Graphtec FC2200-90/EX

This is a flatbed vinyl cutter and plotter. It works.

Workflow

• Create/import a file in Inkscape
• Select all
• Path > Object To Path
• File > Save A Copy> choose .plt extension
  • Must have Uniconverter installed
    • Uniconverter is installed on the Thinkstation in the Fab Lab and on a number of the laptops
• File > Save A Copy> choose .hpgl extension
  • Make sure that "Tool offset correction" is set to 0 or your cut will be very bad.

• On the computer, put the file into the CUT_NOW folder on the desktop.
  • Username and password are both 'maker'
• Once there double-click the 'Run Vinyl Cutter' shortcut.
  • It will choose the first file in the folder, so make sure yours is the only one
    • Cut will not start if the machine is in 'view' or 'test' mode.
  • Once done it will be moved to the CUT_DONE folder with the same name.
    • It WILL overwrite files with the same name.

Settings

Small Blade (Blue Knob)

Cutter Offset: 17

Starting point for vinyl:

• Stickout: 0.2mm
• Force:18
• Speed:10
• Quality:1

Tips

• After saving the PLT file open it up in Inkscape to verify the output looks right. If there are issues, go back to the source file and save it as a PDF. Open the PDF in Inkscape and then save as PLT. This has fixed all of the conversion issues we have run into so far.

Test Files

• Test Files Drive Folder
• Vinyl Cutting Basics Slides