooling Preset Wizard on page 38.

Update Current Tooling Preset

Currently selected Tooling Preset is updated with current job content.

Save As Tooling Preset

Invoke the Save as Tooling Preset wizard.
You can save current Layer settings as a new Tooling Preset.

Tooling Preset Info

All information available for currently selected Tooling Preset is presented in a dialog by
selecting "Show Tooling Preset Info..."

5.6.1. Select Tooling Preset Wizard

Relevant tool information can be added to each Layer in the Job by invoking the Wizard.

1. Select a Material Family

From the list of Material Families, select

the one to use.

Thickness
Specify material thickness.

2. Select a Tooling Preset

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Select Tooling Preset. The small info buttons give you more information about each
Layer in the preset.
3. Connect Layers and Tools

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Use this dialog to connect each Layer to a

proper Tool.

Keep original layer colors

The color used to identify the Layer in the
left pane is used also in the right pane.

5.7. Opened Job, Layers Setup

iPC organizes all geometry and registration data into Layers and assigns a unique set of
options to each Layer.
When importing a file, iPC separates the contents into Layers.
The separations are defined by the Mapping Presets used when importing the file.
Layers defines tools, tool parameters and registration types.
When you run a job, iPC will produce that job based on the order, selection and configuration
of your Layers.
All Layers for an Open Job are located in Layer Setup:

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5.7.1. Layers Tab

1 - Material Selection, see Opened Job, select 8 - Expand / Collapse

Material

2 - Tooling Preset Selection, see Opened Job, 9 - Show / Hide Layer

select Tooling Preset on page 37

3 - Layer Actions on page 57 10 - Layer Display Color

4 - Selected Layer 11 - Reverse Operation

5 - Tool Icon 12 - Layer Order

6 - Edit Layer Button 13 - Layer Types

7 - Layer Name

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Expand / Collapse

1 - Selected Layer is highlighted and

expanded
A sub-set of Tool Parameters appears in the
Layer.
The number of parameters will change,
depending upon the actual tool selected.
For more information, see below.

2 - Not selected Layer is compressed

A sub-set of Tool Parameters appears in the
Layer.

3 - Layer is collapsed
Layer is collapsed, showing just the Layer
Name and Layer Type

Layer Window

Layer Display Color

Color used when the Layer geometry is displayed in Layers
View.
Click to open the Color Selection dialog.

Reverse Operation
Status 1: Selected tool does not allow reverse side operation.
Status 2: Selected tool allows reverse side operation. Turned off.
Status 3: Selected tool allows reverse side operation. Turned on.

Show / Hide Layer

Indicates if this Layer is visible, and thereby included or not, see
Include a Layer.

Single Layer View

Press Alt + this icon to display only this Layer in Layers View.

Expand Layer.

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Collapse Layer.

Layer Type
Current Layer Type is shown, in this example Kiss Cut. From the
drop-down list, another Layer Type can be selected. See Edit
Layers

Edit Layer Button

Invoke the Edit Layer dialog. All Layer parameters are available
for edit.

Tool Icon showing the tool currently assigned to this Layer.

The Tool is mounted on the Cutting Table.

Tool Icon showing the tool currently assigned to this Layer.

The Tool is currently not mounted.

No Tool is currently assigned for this Layer.

Use the Select Tool function to specify tool to use.

Select Tool
From the drop-down list, select Tool to be used for this Layer.

Specify Tool Depth.

Increase the value to go deeper into the material.

Specify Tool Depth along Flute.

Specify Tool Depth across Flute.

Speed X/Y Specify execution speed for this Layer.

5.7.2. Select Layer

A Layer is selected by a Mouse Click inside the surrounding frame:

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A selected Layer is identified by a highlighted frame.

5.7.3. Include a Layer

1 - Include/exclude all Layers

2 - Include/exclude this Layer
3 - Include/exclude this Layer

Click the button to change state:

Enable Layer
Layer is included in Opened Job.
The geometry belonging to this Layer is visible in Layers View.
The geometry belonging to this Layer will be included in the output processing.

Layer is excluded.
The geometry belonging to this Layer is not visible in Layers View.

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The geometry belonging to this Layer will not be included in the output processing.

Alt + Press Alt + Enable Layer

This Layer is included, all other Layers are excluded.
Press a second time to include the Layers again.

5.7.4. Layer Sequence

The execution sequence on the Cutting Table is determined by the Layer Order, starting from
the top of the list.

You can re-arrange the execution sequence by moving Layers up or down:

1. Select the actual Layer.
2. While you keep the Left Mouse Button down, move the Layer up or down.
3. When at wanted position, release the Left Mouse Button.

5.7.5. Edit Selected Layer

Opened Job->Layers Tab->Edit Layer

Menu Bar->Layer->Edit Layer...

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The content of the Edit Layer dialog will change, depending upon selected tool and configured
options for the tool. For a complete list of options and how to configure these, see Configure
Tools on page 155
For Milling tool parameters, see Milling functions on page 48
For Multi-pass Milling parameters, see Opened Job->Multi-pass Depth on page 51
For V-notch tool parameters, see V-notch knife tools, modes of operation on page 53

Layer Layer Name

Enter the name you want for the Layer.
The original name is derived from the Input File and the Import
Mapping.
Layer Type
Select Layer types on page 56.
Layer Color

Select the color to use when this Layer is shown in Layers View.
Press the Layer Color bar to open the Color dialog.

Tool Tool
From the drop down list, select the tool to use when this Layer is
processed.
Note: Tools above the horisontal line are currently available on the
machine.
Tool Tip

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Desired milling bit, knife blade or crease wheel can be selected
from list. This is not a prerequisite for running the Job, but used as
information to the user, mainly when using Tooling Presets.

Registration Type Registration Type

From the drop down list, select the wanted Registration Type.
For details, see Registration.

Speed Speed X/Y

Specify the execution speed for this Layer.

Acceleration Acceleration
Specify the acceleration to be used as a % - value of maximum
acceleration available.

Depth Depth, Flute Dependant

If enabled, you can specify Depth Across and Depth Along flute
independently.
Depth referenced from material top
If enabled, depth is referenced from material top.
Depth

Specify Tool Depth.

Increase the value to go deeper into the material.

Depth Along
Specify Tool Depth along Flute.
The value can be entered as:
• xx mm
• xx in
• xx %

Depth limitations

Depth Across
Specify Tool Depth across Flute.
The value can be entered as:
• xx mm
• xx in

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• xx %

Depth limitations

Tool-up Angle Tool-up Angle

Select Use Default, or specify value.

Reverse operation Reverse Operation

Specify if this Layer should be executed on the reverse side of the

sheet.

Job including Reverse Operation

Milling functions

Opened Job->Layers Tab->Edit Layer

Menu Bar->Layer->Edit Layer...

General
All settings are maintained from Edit Layer dialog.

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Layer Type
Layer type Cut is used for milling.

Tool
Select the Milling Tool available.

Stop at Tool Select

Stop at Tool Select will make the machine
stop before the execution of the actual Layer
is started.
The text entered in the Stop at Tool Select
field appears.
Use this function in jobs with multiple milling
operations requiring different milling bits.
Use the text field to describe the new Milling
Bit to be entered.

Spindle RPM
Specify RPM.

Tool Offset
Specify if the Milling Bit should be inside or outside the closed curve, or in the center of the
line.
For Closed Curves, we also have the Wash Out function available.

Direction
Specify the milling direction around a Closed Curve.
This setting has huge impact on the finished product quality.
Note: This function will override the original direction of the curve.

Tool diameter
Specify the Milling Bit diameter.
All Closed Curves will be offset half the value, outside or inside, dependant upon Tool Offset
selection.

Wash Out Small Curves

Use this function to Wash Out all Closed Curves smaller than the Threshold value.

Multi-pass depth
Specify the maximum depth to be milled in each pass.

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Recommendation: This value should be limited to 1 - 1.5 times the Milling Bit diameter.

Measure / Material Thickness

Specify if the material thickness should be taken from the material thickness measurement
performed at the beginning of the job.
If not, specify the thickness.
Material thickness is used when calculating the depth of each pass.

Web Thickness
When producing a job with multiple passes, specifying a Web Thickness offsets the depths of
all passes so that only a thin amount of material is left for an additional final pass.
The vacuum hold-down strength of all cutting devices have limitations, and small parts may
shift on the cutting surface when they are routed.
The result is an undesired cut on the edge of the part where the Milling Bit made contact
during the shift.
This effect is eliminated or greatly reduced using Web Thickness.
When the Milling Bit has less material to cut on the final pass, there is less chance of the
part moving when the cut is completed because there is less force applied to the part by the
Milling Bit.

Finishing Pass Offset

Spesify the offset to be used for the last finishing pass.

Multi pass milling

1. pass 2. pass 3. pass - mill through

and clean the path (Web
Thickness).

Multi-pass Milling is required if you want to mill through a material where the thickness is
bigger than 1 - 1.5 times the Milling Bit diameter.

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Finishing Pass Milling

A Finishing Pass is the last pass of a multi-

pass production.
This pass is slightly offset, or contracted, from
the other passes.
The result is a final pass that shaves the entire
edge of the part; removing any evidence of
the multi-pass production and producing a
smooth edge.
iPC will automatically increase the Tool Offset
to compensate for the Finishing Pass and
produce the curves at the intended size.

Wash Out

Use Layer Type: Wash Out

Wash Out is a function to mill the entire area

of a Closed Curve.
Use this function to wash out the Closed
Curves in the Layer.

Drill holes

Use Layer Type: Drill

When you specify that a Layer should drill

holes, holes will be drilled in the center of
Closed Curves (circles).
A typical example is shown at left.
Geometry (circles) will be converted into holes
and drilled.

Opened Job->Multi-pass Depth

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Tool Configuration for Opened Job

Opened Job->Layers Tab->Edit Layer

Menu Bar->Layer->Edit Layer...

Milling and Multi-pass is described in a separate chapter.

General

Multi-pass Depth
Specify the maximum depth to be processed in each pass.

Measure / Material Thickness

Specify if the Material Thickness should be taken from the Material Thickness
measurement performed at the beginning of the job.
If not, specify the thickness.
Material Thickness is used when calculating the depth of each pass.

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Web Thickness
Web Thickness is not relevant for Crease and Knife cutting operations.
Milling and Multi-pass is described in a separate chapter.

Finishing Pass Offset

Finishing Pass is not relevant for Crease and Knife cutting operations.
Milling and Multi-pass is described in a separate chapter.

V-notch knife tools, modes of operation

Opened Job > Layers Tab > Edit Layer

Menu Bar->Layer->Edit Layer...

Note:
V-notch Knife Adapters are available for
o o o o
different knife angles: 15 , 22.5 , 30 , 45 ,
o
47.5 . There is also a VariAngle unit available
o
for cutting any angle from -2 to 60 (release
Q3 2020).
o
In this chapter, a 45 knife angle is discussed.
The programming and operation will be
similar for other angles.

V-notch specific parameters

Rotational compensation

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Rotational compensation is used to optimize V-notch / Bevel Cut quality in challenging

materials and use cases. This feature will pre-load the knife blade and overcome mechanical
flexibility in the system.

Notch angle

Notch Angle is used for the VariAngle unit *) only, and determines the angle of the blade into
o
the material. 0 is a vertical cut. For V-notch knifes, angle is determined by type of V-notch
knife mounted.
*) VariAngle unit will be released Q3 2020.

Cut

Crease
This is the default mode.

Width Offset
Width Offset is used to adjust the width
between the two cut lines along and across
flute when Crease is selected.

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Waste Cut

Waste Cut adds a third cut line to ease

removal of waste

Geometry
o
When the knife angle is 45 and you cut
through the material, the width of the cut is W
= 2 x h.

Folding
If you prepare a material for folding, the following rules applies:
• Adjust the cutting depth to just above the bottom liner.
• Adjust the cutting width (W) by the adjustment parameter Width Offset. Nominally, the
width of the cut has to be increased by Width Offset = - 2 x bottom liner thickness.
• Width Offset limitations: -50 mm < Width Offset < +10 mm / -2 in < Width Offset < +0.4 in.
• Decide if Waste Cut function is needed, mostly needed for corrugated plastics.

This illustration shows how the parameter dW is used to ensure a nice folding result.

Waste Cut function, adjustment

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This illustration shows a typical use of Triple

Cut Function.
The middle wall is not cut by (2) or (3), making
the material impossible to fold.
The Triple Cut Function (1) cut the middle
wall and you can fold the material nicely.

Adjustment sign and cut direction

5.7.6. Layer types

Layer types are used by Tooling Presets and some advanced job menu features.
Layer type is a property of a layer, typically defining which operations (Cut, Crease, etc) to
perform on a layer.
Layer type is assigned to a layer during import mapping, based upon certain properties in
the input file, like layer name, color or Line Type.
Alternatively, the layer type can be selected in the Edit Layer dialog or Layers tab.

Layer types
The layer types are selected from Layer > Edit Layer or from the Layers tab in an
hierarchically organized menu:

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In the table below, all selections are shown:

Translations

(1) Bevel Cut (9) Reverse Crease (17) Polishing

(2) Braille (10) Reverse Cut (18) Partial Cut
(3) Crease (11) Crease Cross Grain (19) Perf Cut
(4) Cut (12) Reverse Crease (20) Perf Wheel
(5) Drill (13) Reverse Crease Cross (21) Plot
Grain
(6) Free Use (14) Second Height Crease (22) Regmark
(7) Kiss Cut (15) Wash Out
(8) V-notch / More V-notch (16) Engraving

5.7.7. Layer Actions

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Edit Layer

Add Layer

Add Regmark Layer

Copy Layer including Curves

Copy Layer without Curves

Remove active Layer

Add new Layer

Menu Bar->Layer->Add Layer...

Opened Job->Layers Tab->Add Layer

Note: Do not use this entry to create a Regmark Layer.

Layer Name
Enter the name you want for the Layer.

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Layer Type
Select Layer Type.

Tool
From the drop down list, select the tool to use when this Layer is processed.
Note: Tools above the horisontal line are currently available on the machine.

Layer Color
Select the color to use when this Layer is shown in Layers View.
Press the Layer Color bar to open the Color dialog.

The Add Layer dialog will change depending upon the Tool selected.
To fill in the other parameters for the Layer, see Edit Layer.

Add Regmark Layer

Menu Bar->Layer->Add Regmark Layer...

Opened Job->Layers Tab->Add Regmark Layer

Normally, the position of the Registration Marks is included in the Input File.
If, for any reason, you have Input Files without Registration Mark information, you can use
the Regmark Layer to specify the size and position of Registration Marks relative to the
corners of the job.

Name
Enter the Name you want for the Layer.

Regmark Size

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Enter the size of the Registration Mark.

Regmark shape

Select circular or cross.

Position

The coordinates for the Registration Marks are relative to the corner of the enclosing
rectangle.

• Click a Register Mark to select or deselect

it.

• At least 2 Register Marks should be

selected

• Enter a negative offset to place the

Register Mark inside the bounding box.

Copy Layer and Curves

1. Select the Layer you want to copy.
2. The copy function is available as:

Menu Bar->Layer->Copy Layer with Curves

Opened Job->Layers Tab->Copy Layer with Curves

Copy Layer, no Curves

1. Select the Layer you want to copy.
2. The copy function is available as:

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Menu Bar->Layer-> Copy Layer Without Curves

Opened Job->Layers Tab->Copy Layer Without Curves

Remove Layer
1. Select the Layer you want to delete.
2. The delete function is available as:

Menu Bar->Layer->Remove Layer

Opened Job->Layers Tab->Remove Active Layer

Remove Empty Layers

Menu Bar->Layer->Remove Empty Layers...

All Layers without curves will be removed.

5.8. Opened Job, Production Setup

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A set of production related settings are available from the Production Tab.

5.8.1. Production Tab

If you click Production Preset, the following functions are available:

• Recently used Production Presets are listed.
• Select Production Preset, see Select Production Presets on page 117.
• Update Production Preset, see Update Production Presets on page 118.
• Save as Production Presets, see Create Production Presets on page 117.

Production Setup functions available:

• Number of Copies on page 62.
• Quality on page 64.
• Material Handling on page 64.
• Registration on page 64.
• Position on page 69.
• Step and Repeat on page 70.
• Tool Head Parking on page 71

5.8.2. Number of Copies

Opened Job->Production Setup->Copies

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Copies
Specify Number of Copies to produce.
Click Copies to open Ordered Copies on page 32 dialog.

Table
Show the Job Layout on Table 1 (X x Y)
X - Number of Copies along X.
Y - Number of Copies along Y.

Ordered Copies

My Jobs > Job Info > Ordered Copies

• Ordered Copies - specify number of copies

to be completed.

• Reject Copies - specify number of copies

that has been rejected.
This information is important, not only for
the operator, but as well to ensure correct
reporting back to production planning.

Summary:
Produced - number of copies produced
Successful - how many were successful
Rejected - how many were rejected
Remaining - number of remaining copies

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5.8.3. Quality
Accuracy
The performance is optimized to achieve maximum accuracy.

Speed
The performance is optimized to achieve maximum speed. Less accuracy is a possible
consequence.

5.8.4. Material Handling

Opened Job->Production Setup->Material Handling

Select Table Preset.

For Table Presets supporting it, the following functions are available:
Material Feed
Skip Table

Table Preset
Table Preset defines some basic behaviour of the system.
From the drop-down list, select one of the Table Presets available.
For more information about Table Presets, go here.

5.8.5. Registration

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-1- Registration Types

Opened Job->Production Setup->Registration->Registration Type

From the drop down list, select wanted Registration Type:

• None
• Registration Marks, "Use Registration Marks"
• Edge Recognition, Use Edge Recognition
• Corners and Regmarks, for camera based Reverse Operations, using camera
• Underside Registration, when using the Underside Camera
• Both Rulers, for ruler based Reverse Operations, using Table Rulers
Note: Available Registration Types depend on Machine Configuration and type of Job.

For more information, see Registration Types.

-2- No Registration Marks

No Registration, the Job is executed at the position of the selected Reference Point + Offset,
if any.

-3- Use Registration Marks

Read Registration Marks.

-A- Compensation Types

Select from the following Compensation Types:
• Move Job
• Placement
• Register Curve

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• Register Layer
• Linear Compensation
• Full Compensation

For more information, see Compensation Types.

-B- Search Area

Different ways of Registration Mark search is available:

Manual
The center of every Registration Mark is defined manually using the arrow keys on
your keyboard and a live camera image or Laser Pointer.

Center Only
iPC attempts to locate each Registration Mark automatically. If it is unable to locate
a mark, you are prompted to manually position the camera using the arrow keys on
your keyboard. iPC will only recognize the intended Registration Mark if it is near
the center of the camera image.

Normal
This option is nearly identical to Center Only, except that the Registration Mark
doesn't need to be near the center of the camera image for iPC to recognize it.
As long as the mark is completely within the camera image, iPC will automatically
reposition the camera directly over the center of the mark before reading its
position.

Extended
If the Registration Mark is not completely within the camera image, iPC expands
the field of view by moving the camera to up to four additional overlapping positions
around the original image. The extended search is performed only for the two
first Registration Marks from second copy onwards, to accept some Offset from
previous sheet or print.

-C- Detection Mode

Select one of the Dection Modes:

• All copies - Registration Marks will be detected on all copies in the Job.
• First table only - Registration Marks will be detected on the first copy in the Job. The
obtained Job Position is used for all subsequent copies.

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-D- Ask Confirmation for First Mark

For the first Register Mark in each Job, you will be asked for confirmation.

-E- Adaptive Registration

Select this option to optimize Register Mark read, focusing on:

Accuracy
Read all Registration Marks available in order to achieve maximum accuracy.

Speed
Minimize the number of Registration Marks used in order to achieve maximum speed. Less
accuracy is a possible consequence.
Will take effect from the second Table of a job.

-F- Curve Anchor

For any other Compensation than Full Compensation, Curve Anchor is used to define the
Anchor Point of the Job or individual curves relative to the printed graphics. Different Anchor
Points are defined by selecting one of the nine squares in the image.

-G- Ignore Material Rotation

For Jobs longer than the table, it might give the best result not taking measured rotation of the
first table frame into consideration. When enabled, measured rotation based on Registration
Mark detection is ignored. This option is available only when Job is longer than table, Table
Preset for Rollfeed is selected and compensation is other than Full Compensation.

-4- Use Edge Recognition

Use Edge Recognition to find correct material position and rotation. Job Position on material
is defined by Job Offset. See Job Offset in section Position

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Edge Recognition will search for edges along X and Y at a specified distance from selected
sheet corner.

Note: View is changed depending upon table view orientation.

Check Edge Distance

Specify the measuring distance to be used. If Automatic is selected, edge distance is set to
80% of selected material size in selected direction. In case no material size is defined 80% of
job size is used.

Check corner
Select which corner to search from

Check Direction
Select which direction to measure:

Corner and X
Sheet Corner and a position Check Edge Distance from corner in X-direction is
detected.

Corner and Y
Sheet Corner and a position Check Edge Distance from corner in Y-direction is
detected.

Use Corner only

Sheet Corner only is detected.

Detection Mode
Select one of the Detection Modes:
• All Copies
Edge Recognition will be used on all copies in the job.

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• First table only

Edge Recognition will be used on the first copy in the job.
The obtained job position is used for all subsequent copies.

-5- Corners and regmarks

Registration by use of Corners and regmarks can be used for reverse operation when
regmarks are present. See also Reverse Operation by use of Camera on page 241.
Registration options are a combination of options for Use Registration Marks and Use Edge
Recognition, see above.

-6- Underside registration

Using underside camera, this option can be used.

-7- Use Table Rulers

Registration by use of left and right rulers can be used for Reverse Operation without
regmarks. See also Reverse Operation by Left and Right Rulers on page 240.

5.8.6. Position

Opened Job->Production Setup->Position

Reference Point
Select the Reference Point to use.

Remove Internal Offset

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The lower left corner of Opened Job will be placed in currently selected Reference Point +
Material Position + Job Offset.

Offset
The Offset is divided into two different sections: Material Position and Job Offset.
Material Position
• Enter an Offset for the Material relative to the selected Reference Point.

- X Offset values - Y Offset values

- Material Position at current Laser - Reset material Offset

Pointer position.

Material placed at Ruler positon.

(Note: HW dependent).

• When doing Edge Recognition, the position will be determined by the detected corner.

• In case no material size is selected, a material corner icon will be displayed instead:

Job Offset
• Enter an Offset for the job bounding box relative to the corner of the material.

- X Offset values - Y Offset values

- Job bounding box Position at current - Reset Job bounding box Offset.
Laser Pointer position.

• The Input File might contain an Offset. When opening it, this Offset is seen in X and Y
Offset fields, unless the "Remove Job Offset" is switched on in the Optimization Preset
attached to the Job.

5.8.7. Step and Repeat

Opened Job->Production Setup->Step and Repeat

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Note: Step and Repeat view is changed,

depending upon table view orientation.

Note: You enter either Gap or Step size.

Number of Copies along X. Number of Copies along Y.

Gap between copies along X. Gap between copies along Y.

Step size between copies along X Step size between copies along Y.
Multi Stack
Update Copies
Copies field (highlighted above) is updated by With Multi Stack enabled (highlighted above),
pressing the Update Copies button. Number every sheet defined with Step and Repeat is
of Copiesis copies along X multiplied with registered using Edge Recognition.
copies along Y.

5.8.8. Tool Head Parking

Opened Job->Production Setup->Tool Head Parking

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Note: View is changed depending upon table view orientation.

Specify Park Position after Job finished.

If current Production Setup contains a Park command, the machine will move to the specified
Park Position.

Drag to set Park Position

In Table View, place the Mouse Pointer on the Park icon, press Left Mouse
Button and drag the icon into wanted Park Position.

Set Park Position

Enter X-coordinates for Park Position

Enter Y-coordinates for Park Position

Coordinates are relative to Main Reference Point.

Coordinates are relative to lower right of the Job.

Coordinates are relative to upper right of the Job.

5.8.9. Measure Tool Height with regular intervals

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When Automation and Check tool at regular intervals is checked in Menu Bar->Edit-
>Options->Production, then the Automation function is available in the Production Tab.
This setting causes the Tool Height to be automatically measured at the interval selected.

Note: This Automation function is available for XP and C-series only; not for X-Series.

5.9. Toolbar

Toolbar content will change depending upon if you work in Layers or Production:

Function Layers Production

Zoom Tool x x
Zoom In x x
Zoom Out x x

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Function Layers Production

Fit to Job x x
Fit to Board x x
Fit to Table x x
Edit Points x
Show Curve Directions x
Show Curve Points x
Show Tool Path x x
Vacuum Zones x
Park Position x
Show Table Rulers x
Show Reference Point x
Bounding Box x x
Show Rulers x
Show Material Size x

5.9.1. Zoom Tool

Menu Bar->View->Zoom Tool

Toolbar->Zoom Window

By the mouse, define a Zoom area.

5.9.2. Zoom In

Menu Bar->View->Zoom In

Toolbar->Zoom In

Ctrl+Add

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Click to Zoom in.

5.9.3. Zoom Out

Menu Bar->View->Zoom Out

Toolbar->Zoom Out

Ctrl+Minus

Click to Zoom out.

5.9.4. Fit to Job

Menu Bar->View->Fit to Job

Toolbar->Fit to Job

Ctrl+0

Opened Job will fill Layers View / Production View.

5.9.5. Fit to Board

Toolbar->Fit to Board

Ctrl+Shift+J

Opened Job will fill the Sheet shown in Layers View / Production View.

5.9.6. Fit to Table

Menu Bar->View->Fit to Table

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Toolbar->Fit to Table

Ctrl+Alt+0

Cutting Table including the Opened Job will fill Layers View / Production View.

5.9.7. Edit Points

Menu Bar->View->Curve Points

Toolbar->Curve Points

Enter Edit Point Mode.

On selected curve, the Curve Points are highlighted, available for edit.

5.9.8. Show Curve Directions

Menu Bar->View->Curve Directions

Toolbar->Curve Directions

Show Curve Direction.

An arrow at the start of each curve indicates Curve
Direction.

5.9.9. Show Curve Points

Menu Bar->View->Curve Points

Toolbar->Show Curve Points

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All Curve Points are highlighted.

5.9.10. Show Tool Path

Menu Bar->View->Tool Path

Toolbar->Tool Path

Use this function to visualize the Tool Path of a Milling Tool.

5.9.11. Vacuum Zones

Menu Bar->View->Vacuum Zones

Toolbar->Vacuum Zones

Current Vacuum Zone configuration is shown in Production View.

5.9.12. Park Position

Menu Bar->View->Park Position

Toolbar->Show Parking Point

Current Park Position is shown in Production View.

5.9.13. Show Table Rulers

Menu Bar->View->Table Rulers

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Toolbar->Show Table Rulers

Cutting Table Rulers are shown in Production View.

5.9.14. Reference Point

Menu Bar->View->Show Reference Point

Toolbar->Reference Point

The selected Reference Point is shown.

5.9.15. Bounding Box

Menu Bar->View->Bounding Box

Toolbar->Show Bounding Box

The Bounding Box for the Opened Job is shown.

5.9.16. Show Rulers

Menu Bar->View->Rulers

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Toolbar->Show Rulers

Rulers are shown in Layers View.

5.9.17. Show Material Size

Menu Bar->View->Material Size

Toolbar->Show Material Size

Selected Material Size is shown in Production View at the position defined by Material
Position in Production Tab, category Position.

5.10. Properties Bar

5.10.1. Layer View

From the Properties Bar (at the bottom), the following information is available, when you are
in Layers View (arrow):

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Curves
Number of curves in Opened Job

Points
Number of curve points in Opened Job

Flute / Grain Direction of Job:

Shows the vertical or horizontal Flute / Grain
Direction, or no direction specified in the Job
Flute / Grain Direction in the Job can be
switched.

Size:
The size of Opened Job (X x Y)
This is the size of one copy of the Job; not
influenced by Step and Repeat values.

This shows the current Mouse Pointer

position in X and Y relative to the selected
Reference Point.

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5.10.2. Production View

From the Properties Bar (at the bottom), the following information is available, when you are
in Production View (arrow):

Material Size:
Here is the selected material name displayed.
If "From file" is displayed, material size is
extracted from the input file. In the Drop
Down List you find all the available material
sizes for the selected material plus Custom
Size.
Custom Size:
Custom Size is available from the Drop Down
List. In the dialog, you can check Add size to
Resources, or leave it as an ad hoc.

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Material Size:
This shows the selected material size.

Flute / Grain Direction of Material:

This shows the Flute Direction (horizontal or
vertical) of the material, defined in Resources.

Rotate Material
This function will rotate the selected material.
If material and Job have Flute / Grain
Direction, the
Job will also rotate.
Flute / Grain Direction of Job:
Shows the vertical or horizontal Flute / Grain
Direction, or no direction specified in the Job
If you change Flute / Grain Direction of the
Job in Production View, the Flute Direction
of the Job will align to the material.

Size:
The size of Opened Job (X x Y)

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This shows the current Mouse Pointer

position in X and Y relative to the selected
Reference Point.

5.11. Machine Panel

Machine Panel provides information about the Job currently executed on the Cutting Table.
The overall status of Job Execution is shown as:

Edit Job / Idle Mode - job preparation

In this mode, you can:

• Edit new jobs
• Start a new job

Execution Mode - execution is on-going

Pause - execution has stopped.

If you press Stop once, the execution pauses. This is indicated as red.
iPC Message Dialog will provide more information.

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5.11.1. Machine Panel Views

It is possible to configure how the Machine Panel appears on the screen:

Machine Panel->Select View

You can select the following views:
• Position at Bottom

• Position at Right

• Maximize

Position at Bottom

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Position at Right

Maximize

5.11.2. Machine Panel Functions

The Machine panel functions available will change depending upon the status of the system.
The following states are defined:

Execution Mode
• Executing
Automation

Idle Mode
• Material Replacement

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• Stop

• Job finished

Error Mode
• Error

• Error/Pause

• Safety stop

• Regmark not found

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Executing

1 - Name of file being run.

2 - Status of Current Job

• Inner circle - Current Table

• Outer circle - Current Job

3 - Stop Production dialog

Stops production after Current Table.
Modify Job is then available.

5 - Number of Copies
Number of copies produced/Total number of
copies requested.

6 - Producing copy
Copy number currently prodused

9 - Finish all copies

Estimated time until all requested copies are
completed.

10 - Current table
Estimated time until Current Table is
completed.
Note: Not for first Table, visible for successive
Tables only.

11 - Performance information
• Time elapsed since start of Current Job

• Spindle Power
• Measured rotation speed (RPM)
• Measured material thickness

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Automation

1 - Name of file being run.

2 - Status of Current Job

3 - Stop Production dialog

Stops production after Current Table.
Modify Job is then available.

5 - Status information

6 - Number of jobs produced

8 - Machine Panel Toolbar

11 - Performance information
• Time elapsed since start of Current Job

• Spindle Power
• Measured rotation speed (RPM)
• Measured material thickness

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Material Replacement

1 - Name of file executed.

2 - Status of Current Job

• Replace material.
• Press Start to continue.

4 - Options
• Produce remaining copies.
• Restart from current Table

• Restart all.

5 - Number of Copies
Number of copies produced/Total number of
copies requested.

6 - Producing copy
Copy number currently prodused

8 - Machine Panel Toolbar

11 - Performance information
• Time elapsed since start of Current Job

• Spindle Power
• Measured rotation speed (RPM)
• Measured material thickness

Note: This state is entered when:

• If Park after Table is enabled and the
Table is completed.

• Execution stop after this Table is

enabled.

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Stop

1 - Name of file executed.

2 - Status of Current Job

• Production stopped by operator.
• Machine moved to Park Position.

4 - Start Production dialog

• Produce remaining copies.
• Restart from current Table
• Restart all.

5 - Number of Copies
Number of copies produced/Total number of
copies requested.

7 - Start on copy
Copy number that will be produced if you
continue execution.

8 - Machine Panel Toolbar

11 - Performance information
• Time elapsed since start of Current Job

• Spindle Power
• Measured rotation speed (RPM)
• Measured material thickness

Note: This state is entered when:

• If Stop is pressed twice

• Execution is stopped from Machine Panel.

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Job finished

1 - Name of file executed.

2 - Status of Current Job

Job is completed.

8 - Machine Panel Toolbar

11 - Performance information
• Time elapsed since start of Current Job

• Spindle Power
• Measured rotation speed (RPM)
• Measured material thickness

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Error

1 - Name of file executed.

2 - Status of Current Job

Information about the error condition.

3 - Stop Production dialog

Stops production.

8 - Machine Panel Toolbar

11 - Performance information
• Time elapsed since start of Current Job

• Spindle Power
• Measured rotation speed (RPM)
• Measured material thickness

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Pause

1 - Name of file executed.

2 - Status of Current Job

• Production paused by operator
• Press Start to continue.

3 - Stop Production dialog

Stops production after Current Table.
Modify Job is then available.

5 - Number of Copies
Number of copies produced/Total number of
copies requested.

6 - Producing copy
Copy number currently prodused

8 - Machine Panel Toolbar

11 - Performance information
• Time elapsed since start of Current Job

• Spindle Power
• Measured rotation speed (RPM)
• Measured material thickness

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Safety Stop

1 - Name of file executed.

2 - Status of Current Job

Machine stop due to safety error.
Information about the error condition.

3 - Stop Production dialog

Stops production.

8 - Machine Panel Toolbar

11 - Performance information
• Time elapsed since start of Current Job

• Spindle Power
• Measured rotation speed (RPM)
• Measured material thickness

Regmark not found

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1 - Name of file executed.

2 - Status of Current Job

Machine stop due to Registration Mark not
found.
Information about the error condition.

3 - Stop Production dialog

Stops production.

8 - Machine Panel Toolbar

11 - Performance information
• Time elapsed since start of Current Job

• Spindle Power
• Measured rotation speed (RPM)
• Measured material thickness

iPC Pause functions

To pause job execution, press Pause on Operators Panel.

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Stop in Execution Mode

Stop production after this Table:

• System enters Idle Mode

• Modify job is available.

Stop when in Pause

When we press Stop while in Pause:

• System enters Idle Mode

• Modify job is available.

5.11.3. Machine Panel Toolbar

Vacuum Zones

Menu Bar->Machine->Vacuum Zones

Machine Panel->Vacuum Zones

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Select Vacuum Zones suitable for Opened Job.

Proper selection is important to achieve the best possible material hold down.

Intelligent Vacuum Control

Vacuum Zones, suitable for the Opened Job, are automatically selected, based upon the size
of the job (Bounding Box).

Table Top Reference

Menu Bar->Machine->Set Table Top Reference

Machine Panel->Table Top Reference

On the Cutting Table, execute the Table Top Reference wizard.

The table top level measurement in current Laser Pointer position is updated.
Measure on top of Cutting Underlay; no material.

Adjust Tool Height

Menu Bar->Machine->Adjust Tool Height...

Machine Panel->Tool Height

On the Cutting Table, execute the Adjust Tool Height wizard.

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Camera View

Menu Bar->Machine->Show Camera

Machine Panel->Camera

Enter the Camera View dialog for manual camera picture inspection.
For more information, go here.

Spindle Warm Up

Menu Bar->Machine->Start Spindle Warm Up

Machine Panel->Spindle

On the Cutting Table, a Spindle Warm Up sequence is executed.

Start Vacuum Cleaner

Menu Bar->Machine->Start Vacuum Cleaner

Machine Panel->Vacuum Cleaner

Vacuum Cleaner on/off control.

For machines with Milling Tool installed.
May be used for manual dust removal after job execution.

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Material Thickness Measurement

Menu Bar->Machine->Material Measurement

Machine Panel->Material Thickness

On the Cutting Table, a Measure Material Thickness sequence is executed.

Material thickness measurement is done as part of Job Execution.
This function is typically used when you need to know the thickness of the material before you
start the job.
Measured thickness is shown in the Status part of the Machine Panel.

Identify Tools

Menu Bar->Machine->Identify Tools

Machine Panel->Identify Tools

On the Cutting Table, a Tool Identification sequence is executed.

Use this after the insertion of a new tool.

5.11.4. Machine Panel Statusbar

Final Production Time

Production time since start including pauses up to 3 minutes, in minutes and seconds.

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Since start
Elapsed time since Job start, in minutes and seconds.

Spindle power
Current Milling Spindle power usage, as a %-value of maximum.

Measured rotations
Current Milling Spindle rotation (RPM).

Material thickness
Measured Material Thickness (mm / in.)

5.12. Machine Connection

From Windows Toolbar, invoke Machine Connection.

For more information, go to Machine Connection and Configuration.

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6. Before We Start

6.1. Introduction

In this chapter, we will describe some important concepts and parameters used in iPC that are
essential in order to achieve optimal performance on your machine:
• Table

• Material is the key

• Materials and Presets, an overview

• Resource Manager
• Tooling Presets

• Optimization Presets

• Production Presets

• Cutting Profiles

• My Materials

• Material Families

• Mapping Presets

• Table Preset

• Registration

• File Preparation

• Device Manager

• Configure Tools

6.2. About Table

It is important to understand the term Table used in this manual:

Cutting Table

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Do not get confused by the term Cutting Table, which is the machine we use when processing
our materials, as cutting, creasing, milling.

Table
The term Table describes the part of a job that fits into the Work Area of the Cutting Table.

Example 1
Ten copies of a printed or non-printed sheet is requested, only one sheet can be placed on the
Cutting Table at a time.
Such a request will be executed as ten Tables.
Manual or automatic feeding will be initiated between each Table, depending on Table Preset
selected.
A job is divided into two parts as it is longer than the table.
During execution, you complete the first Table. Then the material is fed forward to move the
second part of the job into the work area. Then, the second Table is execucted.

Example 2
A roll with printed decals should be cut.
The roll includes two columns of decals.
Three rows of decals fits within the Work Area of the Cutting Table.
In order to cut the roll, a Step and Repeat of 3 x 2 should be requested.
Each Table consist of 6 copies
When total Number of Copies is set to e.g. 100, a conveyor feed will be executed between
each Table, given that a Roll Feed Table Preset is selected.

6.3. Material is the key

Material is the key is the basic design criteria for iPC 2.0.
It depends upon what kind of job you work with, but the idea is that if the system is configured
properly, selecting Material is the only choice you have to make.
The Material can be defined in the input file; if so, no Material choice has to be made in iPC.

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If you have to specify Material in iPC, this is an overview:

Flow
The figure shows the stages in a work flow where you can make choices regarding Materials
and Presets

Choices
The figure shows what choices you have in the different stages of the work flow:
• Open File - In the Open File dialog.

• My Job Info - is available when you select one file in My Jobs List

• Opened Job->Production - when a Job is opened, this function is available under the
Production tab.

• Opened Job->Layer - when a Job is opened, this function is available under the Layer tab.

The figure emphasise how important it is that the work flow is prepared in right sequence:
• Before Open File, My Material and Mapping Presets should be prepared.

• Before My Job Info, My Material, Mapping Presets and Cutting Profiles should be
prepared.

• Before Opened Job->Production, Production Preset should be prepared.

• Before Opened Job->Layers, My Material and Tooling Preset should be prepared.

6.4. Materials and Presets, an overview

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This figure illustrates the relationship between My Material, Material Families and the
different presets.
iPC is shipped with a number of Material Families and a number of Tooling Presets as
Factory Defaults.
Material Families are by default mapped to one or more Tooling Presets.
This will help finding a relevant pre-defined Tooling Preset when adding new materials.

When you define a new My Material, you first select the Material Family that the material
belongs to.
That selection decide what Tooling Presets you can select for this material, as the only Tooling
Presets that will be available for selection, are those that are defined as applicable to either
the specific Material or to the corresponding Material Family / thickness range.

Note: You can add a Tooling Preset to a Material or Material Family later in the process.

The figure emphasise the importance of the sequence:

• Tooling Preset should be prepared before Cutting Profiles and Material Specific Setting
can be finalized. Finalized settings are required for a fully automated Workflow.

• Optimization Preset should be prepared before Cutting Profiles and Material Specific
Setting

• Production Preset should be prepared before Cutting Profiles and Material Specific
Setting

6.5. Resource Manager

Menu Bar->Advanced->Resources

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Resource Manager is where you maintain your iPC Workflow:

Tooling Presets
Optimization Presets
Production Presets
Cutting Profiles
My Materials
Material Families
Mapping Presets

6.6. Tooling Presets

Menu Bar->Advanced->Resources->Tooling Presets

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• A Tooling Preset is a tool configuration that can be applied to one or more Materials with a
specific thickness or Material Families within a thickness range.

Search
To search for a specific Tooling Preset, enter
a unique text string, and the list will be filtered
as you type.

Remove
Remove selected Tooling Preset

Rename
Rename selected Tooling Preset

Tooling Preset Details

This is a list of Layers with assigned tools, included in the selected Tooling Preset.

Under Tooling Preset Details, we can edit each Layer.

Using this function, you are able to update the Tooling Preset if there are settings you want to
change from now on.

Applicable to
This is a list of Material Families / Materials that the selected Tooling Preset is applicable to.

Description
Description of the selected Tooling Preset.
You can edit the text here.

Add
Use this function to add more Material Families / Materials to the Applicable to list.

Remove
Use this function to remove the selected Material Families / Materials from the Applicable
to list.

6.6.1. Select Tooling Preset

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From Layers tab->Tooling Preset, select Select Tooling Preset...

You enter the Select Tooling Preset Wizard on page 38.

6.6.2. Create Tooling Preset

Step 1 - create a Job

Step 2 - prepare Layer settings

Prepare Layer settings as it should be for this Tooling Preset.

Step 3 - invoke Save as Tooling Preset

From Layers tab->Tooling Preset, select Save as Tooling Preset...

You enter the Save as Tooling Preset... wizard.

Save as Tooling Preset wizard, step 1, set Layer types

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Click the down arrow to open the list of Layer

Types .
For each Layer, select Layer type.

Click Next

Save as Tooling Preset wizard, step 2, select application types

Add
Invoke the Add Application Range dialog:

Remove Select Materials that this Tooling Preset is

applicable to.
Remove selected Material from list.
Select from:
• Material Family / Thickness Range
• My Materials

Save as Tooling Preset wizard, step 3, select name

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Enter a name for the new Tooling Preset.

Click Finish

6.6.3. Update Tooling Preset

Step 1 - select a Tooling Preset

Invoke Layers tab->Tooling Preset->Select Tooling Preset...

Select the Tooling Preset to maintain.

Step 2 - update Layer settings

Step 3 - save Layer settings

Invoke Layers tab->Tooling Preset->Update Current Tooling Preset...
Confirm that you want to update this Tooling Preset, and you are done.

6.7. Optimization Presets

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Menu Bar->Advanced->Resources->Optimization Presets

• Optimization Presets defines how curves will be optimized in order to have the optimal
production.

• iPC is delivered with a wide range of Factory Default Optimization Presets for different
applications.

• You can create your own Optimization Presets.

Optimization Presets dialog

Optimization Presets:
This is the list of available Optimization Presets.
If you prepare your own Optimization Preset, that preset will be added to the list.

Add
Create your own Optimization Preset.
For details about create and edit, go here.

Remove
You are allowed to remove your own Optimization Preset.
If you select one of the Factory Default Optimization Presets, this button will be disabled.

View / Edit
You can view any Factory Default Optimization Preset.
You can edit any of your own Optimization Presets.
For details about create and edit, go here.

Copy
Create your own Optimization Preset based upon a copy of the selected preset.

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For details about create and edit, go here.

6.7.1. Edit Optimization Presets

General
You enter this dialog when you add or edit Optimization Presets.

Preset Name:
Specify the name of the Optimization Preset.

Description
For your own reference, add a description about this Optimization Preset.

Category
Optimization is described by two categories:
• General - this view.
• Optimize Curves - specify optimization. See below.

Optimize Curves / Optimizing Types

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Optimizing Type:
Use this drop-down list to select one of the following Optimizing Types:
• No Optimization
• Standard
• Sample Making

6.7.2. No Optimization

Use "No Optimizing" when curve sequences have been optimized before importing to iPC.
Any manual operations on the curves after import will therefore issue a warning. If you ignore
this warning, the optimized curve sequencing might be lost.

Remove Job Offset

Any Offset from (0,0) used in the Input File is ignored. The lower left corner of the Job will be
placed in currently selected Reference Point + Material Position + Job Offset, all defined in
Production Setup. See also section
Position on page 69, which is manual Offset added in iPC. If not selected, any internal Offset
is converted to Job Offset.

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6.7.3. Optimize, Standard

Standard Optimization is mainly used to optimize files used in a graphical Workflow.

Connect Open Curves

Curve segments that are close to each other are connected.

Select Connect Open Curves to:
• Increase performance.
• Improve cutting quality.
Specify d = Maximum Distance where curve connection is allowed.

Reject Small Curves

Small, freestanding curve elements are omitted.
Select Reject Small Curves to:
• Remove unwanted curves and stray points.
• Increase performance.
• Improve cutting quality.
Specify d = Maximum Size of a curve segment that can be omitted.

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Avoid Overcuts

Lines will be cut and direction will be modified if the angle is above a specified limit.
This to avoid visible knife overcuts.

Set Curve Direction

Specify an overall rule for curve execution direction.

Typical use:
Often, when milling, the left side of the path has a smoother surface compared to the right
side.
Use this function to optimize the quality of your product.

Invert Curve Direction for Inside Curves

Specify an overall rule for curve execution direction.

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This is an extension to the Set Curve Direction function, see above.
If the blue part is your product and you want a smooth surface outside and inside, you have to
invert the curver direction for the inner curve.

Remove Job Offset

Any Offset from (0,0) used in the Input File is ignored. The lower left corner of the Job will be
placed in currently selected Reference Point + Material Position + Job Offset, all defined in
Production Setup. See also section
Position on page 69, which is manual Offset added in iPC. If not selected, any internal Offset
is converted to Job Offset.

6.7.4. Optimize, Sample Making

Optimize for Sample Making is normally used to achieve maximum cutting and creasing
quality for Corrugated and Folding Carton designs.
Please note that:
• Most Sample Making operations will be applied on Layer Type Cut and Crease only.
• The relevance of this feature is dependant upon whether any optimization is performed
during output from the CAD / Job Preparation software.
Features available in Optimize for Sample Making are similar to optimizing features in
ArtiosCAD from Esko.

Select parameters in the following Categories:

• General - general optimizing functions.
• Round Slots - functions to avoid tear in narrow slots.
• Overcut & Corners - functions to avoid tear and overcut in corners.
• Over-Crease - functions to improve performance during crease.

6.8. Production Presets

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Menu Bar->Advanced->Resources->Production Presets

A Production Preset describes how the job is produced on the table

It contains the same information which is included in Opened Job->Production Setup.
For details, go here.

Production Presets:
List of available Production Presets.
iPC is delivered with a range of Factory Default Production Presets.
If you prepare your own Production Presets, they will be added to this list.

From the dialog, the following functions are available:

Remove
If you select any of the Factory Default Production Presets, this button will be disabled.
You can remove any of your own Production Presets.

Rename
If you select any of the Factory Default Production Presets, this button will be disabled.
You can rename any of your own Production Presets.

Details
This is an information window, showing current settings for the selected Production Preset.
You can edit the text in the Description window.

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6.8.1. Select Production Presets

From Production tab->Production Preset, select Select Production Preset...

From the list of Production Presets, select.

6.8.2. Create Production Presets

Step 1 - create a Job

Step 2 - prepare Production settings

Prepare Production settings as it should be for this Production Preset.

Step 3 - invoke Save as Production Preset

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From Production tab->Production Preset, select Save as Production Preset...

Enter a name for the preset and click Save.

6.8.3. Update Production Presets

Step 1 - Select Production Preset

From Production tab->Production Preset, select Select Production Preset..., select the
Production Preset you want to update.

Step 2 - update Production settings

Prepare Production settings as it should be for this Production Preset.

Step 3 - invoke Update Production Preset

Invoke Production tab->Production Preset, select Update Production Preset...
Confirm that you want to update this Production Preset, and you are done.

6.9. Cutting Profiles

Menu Bar->Advanced->Resources

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A Cutting Profile is a container for a selected set of:

• Tooling Preset

• Optimization Preset

• Production Preset

Cutting Profiles are useful when the same combination of Tooling, Optimization and
Production Presets can be used for several Materials or Material Families.

• iPC is delivered with a set of Factory Default Cutting Profiles.

• You can create your own Cutting Profile.

Cutting Profiles:
This is the list of available Cutting Profiles.

- Factory Default Cutting Profiles

If you prepare your own Cutting Profile, that profile will be added to the list.

Add
Create your own Cutting Profile.
For details about create and edit, go here.

Remove
You are allowed to remove your own Cutting Profile.
If you select one of the Factory Default Cutting Profiles, this button will be disabled.

Rename
If you select any of the Factory Default Cutting Profiles, this button will be disabled.

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You can rename any of your own Cutting Profiles.

Copy
Create your own Cutting Profile based upon a copy of the selected profile.
For details about create and edit, go here.

6.9.1. Cutting Profile Details

Cutting Profile Name:

This is name of the Cutting Profile you are about to edit.

Description
For your own reference, enter a description of the Cutting Profile.

Tooling Preset
From the drop-down list, select proper Tooling Preset.
In the information window, the following information about the selected Tooling Preset is
available:
• Layer Type

• Corresponding Tool

• Applicable for - list of materials defined to be applicable to this Tooling Preset.

Note: If you create a Cutting Profile for a specific material, you should assign a Tooling
Preset that is applicable to that material.

Optimization Preset
From the drop-down list, select proper Optimization Preset.

Production Preset
From the drop-down list, select proper Production Preset.

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6.10. My Materials

Menu Bar->Advanced->Resources->My Materials

6.10.1. Edit My Material

Material Name
The name of the selected material is shown here.

Material Family
From the drop down list, select the Material Family that this material belongs to.

Thickness
Specify material thickness.
The value is shown in mm or inch.
You can enter values like 0.2 in. independent from the general unit setting.

Appearance
This selection determine the vision algorithm used for detecting register marks and edges on
different surfaces (materials).
Selections available:
• Default - invokes a standard algorithm
• Woven textile - using techniques optimized for this kind of material.
• Grid pattern - using techniques optimized for this kind of material.

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• Flexo - using techniques optimized for this kind of material.

• Low Contrast - using techniques optimized for this kind of material.

Material Measurement
From the drop down list, select:
• Optimized measurement. Material is measured in two opposite corners of the Job.
• Measure at Laser Position. One material thickness measurement is carried out in current
Laser Pointer position.
• Do not measure. Current material thickness information is used.
Extra toollift for uneven material
Select this function if your material has an uneven surface.
Avoid that the tool scratches the material.

6.10.2. Use Cutting Profile to define cutting settings

Menu Bar->Advanced->Resources->My Materials->Cutting Tab

Cutting Profile
From the drop down list, select a proper Cutting Profile.
The drop down list shows Cutting Profiles that are applicable to this material.

When you select a Cutting Profile, you select a combination of Tooling Preset, Optimization
Preset and Production Preset.
The actual combination is shown in the dialog.

Note: Cutting Profiles are preferable to Material Specific Settings in a couple of situations:
1. When the same combination of Tooling, Optimization and Production Presets can be
used for several Materials or Material Families.
2. In some upstream applications, Cutting Profiles can be selected and added to the input file
for iPC, while Material Specific Settings can not.

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6.10.3. Use Material to define cutting settings

Use this function to prepare a combination of Tooling Preset, Optimization Preset and
Production Preset suitable for the actual material.

Tooling Preset
From the drop down list, select a proper Tooling Preset.
The drop down list shows Tooling Presets that are applicable to this material.
The Layer Types and corresponding tools are shown.

Optimization Preset
From the drop down list, select a proper Optimization Preset.

Production Preset
From the drop down list, select a proper Production Preset.

6.10.4. Specify Material Size

The material can be available in different Material Sizes.

Use this dialog to maintain the list of Materials, and to select a proper Material for this
Tooling Preset.

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Note: Properly defined Material Sizes is a prerequisite when creating Nesting Layouts".

Sizes
This is a list of defined Materials.
If you prepare a new sheet for this material, the sheet will be added to this list.

Add
A new sheet is added to the list.

Remove
Remove the selected sheet from the list.

Name
Here, you can edit the name of the selected sheet.

Width / Length
Specify the size of the sheet.
The values are shown in mm, but you can enter number like 50 in.

Roll feed
Specify that you have a roll of material.

Flute/Grain Direction
From the drop down list, select flute direction.

Use as default
Specify whether this size should be selected automatically when opening a job using this
material.

6.11. Material Families

Basically, Material Families is a list of names.

We use Material Families to simplify selection of Tooling Presets.
The sequence is as follows:

Define Tooling Preset

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When you define a Tooling Preset, you specify which Material or Material Familiy that the
Tooling Preset applies to.
As you see from the example, Tooling Preset 1 and Tooling Preset 3 both applies to Material
Family 1.

Select Tooling Preset

When you, for a job, is asked to select Tooling Preset, you are first asked to specify Material
Family.
In the list of available Tooling Presets, only those that applies to the selected Material Family
are shown.

In this way, the number of choices are limited to those that are relevant.

6.11.1. Maintain Material Families

Menu Bar->Advanced->Resources->Material Families

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Material Families:
This is the list of available Material Families.
If you prepare your own Material Family, that family will be added to the list.

Add
Create your own Material Family.

Remove
Remove selected Material Family.

Rename
Rename selected Material Family.

For information about how to apply a Material Family to a Tooling Preset, see Tooling Presets.

6.11.2. Select Material Families

Opened Job->Layers->Tooling Preset

This is the only selection of Tooling Preset where you are asked for Material Family.

6.12. Mapping Presets

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Menu Bar->Advanced->Resources->Mapping Presets

Mapping preset defines how the curves in the input file are mapped to iPC layers associated
with different layer types. Correct layer types are a prerequisite to automatically apply
tooling information from material specific tooling presets. See also Tooling Presets on page
105.
A mapping preset consist of one set of mapping rules for each file format iPC can import.

Curve attributes in the input file are defined in different ways, depending upon file format;
typically done by layer name, by Line Type, by P-numbers and by color.

6.12.1. Select Mapping Presets

Menu Bar->File->Open File->Mapping

My Jobs->Select Job->My Job Settings->Mapping

From the list of available Mapping Presets, select the one to use.

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6.12.2. Maintain Mapping Presets

Menu Bar->Advanced->Resources->Mapping Presets

Mapping Presets:
This is the list of available Mapping Presets.
A set of Factory Default Mapping Presets are available.
If you create your own Mapping Presets, they are added to this list.
You can view the Factory Default Mapping Presets, but not modify.

Add
Create your own Mapping Preset.

Remove
You are allowed to remove your own Mapping Presets.
If you select one of the Factory Default Mapping Presets, this button will be disabled.

Rename
You are allowed to rename your own Mapping Presets.
If you select one of the Factory Default Mapping Presets, this button will be disabled.

Copy
Create your own Mapping Preset based upon a copy of the selected preset.

Description
A description of the selected Mapping Preset is shown.

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Mapping for different file formats
For the selected Mapping Preset:
• This is an overview, showing the Mapping that is included for the different file formats.
• No modifications are available.

About your own Mapping Presets, see below.

Create your own Mapping Preset

You create your own Mapping Preset by Add or Copy in the Mapping Presets dialog.
First, you are asked for a Mapping Preset name.
Enter the wanted name, press OK to continue to the Edit Mapping Preset dialog:

Description
When you create your own Mapping Preset, enter a description here.

Mapping for different file formats

Kongsberg Mapping
From the drop-down list, select Mapping to use.

ARD Mapping
From the drop-down list, select Mapping to use.

CF2 Mapping
From the drop-down list, select Mapping to use.

DDES2 Mapping
From the drop-down list, select Mapping to use.

DXF Mapping
From the drop-down list, select Mapping to use.

PDF Mapping
From the drop-down list, select Mapping to use.

i-script Mapping
From the drop-down list, select Mapping to use.

You are not allowed to modify the Factory Default Mappings.

If you want a modified Mapping in your Mapping Preset, you have to create your own
Mapping from the Mapping Actions menu:

Mapping Actions

Add

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Add a new Mapping to this file format.

For details about how to create and edit your own Mapping, see below.

Remove
Remove this Mapping. It is a pre-requisite that you have selected one of your own Mappings.

View
View the selected Mapping.

Copy
Add a new Mapping to this file format, based upon a copy of the selected Mapping.
For details about how to create and edit your own Mapping, see below.

Create your own Mapping

You create your own Mapping by Add or Copy in the Mapping Actions dialog.
First, you are asked for a Mapping name.
Enter the wanted name, press OK to continue to the Edit Mapping dialog:

Mapping is basically a table of rules for how to convert the input file into iPC layers associated
with different layer types. Rules are executed from top to bottom. Curves with the same
attributes can be mapped to several iPC layers of different layer types in order to produce
curves with multiple tools.
There are different rules for different formats.

Preset Name
Enter a name for the new Mapping.

New
Add a new line to the table.

Duplicate
Create a duplicate of selected line in the table in order to make a similar entry in the Mapping
table.

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Move Up
Move selected line one step up.

Move Down
Move selected line one step down.

Remove
Remove selected line.

Mapping for different formats

Standard ACM format for Kongsberg PDF format

Registration Mark Type Ignore text

Specify the Registration Mark Type used in Text in the Input File is omitted.
the Input File
Import trim box
P-number
Specify if a Trim Box should be included.
Number used to identify the different line
Trim box = bounding rectangle.
types in the Input File.
iPC Layer name
iPC Layer Name for Trim Box.

iPC Layer type

iPC Layer Type for Trim Box.
Layer Type for Trim Box.

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ARD format - native format of ArtiosCAD

Import dimensions and text

Select whether to import dimensions and text.
Applicable for plotting only.

Import as sample with nicks

Select whether to import nicks. Please note
that line types available for mapping will
change with this selection.

Side Up
Select whether inside or outside of design
shall be facing up after import

Expand complex line types

Select whether complex line types in the ARD
file shall be expanded into a number of cut
and in some cases crease lines. Apply for
perforation lines, zipper lines etc.

General
Input File parameters will differ, depending upon the different file formats.

iPC Layer Name

Layer Name to use in iPC.

iPC Layer Type

Layer Type to use in iPC.

6.13. Table Presets

Table Preset defines some basic behaviour of the system, as sheet feed, roll feed and more.

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By default, several Table Presets that are suitable for most production scenarios are installed.
In addition, you can add and delete specialized factory made presets to suit your need. For
more information, see Table Presets
Note: Only Table Presets configured for current Machine Configuration can be installed.

Select Table Preset

Opened Job->Production Setup->Material Handling->Table Preset

6.13.1. Table Presets, installed by default

The following Table Presets are installed by default:

1. Park After Table
2. Park after Table, Manual Vacuum
3. Roll feed
4. Sheet Feed, Feed Before
5. MultiZone Production
6. MultiZone Production with Robot
7. Load - Unload with Robot
8. Feeder Production with Underside Camera
9. Feeder Stacker Production
10.Feeder Stacker Production with Underside Camera

-1- Park after Table

Before starting, place the first sheet on the table top.

1 - When Start is pressed, this will happen:
• Copy 1 will be produced, or
• The number of copies specified by Step and Repeat is produced.
2 - Tool head will move to Park Position.
3 - Material Replacement appears in Machine Panel .
4 - Operator should replace material in same position, then press Start.
5 - Remaining copies will be produced in the same way until specified Number of Copies are
produced.
Vacuum and Blow Back are switched on / off automatically as an integrated part of this
process.

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-2- Park after Table, Manual Vacuum

Before start, place the first sheet on the table top.

1 - When Start is pressed, copy 1, alternatively the number of copies given by Step and
Repeat, is produced.
2 - Tool head will move to Park Position.
3 - Material Replacement appears in Machine Panel .
4 - Operator should replace material in same position, then press Start.
5 - Remaining copies will be produced in the same way until specified Number of Copies are
produced.
Vacuum and Blow Back is manual, to be controlled by the operator from Operators Panel.

-3- Roll Feed

Roll Feeder and Conveyor belt is required.

First copy on the roll must be placed on the table top before starting.
1 - When Start is pressed, copy 1, alternatively the number of copies given by Step and
Repeat, is produced.
2 - Traverse will move to the back of the Cutting Table to transport the conveyor and the roll
forward. Feeding distance is defined by Stepping distance (defined in Step and Repeat).
3 - Second copy is produced. (First regmarks will have to be identified manually unless step
distance is specified correctly.)
4 - Traverse will feed next copy (Regmarks will now be identified automatically.)
5 - Sequence continues until specified Number of Copies are produced.
Vacuum and Blow Back are switched on / off automatically as an integrated part of this
process.

This Table Preset has the following additional settings:

• -5- Skip Table if Registration Mark is not found on page 145

• -6- Skip Table After on page 145

-4- Sheet Feed, Feed Before

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Requires Sheet Feeder/Board Feeder and Conveyor belt.

Start without any sheet on the table top.
1 - When Start is pressed
• The number of sheets defined by Pre-load Sheets (default 1) is loaded on to the table top
by the Sheet Feeder and the conveyor + traverse.

• Feeding distance is defined by Sheet Feeding Length, alternatively fed to front of table if
Feed to front of table is selected.
2 - First sheet, alternatively the number of copies given by Step and Repeat in Y direction, is
produced while Sheet Feeder is picking up the next sheet. First regmarks has to be identified
manually.
3 - Traverse will move to the back of the table to transport the conveyor and the sheet
forward.
4 - Second copy is produced. Normally the regmarks are now found automatically.
5 - Sheet Feeder will simultaneously pick next sheet, but is, during first copies, learning when
operation should start to present the sheet in due time.
6 - Traverse will feed next sheet.
7 - Sequence continues until specified Number of Copies are produced.
Vacuum and Blow Back are switched on / off automatically as an integrated part of this
process.

This Table Preset has the following additional settings:

• -1- Feed to front of table on page 143

• -2- Sheet Feeding Length on page 144

• -3- Pre-load Sheets on page 144

• -4- Skip Pre-load of first sheet

• -5- Skip Table if Registration Mark is not found on page 145

• -6- Skip Table After on page 145

-5- Feeder Production with Underside Camera

Requires Board Feeder, Underside Camera and Conveyor belt.

This is a Table Preset for utilizing Board Feeder and Underside Camera to allow production
from the back side of the printed sheet.
The Underside Camera system scans the sheet from below, locates Registration Marks,
edges and the corners of the sheet, then calculates the job position relative to the corners
of the sheet. After feeding, the top camera will register the corner and apply the correct
placement.

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The material size must be added into Advanced > Resources > My Materials.
Material size must be set correctly, for the Feeder to feed the correct distance, and for the
camera to scan the sheet correctly.
The sequence is similar to "Sheet Feed - Feed Before" above, but used with Board Feeder
instead of Sheet Feeder, and Underside Camera instead of top side camera to locate
Register Marks.

This Table Preset has the following additional settings:

• -1- Feed to front of table
• -2- Sheet Feeding Length
• -3- Pre-load Sheets
• -4- Skip Pre-load of first sheet
• -5- Skip Table if Registration Mark is not found
• -6- Skip Table After
• -7- Flip Material

-6- MultiZone Production

See separate section MultiZone Production.

-7- MultiZone Production with Robot

Robot cell with Multizone gripper is required.

Refer end of section Automation Devices
A stack with sheets is placed in the In-stack
1. When Start is pressed,
2. the Traverse parks in zone 2.
3. The robot measures the height of the Out-stack.
4. The first sheet is picked up from the In-stack and placed in zone 1.
5. The machine converts the sheet in zone 1 while the robot loads the sheet in zone 2.
6. The robot parks above zone 1.
7. When conversion is done, the Traverse moves to zone 2 and converts the sheet in that
zone.
8. The converted sheet in zone 1 is un-loaded to the Out-stack.
9. A new sheet is loaded to zone 1, and the robot is parked above zone 2.
10.When zone 2 is converted, the Traverse moves to zone 1 and starts conversion there.
11.The sheet in zone 2 is un-loaded, and a new one is loaded to the zone.

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12.The sequence 6-11 is repeated until all sheets are produced.

-8- Load - Unload with Robot

Robot cell with Multizone gripper is required.

Refer end of section Automation Devices
A stack with sheets is placed in the In-stack
1. When Start is pressed,
2. the Traverse parks at the end of the table.
3. The robot measures the height of the Out-stack.
4. The first sheet is picked up from the In-stack and placed on the table.
5. The robot parks above the table.
6. The machine converts the first sheet.
7. When conversion is done, the Traverse moves to the end of the table.
8. The converted sheet is un-loaded to the Out-stack.
9. The sequence 4-8 is repeated until all sheets are converted.

-9- Feeder Stacker Production

i-BF Board Feeder and i-MS Material Stacker is required.

Conveyor belt is required.

This Table Preset requires that the machine has conveyor belt, Feeder and Stacker installed.
Production is continuous, the sheet is picked from the feeder and fed on to the table by the
conveyor. The feed length is determined by the specified sheet size. The sheet size is used to
find the feed length that gives the most efficient way of using the Feeder Stacker system, and
Simultaneous or Sequential loading/unloading will be selected.
• Simultaneous loading and unloading is the most efficient way of producing. It can only
be achieved if the sheet is small enough to not extend into the stacker’s pick position on the
table while being cut.
When a job is cut, a new sheet will be fed on to the table, and the previously cut sheet will
be placed in the Stacker unloading area in a single feed. The Stacker receives a signal and
will unload the sheet simultaneously as the next copy is being produced on the table.

• Sequential loading and unloading is selected when the sheet size is too long to for
simultaneous production. The sheet will be fed and cut in the picking area of the Stacker.
When a sheet is cut, the sheet will first be unloaded from the Cutting Table, before next
copy is fed on to the table.
Registration of the job/Sheet will be done with the specified method defined under the
registration in Production Tab. After completed production, the Tool Head parks at the

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position set in Tool Head Parking. Vacuum is automatically switched on when producing
and switched off while job is feeding, stopped or finished.
The sequence is repeated until specified number of copies are produced.
Vacuum is automatically switched on when producing and switched off when job is feeding,
stopped or finished.

This Table Preset has the following additional settings:

• -4- Skip Pre-load of first sheet

• -5- Skip Table if Registration Mark is not found

• -6- Skip Table After

-10- Feeder Stacker Production with Underside Camera

i-BF Board Feeder and i-MS Material Stacker is required.

Conveyor belt is required.
Underside Camera is required.

This Table Preset has the same Workflow as Feeder Stacker Production, except that the
Underside Camera is used.
The Underside Camera System scans the sheet from below, locates Registration Marks,
edges and the corners of the sheet, then calculates the job position relative to the corners
of the sheet. After feeding, the top camera will register the corner and apply the correct
placement.

This Table Preset has the following additional settings:

• -4- Skip Pre-load of first sheet

• -5- Skip Table if Registration Mark is not found

• -6- Skip Table After

• -7- Flip Material

6.13.2. Optional Table Presets

The following Table Presets are optional:

1. Roll Feed, Double Blow Back
2. Sheet Feed, No Feed Before
3. Sheet Feed Double Blow Back
4. Sheet Feed, No Feed Before, Double Blow Back
5. Manual Sheet Feed, Feed Before

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6. Manual Sheet Feed, No Feed Before
7. MultiZone Production without Blow Back To be described

-1- Roll Feed, Double Blow Back

Conveyor belt is required.

First copy on the roll must be placed on the table top before starting.
1 - When Start is pressed, copy 1, alternatively the number of copies given by Step and
Repeat, is produced.
2 - Traverse will move to the back of the Cutting Table to transport the conveyor and the roll
forward. Feeding distance is defined by Stepping distance (defined in Step and Repeat).
3 - One extra Blow Back sequence is completed in order to get rid of wrinkles in the material.
4 - Second copy is produced. (First regmarks will have to be identified manually unless step
distance is specified correctly.)
5 - Traverse will feed next copy (Regmarks will now be identified automatically.)
6 - Sequence continues until specified Number of Copies are produced.
Vacuum and Blow Back are switched on / off automatically as an integrated part of this
process.

This Table Preset has the following additional settings:

• -5- Skip Table if Registration Mark is not found on page 145

• -6- Skip Table After on page 145

-2- Sheet Feed, No Feed Before

Requires Sheet Feeder/Board Feeder and Conveyor belt.

Start with a sheet on the table top.
1 - When Start is pressed
2 - First sheet, alternatively the number of copies given by Step and Repeat in Y direction, is
produced while Sheet Feeder is picking up the next sheet. First regmarks has to be identified
manually.
3 - Traverse will move to the back of the table to transport the conveyor and the sheet
forward. Feeding distance is defined by Sheet Feeding Length, alternatively fed to front of
table if Feed to front of table is selected.
4 - Second copy is produced. Normally the regmarks are now found automatically.

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5 - Sheet Feeder will simultaneously pick next sheet, but is, during first copies, learning when
operation should start to present the sheet in due time.
6 - Traverse will feed next sheet.
7 - Sequence continues until specified Number of Copies are produced.
Vacuum and Blow Back are switched on / off automatically as an integrated part of this
process.

This Table Preset has the following additional settings:

• -1- Feed to front of table on page 143
• -2- Sheet Feeding Length on page 144
• -3- Pre-load Sheets on page 144
• -4- Skip Pre-load of first sheet
• -5- Skip Table if Registration Mark is not found on page 145
• -6- Skip Table After on page 145

-3- Sheet Feed Double Blow Back

Requires Sheet Feeder/Board Feeder and Conveyor belt.

Start without any sheet on the table top.
1 - When Start is pressed
• The number of sheets defined by Pre-load Sheets (default 1) is loaded on to the table top
by the Sheet Feeder and the conveyor + traverse.
• Feeding distance is defined by Sheet Feeding Length, alternatively fed to front of table if
Feed to front of table is selected.
2 - First sheet, alternatively the number of copies given by Step and Repeat in Y direction, is
produced while Sheet Feeder is picking up the next sheet. First regmarks has to be identified
manually.
3 - Traverse will move to the back of the table to transport the conveyor and the sheet
forward.
4 - One extra Blow Back sequence is completed in order to get rid of wrinkles in the material.
5 - Second copy is produced. Normally the regmarks are now found automatically.
6 - Sheet Feeder will simultaneously pick next sheet, but is, during first copies, learning when
operation should start to present the sheet in due time.
7 - Traverse will feed next sheet.
8 - Sequence continues until specified Number of Copies are produced.
Vacuum and Blow Back are switched on / off automatically as an integrated part of this
process.

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This Table Preset has the following additional settings:

• -1- Feed to front of table on page 143

• -2- Sheet Feeding Length on page 144

• -3- Pre-load Sheets on page 144

• -4- Skip Pre-load of first sheet

• -5- Skip Table if Registration Mark is not found on page 145

• -6- Skip Table After on page 145

-4- Sheet Feed, No Feed Before, Double Blow Back

Requires Sheet Feeder/Board Feeder and Conveyor belt.

Start with a sheet on the table top.
1 - When Start is pressed
2 - First sheet, alternatively the number of copies given by Step and Repeat in Y direction, is
produced while Sheet Feeder is picking up the next sheet. First regmarks has to be identified
manually.
3 - Traverse will move to the back of the table to transport the conveyor and the sheet
forward. Feeding distance is defined by Sheet Feeding Length, alternatively fed to front of
table if Feed to front of table is selected.
4 - One extra Blow Back sequence is completed in order to get rid of wrinkles in the material.
5 - Second copy is produced. Normally the regmarks are now found automatically.
6 - Sheet Feeder will simultaneously pick next sheet, but is, during first copies, learning when
operation should start to present the sheet in due time.
7 - Traverse will feed next sheet.
8 - Sequence continues until specified Number of Copies are produced.
Vacuum and Blow Back are switched on / off automatically as an integrated part of this
process.

This Table Preset has the following additional settings:

• -1- Feed to front of table on page 143

• -2- Sheet Feeding Length on page 144

• -3- Pre-load Sheets on page 144

• -4- Skip Pre-load of first sheet

• -5- Skip Table if Registration Mark is not found on page 145

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• -6- Skip Table After on page 145

-5- Manual Sheet Feed, Feed Before

Conveyor belt is required, but no Sheet Feeder/Board Feeder.

Start without a sheet on the table top.
1 - When Start is pressed:
• The number of sheets defined by Pre-load Sheets (default 1) is loaded on to the table top
by the conveyor and the traverse.

• The operator must be ready to present sheets for pickup at the rear of the machine.
• Feeding distance is defined by Sheet Feeding Length, alternatively fed to front of table if
Feed to front of table is selected.
2 - First sheet, alternatively the number of copies given by Step and Repeat in Y direction, is
produced.
3 - First regmark has to be identified manually.
4 - Traverse will move to the back of the table to transport the conveyor and the sheet
forward. Feeding distance is defined by Sheet Feeding Length, alternatively fed to front of
table if Feed to front of table is selected.
5 - Second copy is produced. Normally the regmarks are now found automatically.
6 - Conveyor + traverse simultaneously picks up next sheet presented by the operator, but is,
during first copies, learning when operation should start to present the sheet in due time.
7 - Conveyor + traverse will feed next sheet.
8 - Sequence continues until specified Number of Copies are produced.
Vacuum and Blow Back are switched on / off automatically as an integrated part of this
process.

This Table Preset has the following additional settings:

• -1- Feed to front of table on page 143

• -2- Sheet Feeding Length on page 144

• -3- Pre-load Sheets on page 144

-6- Manual Sheet Feed, No Feed Before

Conveyor required, but no Sheet Feeder/Board Feeder.

Start with a sheet on the table top.

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1 - When Start is pressed
2 - First sheet, alternatively the number of copies given by Step and Repeat in Y direction, is
produced. First regmarks has to be identified manually.
3 - Traverse will move to the back of the table to transport the conveyor and the sheet
forward. Feeding distance is defined by Sheet Feeding Length, alternatively fed to front of
table if Feed to front of table is selected.
4 - Second copy is produced. Normally the regmarks are now found automatically.
5 - Conveyor + traverse simultaneously picks up next sheet presented by the operator, but is,
during first copies, learning when operation should start to present the sheet in due time.
6 - Conveyor + traverse will feed next sheet.
7 - Sequence continues until specified Number of Copies are produced.
Vacuum and Blow Back are switched on / off automatically as an integrated part of this
process.

This Table Preset has the following additional settings:

• -1- Feed to front of table on page 143

• -2- Sheet Feeding Length on page 144

• -3- Pre-load Sheets on page 144

-7- MultiZone Production without Blow Back

To be described

6.13.3. Additional settings

-1- Feed to front of table

Automatically feed sheets to the front of the table.

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The feeding length is calculated using the Table to Feeder distance and the Width
parameters in the Options dialog.
Notes: This function is for Sheet Feeder operations only.

-2- Sheet Feeding Length

Sets the distance your device will feed the sheet(s) when using Sheet Feeder.
Setting the value properly ensures minimum feed time. The Feed Length is usually
approximately equivalent to the sheet length or slightly larger.
If multiple sheets are on the table at one time, the length may be set slightly smaller.
Multiple sheets on the table maximizes vacuum hold-down.
Note: This function is for Sheet Feeder operations only.

-3- Pre-load Sheets

Specify the number of sheets to be loaded at the start of your production.

Use this function when it is needed to load more than one sheet before production starts.

-4- Skip Pre-load of first sheet

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Use this function when first sheet is already loaded to the table. In case the Underside
Camera is used, the Job will re-use the last picture scanned.
Note: This function is for Sheet Feeder or Board Feeder operations only.

-5- Skip Table if Registration Mark is not found

If the Registration Mark is not found, iPC will automatically skip the Table during Sheet Feed
or Roll Feed productions.
The Skip Table feature allows iPC to run with less human intervention by automatically
avoiding production breaks due to mis-loaded sheets or damaged Registration Marks.
Note: If Registration Mark is not found on two successive sheets, the execution will stop.

-6- Skip Table After

Entering a number of seconds in the Skip Table After field delays the skipping of the table.
Use this function to provide some time for manual correction.

-7- Flip Material

Use this function to tell whether the sheet has been flipped around the length or width of the
table. See definition of Turn and Tumble at the end of section Job including Reverse Operation.
Note: This function is for operations with Underside Camera only.

6.13.4. Maintain Table Presets

Menu Bar->Edit->Options...->Production->Table Presets

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Use these functions to maintain Table Presets:

Delete
Delete selected Table Preset.

Load...
Load Table Preset from disk folder.

6.14. About Registration

6.14.1. Adding Registration Marks

In order to achieve perfect print to cut alignment, all printed jobs destined for finishing with
your iPC device should contain Registration Marks.
By adding Registration Marks to both the print and cut files, you are providing iPC with the
necessary information to register the Cut Path to the Printed Graphic.
The placement and total number of Registration Marks depends upon the required cutting
tolerance and the predicted amount of distortion.
i-cut Layout is a software package from Esko that has functions to automate the process of
adding Registration Marks.
The same algorithm is used in ai-cut; is a special plug-in for Illustrator® and CorelDraw®,
available from Esko.
Using those tools greatly simplifies the process of adding Registration Marks, but you should
still understand the basic concepts explained in this section.
For more information about ai-cut, go here.

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Poor triangulation of distorted graphics with Improved triangulation of distorted graphics

only four Registration Marks. with eight Registration Marks.

Understanding the Registration capabilities of iPC will help you decide how many marks to
add to your job, and where to place those marks. Review the Registration Types section of
this manual for more information on Registration.
For the best possible compensation, Registration Marks should be placed around, and inside
(if possible) the cut path in a triangular relationship to one another. Jobs with tighter cutting
tolerances require more Registration Marks.
The more marks, the smaller each triangulated area becomes, and the more accurately iPC will
be able to compensate for distortion in that area.
If there are specific areas within the job that are more critical than others, more Registration
Marks should be added to those areas. It's difficult to accurately predict the amount of
distortion that will occur in any printed job; therefore we suggest you always include more
Registration Marks than you think you will need.
You can always remove unnecessary Registration Marks later in iPC, but once the job is
printed it is impossible to add more Registration Marks.

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Jobs longer than your cutting table will be divided and produced by iPC in sections. Adding
Registration Marks along these divisions will improve registration and alignment of cut paths
between sections.

6.14.2. Types of Registration Marks

Circle: 3 mm < D < 12 mm 1/8 in. < D < 1/2 in.

Mask: D >= d + 4 mm D >= d + 5/32 in.
Donut: 4 mm < D < 12 mm 5/32 in. < D < 1/2 in.
1 mm < T < D/4 3/64 in. < T < D/4
Cross: 4 mm < D < 15 mm 5/32 in. < D < 19/32 in.
1 mm < T < D/4 3/64 in. < T < D/4

iPC supports four types of Registration Marks; circle, mask, donut and cross.
The machine will search for Registration Marks and detect any of these automatically.
Thus, there is no function to specify type of Registration Marks.
A circle is the best choice for nearly all scenarios. If there is a high amount of reflection or
insufficient contrast between the color of the printed Registration Marks and the background,
a donut shape may provide iPC with a better regmark reading result.

Important to know about Registration Marks

These are the rules for interpreting a Regmark Layer:
• A closed contour is one Registration Marks with position in the geometric center.
• A curve with 3 points is a corner detection.

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• A curve with 2 points is an edge detection.

If you have a simple cross made of two

crossing lines in the input file, you will get
an output that is unpredictable. It might be
interpreted as two corners (A) or three edges
(B).
Use a closed contour as specified above.

6.14.3. Compensation Types

The Compensation Type dictate how iPC will register and modify Cut Paths based on the
information it collects from reading Registration Marks.
The following Compensation Types are available:

•
• Placement
• Register Curve
• Move Job
• Register Layer
• Linear Compensation
• Full Compensation
In order to complete the picture, we have included here also the description of two registration
methods not using Registration Marks:
• No Registration Marks, use Ruler
• Edge Recognition

No Registration Marks, use Ruler

Sheet positioning against the Ruler ensures It is a pre-requisite that the graphics is
correct cut-out. correctly positioned relative to sheet corner.

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Notes:
• It is a pre-requisite that the Cutting Table is equipped with Rulers.
• The offset from Reference Point to geometry must be known.
• This method is not recommended if the job contains graphics that the cut-out must align to.

Edge Recognition

Sheet Position is unknown, Sheet Position is obtained by Cut-out is perfect

cut-out is wrong Edge Recognition
It is a pre-requisite that
the graphics is correctly
positioned relative to sheet
corner.

Notes:
• The offset from sheet edge to geometry must be known (the bounding box of the job).
• A straight sheet corner is presumed.
• This method is not recommended, as there is no compensation involved.

Placement
This simplest form of Registration rotates and positions all curves in all Layers as one.
Size, shape and relative positioning of the curves all remain intact, which is critical for any
structural design.

The position and rotation of the graphics is Using Registration Marks to obtain correct
unknown positioning.

Register Curve

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Each curve is produced at the exact size and shape defined by the file, but registered
individually from all other curves in the file; compensating for positional and rotational
changes in the printed job. This is typically used when there are many shapes in a job and
each shape must keep it's original size.

The position and the rotation of the graphics Using Registration Marks to modify
is not known. the position and rotation of each curve
individually.

Move Job
This is similar to Register Curve, but with global rotation.
• Each curve keep the original size and shape.
• Each curve is moved individually based upon it's center of gravity and local distortion close
to that specific curve.
• Each curve is rotated based upon overall measured rotation.

The position and rotation of the graphics is We are using Registration Marks to:
unknown
• Modify the position of each curve
individually.
• Modify the rotation of each curve according
to the overall calculated rotation for all
curves.

Register Layer

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Similar to Register Curve, this registration type compensates each Layer individually. All
curves in each Layer will maintain exact size, shape and relative positioning.

Linear Compensation
This Registration Type offers the second highest level of compensation.
When Linear Compensation is selected, iPC applies an average compensation for each
curve. The size, shape, offset and rotation of all curves are altered to compensate for
linear distortion in the printed graphic. Linear Compensation is rarely used because Full
Compensation provides superior registration and compensation, but is still included as an
option.

The position, rotation and size of the graphics Using Registration Marks to modify position,
is unknown. rotation and scale of the cut-out.

Full Compensation
When selected, iPC adjusts the position of each point on every curve individually according the
positions of the three Registration Marks closest to those points.
This feature compensates for all types of distortion, including: offset, scale, rotation, skew and
compound distortion. Full Compensation offers the highest level of compensation available
and provides the closest possible match of cut path to printed graphic.

Position and shape of graphics is unknown Using Registration Marks to re-calculate the
shape of the graphics.

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6.14.4. About Compensation Types

One Registration Type is selected for each Job (Opened Job->Production Setup-
>Registration).
Jobs printed with large amounts of bleed or jobs that must maintain an exact overall size, or
contain cuts that must maintain an exact relative size may require using Placement, Register
Curve, Register Layer.
Just a few marks around the outer edge of each path or group of paths provide sufficient
information for these Registration Types.
Jobs that require precise Cut to Print Registration, or precise outer border width should be
produced with Full Compensation.
Unstable materials such as flexible or applied graphics also most often require Full
Compensation for proper Registration. However, flexible material are often stretched. Some
applications require original size to be kept. In these cases and in particular if Job is longer
than table, Register Curve is recommended as compensation type.
Jobs produced with traditional printing methods, like screen printing, contains the greatest
amount of distortion.
Digitally printed jobs generally contain less distortion, but accuracy varies greatly from printer
to printer. Producing digitally printed jobs with tight tolerances still requires compensation,
especially if the job is printed on a flexible substrate.

6.15. File Preparation for iPC

6.15.1. File Types

iPC Input Files

The following file types are available for iPC import:
• iPC files: .cut, .script, .cgf, .layout.
• Curve files: .acm, .ard, .mfg, .dxf, .ai, .pdf, .cf2, .ds2., .cfg.
• Bundle files: .dfscut, .zip.
Adobe Illustrator® is widely used for file preparation, but any vector-based design or drafting
software capable of outputting one or more of the compatible file types may be used.

iPC files, description

.cut
A Job saved as a binary .cut file in iPC contains all settings made to the file.

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Thus, no presets are applied when importing such files.

Note: Often, i-script files use the extension .cut instead of .script.

i-script
Output from the i-script work flow.
Contains cut data separated from a graphics file.
File extension for i-script files is normally .cut
For more information, go here.

cgf
A format very similar to i-script, normally combined with a .jdf file into a Bundle file.

.layout
This file type contains a saved Nested Layout created with iPC version 2.1 or later

Bundle files
Includes cut data in a .cgf file and metadata in a jdf file, possibly also a png file for print
preview. These files are zipped together. When coming from DFS application, file extension
is .dfscut instead of .zip. Selection of Material and mapping is disabled for bundle files. See
section
JDF workflow.

6.15.2. Defining Cut Paths

Every job imported into iPC requires cut paths, which are vector curves made of line segments,
arcs, Bezier points, etc. These paths are normally created or defined in your Design Software.
The cut quality of your finished jobs is the direct result of the quality of the cut paths you
create. iPC has some basic tools for optimizing cut path quality and improving processing
speed, but poorly drawn paths will produce poor cutting results.
The best cut paths are smooth curves that wrap perfectly around the simplest and most
intricate details.
Poor cut paths consist of curves that wander in and out of registration, or rough curves made
from an excessive number of points. Vectorization of raster graphics often generates poor
curves that must be refined manually before cutting. To ensure proper registration between
printed graphic and cut, each cut path and registration mark must be perfectly aligned to the
associated graphic and registration mark in the print file.
Jobs generated from Structural Design Systems like ArtiosCAD will be optimized for best cutting
quality and no additional optimization is necessary.

Normally the cut and print data are created at the same time and separated into two files
before the job is produced. This file separation can be done manually before printing or, if the
job is going to be digitally printed, the i-script workflow enables compatible RIP softwares to
automatically separate the files before outputting to the printing device.

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6.16. Configure Tools

Menu Bar->Advanced->Configure Tools

Use this function to maintain your Tool Settings.

The Tool Settings provided in this dialog will be used for the initial setting when tools are
selected for the different Layers.
Initial settings are twofold:
1. Is the setting relevant for the tool
2. If yes, what should the default value be
Please note that these settings are carefully defined by the supplier for each tool, and should
be changed by qualified personell only.

When used in a Layer, the Tool Settings can be modified to suit that particular job.
A modification of Tool Settings within a Layer will not modify the general Tool Settings
maintained from this dialog.

The type and number of parameters in this dialog will change depending upon the selected
tool.

We do not show the dialogs for each tools, but a list of parameters covering all tools is
provided:

Name

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From the drop-down list, select the Tool you want to edit.
Note: In the drop-down list, all possible tools are shown.
Normally, at a customer site, just a sub-set is available.

Type
From the drop down list, select the Tool Type used for this Tool.
For some Tools, correct Tool Type is required when using Tooling Presets.

Default Tool tip

From the drop down list, select the Knife Blade, Milling bit or Crease wheel used for this
Tool.

Velocity
Specify the Execution Speed for this Tool.

Acceleration
Specify the Acceleration to be used as a % - value of maximum acceleration available.

Depth, Flute Dependant

If enabled, you can specify Depth Across Flute and Depth Along Flute independently.

Depth Referenced from Top

If enabled, depth is referenced from Top of Material.

If disabled, depth is referenced from Top of Cutting Underlay.

Depth Along

Specify cutting/creasing depth Along Flute direction.

Can be specified as % of Material Thickness or mm / inch.

Depth Across

Specify cutting/creasing depth Across Flute direction.

Can be specified as % of Material Thickness or mm / inch.

Tool Up Angle
If a direction change is above this angle, the tool will be lifted in the corner.
The following rules applies:
• Tool Up Angle is valid for knife tools only.

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• Tool Up Angle is default 30 deg.

NOTE!
Tool Up Angle is 14 deg if:
• Tool is RotaCut knife.

• Tool has a Lag value.

• Tool has Circle Adjustment value.

• Tool has Width value.

Stop at Tool Select on page 242

Execution will stop when this tool is selected; waiting for operator intervention.
In the Edit Field, add the text to be shown when execution stops.
If the Edit Field is emptly, a default text is shown.

Knife Overcut
Add an offset to the Start and End point of a line.
Use this function to achieve correct cut in corners.
Both positive and negative values are allowed.

Convert Arc to Line

It can be configured in Configure Tools for all relevant tools.
The feature is also included in Tooling Presets.
See Convert arc to lines when Radius is smaller than in section
Optimize Shape on page 201.

Rotational Compensation

Use this parameter to optimize V-notch / Bevel Cut quality in challenging materials and use
cases. This feature will pre-load the knife blade and overcome mechanical flexibility in the
system.

Circle Adjustment
Use this parameter to adjust the quality of a circle when cutting with knife.
Increase/reduce the value to increase/reduce the radius of the circle.
Use a test sample to verify optimal setting.

Reverse Operation
Specify if this layer should be executed on the reverse side of the sheet.

Perforation Pattern
You are asked for:

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• Pit - specify the pit length

• Land - specify the land length
• Continous Movement - machine is continously moving while the perforation pattern is
generated. As a consequence, the pattern is not exact according to measures.

Multi-pass
See Multi-pass Depth for more information.

6.16.1. Depth Control, Tools

For some tools, the maximum allowed depth is superviced:

Tool Maximum allowed depth (mm/in.)

HD Crease 5 mm/0.2 in.

Crease Tool 5 mm/0.2 in.
MicroCut Tool 2 mm/0.08 in.
Drill Tool 2 mm/0.08 in.
Milling Tool 1 mm/0.04 in.

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7. Get Started
Instructions about software installation is available in a separate chapter - Install software.
Once installation is completed, iPC may be opened for the first time.

Launch the program using the Desktop Icon or Windows Start menu.

7.1. Start Up Sequence

If the PC is connected to a Cutting Table, follow this start-up sequence:
1. Ensure the Cutting Table is free from obstructions and ready to run.
2. Power up the Cutting Table according to the User Manual for the table.
3.

From Desktop, double-click the iPC Icon.

4. On the Cutting Table, complete the start-up sequence as described in the User Manual for
the table.
5. The iPC User Interface will now appear on the PC screen and you are ready to start.

7.2. Shut Down Sequence

Follow these steps to properly shut down your system:
1. Shut down the Cutting Table according to description in the User Manual for the table.
2. Close iPC using Menu Bar->File->Exit.

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8. Work Flow
Note: This chapter describes the "basic" way of job preparation.
For information about Layouts, see Job Layout on page 218.

There are three different ways to get ready for production:

1. Open an already prepared and saved .cut file and produce.

2. Create a job using pre-defined settings:

• Select a proper Material.

• Select a proper Mapping.

• Select a proper Cutting Profile. Depending upon how the Material is mapped, this step
might be superfluous.

• Produce.

3. Create a job, manual settings:

This is an alternative if the Material do not have a mapped preset, or when you want to
change settings.
• Select a proper Material.

• Select a proper Mapping.

• Select a proper Tooling Preset.

• Select a proper Production Preset.

• Modify Layers and Production.

• Produce.

The basic Workflow is illustrated in this figure:

In the following chapters, each step is described.

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8.1. File Import

8.1.1. My Jobs List

Import Files to My Jobs List

Menu Bar->File->Open File

My Jobs Actions->Add...

My Jobs Actions->Actions...->Add...

Material
Select Material to use when importing selected Input File.
Use the default selection From File and the Material information will be fetched from the
input file, if it is available.

Selecting Material give you access to a set of Tooling Presets, as well as Production Presets
and Optimization Presets suitable for the material (Presets that the Material is mapped to).
For more information about the concept Material is the key, see Material is the key on page
102.

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Mapping
Select Mapping to use when importing selected Input File.
The different Mapping selections specifies different rules for how to transfer information from
the Input File to the iPC Job.

My Jobs Options

Several options are available to the files in My Jobs List:

• Update My Jobs->Job Info
• Job Estimates
• Add or Remove files from the list
• Sort by different parameters
• Create Job
For more information, see My Jobs List.

8.1.2. Open Job

In My Jobs List, double-click a file.

My Jobs Actions->Open.
A Job is opened based upon currently selected file in My Jobs List.

My Jobs Actions->Actions->Open.
A Job is opened based upon currently selected file in My Jobs List.

For more information, see Open a Job

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8.2. Opened Job

Job Bar->Select Job

When a job is opened, the Job Tab for the Opened Job is highlighted:

8.2.1. Layers View / Production View

A range of view possibilities are available to Opened Job:

• •

Define a Zoom Area Show Curve Points

(Layers view)
•
•

Zoom In
Show Tool Path
•
•

Zoom Out
Show Reference Point
•
(Production view)

Make Job fill the window •

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• Show Table Rulers

(Production view)

Make the Cutting Table fill the window •

•
Show Vacuum Zones
(Production view)
Show Rulers
(Layers view) •

•
Show Park Position
(Production view)
Show Curve Direction
(Layers view) •

•
Bounding Box

Show Material Size •

(Production view)

Edit Points
(Layers view)

8.2.2. Opened Job, Edit

A range of edit possibilities are available to Opened Job:
• Job Modifications - edit the entire Job.
• Curve Modifications - edit single curves.
• Curve Point Modifications - edit single points.

8.3. Prepare for Production

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Prepare for Production consist of two main tasks:
• Ensure the Layers Setup is proper.
• Ensure the Production Setup is proper.

8.3.1. Layer Setup, manual

Edit Layers
For each Layer, specify the Tool and Tool Parameters to use.

For more information, see Opened Job, Layers.

8.3.2. Layer Setup using Material

Select Material.
By selecting a Material, you select a pre-defined set of Tooling Presets mapped to the
Material.

8.3.3. Layer Setup using Tooling Preset

By selecting Tooling Preset, you can:

• Select a Tooling Preset from the list of last used Tooling Presets, available at the top of the
list.
• Select a Tooling Preset using Select Tooling Preset Wizard on page 38

Both selections provide a Layer Setup.

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Afterwards, you can modify the Layer Setup, eventually save it:
• Save using "Save as Tooling Preset".
• Update using "Update Current Tooling Preset".

8.3.4. Modify Layers

You can modify Layer Setup.
For more information, see Opened Job, Layers.

8.3.5. Production Setup

Select a Production Preset.

If necessary, use the available functions to modify the selected preset or to make your own
Production Setting.

Number of Copies

Opened Job->Production Setup->Copies and Quality

From this dialog, set:

• Copies - specify number of copies to produce. More information.

• Quality - select wanted performance. More information.

Material Handling

Opened Job->Production Setup->Material Handling

See section Table Presets

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Registration

Opened Job->Production Setup->Registration

From this dialog, specify:

• Registration Type - select to use Registration Marks, Edge Recognition, Corners and
Regmarks, Underside Registration or Table Rulers.
For details, see -1- Registration Types on page 65.

Use Registration Marks

• Compensation Type - select Compensation Type.

• Search Area - select the size of the area where the camera will search for Registration
Marks.

• Ask Confirmation for First Mark - on the first Registration Marks in a job, always wait for
confirmation.

• Adaptive Registration - Select if registration optimization is wanted; high Speed or high

Accuracy.

Use Edge Recognition

• Sheet Position - specify the distance from Main Reference Point to the surrounding
rectangle for the job.

• Check Edge Distance - specify the measuring distance to be used.

• Check Direction - select which direction to measure.

• Detection Mode - select the Detection Mode to use.

For more information, go here.

Position

Opened Job->Production Setup->Position

From this dialog, set:

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• Reference Point - select what Reference Point to use.

• Remove Internal Offset - The lower left corner of Opened Job will be placed in currently
selected Reference Point + Material Position + Job Offset.
• Offset.
The Offset is divided into two different sections: Material Position and Job Offset.
Material Position - Enter an X and Y Offset for the sheet relative to the selected Reference
Point.
Job Offset - Enter an Offset for the job bounding box relative to the corner of the sheet.

For more information, go here.

Step and Repeat

Opened Job->Production Setup->Step and Repeat

From this dialog, specify the number of copies along X and Y to be laid out on one Table.
Specify Step or Gap values.
For more information, go here.

Tool Head Parking

Opened Job->Production Setup->Tool Head Parking

Specify a park position after Job is finished.

For more information, go here.

8.4. Save Job

At any stage in the Prepare for Production process, you can save the Opened Job for later
use:

Menu Bar->File->Save Job

Menu Bar->File->Save Job As...

Opened Job will be saved using iPC .cut file format.

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It is recommended to save the job when any modifications to Layers, Production Setup or
geometry is changed within iPC.
All relevant information is kept in the .cut format, which is not the case for any external format.
To open a saved Job File, use the standard File Open functions.

8.5. Running a Job

Some simple examples of executing a Job is described below. For more complex Jobs, see
Job Alternatives, Advanced on page 218.

8.5.1. Execute a Job

To start an Opened Job, press Start on Operators Panel.

Execution will start if:

- The Cutting Table is up and running, ready for execution

See Cutting Table User Manual.

- The Job is properly prepared

See Ready for Execution on page 36.

8.5.2. Run a Job, No Registration

These are the specific steps to follow to execute a Job not using Registration Marks:
1. The Job contains no Regmark Layer.
2. Place the Sheet of Material onto the Cutting Table.
3. If you use a Fixed Reference Point, position the Sheet of Material correct relative to the
reference point. If available, we recommend using Table Rulers for this purpose.
4. If User Defined Reference Point is used, ensure the reference point is correctly positioned
on the sheet.

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For more information, see Cutting Table User Manual.

8.5.3. Run a Job, Reading Registration Marks

These are the specific steps to follow to execute a Job using Registration Marks:
1. The Job contains a Regmark Layer with Tool Type = Camera.
2. Registration using Registration Marks is enabled.
3. A proper Compensation Type is selected.

Confirm Registration Mark

Select between:
• Automatic camera detection
• Manual registration

It is important that the Registration Mark

found on the material is the same as the one
highlighted in Job View
Jog to the correct mark, by keyboard arrows,
or by Operator panel.
Confirm when correct mark is found.

Confirm that this is correct Registration Mark

The same confirmation is available as:
• Enter from PC keyboard.

• Start on Operator Panel.

Move between Registration Marks

Move to the last Registration Mark

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Move to the first Registration Mark

Camera Settings Adjustment

Registration Dialog > Camera Settings

For optimal adaption to different materials,

sliders for control of camera brightness and
contrast adjustments are easily available.

8.5.4. Run a Job, Registration using Laser Pointer

If no camera is available, the Laser Pointer will be used for registration.

These are the specific steps to follow
1. The Job contains a Regmark Layer with Tool = Camera.
2. Registration using Registration Marks is enabled.
3. A proper Compensation Type is selected.
Laser Pointer will be used as pointing device.

8.5.5. Run a Job, using Edge Recognition

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Opened Job->Production Setup->Registration->Registration Type->Edge

Recognition

These are the specific steps to follow to execute a Job using Edge Recognition:
1. The Job has a defined offset from Sheet Edge to geomety (surrounding rectangle).
The distance is entered as Production Setup->Position->Offset.
2. Registration using Edge Recognition is enabled.
3. For more information, go here.

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9. Optimal Production Workflow

9.1. Basic Workflow

Standardize each step to achieve the Optimal
Production Workflow:

1 Import Input File

Select Material and Mapping

2 Open Job
Use Cutting Profile to establish correct
Tooling Preset, Optimization Preset and
Production Preset configuration.

3 Modify Job Setup.

If necessary, modify Job Setup; Layers and
Production.
The Job is ready for execution.

4 Ensure material is in place

Sheets of Material - Vacuum hold down
Roll Feed - Enter material
Sheet Feeder - Load material

5 Press Start to execute

9.2. Optimize Add Job dialog

Spend a few minutes to prepare the Add Job dialog for the actual Materials and Input Files
you are to work with.
When all is prepared, you get the advantage of a simple and fast work flow.

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Select actual File Types.

Files not relevant are not shown.

2 Prepare Material to use.

3 Prepare Mapping for the actual File Type.

9.3. Use Cutting Profiles in Job Info

Spend a few minutes to prepare Cutting Profiles for the actual Materials you are to work with.

Note: Default cutting parameters for all materials should be defined with either a Cutting
Profile or Material Specific settings. Therefore, selecting a Material is normally enough.
Selecting a Cutting Profile is needed only if alternative cutting parameters are defined and
required for the job.

When all is prepared, you get the advantage of a simple and fast work flow.

Use Job Info

My Jobs->Job Info

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When you select a Cutting Profile, you select a pre-defined combination of Tooling Preset,
Optimization Preset and Production Preset.

When Job Info is properly prepared, there is no need to modify Opened Job->Layers and
Opened Job->Production.
Result - the work flow is fast and simple.

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10. Edit Job, Advanced

All drawing and editing of curves is normally completed in the CAD system / Job Preparation
software used before the file is imported to iPC.
Although iPC is not intended to be a design program, it does provide some basic tools for
making minor corrections to imported files.
The tools are grouped into three different levels:

• Job Modifications
• Curve Modifications
• Curve Point Modifications

10.1. Job Modifications

The Job Modification functions will modify the Opened Job as one entity.

10.1.1. Rotate 90 deg. CW

Menu Bar->Job->Rotate 90 deg. CW

Opened Job is rotated.

10.1.2. Rotate 90 deg. CCW

Menu Bar->Job->Rotate 90 deg. CCW

Opened Job is rotated.

10.1.3. Mirror Horizontal

Menu Bar->Job->Mirror Horizontal

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Opened Job is mirrored.

10.1.4. Mirror Vertical

Menu Bar->Job->Mirror Vertical

Opened Job is mirrored.

10.1.5. Remove Double Lines and Sequence

Menu Bar->Job->Remove Double Lines and Sequence

To explain this function, we use an example:

We have a Job that consist of a set of squares,

programmed to be completed one by one.

Use the Remove Double Lines and Sequence

function to:
• Improve cutting quality by removing double
lines.
• Improve cutting quality by reducing
number of corner passings.
• Increase overall performance by reducing
tool operations and corner passings.
• Increase overall performance by reducing
tool up movements.

Line segments along a straight line will be

executed one by one.

All X-axis lines will be executed first.

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Subsequently, the Y-axis lines will be executed.

10.1.6. Remove Double Lines and Join Across Gaps

Menu Bar->Job->Remove Double Lines and Join Across Gaps

To explain this function, we use an example:

We have a Job that consist of a set of squares,

designed to be completed one by one.
Between each square, there is a gap.
Lines can be extended across gaps as this area
is waste.

Use the Remove Double Lines and Join

Across Gaps function to:
• Improve cutting quality by removing double
lines.
• Improve cutting quality by reducing
number of corner passings.
• Increase overall performance by reducing
tool operations and corner passings.
• Increase overall performance by reducing
tool up movements.

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Line segments along a straight line will be

combined into one, continous line.

All X-axis lines will be executed first.

Subsequently, the Y-axis lines will be executed.

Note: The maximum gap size for this function to work is 1 mm / 0.04 in.
The function will take a long time if the Job is complex.
It is most suitable for Step and repeat, as illustrated here.

10.1.7. Optimize for Production

Menu Bar->Job->Optimize for Production

In the Optimize for Production dialog, select Optimizing Type:

• Standard

• Sample Making

Note: Optimizing Type = No Optimization is available only as part of Optimization Preset.

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Standard optimization

Standard Optimization is mainly used to optimize files used in a graphical Workflow.

Connect Open Curves

Curve segments that are close to each other are connected.

Select Connect Open Curves to:
• Increase performance.
• Improve cutting quality.
Specify d = Maximum Distance where curve connection is allowed.

Reject Small Curves

Small, freestanding curve elements are omitted.
Select Reject Small Curves to:
• Remove unwanted curves and stray points.
• Increase performance.
• Improve cutting quality.
Specify d = Maximum Size of a curve segment that can be omitted.

Avoid Overcuts

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Lines will be cut and direction will be modified if the angle is above a specified limit.
This to avoid visible knife overcuts.

Set Curve Direction

Specify an overall rule for curve execution direction.

Typical use:
Often, when milling, the left side of the path has a smoother surface compared to the right
side.
Use this function to optimize the quality of your product.

Invert Curve Direction for Inside Curves

Specify an overall rule for curve execution direction.

This is an extension to the Set Curve Direction function, see above.

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If the blue part is your product and you want a smooth surface outside and inside, you have to
invert the curver direction for the inner curve.

Optimize, Sample Making

Optimize for Sample Making is normally used to achieve maximum cutting and creasing
quality for Corrugated and Folding Carton designs.
Please note that:
• Most Sample Making operations will be applied on Layer Type Cut and Crease only.

• The relevance of this feature is dependant upon whether any optimization is performed
during output from the CAD / Job Preparation software.
Features available in Optimize for Sample Making are similar to optimizing features in
ArtiosCAD from Esko.

Select parameters in the following Categories:

• General - general optimizing functions.

• Round Slots - functions to avoid tear in narrow slots.

• Overcut & Corners - functions to avoid tear and overcut in corners.

• Over-Crease - functions to improve performance during crease.

General

Crease cut back and Perf Wheel cut back

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Increased Crease / Perf Wheel quality; avoid line outside wanted position.
d - distance to use when shortening the lines.

Add layer for second cross grain tool

A new Layer for Cross Grain Crease is created.
Adding a separate Layer allows for more flexible setup for crease along / across grain, as
different tooling.

Cut Across Gaps

Increased performance.

Note: Cut Across Gaps will take a long time if the Job is complex.
It is most suitable for simple Step and repeat.

Connect Open Curves

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Curve segments that are close to each other are connected.

Specify maximum distance of Open Curves to be cut as one curve.
Select Connect Open Curves to:
• Increase performance.
• Improve cutting quality.
Specify d = Maximum Distance where curve connection is allowed.

Reject Small Curves

Small, freestanding curve elements are omitted.
Select Reject Small Curves to:
• Remove unwanted curves and stray points.
• Increase performance.
• Improve cutting quality.
Specify d = Maximum Size of a curve segment that can be omitted.

Round Slots

Round Slot Method, Continous Cut

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Risk for material tear.

d - Tear Distance. The maximum distance where the Round Slot Method will work.
a - Tear Angle. The maximum angle where the Round Slot Method will work.

Round Slot Method, Reverse Last Line

Risk for material tear is reduced.

Round Slot Method, Cut "Short" Line Last

Risk for material tear is reduced.

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Overcut & Corners

Reverse at T-junctions

Risk for material tear is reduced.

Split Lines connection Corners

Improve cutting quality in corners.

Automatically Round Corners

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Improve cutting quality in corners.

r - Radius. Corner radius.
L - Length of adjacent line segments. This function will work on corners where L is above
specified value.

Over-Crease

Maximum Length of Cut to Over-crease

A crease line will continue on top of a cut line.

Increased performance.
L - Maximum length of line element where this function will work.

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Maximum Gap to Over-crease

A crease line will continue across a gap.

Increased performance.
L - Maximum length of gap where this function will work.

10.1.8. Remove Internal Offset

Menu Bar->Job-> Remove Internal Offset

Remove Internal Offset

Any Offset from (0,0) in the Input File is removed. The lower left corner of Opened Job will be
placed in currently selected Reference Point + Material Position + Job Offset. The corner is
the lower left corner of the surrounding rectangle. Function is mostly relevant for Jobs created
with File-New. For Jobs imported to iPC, Offset in the file is ignored or converted to Job Offset
when opened, depending on setting in Optimization Preset. ”Remove Internal Offset” is
therefore relevant only if (parts of) Job has been removed, moved or scaled in iPC.

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10.1.9. Move Open Curves to Separate Layer

Menu Bar->Job->Move Open Curves to Separate Layer

Some functions, as Wash Out using the Milling Tool, requires Closed Curves in order to
operate properly.
Use this function to separate Open Curves from Closed Curves.

10.2. Curve Modifications

Curve Modifications are carried out on Selected Curve(s) in a Opened Job.

10.2.1. Select a Curve

Select one Curve

Using the Mouse Pointer, select the curve you want to modify.
The Selected Curve is highlighted.

Select Multiple Curves

1) While Ctrl is active, use the Mouse Pointer to select the curves you want to modify.
2) Use the Mouse Pointer to draw a rectangle around wanted curves.

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The Selected Curves are highlighted.

10.2.2. Move...

Menu Bar->Curves->Move...

Ctrl+M

The indicated direction refers to the selected Layers View / Production View
Orientation.
If standard view is selected, this is the +X direction.

If standard view is selected, this is the +Y direction.

Select between Distance or Position:

Distance
Specify the distance to move the Selected Curve(s).

Position
Specify the new coordinates (X and Y) for the Selected Curve(s).

Anchor
Select Anchor Point for the new coordinates (X and Y).

Center of Curve(s)

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The coordinates specified are relative to the center of the Selected Curve(s):

Lower left of Curve(s)

The coordinates specified are relative to the lower left corner of the Selected Curve(s):

Keep Original
The original, Selected curve(s) are kept unchanged. A copy of the Selected curve(s) is made,
ready to be moved:

10.2.3. Jog Curves

Menu Bar->Curves->Jog Curves

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Alt + Left, Alt + Right, Alt + Up, Alt + Down

Use Keyboard Arrows to move the Selected Curve(s):

10.2.4. Scale Curve

Menu Bar->Curves->Scale...

Ctrl+T

Scale by Factor or Size:

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Scale
Specify a scale factor to use when scaling the Selected Curve(s).

Size
Specify the new, overall size for the Selected Curve(s).

Maintain Aspect Ratio

When selected, the X/Y relationship of the original curves is kept.

Extend from Center of Curve(s)

Scale is carried out relative to the center of the Selected Curve(s):

Extend from Lower Left of Curve(s)

Scale is carried out relative to the lower left corner of the Selected Curve(s):

Keep Original
The original, Selected Curve(s) are kept unchanged.
A copy of the Selected Curve(s) is made, ready to be scaled.

10.2.5. Mirror Curve

Menu Bar->Curves->Mirror...

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Ctrl+Shift+M

Mirrors/flips the Selected Curve(s) according to the selected options.

Curves may be mirrored Vertically or Horizontally.

Vertical (up/down)
Specify vertical mirroring.

Horizontal (left/right)
Specify horizontal mirroring.

Center of Selected Curve(s)

Selected mirroring is carried out around the center of the Selected Curve(s):

Center of All Curve(s)

Selected mirroring is carried out around the center of the All Curve(s):

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Center of Work Area

Selected mirroring is carried out around the center of actual Work Area:

Keep Original
The original, Selected Curve(s) are kept unchanged.
A copy of the Selected Curve(s) is made, ready to be mirrored.

10.2.6. Rotate Curve

Menu Bar->Curves->Rotate...

Ctrl+Shift+R

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Note: Rotataing curves or the entire job will not change the flute/grain direction of the job.
However, if you want to change the flute/grain direction, this can be done from Menu Bar-
o
>Job->Rotate 90 CW or CCW.

Clockwise/Counter Clockwise
Specify rotation direction.

Center of Selected Curve(s)

Rotation is carried out around center of Selected Curve(s):

Center of All Curve(s)

Rotation is carried out around center of All Curve(s):

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Center of Work Area

Rotation is carried out around center of Work Area:

Keep Original
The original, Selected Curve(s) are kept unchanged. A copy of the Selected Curve(s) is made,
ready to be rotated.

10.2.7. Merge Curves

Menu Bar->Curves->Merge...

Multiple overlapping curves can be combined into a single continuous curve using the Merge
Curves feature.
This can be useful in creating a single shape from multiple objects such as overlapping letter
shapes.

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Replace Existing Curves

The new curve(s) replaces existing curves:

Generate new Layer

The new curve(s) are placed in a new Layer.
Specify the Name of the new Layer.

10.2.8. Invert Curve Direction

Menu Bar->Curves->Invert Curve Direction

Ctrl+Shift+I

The execution direction for the Selected Curve(s) is inverted.

This function is useful in combination with other Edit features like Split Curve to optimize
cutting directions.

10.2.9. Lead-in/Lead-out

Menu Bar->Curves->Lead-in/Lead-out

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10.2.10. Tool Offset

Menu Bar->Curves->Tool Offset...

Tool Offset

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Tool Offset can be used to achieve correct size of the final product when milling.
Please note that normally, the compensation for Milling Bit diameter is done with the Layer
parameters Tool Offset and Tool Diameter.
The main reason for using this Edit function is to keep the Layer Offset values for later use.
Can also be used for e.g. adding a Cut Layer with a certain offset outside a Kiss Cut layer.

Tool Diameter
Specify the diameter of the tool to use. The offset is set to half the diameter.

Where
Specify if the tool should be Outside or Inside the Closed Curve.
Wash Out. See below.

Wash Out Small Curves

Wash Out is a function to mill the entire area of a Closed Curve into chips. Useful as small
pieces of waste may block the suction system..
Use this function to wash out all Closed Curves smaller than the Threshold value.
For more information, see below.

Direction
Specify the execution direction for the tool.

Replace Existing Curve(s)

The new curve(s) replaces existing curve(s):

Generate new Layer

The new curve(s) are placed in a new Layer.
Specify the Name of the new Layer.

Wash Out

Menu Bar->Curves->Tool Offset->Where->Wash Out

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Wash Out is a function to mill the entire area of a Closed Curve.

Use this function to wash out the Selected Curve.

10.2.11. Optimize Shape

Menu Bar->Curves->Optimize Shape...

Optimizing improves the cutting performance of curves by re-drawing them to a specified

tolerance as lines and arcs.
Curves are automatically optimized when producing, but the Optimize Curves feature is
available for optimization of curves before production occurs, and provides greater control
over the optimization of your curves.

Tolerance
Curves are automatically optimized using the specified Tolerance.
A low value will maintain the quality of the Input File.
A high value will increase performance, but the cutting quality might be reduced, depending
upon the material used.

Break Long Lines

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This function divides a (long) line into line segments with specified length.
One example:
You are about to cut a big rectangle in a flexible material, with a high demand for Print to Cut
alignment.
By compensation to the corners of the rectangle only, the result is not optimal, despite a high
number of Registration Marks.
Shorter lines allows for more accurate Print to Cut alignment.
Note: Break Long Lines can be applied for all jobs from Menu Bar->Edit->Options-
>Production.

Convert arc to lines when Radius is smaller than

This function converts the arc in small line segments with a knife lift between each segment.
When enabled, the optimization will be applied to all arcs smaller than the specified radius in
mm.
Use this fuction when cutting small radii in thick material. This will avoid distortion or breaking
the knife tip when cutting the arc.

Make Sharp Corners

Rounded Corners with specified Radius are converted to Sharp Corners.

Make Rounded Corners

Sharp Corners are converted to Rounded Corners with specified Radius.

Replace Existing Curves

The new curve(s) replaces existing curves:

Generate new Layer

The new curve(s) are placed in a new Layer.
Specify the Name of the new Layer.

Curve to Line

Curve to Line will apply to knife tools only.

The radius is the maximum radius where Curve to Line function will be executed.
The angle parameter for straight line will be fixed.
The main purpose of this function is to minimize angular and sideways forces to the cutting
knife blade.
This is achieved by splitting circles into straight lines, as illustrated above.

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The knife will be lifted in the corner between the two lines and moved to the end of the
second line. There, the knife will be lowered to cut back to the first line.
By this, we get:
• The knife blade is rotated in upper position.
• The knife blade is lowered into the material where there is no cut from before.

Note: This function will reduce the cutting speed substantially.

10.2.12. Remove Curves

Menu Bar->Curves->Remove Curves...

Del

Remove Selected Curve.

Confirm to complete:

10.3. Curve Segment Modifications

10.3.1. Select a Curve Segment

Enter Edit Point Mode

Toolbar->Edit Points

Menu Bar->Curves->Edit Point

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Select Curve Segment

Select Curve Segment using the Mouse Pointer:

Edit Curve Segment Menu

While pointing at the Curve Segment, press the Right Mouse Button.
The Edit Curve Segment Menu appears:

• Add Corner

• Add Arc

• Add Bezier

• Split Curve

• Close Curve

• Add Regmark

10.3.2. Add Corner

Selected Curve Segment->Right Mouse Button Menu->Add Corner

Add a Corner Point in Current Position.

Current Position - using the Mouse Pointer, point to a position on the Selected Curve.

10.3.3. Add Arc

Selected Curve Segment->Right Mouse Button Menu->Add Arc

Add an Arc Point in Current Position.

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Current Position - using the Mouse Pointer, point to a position on the Selected Curve.

10.3.4. Add Bezier

Selected Curve Segment->Right Mouse Button Menu->Add Bezier

Add a Bezier Point in Current Position.

Current Position - using the Mouse Pointer, point to a position on the Selected Curve.

10.3.5. Split Curve

Selected Curve Segment->Right Mouse Button Menu->Split Curve

Selected Curve Point->Right Mouse Button Menu->Split Curve

Remove Curve Segment

Remove the Curve Segment currently pointed at.

Gap
A Gap with length Gap Size is inserted in Current Position.
Current Position - using the Mouse Pointer, point to a position on the Selected Curve.

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10.3.6. Close Curve

Selected Curve Segment->Right Mouse Button Menu->Close Curve

Selected Curve Point->Right Mouse Button Menu->Close Curve

The Selected Open Curve is closed.

10.3.7. Add Regmark

Selected Curve Segment->Right Mouse Button Menu->Add Regmark

Selected Curve Point->Right Mouse Button Menu->Add Regmark

Layers View / Production View->Right Mouse Button Menu->Add

Regmark

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A new Registration Mark will be created in the Mouse Pointer position:

Position X and Y
Specify the coordinates for the new Registration Mark.
Entering values here will override the Mouse Pointer position.

Center/Lower Left
Specify if the coordinates are relative to the center or the lower left corner of the Job.

Size
Specify the size of the new Registration Mark.

Layer
Specify the Layer for the new curve.
The Regmark Layer is default.

10.4. Curve Point Modifications

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10.4.1. Select a Point

Enter Edit Point Mode

Toolbar->Edit Points

Menu Bar->Curves->Edit Point

Select Curve Point

Select Curve Point using theMouse Pointer:

Edit Curve Point menu

While pointing at the Curve Point, press the Right Mouse Button.
The Edit Curve Point menu appears:

• Edit Point
• Remove Point
• Smooth
• Add Regmark
• Use as Start Point
• Add Lead-in/Lead-out
• Split Curve
• Close Curve

10.4.2. Edit Point

Selected Point->Right Mouse Button Menu->Edit Point

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Move Selected Point to a new position.

X/Y
Specify the coordinates for the new position.

Type
Specify the corner type:
• Corner
• Arc - the new point is a point on an arc
• Bezier - the new point is a point on a Bezier curve
• True Type
• Bow
• Tangent

10.4.3. Remove Point

Selected Point->Right Mouse Button Menu->Remove Point

The Selected Point is deleted.

10.4.4. Smooth

Selected Point->Right Mouse Button Menu->Smooth

10.4.5. Add Regmark

Selected Curve Segment->Right Mouse Button Menu->Add Regmark

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Selected Curve Point->Right Mouse Button Menu->Add Regmark

Layers View / Production View->Right Mouse Button Menu->Add

Regmark

A new Registration Mark will be created in the Mouse Pointer position:

Position X and Y
Specify the coordinates for the new Registration Mark.
Entering values here will override the Mouse Pointer position.

Center/Lower Left
Specify if the coordinates are relative to the center or the lower left corner of the Job.

Size
Specify the size of the new Registration Mark.

Layer
Specify the Layer for the new curve.
The Regmark Layer is default.

10.4.6. Use as Start Point

Selected Point->Right Mouse Button Menu->Use as Start Point

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The Selected Point is used as Start Point:

10.4.7. Add Lead-in/Lead-out

Selected Point->Right Mouse Button Menu->Add Lead-in/Lead-out

10.4.8. Split Curve

Selected Curve Segment->Right Mouse Button Menu->Split Curve

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Selected Curve Point->Right Mouse Button Menu->Split Curve

Remove Curve Segment

Remove the Curve Segment currently pointed at.

Gap
A Gap with length Gap Size is inserted in Current Position.
Current Position - using the Mouse Pointer, point to a position on the Selected Curve.

10.4.9. Close Curve

Selected Curve Segment->Right Mouse Button Menu->Close Curve

Selected Curve Point->Right Mouse Button Menu->Close Curve

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The Selected Open Curve is closed.

10.5. Add new Geometry

Layers View / Production View->Right Mouse Button Menu

The following menu items are available:

• Add Regmark
• Add Square
• Add Circle
• Add Ellipse
• Add Rectangle

10.5.1. Add Regmark

Selected Curve Segment->Right Mouse Button Menu->Add Regmark

Selected Curve Point->Right Mouse Button Menu->Add Regmark

Layers View / Production View->Right Mouse Button Menu->Add

Regmark

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A new Registration Mark will be created in the Mouse Pointer position:

Position X and Y
Specify the coordinates for the new Registration Mark.
Entering values here will override the Mouse Pointer position.

Center/Lower Left
Specify if the coordinates are relative to the center or the lower left corner of the Job.

Size
Specify the size of the new Registration Mark.

Layer
Specify the Layer for the new curve.
The Regmark Layer is default.

10.5.2. Add Square

Layers View / Production View->Right Mouse Button Menu->Add Square

Add a Square in Mouse Pointer Position.

Position X and Y
Specify the coordinates for the new Square.

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Entering values here will override the Mouse Pointer position.

Center/Lower Left
Specify if the coordinates are relative to the Center or the Lower Left Corner of theJob.

Size
Specify the size of the Square.

Layer
Specify the Layer for the new curve.

10.5.3. Add Circle

Layers View / Production View->Right Mouse Button Menu->Add Circle

Add a Circle in Mouse Pointer Position.

Position X and Y
Specify the coordinates for the new Circle.
Entering values here will override the Mouse Pointer position.

Center/Lower Left
Specify if the coordinates are relative to the center or the lower left corner of the Job.

Size
Specify the size (diameter) of the new Circle.

Layer
Specify the Layer for the new curve.

10.5.4. Add Ellipse

Layers View / Production View->Right Mouse Button Menu->Add Ellipse

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Add an Ellipse in Mouse Pointer Position.

Position X and Y
Specify the coordinates for the new Ellipse.
Entering values here will override the Mouse Pointer position.

Center/Lower Left
Specify if the coordinates are relative to the center or the lower left corner of the Job.

Size
Specify the size (X/Y) of the new Ellipse.

Layer
Specify the Layer for the new curve.

10.5.5. Add Rectangle

Layers View / Production View->Right Mouse Button Menu->Add

Rectangle

Add a Rectangle in Mouse Pointer Position.

Position X and Y
Specify the coordinates for the new Rectangle.
Entering values here will override the Mouse Pointer position.

Center/Lower Left
Specify if the coordinates are relative to the center or the lower left corner of the Job.

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Size
Specify the size (X/Y) of the new Rectangle.

Layer
Specify the Layer for the new curve.

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11. Job Alternatives, Advanced

11.1. Step and Repeat

Opened Job->Production Setup->Step and Repeat

Use Step and Repeat when you want more than one copy of Opened Job:

For more information, go here.

11.2. Job Layout

11.2.1. Introduction

My Job Actions > Create Layout...

Use Job Layout when you want to merge different designs together and treat these as one job.
Normally, this function is relevant for non-printed material only.

Prerequisites
• The Material is defined in iPC

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• The Material Size is defined in IPC.

Work Flow Overview

What are the steps that should be taken to produce a layout:

1 Select a number of jobs in My Jobs List.

2 Press the Create Layout button.

3 A Job Layout is created.

It's name is "New Layout 1".

4 If needed, select or change Material and Material Size.

5 Modify the Layout. Add jobs. Remove jobs.

6 Prepare the Layers and Tools.

7 Prepare Production Settings.

8 Run the job.

Some Rules

About Material
Normally, you select jobs using the same Material in a Job Layout.
You are allowed to select jobs using different Material.
The Material used in the first selected job will be used as Material for the Job Layout.

Switch between Job Layout, Layer Setup and Production Setup

The normal work flow is from Job Layout > Layer Setup > Production Setup.
Depending upon changes done, you may loose changes done in Layer Setup and Production
Setup if you go back to Job Layout and do modifications there.
Therefore, make sure the layout is correct before proceeding.

11.2.2. Create Job Layout

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In My Jobs List, select the jobs that you want

for your Layout.
Keep Ctrl or Shift button down to select
multiple jobs.

Click My Jobs Actions > Create Layout.

A new Job Layout is created.

11.2.3. Job Layout functions

1 - A new Job Tab is opened, with name: New Layout 1.

2 - A new Layout Tab is created.
3 - A Layout Job List allows the user to search, select or drop files onto the layout.

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4 - Materials and Settings
5 - Layout Preview
6 - Layout Toolbar

Details
3 - The Layout Job List
This list shows the same jobs as you see in My Jobs List.
The default columns are Job Name, Material, Flute, Copies and Placed.
Placed column shows which jobs are placed on the sheet.
Also the job dimensions are shown.
Other columns can be selected (Right Mouse click) and the columns can be reordered.

4 - Materials and Settings

Select Material to use.

See Resource Manager # Material

Select Material Size to use.

The Flute Direction of the selected Material is shown.

The icon at left indicates that no Flute Direction is set.

Set Margins and Gaps

Margins - margins towards sheet edge.

Specify gap between jobs, vertical axis.

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Specify gap between jobs, horizontal axis.

Note: Clicking the OK button will apply the settings on the Layout.

Click Auto Arrange to update the layout.

5 - Layout Preview
The Layout is displayed in the same way - the same table view orientation - as in the preview
in the Layers and Production tab.

6 - Layout Toolbar

Zoom Window

Zoom In

Zoom Out

Fit to Job

Fit to Board

Fit to Table

o
Rotate 90 left
o
Selected Job is rotated 90 left
Depending the structural direction of the selected job, the button may be disabled.
If users want to rotate the job anyway, they have to change the structural direction
of the job first.

o
Rotate 180 left
o
Selected Job is rotated 180 left

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Auto Arrange
All jobs are arranged automatically based on their bounding box.
The margins and gaps are respected.

Step and Repeat

Specify Step and Repeat for one Selected Job.

Specify number of copies along vertical axis.

Specify number of copies along horizontal axis.

Specify gap between copies, vertical axis.

Specify gap between copies, horizontal axis.

Duplicate selected Job

The new instance of the job is placed accordingly to the Primary filling/stacking
direction setting

Horizontal Stack direction

Specify the Primary filling/stacking direction

Vertical Stack direction

Specify the Primary filling/stacking direction

[Delete] Pressing the Delete key will remove the Selected Job instance(s) immediately.

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11.2.4. More Job Layout functions

Adding Jobs to a Layout

You can add jobs to a Layout in several ways:
• Drag and Drop jobs from Layout Job List to Layout Preview Window.

• Drag and Drop jobs from My Jobs List to New Layout Job Tab.

• Select a job in My Jobs List and click Add to Layout.

Moving Jobs in a Layout

Select a Job and drag the job around on the sheet.

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Jobs can be moved outside the sheet, but the status of the job will be set to Not Ready for
Production.

Snap function

When a job is moved inside a layout, a snap

function is active, working on the bounding
box of a job.
If one job is close to another job, the snap
function will ensure the jobs are positioned
along the same line, horizontal or vertical.
Snap function active is indicated by a solid
line between the two jobs.

Interactive Step and Repeat

The Copy Pointer is shown when the cursor is close to a selection handle.

Click and drag.

The originally selected job is still shown with a
blue bounding box, while the Repeat Area is
shown in black, including the handles.
Drag in wanted direction until wanted number
of copies is prepared.
Release the handle.

Notes:
• When gaps are defined, the gaps are shown when dragging the Repeat Area.
• Interactive Step and Repeat can be applied on one job only.

Automatic Merging of Layers

As soon as Layer Tab is pressed, a merger process of all jobs in the Layout is performed.
Automatic merging of Layers is done based on common Layer Types. This is why moving back
from Layers to Layout may result in lost modifications.

Saving Layouts

File > Save Layout As...

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Two options are available:

Save layout as (.layout)

The saved layout can be opened again, in My Jobs List, as a layout.
By saving as layout, all Layer and Production Settings will be lost.

Save layout as Production file (.cut)

All information will be saved into a standard production job.
When the job is opened again, no layout functions are available.

11.3. Jobs Longer than Table

If a Job (all curves/contours/shapes) is longer than the physical Work area, iPC supports
dividing the Job into multiple sections. These sections are auto generated and will be visible in
Production View with a blue split line. This feature is typically needed for Roll feed and long
banner production.

This function is enabled, ready to execute as soon as a Jobs Longer than Table are processed
with the Pre-requisites that
• Job is longer than the Work area in X direction / length of the machine, but can fit inside
work area in Y direction.
• Job has status “Job ready for production”, all correct tools installed.
• Cutting Table is equipped with Conveyor belt.

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To get the correct and desired result, there are a few important settings you need to pay extra
attention to:
• Default Option setting for Jobs Longer than Table, see Jobs Longer than Table.
• Selection of Compensation Type for Registration.
• See Compensation Types.
• See Understanding Print compensation for soft signage in Getting best out of iPC
• A number of options are available when defining Registration. See -F- Curve Anchor and -G-
Ignore Material Rotation.

For any Job where Compensation Type Register Curve (keep the original cut size of the Job)
is used, detection of scaling and rotation of the whole Job has to be taken based on reading
Register Marks on the first section only. If not, original size and shape of curves can not be
maintained. Cutting of such Jobs will therefore not always be perfect when cutting textiles and
other unstable materials. Take care of the printing process to get to the best result.

11.3.1. Split Lines for Jobs Longer than Table

Auto Generated Split Lines

iPC will generate split lines automatically, and find the most efficient and reliable way of
splitting the Job into sections. Splitting is done based on available Registration Marks, the size
of the Job and the size of the table. Settings will determine if the smallest section is cut first or
last.

No Split Lines will be generated before the Job is ready for production.

Manual move of Split Lines

Using the mouse, the Split Lines can be selected and moved. This is typically done to control
the position of joints. It is recommended to set Split Lines between curves and close to some
Regmarks.
• The Work area defines the maximum length of a section.
• The maximum number of Split lines within one table length is two.
• After each move, each section is recalculated. If needed, new Split Lines will automatically
be added or removed.
• Moving the Start point (Main Reference Point, Panel Reference Point, Job Offset or
Sheet Offset) will generate new Split Lines. Make sure the Start Point is set correctly
before any manual changes.

Note: If the first Registration Mark is found by the camera in a position further in + X than
defined by Reference Point and offsets in the Production Tab, an extra feed might be added
to the first section. The extra Split Line will be added in cases where the first section ends up
outside table area.

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Example with Jobs Longer than Table:

Cutting in section one Cutting in section two

11.4. Quick Box, ArtiosCAD Standards

11.4.1. ArtiosCAD, introduction

Open from ArtiosCAD Standards is an add-on to the iPC control software for Kongsberg
Cutting Tables.

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The purpose of the program is to offer a simple work flow for preparation and production of
standard corrugated and folding carton boxes.
The solution is based upon a CAD-X implementation using ArtiosCAD functions to select a
design from a library, enter dimensions and generate a cut-file.
The cut-file is automatically opened in iPC, ready to be cut on the Kongsberg Cutting Tables
For description of ArtiosCAD and CAD-X, see Work with ArtiosCAD Standards on page 229.
It is a pre-requisite for this function that ArtiosCAD is installed and configured for CAD-X on the
Front End PC. This is included in the iPC installation.
A license key is required for ArtiosCAD to run properly.

11.4.2. Work with ArtiosCAD Standards

Menu Bar->File->Open from ArtiosCAD Standards

Introduction
The Workflow can be illustrated as follows:

This chapter will describe each step in detail.

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Select and define a new box

From the Open from ArtiosCAD Standards

– function, the Standards catalogue dialog is
shown.
Select from available groups.

From the list of standard boxes, select the

wanted standard (template) and press OK.

Select the board to use and press OK.

Enter the dimensions to use.

Press Next to enter the next setup menu.
Note:
The number of menus and parameters
depends upon the actual standard selected.
Pressing OK will bring you directly to the CAD-
X preview dialog.
This is the recommended choice if you know
that the default settings are correct for the
rest of the parameters.

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Accept or select your preferences in the Style

Choice menus and press Next.
Pressing OK will bring you directly to the CAD-
X preview dialog.
This is the recommended choice if you know
that the default settings are correct for the
rest of the parameters.

Check for correct settings and press Next.

Pressing OK will bring you directly to the CAD-
X preview dialog.
This is the recommended choice if you know
that the default settings are correct for the
rest of the parameters.

Check for correct settings and press Next.

Pressing OK will bring you directly to the CAD-
X preview dialog.
This is the recommended choice if you know
that the default settings are correct for the
rest of the parameters.

Check for correct settings and press Next.

Pressing OK will bring you directly to the CAD-
X preview dialog.
This is the recommended choice if you know
that the default settings are correct for the
rest of the parameters.

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Check for correct settings and press Next.

Pressing OK will bring you directly to the CAD-
X preview dialog.
This is the recommended choice if you know
that the default settings are correct for the
rest of the parameters.

Check for correct settings and press OK.

The job will appear in iPC, in My Jobs.

11.5. Jobs with Barcodes

Menu Bar->File->Open via Barcode

The following codes are supported:

Workflow
The sheet of material is placed on the table top.
After invoking the Open via Barcode... function, you enter a wizard.

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You are asked for:
Folder Name
A folder name; where the Input files are
located. Please note that zipped jdf/cgf files
must be loaded to My Jobs List via the Submit
folder prior to reading the barcode.

Mapping
Select a mapping that is most efficient for
mapping the design to correct layers in the
job.
Most jobs maps correctly using “Esko Default”.

Material and Settings

From File / Custom Settings
[Select correct material for the production.
In a well prepared installation, the material
in turn use a default Cutting Profile that fully
defines how to produce the job.]

• Press Start.

• By jog, move camera in a position where

the Barcode is visible inside the camera
picture.

•
Press Accept to use the
Barcode and continue.

• The Barcode is read, and the

corresponding Input File is opened.

• If the structure of the input file and the

selections in Open via Barcode are correct,
the Job is ready for production. If not,
the job must be prepared in Layer and
Production Setup.

• Press Start to continue.

• The Job is completed

•
Press Skip to ignore this Barcode.

• The Input File folder name is remembered from one job to another.

• The Barcode location on the Table Top is remembered from one Job to the next.

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11.6. Production via Barcodes

11.6.1. Introduction

Menu Bar->File->Start Production via Barcode

The following codes are supported:

11.6.2. Flowchart, Production via Barcodes

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1 - Create a job including barcode

A job is created in the upstream application,
e.g. i-cut Layout.

2 - Save job
The job file is saved in the iPC barcode folder.

3 - In iPC; Start Production via Barcode...

In the dialog, set parameters for the job.
If input file and Resources are configured
correctly for that Material, (includes
standard layer names or colors plus material
information), the job will be ready for
production when these are added:
• Correct mapping, normally Esko Default

• Material and Settings From File

4 - Material with barcode is placed on the

table

5 - Press Start
The camera view pops up.

6 - Find barcode
By manual jog, position the camera above the
barcode.
Ensure the barcode is detected.

7 - Read barcode
Based upon the barcode information, the
correct job file is read.

8 - Execution
Material is processed according to input file
and Job Settings.

9 - Material handling
After table execution is completed, completed
material should be moved out of the work
area and new material should be moved in.
This operation is based upon Job Settings
(Table Preset).

The operation continues until there is nothing

more to produce, or the production stops due
to operator actions.

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11.6.3. Procedure

The sheet of material is placed on the table top.

After invoking the Start Production via Barcode function, you enter a wizard.

You are asked for

File Handling
• A folder name; where the Input files are searched for.
Please note: Files are searched for in the following sequence:
1. Files with name exactly matching read barcode found in My Jobs List
2. Files with exact match found in the specified folder
3. Files with exact match found in history
4-6. As 1-3 but without exact name match (files with name starting with barcode text)
In case of several matches all matches will be listed for selection.

• The Mapping to use, see section Mapping Presets.

• Default Flute/Grain Direction

Prepare table handling

What to do if barcode is not found:
• Skip job and continue. Next job will be loded. If barcode is not found on three consecutive
copies, production will be aborted.
• Stop production

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Table Preset
• Select Table Preset.

Note: Before any barcode can be read, a sheet load operation has to be completed.
Here, you select Table Preset for this first load sequence.
Afterwards, when the barcode is read, the preset to use is determined by the Material
selected.

Materials and Settings

• From File - this is the default setting, where Material info will be fetched from the Input
File If no material information is available from file, Custom Settings will be used. .

• Custom Settings - settings defined in Custom Settings is used.

Custom Settings

Specify Material and Job Settings to be used.

Ask Confirmation
• Ask for confirmation on First Job only.

• Never

• Always

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• Press Start.

• By jog, move camera in a position where

the Barcode is visible inside the camera
picture.

•
Press Accept to use the
Barcode and continue.

• The Barcode is read, and the

corresponding Input File is opened.

• If the structure of the input file and

the selections in Start Production via
Barcode are correct, the Job is ready
for production. If not, the job must be
prepared in Layer and Production Setup.

• The Job runs automatically as long as there

is material on the table with detectable
barcode.

•
Press Skip to ignore this Barcode.

• The Barcode location is remembered from one job to another.

For optimal adaption to different materials,

sliders for control of camera brightness and
contrast adjustments are easily available.

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11.7. Job including Reverse Operation

Reverse Operation is used if operations need to be done from both sides. There are two types
of Reverse Operations:
• Ruler based
• Camera based
Which methode is available, is HW dependant, and described in the following sections. If
Crease needs to be done from both sides, ruler based Reverse Operations is commonly used.
For Print registration, Regmarks need to be read, before sheet is flipped and processed from
the other side.

Menu Bar->Advanced->Configure Tools

Menu Bar->Layer->Edit Layer...

Opened Job->Layers Tab->Edit Layer

Example below shows configuration of Reverse Operation from Menu Bar->Advanced-

>Configure Tools

Reverse Operation can also be controlled from a button in

Layers Tab on page 41:

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Status 1: Selected tool does not currently allow reverse side operation. Can be configured in
Configure Tools dialog.
Status 2: Selected tool allows reverse side operation. Turned off.
Status 3: Selected tool allows reverse side operation. Turned on.

Turn means that the material is flipped around the length of the table.
Tumble means that the material is flipped around the width of the table.

11.7.1. Reverse Operation by Left and Right Rulers

Workflow

Step 1 - the sheet is aligned towards the Step 2 - the sheet flipped and aligned towards
the Left Ruler.
Right Ruler.
The rest of the Job is completed.
Reverse Operations are completed.

A typical use of Reverse Operation is when you want to add a Crease line on the front side of
a material that you normally prepare from the rear side.
This function requires that the table has Left and Right Rulers physically mounted and
selected in HW configuration, and that the job is without Regmarks.

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11.7.2. Reverse Operation by use of Camera

Workflow

Step 1 - Regmarks and corners are read by Step 2 - the sheet is flipped (turned or
the Camera. tumbled), and corners are read by the
Camera.
All other layers in the Job is processed.

A current limitation of Reverse Operation with Camera is that all layers (except the regmark
layer) must be processed from the reverse side.
The function requires that the table is equipped with a Tool Head with Camera, and that the
job has Regmarks.

11.7.3. Reverse Operation in combination with Step and Repeat

Reverse Operations in combination with Step and Repeat and Left and Right
Ruler.
For each copy defined by Step and Repeat, you have to move the sheet; first against the Right
Ruler, then against the Left Ruler:

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Reverse Operations in combination with Step and Repeat and Camera.

For each copy defined by Step and Repeat, you have to flip the sheet and read Regmarks and
corners.

11.8. Stop at Tool Select

Menu Bar->Advanced->Configure Tools

Use this function to stop execution before the actual Layer is executed.
One example of use is if you want to change a Milling Bit in the middle of a job.
For more information, go here.

Note: The function Stop at Tool Select is not allowed to use if the actual tool is not mounted
in the toolholder.
The Job cannot be started until the Layer is de-selected.

11.9. Multi-pass

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General Tool Configuration

Menu Bar->Advanced->Configure Tools

11.9.1. Opened Job->Multi-pass Depth

Tool Configuration for Opened Job

Opened Job->Layers Tab->Edit Layer

Menu Bar->Layer->Edit Layer...

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Milling and Multi-pass is described in a separate chapter.

General

Multi-pass Depth
Specify the maximum depth to be processed in each pass.

Measure / Material Thickness

Specify if the Material Thickness should be taken from the Material Thickness
measurement performed at the beginning of the job.
If not, specify the thickness.
Material Thickness is used when calculating the depth of each pass.

Web Thickness
Web Thickness is not relevant for Crease and Knife cutting operations.
Milling and Multi-pass is described in a separate chapter.

Finishing Pass Offset

Finishing Pass is not relevant for Crease and Knife cutting operations.
Milling and Multi-pass is described in a separate chapter.

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11.10. MultiZone Production

11.10.1. Introduction

Concept

For MultiZone Production, the Cutting Table

Work Area is separated into two or more
Working Zones.
Each Working Zone correspond to one or
more Vacuum Zones on the Cutting Table.
Thus, the number of Working Zones available
depends upon the acual machine model.
For more information, see User Manual for
the actual machine.

To explain the function, we use a machine with

two Working Zones (1 and 2).

When a Job is properly prepared, a simple MultiZone Production Workflow could be

described as:
1. You place one sheet of material in Working Zone 1.
2. You start the Job.
3. While the Job in Working Zone 1 is processed, you prepare Working Zone 2 with a sheet of
material.
4. When processing of Working Zone 1 is completed, the machine automatically start
processing the Job in Working Zone 2 if you have marked Working Zone 2 as Ready. If not,
machine will stop in the defined Parking Position.
5. You remove the processed material from Working Zone 1 and load a new sheet of material.
6. The process repeats.

Vacuum for the different Working Zones is switched on and off automatically, as an integrated
part of the process.

How to initialize MultiZone Production

Opened Job->Production Setup

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MultiZone Production is available by:

• Selecting MultiZone Production Table
Preset (1).

• Select a suitable Vacuum Zones

configuration (2).

• Specify Number of Copies > 1 (3)

11.10.2. User Interface

During MultiZone Production, the Layer

View / Production View window is separated
into Working Zones that corresponds to the
zones on the Cutting Table.
In the illustration, you see Working Zone 1
and 2.
On top of each zone, there is a Status Bar (3).
From the Status Bar, you read the processing
status and you press the bar to go from one
state to another.

Status Bar functions

Producing
The production in this Working Zone is on-going.
The icon shows the live progress.

Waiting for Operator (Replacing Material)

This state is set when the production is finished in one Working Zone and this
Working Zone is not ready for production.
Remove processed material from the Working Zone.
Enter new material into the Working Zone.
Press the Status Bar button to enter the Ready to Produce state.

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Note: The traverse cannot move over this zone, unless the user pressed the
Status Bar button to enter the Ready to Produce state.

Ready to Produce
Processed material is removed from the Working Zone and new material is in
place.
You have pressed the Status Bar button to enter the Ready to Produce state.
Note: You can press this button again to go back to the Waiting for Operator
state.

Produced
This state is set when the production is finished and another Working Zone is
not ready for production.
When the Working Zone is ready, press Start to continue.

11.10.3. Workflow, controlled from GUI

Workflow

1 - Prepare for the Job.

In iPC, the prepared Job is shown (1).
On the Cutting Table (2), place a sheet of
material in Working Zone 1.
Use adhesive tape to mark the position of the
sheet (3).
The tape position will be the reference for the
next sheet produced on this zone

Vacuum Zones
By default, all Vacuum Zones connected to a
Working Zone are selected.

To achieve proper material fixture, configure

the Vacuum Zones to be optimal for the
actual job.
Alternatively, use Intelligent Vacuum Control.

2 - Press Start.
Working Zone 1 enters Producing state.

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3 - Load material into Working Zone 2.

Use adhesive tape to mark the position of the
sheet (1).
The tape position will be the reference for the
next sheet produced on this zone
In iPC, press the Status Bar button to enter
the Ready to Produce state in Working Zone
2.

4 - Job finished, Working Zone 1.

Job in Working Zone 2 starts automatically.

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5 - Replace material, Working Zone 1.

When ready, press the Status Bar button to
enter the Ready to Produce state in Working
Zone 1.

6 - Working Zone 1 Ready to Produce.

Job in Working Zone 2 continues until
completed.

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7 - Working Zone 2 completed.

Job in Working Zone 1 starts automatically.
Replace material in Working Zone 2.
The process repeats until the specified
Number of Copies are completed.

11.10.4. Workflow, controlled from MZP Panel

MZP Panel

• 1 - Ready Lamp

• 2 - Ready Button

• 3 - Vacuum on Button

• 4 - Vacuum Lamp

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Workflow

1 - Prepare for the Job.

In iPC, the prepared Job is shown (1).
On the Cutting Table (2), place a sheet of
material in Working Zone 1.
Place one MZP-corner to mark the position of
the sheet (3).
The corner position will be the reference for
the next sheet produced on this zone

Ready Lamps
Both Ready Lamps are flashing, indicating:
• Prepare the zone for production.
• When ready, press Ready Button

Vacuum Zones
By default, all Vacuum Zones connected to a
Working Zone are selecteted.

To achieve proper material fixture, configure

the Vacuum Zones to be optimal for the
actual job.
Alternatively, use Intelligent Vacuum Control.

2 - Press Ready Button.

Working Zone 1 enters Producing state.
Vacuum in Working Zone 1 is automatically
switched on.
Note:
If this is the very beginning of the job, you
have to press Start to start execution.

3 - Load material into Working Zone 2.

Place one MZP-corner to mark the position of
the sheet (1).
The corner position will be the reference for
the next sheet produced on this zone

Ready Lamp, Working Zone 1

Lamp is on during job execution.

Ready Lamp, Working Zone 2

Lamp is flashing, waiting for job preparation to
complete.

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4 - Press Ready Button.

Working Zone 2 enters Producing state.
Vacuum in Working Zone 2 is automatically
switched on.

4 - Job in Working Zone 1 is finished.

Job in Working Zone 2 starts automatically.

Ready Lamp, Working Zone 1

Lamp is flashing; the zone is waiting to be
prepared for next job.

Ready Lamp, Working Zone 2

Lamp is on during execution.

5 - Replace material, Working Zone 1.

6 - Press Ready Button.

Working Zone 1 enters Producing state.

7 - Working Zone 1 is Ready to Produce.

Job in Working Zone 2 continues until
completed.

Ready Lamp, Working Zone 1

Lamp is on; waiting for execution in Working
Zone 2 to finish.

Ready Lamp, Working Zone 2

Lamp is on during execution.

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8 - Working Zone 2 completed.

Job in Working Zone 1 starts automatically.
Replace material in Working Zone 2.
The process repeats until the specified
Number of Copies are completed.

Pause Operation, adjust material

Workflow, one example

This is the situation:
• You have placed a material in Working Zone 1.

• You have pushed the Ready Button for Working Zone 1.

• The Ready Lamp for Working Zone 1 is on.

• Vacuum in Working Zone 1 is automatically switched on.

• You discover that you have to adjust the position of the material in Working Zone 1.

1 - Press Ready Button.

Working Zone 1 enters Pause state.
The Ready Lamp for Working Zone 1 is
flashing.
Vacuum in Working Zone 1 is automatically
switched off.

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2 - Re-position the material in Working

Zone 1.

3 - Press Ready Button.

Working Zone 1 enters Producing state.
Vacuum in Working Zone 1 is automatically
switched on.

Normal workflow is re-established.

11.10.5. Registration

Job has Registration Marks

Use MultiZone Production in combination with any of the Registration Types available.

Job without Registration Marks

Use MultiZone Production in combination with Edge Recognition.
This Workflow is aimed for unprinted material.
In this Workflow, we allow to define the sheet position for the first production on each zone.
Once that is done, the production will continue without registering the sheet edges.

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Opened Job->Production Setup->Registration->Register First Table only.

11.10.6. More Zones

Depending upon the actual Cutting Table

model, we can have 2, 3 or 4 Working Zones.

• Instead of defining the sheet position on 2 zones, this should be done for all zones.
• Once the sheet positions are known, the user can replace sheets on the Working Zone that
is busy producing and press the corresponding Status Bar to tell that the working zone is
ready to continue production.
• If the user replace the sheets in time the production will continue smoothly.
• If the user can not replace the sheets in time the production will stop and the user will be
asked to replace the material.

Safety Rules

In the situation above, Working Zone 1 and 2 are ready to continue, while Working Zone 3 is
waiting for material replacement.
When Working Zone 4 completes, the normal Workflow will be to go to the next Working
Zone that is ready and continue processing there.
But, in this case, the traverse will pass a Working Zone where material replacement is
supposed to take place.
Execution will stop.
The operator has to ensure it is safe to continue before Start is pressed.

11.10.7. Rotated Table View

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In case the Layers View / Production View is rotated 90 , the User Interface looks like this:

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12. Direct Commands

Direct Commands Menu

Menu Bar->Machine->Direct Commands

Use this menu to select functions for immediate execution on the Cutting Table.
Each menu item is configurable, using the Edit Commands... function:

Edit Commands...

Menu Bar->Machine->Direct Commands->Edit Direct Commands...

Menu Text 1
Specify the text that describes Command 1.
This text appears in the Direct Commands Menu, Line 1.

Command 1
Specify the command to be executed when Line 1 (Ctrl+1) is selected in the Direct
Commands Menu.
For a list of available commands, see Appendix.
You can edit the command directly or add a command using the + function.

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Menu Text 2-4, Commands 2-4

Description similar to Menu Text 1 and Command 1.

For further information, see Table Preset.

12.1. iPC Commands

Use iPC Commands to prepare:
• Direct Commands

Conveyer belt Speed and Acceleration Sheet Feed (%SHF )

(%SSA) Syntax: %SHF <distance> <start position>
Syntax: %SSA <speed> <acceleration>. Command to move the conveyer belt the
Command to limit belt speed and specified distance. Start position is optional.
acceleration. Values are percentage of Value specified in 1/1000 mm.
maximum.

i-cut Delay (I-SD) Sheet Feeder Communication On (I-FM 1)

Syntax: I-SD <time>; Syntax: I-FM 1;
Execution is delayed <time> msec. Sheet feeder communication enabled.

i-cut Message (I-MS) Sheet Feeder Communication Off (I-FM 0)

Syntax: I-MS <message>. Syntax: I-FM 0;
Show a <message> to the Operator. Sheet feeder communication disabled.

i-cut Park (I-PK) Vacuum pump, start and stop of (%PMP)

Syntax: I-PK. Syntax: %PMP <on/off>.
Move to Park Position. Command to turn the vacuum pump on and
off.

Reference Point selection(%SRE) Vacuum suction direction control (%SUC)

Syntax: %SRE<1>/<X>. Syntax: %SUC<on/off>.
Switches between main fixed reference point Switches between suction (on) and Quick
(1) and panel defined reference point (X) Release / Blow Back (off)

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13. Backup and Restore

After your system has been fully configured, you should back it up using the Backup and
Restore system.
Performing a backup will save all of iPC's essential parameters like tool adjustments, machine
configurations, presets (Advanced > Resources) and options (Edit > Options) into a number of
files.
If your system stops performing properly or you accidentally alter your configuration, you can
easily restore all settings to their exact state as when the backup was performed. Backups may
be performed either manually or automatically.
Please note:
• iPC backup stores all iPC configuration settings to a number of files on the file system.
• Backup of the file system is the responsibility of the customer.

For information about how to configure an automatic backup sequence, see Backup.

13.1. Backup System Parameters

Manual Backup of System Parameters

Menu Bar->Advanced->Backup Configuration...

Each time Manual Backup is invoked, you enter a dialog Browse for folder.
Select an existing folder or create a new and click OK. A backup folder structure will be created
below the selected folder.
Use this function to backup your system both before and after performing upgrades.

13.2. Restore System Parameters

Restore System Parameters

Menu Bar->Advanced->Restore Configuration...

Each time Restore is invoked, you enter a File Open dialog.

Select the time stamped folder you would like to restore and click Open.

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Location of automatic backups are defined here: Backup. Manually performed backups
depends on location selected by operator doing the backup.
Invoking the standalone iPC Repair tool will also perform a restore; from the most recent
backup found in the automatic backup folder.
We strongly recommend you always backup your system manually before performing a
restore.

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14. iPC Configurations

Menu Bar->Edit->Options

The iPC Configuration setting is a set of options specifying the general behaviour of the
system.
After first installation, you should go through each option in order to ensure proper setting.
• General on page 261

• Production on page 264

• Estimation on page 266

• Automation Devices on page 267

• Lead-in/Lead-out on page 269

• Backup on page 271

• Language on page 272

• Reference Points on page 273

• Connections on page 275

• Jobs Longer than Table (old edition at 11.3.)

• Underside Camera on page 278

• Internet of Things on page 280

14.1. General

Menu Bar->Edit->Options...->General

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Machine Type
Information about the connected Machine Type.

Work Area Length:

The measured length of the Work Area.

Work Area Width:

The measured width of the Work Area.

Table to Feeder Distance

This value, which is relevant only if a Sheet Feeder is connected, affects the Feed to front of
table option in the Production Setup.
The sum of the Table to Feeder Distance and Width parameter defines the feed length
required to feed a sheet of material to the front of your device's work area.

Units
Select Units to be used in the User Interface (mm or inch).

Speed Units
Select Units to be used for speed in the User Interface (m/min or ips).

Import Units
Select Units to be used for File Import.
Units specified in the Input File will override this setting for that particular file.

Default Flute/Grain Direction

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From the drop-down list, select if you want to specify a default Flute/Grain Direction.

Show Flute/Grain Direction

Show / hide the Flute/Grain Direction symbol from the Properties Bar.

Keep job history

Remove jobs from history after

Specify how long a completed job is saved in history.
Default value is 7 days.
Maximum allowed value is 30 days.
A high number of jobs in history could increase iPC start up time.

14.1.1. History

Two history functions are described in this chapter:

Menu Bar->Edit->Options->General-> Keep job history
My Jobs List->Show history

We will use this flowchart to explain the history function.

1 - The job is finished

2 - Is Keep job history selected?

3 - Yes, the job is moved to history

4 - No, the job remains in Job List

If you want to remove the job from the list,
use the Remove function.

5 - In My Jobs List
You have a job in history.
How is that job handled?

6 - Is Show history selected?

7 - yes, job is shown

The job is shown in My Jobs List, without any
queue number.
Select the job and it can be re-opened using
the Reproduce function.

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When you do, a copy of the history job is

created and added to Job List.

8 - no, job is not shown in My Jobs List

The job is still in history, visible when using
Show history.

14.2. Production

Menu Bar->Edit->Options...->Production

14.2.1. Table Presets

Table Preset is a set of commands that is sent to the Cutting Table each time a Job is
executed.
By default, several Table Presets that are suitable for most production scenarios are installed.
In addition, you can add and delete specialized factory made Presets to suit your needs.
Delete - Selected Table Presets will be deleted. To be done with care.

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Load - Additional Table Presets can be selected from a list. These are variants of the
preinstalled presets.

Note: Some of the Table presets depend on hardware configuration and will therefore not be
available.

14.2.2. Read Furthest Registration Mark First

Define Registration Mark read sequence:

Deselect
Normal sequence.

Select
The sequence is:
1. Read the Registration Mark in the furthest X-position.
2. Read the rest of the Registration Marks using the normal sequence.

This function improves the calculation of placement and rotation of curves on large sheets, but
it will increase the execution time.

Registration Mark Size Tolerance

Specify in % the acceptable size tolerance.

14.2.3. Step X-axis before Y-axis

Define Step and Repeat priority:

Deselected
The entire column (Y) will be executed first before moving to next column.

Selected
The entire row (X) will be executed first before moving to next row.

14.2.4. Break Long Lines

This function divides a (long) line into line segments with specified length.
By this, compensation is improved.
One example:

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You are about to cut a big rectangle in a flexible material, with a high demand for Print to Cut
alignment.
By compensation to the corners of the rectangle only, the result is not optimal, despite a high
number of Registration Marks.
Shorter lines allows for more accurate Print to Cut alignment.

Maximum Length
Specify the maximum length allowed when dividing long lines.

14.2.5. Automation

When Automation and Check tool at regular intervals is checked, then the Automation
function is available in the Production Tab. This setting causes the Tool Height to be
automatically measured at the interval selected.

Note: This Automation function is available for XP and C-series only; not for X-Series.

14.3. Estimation

Menu Bar->Edit->Options...->General

Modify these parameters to fine-tune Job Estimations:

• Manual handling between Tables - Time spent when you go from one Table to the next.
About Table on page 101.

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• Preparing the table - Add extra time for preparation.
• Final handling - Add extra time for finishing the job.
• Show total production time - select if preparation of a job, as specified here, should be
included in the estimates shown in My Jobs.

Note: Estimation is based upon Ordered Copies, not the number of copies specified in
Production Setup.

14.4. Automation Devices

Menu Bar->Edit->Options...->Automation Devices

I-SF Feeder

iPC may communicate with a Sheet Feeder through a serial line.

To establish communication between iPC and your feeder, follow these instructions:
1. Connect the feeder to your computer using an available serial COM port, or USB-to-Serial
adapter.

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2. From your Windows Device Manager, locate the COM port settings of the port to which
the sheet feeder is connected.
3. Change the settings to: COM Port Number: As found in (2), Bits per second: 9600, Data bits:
8, Parity: Odd, StopBits: 1, Flow control: None
4. In the Feeder Connection dialog, adjust the parameters to match the corresponding values
in your Device Manager.
5. Enable iPC communication on your sheet feeder's touch screen interface.
6. Open your iPC Configuration window and verify that the Feeder Option is presently
available. If it is not, contact your iPC dealer to request a license upgrade.

I-BF Feeder

iPC can control an i-BF Board Feeder and an i-MS Material Stacker through an Ethernet
connection.
To connect a Feeder or a Feeder and Stacker system, follow these instructions:
1. Select i-BF Feeder as Automation Device in the Drop down list.
2. Enter the IP address to the Feeder Stacker System, the default address is 192.168.50.101.
3. If also a Stacker is connected together with the Feeder, check the Use Stacker checkbox, if
no Stacker is connected, make sure the checkbox is unchecked.
4. Additional information is needed if a Stacker is connected.
1. If a Stacker is mounted to an Extension Table on the Kongsberg Cutting Table, check
the Extension table mounted checkbox.
2. If a Stacker is mounted directly on to the Kongsberg Cutting Table, make sure the
Extension Table mounted is unchecked.

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To run a Job with the Stacker mounted directly to the Kongsberg Cutting Table, the system
needs to be properly configured. This is done by clicking the Set Up Stacker Positions button,
and run the wizard.
Information about how to configure the Stacker and use Feeder Stacker Production mode is
available in in the Cutting Table User Manual.

Robotics Automation

• IP Address is the address for the ethernet connection to PLC serving the robot.
• Port is port number used for the same connection.
• Dynamic gripper should normally be selected except for some pre-release installations.
• Multizone gripper should normally be selected. Exception is configurations where the
gripper cover the whole work area of the table (single zone).

14.5. Lead-in/Lead-out

Menu Bar->Edit->Options...->Lead-in/Lead-out

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The Lead-in/Lead-out feature is primarily used for milling.

Adding Lead-in/Lead-out to a curve opens and extends the curve dynamically at production
time so that cutting begins and ends inside or outside the path.
This is important for milling because the initial plunge into, and final lift out of the material
may produce cutting results which are inconsistent with the rest of the part.
For information about how to apply Lead-in and/or Lead-out, see:
1. Curve Modifications.
2. Curve Point Modifications.

In the Lead-in/Lead-out option dialog described here, specify default values to use when
Lead-in and/or Lead-out is applied.
The following parameters are available:

Remove all Lead-ins and Lead-outs

When selected, all Lead-ins and Lead-outs are removed from the Job.

Add Lead-ins
Lead-ins are added to curve(s) by default.

Add Lead-outs
Lead-outs are added to curve(s) by default.

Outside curves
Lead-ins and Lead-outs are added to the outside of the curve(s) to which they are applied.

Inside curves
Lead-ins and Lead-outs are added to the inside of the curve(s) to which they are applied.

Depends on Tool

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Both the inside or outside position and the radius of the Lead-ins and Lead-outs depends
upon the tool parameters in the Edit Layer dialog for the Layer(s) on which the intended
curves reside.

Lead-in Radius/ Lead-out Radius

The Lead-ins and Lead-outs are always generated as absolute arcs, with the Radius defining
the size.
The radius should be large enough to account for the diameter of the Milling Bit or laser
beam.

Show this dialog when applying Lead-in/Lead-out

When selected, this dialog appears when the Lead-ins and Lead-outs are applied from the
Edit Curve and Edit Curve Point dialogs.

14.6. Backup

Menu Bar > Edit > Options > Backup

Use this dialog to configure the automatic Backup Sequence.

For System Backup, choose automatic backups to occur Daily, Weekly or Monthly.
To avoid filling your disk space, specify a maximum number of backups allowed before a
warning messaged is issued.
In case of multiple user accounts on the PC, backup location should be a folder accessible to
all, on a central server or on e.g. C:\Users\Public\Documents\Esko_backup.
For more information, see Backup and Restore.

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14.7. Language

Menu Bar->Edit->Options...->Language

Windows Default Language

The language used in the User Interface defaults to the Windows Operating System
language.

Other Language
Select this option if:
1. Your current Windows language is not supported by iPC.
2. You prefer to select a different language.

Select the desired language from the corresponding drop-down list and click OK.
Restart iPC to activate the new language setting.

Note: In order to display text correctly in the Machine Connection part of iPC also in
languages not limited to the Unicode character set (like Chinese and Russian), the following
settings is required in Windows Control Panel: Regional and Language - Formats tab - Select
correct Format. In Administrative tab: Change system locale.

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14.8. Reference Points

Menu Bar->Edit->Options...->Reference Points

About Reference Points

To position a job on the table, Reference Points are used.
For the actual job, the selected Reference Point has co-ordinates X=0, Y=0.

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14.8.1. Main Reference Point

The Main Reference Point (R) is a fixed Reference Point on the table.
You can select it from the list of Reference Points in the dialog, but you can not modify or
delete this Reference Point.

14.8.2. User Defined Reference Points

Create User Defined Reference Points

1. Click the New button to create a new User Defined Reference Point.

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2. Enter the name of the reference point in the Name edit field.
3. Set the reference point position by:
a. Enter X/Y - co-ordinates into the Position fields in the dialog.
The co-ordinates are relative to the Main Reference Point.
b. Click the Update button to set coordinates of the Reference Point in current Laser
Position.
Click OK to activate the new Reference Point setting.

Delete a User Defined Reference Point

1. In the list of reference points, highlight the User Defined Reference Point you want to
delete.
2. Click Delete.

Panel Reference Point

The Panel Reference Point is a special version of User Defined Reference Points.
It is selected from the list of reference points in the dialog.
You can set the Panel Reference Point in three different ways:
1. Enter X/Y - co-ordinates into the Position fields in the dialog.
The co-ordinates are relative to the Main Reference Point.
2. Click the Update button to set Panel Reference Point in current Laser Position.
3.

Press Set Reference Point.

Panel Reference Point is set to current Laser Position.

14.9. Connections

Menu Bar->Edit->Options...->General

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Kongsberg Queue Server:

Resource Database:

Submit Folder:

Address/location of Kongsberg Queue Server, Resource Database and Submit Folder is

defined. It is recommended to “Use default connections” for all.

14.10. Jobs Longer than Table

Menu Bar->Edit->Options...->Jobs Longer than Table

Some default settings can be changed for Jobs Longer than Table.

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14.10.1. Compensate for shift during feed

These options apply for Jobs with Registration Marks that are produced with Compensation
Types that use exact size, excluding Full Compensation and Linear Compensation.

This feature compensates for inaccuracy or shift/gap during Conveyor Feed to ensure better
alignment of Cut Lines between sections (Joints). This is done by comparing positions of
Regmarks being read twice, before and after Conveyor Feed. Therefore it might be needed to
adjust split lines to ensure there is a Registration Mark close behind a split line.

Compensation can be controlled individually for X and Y direction;

• Along the table (X), to be used if there are small shifts in X direction so cut lines can be
joined.
Using this function might change the size of the final cut and is therefore not
recommended. It should only be used if there is a big shift in X because of imperfect
Conveyer Feed length.

• Across the table (Y), to be used if there are small shifts in Y direction so cut lines can be
joined up better between table frames. Most conveyors will slightly move left and right in Y
direction during feed and is therefore default enabled.
If there is a lot of material movement in Y, or shrinkage in Y during feeding, it is better to
turn this function off.

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14.10.2. Split Job into frames

• Read all available Regmarks

iPC will read all available Regmarks available in the work area, even if the split line is set to
a small section. Use this function to better estimate overall rotation and stretch, but slightly
increase the total production time.

• Cut the shortest frame first

This function will by default split a Jobthat is longer than table, with the smallest section
first, during automatic split calculation. Enable this function if the smallest section should be
cut first, disable it if the smallest section should be cut last.
Normally the smallest section should not be cut last, because a small section last makes a risks
that the weight of the material will make the material slip off the table even if the vacuum is
on.

If the material has a lot of stretch, it is best to not leave the last section to Full table
size, since this can generate need to cut outside reachable (work) area.

14.11. Underside Camera

Menu Bar->Edit->Options...->Underside Camera

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iPC can communicate with and receive images from the optional Underside Camera system
using the specified IP Address. Connection can be tested with the Test Connection button.

14.11.1. Tune System Settings in Sheet profile

If the picture is too dark, or there is a constant Offset on all jobs, tuning may be
needed. The UndersideCameraSettings are available from Options->UndersideCamera-
>UndersideCameraSystemSettings

UndersideCameraSettings dialog

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Settings
• System reference corner - BottomRight or TopRight
• This is the corner where iPC will do its measurement.

• Everything will be referenced from this.

• X Offset - Offset in mm

• Y Offset - Top Right - Offset in Y when using TopRight corner as offset detection corner

• Y Offset Bottom Right - Offset Y in mm when using Bottom Right corner as offset
detection corner

• Scale X and Scale Y - manual linear scale compensation

• 0.0 is no scale
• 0.001 - scale a 2000 mm/78.74 in. wide sheet 2 mm/0.08 in.
• Requires print rotation mode 5 to be selected (Contact Esko FSE for instructions).

• Rotation offset - deg of rotation of sheet.

Camera Configuration

The basic guideline is that lighter images are better.

Exposure: 500-3000, This is Shutter time. Higher values will give longer exposure times and
brighter pictures.

Gamma is a picture improvement factor - default 600 - range 400 to 1000. A lower value will
improve the dynamic range for the picture, but there will be some loss of contrast.

Gain: Increased gain will give lighter picture, but use Gamma and Exposure first as gain will
increase image noise.

14.12. Internet of Things

Menu Bar->Edit->Options...->Internet of Things

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Use this dialog to configure Internet of Things (IoT) for the table. IoT is a way of extracting
machine information and send it to a cloud based platform. Access is given to authorized
people at Esko and customer. Prior to configuration, customer should sign a IoT Legal
document.
Table Serial Number: Specify a unique key for the table, typically the machine serial number.
Use default configuration: Unless anything else is specified, default configuration shall be
used. Will create Server URL.

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15. Machine Connection and

Configuration

From Windows Toolbar, invoke Machine Connection.

The following menu items are available:
• Machine Configuration

• Tool Configuration

• Service Menu

• About machine connection...

• Terminate

Note: These functions covers basic system settings, normally done once.
To be maintained by Trained Personnel only.

15.1. Machine Configuration

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15.1.1. Hardware Configuration

Machine Connection->Machine Configuration->HW Configuration

2 Vacuum Pumps Use Pumps for Blow Back

Specify if this system is configured with 2 This system is configured with 2 Vacuum
Vacuum Pumps. Pumps and the pumps provides Blow Back.

Vacuum Setup Rulers Mounted

From this dialog, select the hardware vacuum Specify if this system has Cutting Table
configuration you have on your Cutting Table; Rulers mounted.
number of vacuum sections.

Operator Panel Camera Setup

Specify Operator Panel position. Enter the Camera Setup dialog.
This information will define Jog Direction for For more information, go here
the jog buttons on the Operator Panel.

Conveyor Milling setup

Specify if this system has Conveyor Belt. Enter the Milling setup dialog.

For more information about these settings, see User Manual for the Cutting Table.

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15.1.2. Setup

Machine Connection->Machine Configuration->Setup

Vacuum/Blow Back
Specify installed Vacuum/Blow Back solution.
• Standard blowback using fan
Blow Back is provided by a separate fan.

• Vacuum based blowback

Blow Back is provided by the Vacuum pump

Jog Speed
Specify low and high Jog Speed as a percent of maximum speed.

Incremental Jog
Specify the Step Size for low and high Incremental Jog

Split Sheet Feed

Normally, material feed is carried out as one continous movement.
Select this option to divide the material feed into two separate movements.
Useful to avoid unwanted safety breaks for certain material sizes.

Sheet Feed Correction

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Add a correction value.
A positive value will increase the movement.

Conveyor Speed
Specify Conveyor Speed as a percent of maximum allowed speed.
For optimal feed operation, some materials requires a reduced conveyor speed.

Conveyor Acceleration
Specify Conveyor Acceleration as a percent of maximum allowed acceleration.
For optimal feed operation, some materials requires a reduced conveyor acceleration.

Tool height calibration mode

Select calibration mode:
• Manual adjustment - use the manual procedure for tool height calibration.
• Automatic measurement - use X-pad for tool height calibration
Note: this choice is relevant on machines with X-pad only.

Default
All parameters are set to factory default.

For more information about these settings, see User Manual for the Cutting Table.

15.1.3. Installation

Machine Connection->Machine Configuration->Installation

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Set Main Reference Position

Invoke the Set Reference Point wizard.
Follow wizard instructions.
Note: Complete this function for all Tool Holders.

Register Table Size

Invoke the Register Table Size wizard.
Follow wizard instructions.

Adjust X1 to X2 angle
Invoke the Adjust X1 to X2 angle wizard.
Follow wizard instructions.

Set Ruler Position

Invoke the Set Ruler Position wizard.
Follow wizard instructions.

Map Table Top Surface

Invoke the Map Table Top Surface wizard.
Execute on top of the Vacuum Table, no Cutting Underlay or Conveyor Belt.
Follow wizard instructions.

Table Top Reference

Update table top level measurement in current Laser Pointer position.
Measure on top of cutting underlay; no material.

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Calibrate Measuring Pad
Invoke the Calibrate Measuring Pad wizard.
Follow wizard instructions.

For more information about these settings, see User Manual for the Cutting Table.

15.2. Tool Configuration

Machine Connection->Tool Configuration

Identified Tools
The tools currently mounted on the Cutting Table are shown.

Select a Tool
By the radio buttons, select the Tool to update.

Identify Tools
Complete a Tool identification sequence.

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15.2.1. Adjust Active Tool

General
Tool adjustment is carried out using wizards.
All tools need to be adjusted in the Tool holder position they will be used.
We recommend to use a sheet of quality carton or corrugated to perform these wizards.

About adjustments

Tool Height

The tool tip should touch the surface of the cutting underlay.

Lag setting

The knife lag depends upon the blade adapter.

Rotation adjustment

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Adjust tool angle tangential to moving direction.

Center offset adjustment

Adjust tool sideways until centered.

Center offset adjustment

Adjust tool sideways until centered.

Manual adjustment

An option for manual adjustment is also available, for angular and center offset.

Camera Calibration

Compensate for camera offset and lens distortion.

For more information, go here.

V-notch angle calibration

Adjustment of V-notch angles can be done to compensate for mechanical offsets.

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Offset Adjustment

Adjust offset relative to Laser Pointer.

For more information about tool adjustment, see user manual for cutting table.

15.2.2. More

The More dialog contains selections to Ignore, Delete or Add to the Tool List.
The Tool List contains Tools that you can select for the available Tool Positions.

Ignore Automatic Tool Identification

Ignore Automatic Tool Identification may be used when the Automatic Tool Detection
fails, and manual tool selection is necessary.
If Ignore Automatic Tool Identification is selected, Tool Setup remains unchanged after:
• Table Zero Position sequence

• Identify Tools function

Delete Tool
Use Delete Tool when a Tool is no longer in use.
The deleted Tool will no longer be available in the Tool List in the Edit Layer dialog.

Add Tool
Use Add Tool to
• Add new Tools

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• Add tools that fails during Automatic Tool Detection
The Tool is added to the Tool List.

15.3. Camera Operations

Show Camera

Menu Bar->Machine->Show Camera

Machine Panel->Show Camera

Use this function for an immediate check of

camera image.

Test camera detection:

• From the pull-down menu, select type of
detection.
• Move a suitable material into the camera
picture.
• The detected registration is high-lighted.
• The green bar below the picture indicates
the quality of the detection.

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Camera Setup
Machine Connection->Machine Configuration->HW Configuration->Camera
Setup

Prerequisites:
• The camera has to be visible as an imaging device from device manager.
• Necessary camera driver has to be installed ( Epix driver if i-cut camera).

• If using i-cut camera, select add i-cut

camera.
• In the list of cameras, select the one
currently connected
• Select Edit

• Give the camera a proper name

• Select type of camera (Tool head, In-stack)

• Select OK to save your settings.

The connected Tool head is marked by a (*) in
front of the name.

i-Camera Configuration
Machine Connection->Machine Configuration->HW Configuration->Camera
Setup

If your system is equipped with i-Camera, some additional functions are available:

• Refresh the view.

• Select actual camera.

• Select Edit.

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From this dialog, you can:
• Name the camera.
• Select type of tool head.
• Select tool head.
• Select Enable Advanced Settings to adjust
parameters.

Note:
Before any adjustment, ensure proper camera
height:
Press Manual Tool down to move camera
into correct position.
Press OK to complete.

Image Quality
Adjust and test settings in order to obtain
stable and accurate Registration Marks.
Note: Camera Settings adjustment is
available also from the Registration Dialog.

Capture Mode
Select Minimize Reflections to use the
internal camera light (default).
Select Minimize Shadows to eliminate errors
due to shadows.
Select No Illumination and the internal
camera light will be switched off.

Offset Adjustment
Machine Connection->Tool Configuration->Adjust Active Tool->Offset
Adjustment

Two initial steps are mandatory:

• Complete Offset Adjustment between
Laser Pointer and all tool positions.

• Select one tool, preferably a knife tool, as

the common reference tool between Laser
Pointer and Camera.

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Select Offset Adjustment and complete the

wizard.

Camera Calibration
Machine Connection->Tool Configuration->Adjust Active Tool->Camera
Calibration

For this procedure, use the same reference

tool as in previous chapter.

Select Camera and Adjust Active Tool

Follow the instructions given by the wizard,
step by step.

Select Camera Calibration.

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Follow the steps in the wizard:

1. Select the reference tool, preferably the
same tool as used during the previous
offset adjustment.
2. Place a sheet of thin material on the table.
3. Fixate the sheet using Vacuum on.
4. Jog the Laser Pointer into a proper
position on the sheet.
5. Press Start to create the Reference Mark.

While the sheet is kept in place by vacuum on,

do:
1. Jog the tool head away.
2. Carefully remove the cutout from the
Reference Mark.
3. Press Next.

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1. Verify that the mark is correctly detected.

2. Press Next.

The Camera Calibration wizard will now

complete.
Correct completion is indicated as shown.
Press Finish.

Press Close to terminate the procedure.

Note: Camera View will be oriented according

to Layers View / Production View.

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15.4. Service Menu

Note:
The Service Menu functions are available for certified service personnell only.
They are not aimed for table operators.

15.4.1. Message Display

Machine Connection->Service Menu->Message Display

Popup on Warnings
Select if you want the Message Display window displayed for each warning message.
Error messages are always shown.

Always on Top
Select if you want the Message Display on top of your Desktop.

Log Messages
When enabled, all messages are logged for later examination.
Useful for trouble shooting.

Show
Specify at what level messages are shown:
• All - all kind of messages are shown.

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• Important Only

• Critical Only

15.4.2. Memory Dump

Machine Connection->Service Menu->Memory Dump

Invoke the Memory Dump application.

To be used for Software Maintenance.

For more information, see Hwtest User Manual

15.4.3. Position Display

Machine Connection->Service Menu->Position Display

For more information, see User Manual for Cutting Table .

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15.4.4. Show Vacuum Dialog

Select Vacuum Zones suitable for Opened Job.

Note: This dialog is available from: Machine Panel->Vacuum Zones

15.4.5. Emulate operator panel

Machine Connection->Service menu->Emulate operator panel

A function for Software Maintenance.

15.4.6. Tool Holder Select

Machine Connection->Service menu->Tool Holder Select

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Select Tool holder for test.

This function is available when iPC is dis-connected from Cutting Table only.

15.5. About machine connection...

System Version Machine Size

Version number and date of the installed Machine size as obtained by the Register
software. Table Size function

Machine Type Work Area all Tools

Type name of connected Cutting Table. Nominal Work Area available for all tools in
the currently mounted Tool holder.

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15.5.1. Maintenance Info

Current Status

Date First Time Started

Todays date. Date when the system was running for the
first time.

Run Time
Total number of hours the machine has been
running (executing).

Maintenance

Date By
Date when last maintenance was carried out. Initials of the person who completed last
maintenance.

Run Time Since Last Maintenance

Hour counter when last maintenance was Number of execution hours since last
carried out. maintenance.

15.6. Terminate
Use this function to terminate the connection to the Cutting Table.

To re-connect: Menu Bar->Machine->Connect

15.7. Logging

15.7.1. General

Bug report
A Bug report should consist of:
• A detailed, step by step description of what happened.

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• If found at a customer site also a confirmation that the bug can be reproduced in the lab.
• Sometimes a description of the expected behavior will also be a help.
• A .zip file of the log folder, with at least the files:
• • i-cut Production Console.log
• iPcDeveloperLog.txt
• Last KB ACM file.log
• Last KB Mat file.log
• MCDeveloperLog.txt.

15.7.2. Log Options

Menu Bar->Advanced

Ctrl + Alt + Shift + L

Primarily, these options are available for Esko

personnell.
Modifying these parameters could have
impact on the performance of the system.
Any modification here should be performed in
co-operation with Esko personnell.

From this dialog, specify the log level.

For log settings to take effect, restart iPC.
The default setting will always be Service Log.
Initiating a log should be carried out only if requested by Esko personnel.

Procedure
To invoke logging:
In the Log Settings dialog, select Use integrated logging system and Log to File.
To reduce the size of the log file, please do as little as possible:
• Start iPC.
• Do the test and nothing else.
• Stop iPC.
• Zip the log folder and copy to your server.

Notes:
• Log type Debug or Trace will seriously affect performance and must be used for short
periods of time.

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• Never leave a machine in any other setting than Service Log.

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16. Install Software

16.1. PC setup

Follow these instructions for setting up the PC prior to software installation.

16.1.1. Power Options

Open Power Options from the Control Panel:

Change Plan settings according to the illustration below.

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Change Power Options according to the four illustrations below.

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16.1.2. Disable Dell update

Drivers and bios for Dell (monitor) might be set up for automatic updates. Typing Dell in the
search field on the taskbar may access Dell Command Update or Dell Client System Update. If
any of these commands are available, open the dialog and select Manual Updates Only.

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16.1.3. Windows 10 using i-cut camera

PCI Express Card/frame grabber software not found on fast booting

computers
The PIXCI® SV7, frame grabbers require a fraction of a second to initialize after power up,
before it can identify itself to the operating system. On some fast-booting computers, the
operating system may not see the card, and won't load the card's driver.
On some computers, the PIXCI® frame grabber may not be detected after a ''hard'' reboot
(cycling computer power), but will be detected after a ''soft'' reboot (without cycling computer
power). On some others, the frame grabbers will not be detected even after a soft reboot.
On some computers with Windows 10, the PIXCI® frame grabber may be detected after a
soft restart, but not a hard reboot. Disabling Windows' ''Turn on Fast Startup'' (under Control
Panel, Power Options) will allow detection after a hard reboot.

Disabling Fast Startup

1. Open Power Options from the Control Panel.
2. Click/tap on the Choose what the power buttons do link on the left side.
3. Click/tap on the Change settings that are currently unavailable link at the top.
4. Reply Yes/OK to any security warning.
5. Select Change what the power buttons do. See the below image:

After unchecking Turn on fast startup, the next shut down will this time actually shut down
the system if there is an issue as described above.

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If the option for turning off the Fast Startup is not available, then
changing the registry key may be required.

Note: Please note that configuring Registry key requires extra care as it might cause another
issue with your system.

1. Type regedit in the search field on the taskbar and open the registry tool. On the left
pane of the registry window, locate HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet
\Control\Session Manager\Power.
2. On the right pane of the said location, check if the HiberbootEnabled is available. If not, it
needs to be created by clicking the right key of the mouse, select New and click on DWORD
(32 bit) Value.
3. Replace it with the word HiberbootEnabled under Name column. Data value must be zero
(0) that will represent that Fast Startup is turned off.
4. Restart the computer for the changes to take effect.

16.2. Install iPC

16.2.1. Procedure

iPC supports Operating Systems Windows 7 and Windows 10.

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Note: It is a requirement that the person installing has “Administrator privileges” setup on the
Front End PC. (Users without Administrator privileges can still start and run iPC.)
Before installing iPC, it may be necessary to stop or uninstall any anti virus or other security
programs.
iPC legitimately utilize some functions that a security software may misinterpret as suspicious,
and may consequently remove files or block certain needed functions.
An indicator of this may be messages about a failed setup of Internet Information Services
during installation or error messages upon start-up of iPC that persist even after following
recommendations to reboot, telling that Kongsberg Queue Server or the Resource Database
is unavailable.
Your Windows version should be fully updated for iPC to function correctly. iPC may not run or
install properly if Windows is not up to date.

Open the iPC installation medium, run the installation as follows

Double-click on IPC Installer.exe.

The Security Warning Dialog may appear for

the Installer.exe.

Click Run to allow installation of iPC.

A User Account Control dialog may appear.

Click Yes to continue.

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The installer checks that the logged on user

has the appropriate access rights, and it
checks if prerequisite software of correct
version is installed already.
Outdated or not installed prerequisites are
automatically selected for installation.

Click Next to start installation of these.

The prerequisites are installed with a minimum of user interaction, but you may receive a
security warning similar to the one above when starting iPC Installer – click Run to continue if it
happens.

Once all prerequisites are installed, i-cut Production Console installation starts.
If you have previously installed any compatible Esko software, the installer will detect it and
present you with the type of table found.
Click Next to continue installation.

If no supported older Esko software is found,

or if older software for more than one
supported table type is found, you will be
asked to choose what table type you want to
install for.

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Make a selection and then click Install.

Note: Note: This page is only shown if no

table was detected on the previous page.

Please wait while the installer runs.

When finished, turn on the table and click Finish.
Sysload will now start, so that you can upload the new software to the table as well.

Answer Yes to the question if the CU–modules

shall be loaded.

The application program Sysload will be

executed.

Click the Load button in the information

dialog.

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When the loading of the CU modules has

finished, the new state of the system is
displayed.
Exit from SysLoad by clicking the red cross on
top right of dialog.

16.2.2. Silent Installation

The iPC installer can be run silently without the need of user interaction, for situations where
remote distribution of iPC versions is wanted.

iPC is installed silently using the following command-line syntax:

"iPC Installer.exe" /exenoui /qn TABLETYPE="X"

The different elements of this command line can be broken down like this:
iPC Installer.exe
The filename of the installer package.

/exenoui /qn
The two commands that specify that the installer is to run silently.
Both must be used for a silent installation to work properly.
This is a requirement set by the software used to create the installer and cannot be changed.

TABLETYPE="X"
This part is optional.
Can be used to specify which table type platform to be installed (X or C).
The value inside the quotation mark can be X, C or any other valid table type name, i.e. XN will
yield X platform, XP will yield C platform.
If omitted, table platform will be chosen according to the following pattern:
• If iPC or an older Esko product was never previously installed on the table...
• ...and TABLETYPE on the command line is omitted, the X platform will be chosen as
default
• ...and TABLETYPE on the command line is given, the platform indicated by TABLETYPE
will be chosen.

• if iPC or an older Esko product was previously installed on the table, the previous table type
will be automatically detected and selected.

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WARNING: If the TABLETYPE given on the command-line is in conflict with the detected
previous table platform, installation will be aborted in error.

If the installation ends in error, an error entry in the Windows System Log will reflect this.

Note: If iPC is installed silently, the user will have to run iPC Sysload manually to synchronize
the table CU-modules with the new iPC version before running iPC.
If you forget this, iPC will warn that it is not able to communicate with the table.
Close iPC, run Sysload and try again.

Note: On Windows 7, .NET 4.5.2 or later must be installed, otherwise iPC will fail to install.
On Windows 10, the required version of .NET is included and this will never be a problem.

16.2.3. Activate License

In order to activate your licenses, you need an Esko ID.

Detailed information about Esko IDs, and explanation of how a product key is activated, can be
found in these Knowledge Base articles (requires Internet access):
KB93520328: What is Esko ID and why should I get one
KB79694227: Licensing - Where do I find my product keys or product key files
KB73059246: Licensing - How to activate or deactivate licenses

When the Product Key is activated, you have a license to use the software

Note: iPC licenses are always LOCAL licenses.

The quick description of the activation procedure is

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1
Get the Product Key that has been mailed to
the customer.

2
Start the Esko Local License Manager from
the shortcut that has been made on the
desktop ..
or by clicking Start > All Programs > Esko
> Local License Manager > Manage Local
Licenses

3
Click the Activate button and follow the
instructions in the wizard.

License activation after upgrading to a new major version

In Esko (and general software-) terminology, the digit(s) before the first "dot" in a software
version number is called the major version number (1.x, 2.x, 12.x..).
So, when iPC is upgraded for instance from iPC 1.x to iPC 2.x this is called upgrading to the
new major version.

When upgrading to a new major version, also the license needs to be upgraded to that new
version.
For this purpose, an upgrade key file is provided.
Upgrading a license is done by activating the upgrade key file using the standard License
Manager activation procedure.

But since the key file is just an upgrade to the original license, the original license must not
be deactivated before the license upgrade is activated.

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The original license needs to be activate on the computer when the upgrade key file is
activated.

You will find more details about how a license upgrade works in this Knowledge Base article
(requires Internet access):
KB78615354: Licensing - How to activate upgrade licenses

16.2.4. Installation and Configuration of Camera Interface Device

Drivers

When the machine is equipped with the Ethernet i-Camera

The Intel GigaBit network interface card for the i-Camera is recognized by Windows, which will
install the default Windows NIC driver.
Therefore no additional device driver installation or configuration will be necessary.

When the machine is equipped with the analogue i-cut Camera and Pixci
coax camera grabber board

Install appropriate Device Driver from Device manager

• Open Device Manager
• Locate the Pixci camera grabber board, right-click and select Update Driver Software

• Click Browse my computer for driver software, browse to the folder Epix Drivers on the
iPC installation medium.

• Select the Windows 7 x64 sub folder if the PC runs 64bit Windows.
Select the Windows 7-Vista-XP sub folder if Windows runs a 32bit version.
Click Next and wait while Windows installs the driver
(even though the folder name only indicates Windows 7, the drivers are also compatible
with Windows 10)

Configure Registry for appropriate image decoding, PAL or NTSC

i-cut Cameras delivered after May of 2015 are of the PAL standard, i-cut Cameras older than
May 2015 are of the NTSC version.

The PAL / NTSC configuration in iPC is controlled by a Windows Registry setting.

For this purpose, the Tweak.exe program has been made, to set the appropriate value:

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Locate and double-click on the tweak.exe file

found in C:\Esko\IcutProductionConsole
\MachineController\Bin.

Select the Epix Camera settings tab and

choose the correct Camera Format, NTSC or
PAL.
Click OK

Note: If the wrong selection is chosen, this will show as an incorrect Width vs Height ratio of
the camera image in iPC, and it will prevent successful completion of the Camera Calibration
wizard.

Configure registry to avoid memory addressing conflicts when PC has more than 4GB
RAM

If the PC has more than 4GB RAM, the Epix Pixci driver will not work with it's standard settings
on 64bit versions of Windows systems.

A registry setting must be manually edited to avoid this memory allocation conflict:
1- Start the Registry Editor by clicking the Windows start button and type "regedit" in the
search field.
2 - In the registry editor, browse to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE/System/CurrentControlSet/
Services/EPIXXCW6.
3 - Double#click on PIXCI (found in the Name column)

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4 - If "PIXCI" doesn't exist, then create it as a
string value.
5 - Enter the following (without quotes; notice
the preceding space) into the value field:
" -WT 0x80"

If a -WT flag already exists, change its value to

0x80.
6 - Click OK.

7 - Restart the PC as prompted

16.3. File Save Structure

Computer->xxx->My Documents->i-cut Production Console

This is the default file save structure.

Backup

Cutting Keys

Exports

Production Options

Sample Files

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User Manual

16.4. Multiple users

If multiple users are requested, create user accounts without administrative privileges. In this
case backup folder should be moved to a public folder by the admin user. This is done by:
1. Create a backup folder on a central server (recommended) or on e.g. C:\Users\Public
\Documents\Esko_backup
2. Make sure that all users have write access to that folder
3. Start iPC and change the submit folder and backup folder in Options
4. In case iPC is upgraded from a version prior to 2.2, check also Submit folder in Options
dialog, category Connections. By activating the “Use default connections” followed by OK, a
common submit folder is ensured
When done, log in as a non-privileged user and verify that iPC is starting fine and that backup
and submit folders are accessible.

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17. About Licenses

iPC has five main licenses.
Information about installed license is available from Menu Bar->Help->License Manager...

i-cut Production Console Basic

Basic license cover only basic functions. No camera functions.

i-cut Production Console Packaging Production

Packaging Production license cover all main topics for production, but less functionality
regarding edit, milling and camera distortion compensations.

i-cut Production Console Sign Std

Sign Std license covers all features for V-series and X-starter series.

i-cut Production Console Sign Prod

Sign Prod license is the main license that covers all features in iPC software.

i-cut Production Console Flexo

Flexo license covers basic functions and all compensation options.

Feature Basic Pack Sign Flexo Details

Prod

Base x x x x Enable all base functionality

including start of application
Line_edit x x Enable all manual geometry editing.
Basic version will be "read only", like
XL-Guide
Avoid_overcut x Enable Layer feature to
automatically split lines and change
cut directions, mainly for printed
materials
Registration_and_ x x x x Enable edge / regmark reg. and
placement placement (position / rotation)
compensation. Registration device is
HW dependant
Barcode x x Enable use of camera for reading
barcodes, which enables automated
Workflow. Barcode scanner always
supported
Linear x x x Enable linear and differential scale

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Feature Basic Pack Sign Flexo Details

Prod

Non_linear x x Enable non linear (full) distortion

compensation
Intelligent x Enable Adaptive Registration
Marks
Non Stop x x Enable more than 1 copy (table)
productions and MultiZone as table
preset.
Milling x Enable advanced milling features,
like Lead-in/Lead-out, Wash Out,
Tool Diameter Compensation
Add_Nested_ x x x Enable dialog for merging designs
Layout onto same sheet based on bounding
boxes or manual positioning
Step_and_repeat x x x Enable Step and Repeat the "i-cut
way"
QuickBox x x x x Enables running a standard.

Note: Freestanding license, not

connected to bundle licenses

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18. Keyboard Shortcuts

Alt + Click Select All Curves
Alt + Left
Alt + Right
Jog Selected Curve(s)
Alt + Up
Alt + Down

CTRL + - Zoom Out

CTRL + + Zoom In
CTRL + 0 Fit to Data
CTRL + A Select All Curves
CTRL + Alt + Shift + L Log Options
CTRL + Alt + M Maintenance Interval update
CTRL + C Copy Layer(s)
CTRL + D Deselect All Curves
CTRL + L Add Layer
CTRL + M Move Selected Curves
CTRL + N New File
CTRL + O Open File
CTRL + Alt + O Open via Barcode
CTRL + Alt + Shift + O Open from ArtiosCAD Standards
CTRL + Alt + P Start Production via Barcode
CTRL + Q Locate Queued Jobs
CTRL + S Save File
CTRL + Shift + A Select All Layers
CTRL + Shift + C Copy Layer(s) with Curves
CTRL + Shift + D Deselect All Layers
CTRL + Shift + I Invert Curve Direction
CTRL + Shift + J Fit to Job
CTRL + Shift + M Mirror Selected Curves
CTRL + Shift + R Rotate Selected Curves
CTRL + Shift + S Save File As

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CTRL + Shift + T Fit to Table

CTRL + T Scale Selected Curves
CTRL + U Remove Unused Layers
CTRL + W Close File
CTRL + Z Undo
Delete Remove Selected Curves
F1 Help
Shift + Delete Remove Layers

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19. Using ai-cut/i-cutCDR

ai-cut is an addon to Adobe Illustrator.
i-cutCDR is an addon to CorelDraw versions X3, X4 and X5.
These addons provides tools to automatically add iPC Register Marks to designs.
For more information, see separate User Manuals.

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20. i-script

In a traditional Workflow, image data and cut data are generated as separate files out from
the Design station.

i-script is a Workflow where image data and cut data are separated in the RIP process.
The big advantage is that modifications made during the RIP process are maintained both for
the image data and the cut data.
i-script is adapted by leading RIP and printer producers.

i-script file format is as well used for data transfer from Esko applications like i-cut Layout and
ArtiosCAD to iPC.

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21. JDF Workflow

This Workflow is a further development of the i-script Workflow. The output to the Cutting
Table is divided into two files:
A .cgf file containing all cutting geometry. This is a stripped down i-script file where all
Metadata is separated into a jdf file containing metadata like
• job information (job id, customer name,...)
• material information (material name as defined in iPC)

• amount of sheets to cut

• presets to process the Job as defined in iPC

• summary of all Barcode identification fields on the sheet including their contents and
position.
Optionally a .png file for perview of the printed job.
These files are zipped into one file which is imported into iPC. Workflow is supported by Esko
applications like i-cut Layout, DFS and ArtiosCAD as well as some RIP vendors. In case of DFS,
the zip file is named .dfscut.

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22. Open Source Credits

Tool Download place License

OpenCV http://opencv.org/ http://opensource.org/licenses/

downloads.html BSD-3-Clause
ZXing https://github.com/zxing/zxing http://www.apache.org/licenses/
LICENSE-2.0
Log4cxx https://logging.apache.org/ http://www.apache.org/licenses/
log4cxx/latest_stable/ LICENSE-2.0
download.html
log4net https://logging.apache.org/ http://www.apache.org/licenses/
log4net/download_log4net.cgi LICENSE-2.0
Jersey 2.19 https://jersey.java.net/ https://jersey.java.net/
download.html license.html
Jetty 9 http://www.eclipse.org/jetty/ http://www.eclipse.org/jetty/
downloads.php licenses.php
JSON https://jsonp.java.net/ https://jsonp.java.net/
download.html license.html
Scorpion http://scorpion.tordivel.no/help/ http://scorpion.tordivel.no/help/
GettingStarted/Default.htm GettingStarted/License.htm
SQLite https://www.sqlite.org/ https://www.sqlite.org/
copyright.html copyright.html
Newtonsoft JSON https://github.com/JamesNK/ https://github.com/JamesNK/
Newtonsoft.Json Newtonsoft.Json/blob/master/
LICENSE.md
SharpZipLib https://github.com/icsharpcode/ https://github.com/icsharpcode/
SharpZipLib SharpZipLib/blob/master/
LICENSE.txt

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