Cancel search

Good practices to ensure correct cutting accuracy with HP Latex Print and Cut Solution

HP-Jordi 4th of June 2019

1. Loading the substrate

Load the substrate correctly:

Sheet Format
Rolls
HPLatex Print and Cut

HPLatex Print and Cut
  • Load from the front or the rear.
  • Use “ruler” alignment marks.
  • Load from the rear.
  • Use media flanges for better media advance.

2. Use the correct knife type

HP recommends using the correct knife for each type of substrate.

Please follow the indications below, based on the substrate thickness:

Knife depth

Knife depth must be increased when using thicker types of vinyl and decreased when using thinner types of vinyl. In any case, only the knife tip should stick out beyond the knife holder, as shown in the following picture.

HPLatex Print and cut3. Calibrate the cutter

The OPOS sensor has been calibrated at the factory, but HP recommends doing a test to determine how well the factory-set parameters work with the material you are using. If the accuracy obtained is not satisfactory, then you should perform an OPOS calibration.

From the cutter’s front panel, select: Menu > System setup > Calibrations.

  • OPOS calibration

Cal. OPOS: Calibrates the distance between the knife and the sensor. Perform this calibration whenever you install a new knife. A black vinyl or a black printed area is required to do this.

  • Substrate calibration

Cal. Media: Calibrates the reflection levels of the marker color and the substrate color. Perform this calibration when using colored, translucent, high-gloss or reflective substrates.


IMPORTANT: Prior to performing the calibration with the cutter, a set of calibration patches need to be printed on the same material as the cutting job.

HP Latex Print and cut

  • Length calibration

Cal. Length: Allows the length of the cut lines to be adjusted within specifications. Perform this calibration when using multiple vinyls that require match-up between them.

4. Finding the correct cutting settings for your material

The cutting presets are given for a limited number of media categories that may not include your specific substrate. The amount of wear on the knife can also affect the cutting result.

For these reasons, HP strongly recommends that you ensure the cutting settings are correct before sending a print-and-cut job.


For Kiss cuts (contour cuts)
Menu > Knife Pressure > Test
Test current pressure and adjust. SAV layer needs to be cut through completely and the liner layer visibly scratched but not cut.
hp latex print and cut
For Cut-throughs (FlexCut)
Menu > Knife Pressure > Test
Adjust the FlexCut settings and test.

hp latex print and cut

NOTE: The FlexCut option is only reliable with simple shapes, like circles, rectangles and ovals.

5. Other tips to improve cutting accuracy

  • If possible, always use the OPOS mark HP barcode.
  • Set OPOS panels ON, from the cutter’s front panel:

Menu > System setup > Configuration > OPOS parameters > Panels

When ON, this option allows the markers to be read in panels; the OPOS sensor reads markers according to panel size, instead of loading them all. When set to ON, the sensor will load only two markers in the X direction when loading OPOS. Other markers will be read when unrolling the substrate.

  • Reduce job sizes, e.g. fewer rows of images, and printing several copies of a job; in this manner, more horizontal bars will be printed and the OPOS sensor will be able to readjust the alignment.

hp latex print and cut

  • Reduce the parameter velocity to 100 mm/s; this is the speed at which the cutter will load the OPOS marks.

From the cutter’s front panel, select: Menu > System setup > Settings > Velocity

  • Add top and bottom margins to the Print&Cut job: set to at least 30 cm.

Hp latex print and cut

The top and bottom edges of the plot can turn wavy, making it difficult for the OPOS sensor to read the HP barcode correctly and apply an accurate alignment.

With no margins
With margins



Please download below the extended article.

Related posts

Loading...

How likely are you to recommend HP Large Format Knowledge Center to a colleague?
  • Not at all likely
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 6
  • 7
  • 8
  • 9
  • 10
  • Extremely likely
Thanks for your collaboration
To provide additional details, click here.