Graphtec America Inc.

TNC-011 - Understanding the Four Operational Modes of the SignJet ProTM

One of the questions we are asked is this: What is the different between the four modes: PRINT, CUT, PRT&CUT, and CUT&PRT. This may be confusing since most software packages automatically switch the SignJet Pro between the two modes.

We will consider the differences between the four different modes (PRINT, CUTTING, PRINT&CUT, and CUT&PRINT) on the SignJet Pro. Second, we will clarify when we should set the SignJet Pro in PRINT mode as opposed to PRT&CUT mode. Although this is quite elementary, it does require some explanation.

PRINT/CUTTING vs. PRT&CUT/CUT&PRT

PRINT and CUTTING: These modes are true to their definition. If you are only producing a print, the best mode is the PRINT mode. If you are cutting vinyl, the best mode is the CUTTING mode. But, in order for the SignJet Pro to switch automatically between the PRINT mode and the CUTTING mode, or visa-versa, it must receive a special switch-over command. This command is the only way of switching between the two modes. Typically, most print and cut RIP’s use this process.

PRT&CUT and CUT&PRT: These modes work in a different way. When the SignJet Pro is in one of these two modes, the SignJet Pro is waiting for an end of file (EOF) command which prompts it to switch automatically. This EOF command just says to the printer, "This is the end of the print part of the file" or "This is the end of the cut part of the file." This EOF command is a standard command that is sent at the end of all print or cut data. Thus when receiving this message, the SignJet Pro prepares for this by switching to a printing mode (if it was previously in a cutting mode) or to a cutting mode (if it was previously in a print mode).

Note on the EOF command: This command is standard with all data that is sent to the SignJet Pro.

Simply stated, if the SignJet Pro is in PRINT or CUTTING mode, it has to receive a special command to switch between the two modes. If the SignJet Pro is in PRT&CUT or CUT&PRT, it only has to reach a standard end of the print data command and it switches automatically.

Well, what does this all mean?

If you are printing with no intention of cutting, set the mode to PRINT. If you are only cutting vinyl or other media, with no intention of printing, use the CUTTING mode. This does not mean that if you are going to print an image and cut a contour you cannot use these modes. In fact, using any one of Scanvec’s products (Casmate, Printshop, Colorpro, or Accuprint) or Cadlink’s products (Signlab, Prismprint, Visual Print Manager) with these two modes, it is acceptable, if not preferred, to set the SignJet Pro in the PRINT mode and leave it there. This also applies to using Graphtec’s Windows ’95 driver. This is because, in each case, the software will take care of the rest.

If you are using any one of Amiable’s products (Flexisign Pro, Photocut, and Photoprint) set the printer in the PRT&CUT or the CUT&PRT mode. Because of the way in which the data is handled, you will get better result..

Commonly asked questions

"I am trying to print an image and then cut the contour. Why is it that when I am in the PRT&CUT or CUT&PRT modes, even after the print data has been sent the SignJet Pro will not switch to the mode to cut?"

The above problem occurs because the SignJet Pro cannot detect an "End of File" after print data has been sent. While this problem has been cured by version 1.4 firmware (this can be download of our website) it can still happen if the EOF command has not been set through the control panel. Below are steps that can be done if you are having this problem:

If you do not have the 1.4 firmware version for you SignJet Pro, either go to our website and download the firmware or call us and we can send it to you. To go to the firmware download page, click on this address: http://www.graphtecamerica.com/support.html#h

If you have 1.4 or greater firmware do the following:

  1. Press PAUSE.
  2. Press NEXT DISPLAY once.
  3. Press F4 for SETUP
  4. Press F2 for EOF command
  5. There will be a string of 0’s that will display with a "qm,5698,2000,3" at the top.
  6. A black blinking cursor will be over the first zero on the left hand side of the string of 0’s. If not, press the LEFT or RIGHT arrow key so the blinking cursor is placed over the first 0 on the left hand side.
  7. Press the UP ARROW key to set this 0 to 1.
  8. Press ENTER.
  9. Press PAUSE.

These instruction set the qm,5698,2000.3 command as the EOF command. This is the command that the most print and cut programs use as their EOF.

One other problem that can happen it the eof command is not set through the control panel is if you do two consecutive print the second print will print over the first print.
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