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Author Topic: Mac and Graphtec CE5000-60 - need software help for Newbie  (Read 1636 times)

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notjeep

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Mac and Graphtec CE5000-60 - need software help for Newbie
« on: November 01, 2011, 12:40:34 PM »
Hey, I just bought a Graphtec CE-5000 60 to start outputting our own stickers for my business... Not a sticker/vinyl business, just a motorcycle store that gives away a bunch of stickers for rider support, advertising, etc... I am running Snow Leopard 10.6.8 and Photoshop CS for my usual graphics stuff, like business cards, flyers, etc. Does anyone know if I can use Photoshop for outputting to this cutter? I see people using Illustrator with a plugin, but not sure if that's the only way. I don't own Illustrator, and would prefer not to buy it if that were an option. Or do they make a specific software for the Mac for vinyl cutters? The stickers will be single color, 2-3 typed words with our name, nothing fancy. I looked in the MAC section for answers before posting, but found only 3 posts. lol Guess the MACs aren't real popular in this industry. Any advice would be great. Dave
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NVusDezign

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Re: Mac and Graphtec CE5000-60 - need software help for Newbie
« Reply #1 on: November 01, 2011, 01:01:36 PM »
To cut stickers you will need to use vector graphics (Illustrator, Corel, Inkscape). I would download and install inkscape on your mac and use it for all of the design work. Then I believe signcut is one of the few mac cutting programs and I think they have an inkscape pluggin to cut directly from inkscape. Hope this helps some.
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Thank you,

Chris
24" Pcut, 15X15 Insta Swinger, 16X20 Hotronix Swinger, WorkForce 1100 w/ Cobra Carts

Openco

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Re: Mac and Graphtec CE5000-60 - need software help for Newbie
« Reply #2 on: November 01, 2011, 01:46:05 PM »
We have the same set up.  I've been working on this for WEEKS now, with no help.  MAC/Inkscape/Sign Cut Pro/Graphtec CE5000-60 - for regular vinyl cutting is a fantastic combination.  But for contour cutting of printed items I have had NO luck.  My plan was to print with my Epson WF1100 onto vinyl and contour cut the stickers, or contour cut print t shirt transfers.

Graphtec WILL NOT HELP unless you purchase Corell or Illustrator and use their plug in.  So as a MAC, you would have to purchase Illustrator.

Sign Cut WILL NOT HELP because they don't have "the exact set up" you have in their "testing" facilities.

I have been patient. But I'm guessing I need to get Illustrator or sell my stuff.  Why should I have a $1,500 plotter that won't contour cut when I can a $300 plotter that won't contour cut?  Yes, I'm frustrated.  Yes, I'm ranting!

I'm sure it is just a setting or something that I do not understand, but the "help" desk at the only two places that can help WON'T do it.  I know there are people here who contour cut with Graphtec machines, but I haven't yet learned how they solved the issue.  I posted this a while back and got no help.

Okay - and breathe... 2... 3... 4............
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MAC, GRAPHTEC CE5000-60, USC 15X15 auto heat press, Illustrator CS with Cutmaster plugin ,Auto sketch, Ink scape, Sign Cut-PRO w/dongle, Epson workforce 1100.

Openco

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Re: Mac and Graphtec CE5000-60 - need software help for Newbie
« Reply #3 on: November 08, 2011, 08:36:16 PM »
Apparently the guy who started this thread joined on Nov 1, posted this one time, and has not been back since - even to read the response.  Let's hope all is well, and that he will be back - maybe he's in Connecticut with no power...   :(

As to my reply for contour cutting, there has been no resolution.  BUT if you think the big boys don't read these posts, guess again.  Within an hour or two of my reply on this thread, both Graphtec and SC PRO contacted me.  Each still thinks the other has the issue, and I've not had the time nor money to try different software.

Apparently, Inkscape does not create the correct registration marks for the graphtec (according to the Graphtec Tech, they are too "primitive").  I would REALLY like to be wrong on this and find out that it's just my not understanding...

Also, I have to open my Inkscape images with SC PRO, as the "export to Sc PRO" just causes the machine to hang up.  But opening it is very easy and works perfectly every time for regular cutting.

More and more, I'm thinking Illustrator may be in my future.  But I have to buy to try because (again, according to the graphtec guy) the demo or educational versions will not work with the Graphtec plug ins - only the full copy.

NO one out there want to talk and old guy through contour cutting with a Graphtec????
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MAC, GRAPHTEC CE5000-60, USC 15X15 auto heat press, Illustrator CS with Cutmaster plugin ,Auto sketch, Ink scape, Sign Cut-PRO w/dongle, Epson workforce 1100.

NVusDezign

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Re: Mac and Graphtec CE5000-60 - need software help for Newbie
« Reply #4 on: November 09, 2011, 09:06:26 AM »
Sent ya a PM Tony.
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Thank you,

Chris
24" Pcut, 15X15 Insta Swinger, 16X20 Hotronix Swinger, WorkForce 1100 w/ Cobra Carts

notjeep

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Re: Mac and Graphtec CE5000-60 - need software help for Newbie
« Reply #5 on: December 09, 2011, 09:14:41 PM »
Quote from: Openco on November 08, 2011, 08:36:16 PM
Apparently the guy who started this thread joined on Nov 1, posted this one time, and has not been back since - even to read the response.  Let's hope all is well, and that he will be back - maybe he's in Connecticut with no power.

LOL, I am here... just sitting down for the first time to look at it again since the last time I posted. I have the IMac, AND Illustrator CS, as well as downloaded versions of Inkscape, SignCut, and Cutting Master 2. I designed my logo in Ill CS, then click on Cut/Plot, and get all the windows... but when I hit send, the Graphtec fires up, then shuts right back down. I would like to use Illustrator, but can't seem to get it working to the plotter. On a whim I dropped the logo in SignCut, and just stabbed the send button, and it fired out a sticker. I can't validate paying a monthly or yearly fee in SignCut if CuttingMaster does the same for free. But does it? Or is everyone using SignCut and just paying the fee? God, I wish there was a class I could take on this to clear it up. I'm sure it's not too hard, if someone showed you what software worked the best, and gave u some basics I would be in heaven. Santa... are you listening?  ;D
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fourover4

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Re: Mac and Graphtec CE5000-60 - need software help for Newbie
« Reply #6 on: March 28, 2012, 03:41:47 PM »
notjeep,

What version of OSX are you using with Ill/Cutmaster?
Graphtec just released their OSX 10.7 Cutmaster 2 version. So if that was your prob, hooray. If not, did you get the Plotter setup correctly in Cutmaster 2. ie:  The window with the stop sign and trash icon, menu-setup/setup properties, right tab at top, Select usb, and the plotter shows up? Or are you past this? Does the job from the plugin show up in the Cutmaster 2 window after you hit send?

Sorry to necro this post, but I too had a few problems getting the workflow up and running. It basically came down to me using a different usb port (laptop) than what I originally setup the plotter with. Plugging it into the same port fixed it for me.

Hope this finds you up and running.

J
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Openco

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Re: Mac and Graphtec CE5000-60 - need software help for Newbie
« Reply #7 on: March 29, 2012, 08:03:37 AM »
Missed this thread again somehow.  The 0nly issue between SC pro and ILLY with Cut master, is that SC Pro requires you to set up as HPGL and the ILLY with Cutmaster requires GPGL. 

On the Graphtec, load it up.  Hit PAUSE, hit next,next,next - keep going until you see (I think language?) and hit up/dn until you get GPGL for the ILLY.  Enter, Enter - and your set.  When you want to go back to SC PRO - just do it again.

Again - so sorry I missed this and I hope you already had it figured out.

No problem on the necro of the thread - it's always great info.
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MAC, GRAPHTEC CE5000-60, USC 15X15 auto heat press, Illustrator CS with Cutmaster plugin ,Auto sketch, Ink scape, Sign Cut-PRO w/dongle, Epson workforce 1100.
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