The provided document is a user manual for the Cutmate 3.0 software, which is designed for use with Redsail Cutting Plotters. The manual outlines the installation process for the software and its associated plugins, as well as basic usage features.
Function Description:
The Cutmate 3.0 software serves as a control and design interface for Redsail Cutting Plotters. Its primary function is to enable users to design graphics and then send these designs to a Redsail cutting plotter for physical cutting. The software supports various design file formats, including SVG, DXF, and PLT, allowing for flexibility in importing existing designs. It also integrates with popular graphic design software such as Adobe Illustrator, CorelDraw, and Inkscape through dedicated plugins, streamlining the workflow for designers. The software facilitates the connection between the computer and the cutting plotter, manages cutting operations, and provides tools for adjusting cutting parameters.
Important Technical Specifications (Derived from context):
- Software Version: Cutmate 3.0
- Compatible Plotter Series: Redsail C series (RS360C, RS450C, RS500C, RS720C, RS800C, RS1120C, RS1360C, RS1600C, RS1780C, RS2000C). This indicates a broad range of plotter models are supported, likely varying in cutting width and capabilities.
- Operating System Compatibility: While not explicitly stated, the installation process and file paths (e.g.,
C:\Program Files (x86)\RedSail\CutMate) suggest compatibility with Windows operating systems.
- Plugin Compatibility:
- Illustrator Plugin: Compatible with various Illustrator versions (e.g., CutMate_CC.aip, CutMate_CS3.aip, CutMate_CS4.aip, CutMate_CS5.aip, CutMate_CS6.aip). Users need to copy the appropriate
.aip file to their Illustrator plugin directory.
- CorelDraw Plugin: Uses a
.gms file (CutMate.gms) that needs to be copied to the CorelDraw Graphics Suite GMS directory.
- Inkscape Plugin: Requires Inkscape version 1.0 or higher and involves copying
cutmate.inx and cutmate.py files to the Inkscape extensions directory.
- Supported File Formats for Opening: SVG (Scalable Vector Graphics), DXF (Drawing Exchange Format), PLT (PLT Format).
- Supported File Formats for Saving: SVG (Scalable Vector Graphics).
- Connectivity: USB connection to the cutting plotter. The software automatically identifies COM ports.
- Plotter Language Support: HPGL (for English language plotters) and DMPL (for Chinese language plotters). This indicates the software can communicate with plotters using different command sets.
- Trial Period: New users receive a 30-day free trial of the Pro version upon registration.
Usage Features:
- Account Registration: Users must register an account on the
cutmate.net website, providing their name, email, country, and a password. This registration is necessary to activate the 30-day trial and log in to the software.
- Software Installation: A straightforward installation wizard guides users through the process, allowing selection of installation path and desired plugins (Illustrator, CorelDraw).
- Software Login: Requires the registered email, password, and a validation code sent to the registered email address.
- Language Selection: The software supports both Chinese and English languages, which can be selected from the "Languages" menu. The change takes effect after restarting the software.
- File Management:
- Open: Users can open SVG, DXF, and PLT files directly within the Cutmate software.
- Save: Designs can be saved in SVG format.
- Design Integration: Seamless integration with Illustrator, CorelDraw, and Inkscape through dedicated plugins. Users can design graphics in their preferred software and then send them directly to Cutmate for cutting.
- Cutting Operations:
- Device Connection: The software automatically identifies connected cutting plotters via USB. Users need to select the correct COM port and plotter language (HPGL or DMPL).
- Start Job: Initiates the cutting process after designs are loaded and parameters are set.
- Spooler: Likely manages the queue of cutting jobs.
- Devices: Provides an interface to manage connected devices and their settings.
- Keymap: Potentially allows for custom key assignments for various functions.
- Graphic Manipulation: Within Cutmate, users can perform basic manipulations on selected figures, including:
- Remove
- Duplicate
- Scale
- Rotate
- Outline
- Flip
- Cutting Parameters: The "Operations and Commands" section allows users to set cutting speed (e.g., "Cut 10mm/s 1000ppi") and other commands like "beep." The "Device Manager" allows setting bed width, bed height, angle, and close distance.
- Optimization: The "optimize_cuts" feature suggests that the software can optimize the cutting path for efficiency.
Maintenance Features:
- Software Updates: While not explicitly detailed, the nature of software often implies regular updates for bug fixes, performance improvements, and new features. Users are encouraged to download the "Pro version" which might include these updates.
- Troubleshooting: The manual provides guidance for common issues, such as plugins not loading correctly in CorelDraw or Illustrator, by directing users to specific menu options to activate them.
- Support Contact: Redsail provides contact information (phone numbers and email) for user support and suggestions, indicating a channel for maintenance-related queries or issues.
- Documentation: The manual itself serves as a primary maintenance feature, guiding users through installation, setup, and basic operations to prevent common problems.
- Product Specifications: Redsail reserves the right to change content and product specifications without prior notice, implying that users should verify information for accuracy, which is a form of ongoing maintenance of information.