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NikGrey
05-10-2013, 01:48 PM
Hi Folks,
I'm posting this in the 'Vinyl Cutters' area as the software used for Vinyl cutting is the subject.

In FlexiSignPro 10 I am getting my head around contour cutting so am doing some testing - I have installed my Subli printer as well as my General printer into the Production Manager and they both work as expected.

The problem is this, from both printers:

1967

As you can see, these black lines are not wanted - I have been messing for hours now and think it's time to tap into the members experience.

I have been through this many times, turning various makrks on and off but even with all extra marks turned off I still get this.

Any idea's? :confused:

Update: If I print via 'Rip and Print' the lines are there but if I go File - Print they are not ! BUT, if I print this way I do not have registration marks :( which is another sore subject 'Registration marks' as all I have are 'iCut Marks' which are 5x splodges.

Paul
05-10-2013, 05:00 PM
Did you tried to change to diferent reg marks??

NikGrey
05-10-2013, 11:02 PM
Funny you should say that Paul, I didn't have any registration marks on that first one but the second (right) I had 2x registration marks and the Third (Left) I had 4x Marks and look what happened to the lines !

What on earth is going on - I have spent all day on this :(

1968

Paul
05-10-2013, 11:20 PM
looks like error in software. maybe reinstallation will help?

dazzul
06-10-2013, 12:11 AM
That is a system Flexi have in place to combat illegal copies of there softwear.

Return it to your supplier for a full refund :)

I had the same issue with when i brought one, found to be a very good looking reproduction returned to the seller for a full refund.

NikGrey
06-10-2013, 04:57 PM
I'm just working out which software I like before buying anything, I think flexistarter 10 will do everything I need (Paul uses that so it cant be bad).

there is a very good deal on this version at the moment, I am waiting for the seller to get back to me before I buy though as I bought my cutter from him (asking for a cheeky discount, well - it doesn't hurt to ask).

arko
07-10-2013, 11:00 AM
I was going to say the same thing dazzul...... Illegal copies have full functionality but will print with the black lines rendering the copy useless. Strange that SA do not inform you about this so Im just wondering where you know about this dazzul? hahahahaha.... hmmm.... strange that I know about it aswell!... Just kidding!.... I read on some dodgy website about this protection. As dazzul says... return it to the person you purchased it from and demand another copy or your money back.... I would also, if found that all his copies are the same, report him/her to the appropriate authorities.

NikGrey
07-10-2013, 01:32 PM
So, I should be ok now - bought a Digitus Serial to USB adapter so I can set up my registration marks on my Liyu and a legit copy of Flexistarter 10 (As I said, a great deal at £67 with dingle dongle of course).
No more black lines :)

NikGrey
08-10-2013, 01:50 PM
I wont start a new thread for this as it may be a silly idea but...

I have my legit Flexi Starter and everything is working as expected - I can even line up the registration marks from the keyboard via usb (No serial to usb adapter as it hasn't arrived today).

So, I have an AI file of a Motorcycle decal for testing - it is in Two colours, Silver and Black - I want to be able to produce this decal as it is which is black main with the silver shadow so need to separate the colours.
I have found that 'Un Compound' does allow this (Not sure if this is the correct way of doing it).

BUT, How do I line up the two colours when they are cut? my cutter doesn't print so I cant use registration marks.. so, I am thinking I need to add my own marks - maybe a circle with a cross in it so that circle will cut and allow me to weed opposite quadrants out of it (if you see what I mean) for alignment.

Is there something in Flexi for this that I have missed or, if this is the way to do it how do you create this mark.

The object it to cut the black first and then the silver and line them up properly - I take it I have to lay the black over the silver, and there is no way of cutting just the silver that shows (so the end result is a flat decal) ?

Earl Smith
08-10-2013, 04:15 PM
Hi Nik,
I think you are making it more complicated than it is. If I understand you right you have seperated one colour from the other and cut them out.
I would first press the silver onto the shirt and then, by eye only, line up the black and press this onto the shirt. If the second colour has to be in an exact position I would print the design onto tracing paper and use that to line the second colour.
In all the years Ive been doing vinyl printing I have not once used reg marks. Besides, with reg marks, these would also print onto the shirt??

gorgall2
08-10-2013, 06:53 PM
Can you post a picture of the design?

NikGrey
10-10-2013, 12:42 AM
Earl, I had an idea that 'By Eye' would be the way to go with shirts but I want to produce Motorcycle Decals and they need to be spot on.

I don't have a printer-cutter so need to print the design first, so no reg marks would be printed on the sub straight.

gorgall2 - Here's the 'test Image' I am using for this.

1992

Using the above image, why can't I print the Silver as it is and not have to print the whole character in silver and lay the black over the top? I realise this will not save me vinyl but it would make a flat sticker as opposed to a 'Layered' one which, surely would be prone to de-laminating over time more than a flat decal !

Please correct me if I am trying to re-invent the wheel, this is all new to me.


Earl, I do agree with something you said - I had said that to my other half earlier that day when returning from a nice meal "I am probably Over-Complicating things". Most things I have done in life have been difficult as if it were easy everyone would be doing it so I am used to having a battle with most things.. also had to learn myself as nobody would share secrets with me (most of my associates were - when starting off, in regular jobs so had no idea about the kinds of things I got myself involved in).

gorgall2
10-10-2013, 02:10 AM
Not sure why you are printing. For t-shirts I would do it by eye and just cut the silver that you see. For the motorcycle, I think most people would layer but you could do the same as for the t-shirts. This video will help you with registration marks in vinyl
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zOa0jdGVDWw

gorgall2
10-10-2013, 02:18 AM
Or this one.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b0EWjId0NZE

NikGrey
10-10-2013, 01:07 PM
Sorry, I meant "Using the above image, why can't I Cut the Silver as it is and not have to Cut the whole character in silver and lay the black over the top? I realise this will not save me vinyl but it would make a flat sticker as opposed to a 'Layered' one which, surely would be prone to de-laminating over time more than a flat decal !"

RogerC
10-10-2013, 01:59 PM
Sorry, I meant "Using the above image, why can't I Cut the Silver as it is and not have to Cut the whole character in silver and lay the black over the top? I realise this will not save me vinyl but it would make a flat sticker as opposed to a 'Layered' one which, surely would be prone to de-laminating over time more than a flat decal !"

I don't know about other software but in Corel Draw you could 'isolate' the colours and cut them separately. However if the image is one where the silver is the 'full shape' of the image and not just what you see it would need to be changed to allow it to be cut as seen.

Another possibility in Corel Draw is to convert the image to bitmap which will allow the two colours to be separated and cut individually.

socialgiraffe
10-10-2013, 03:26 PM
If the file is a true EPS file (vector) then it would be very easy to ensure that just the visible silver is cut using either Coreldraw or Illustrator. If you are working in Photoshop it is still quite easy but takes a little bit longer.

Other programs I have no idea about!

Earl Smith
10-10-2013, 03:58 PM
Hi Nik,
If you can "isolate" the black, why can you not isolate the silver? Doing this would give you a flat print and you can then line it up by eye....

NikGrey
11-10-2013, 02:32 PM
Thanks for sending me that file Earl, that's what I was looking for - it's cutting the shadows seaerately from the main black now as I was hoping for.

Now, I need to work out how to do this - I have Photoshop CS5, Inkscape, Illustrator and Flexi 10.

As I am still working out the best way to do things is this way the best way to go about it OR would it be easier all round to just 'layer' ?

Earl Smith
11-10-2013, 03:11 PM
No Nik, Do it the way I seperated it. Layering will only thicken the print. Try it and you will see what I mean.
Learn how to Vectorise the image. I would use Illi to do it. I dont know if Illi has an auto trace function, that would be a start. Learn the bezier tool, you will be surprised how easy it is. Look for tutorials on Youtube.
Good luck.

NikGrey
11-10-2013, 10:38 PM
ok, spent the day on this and a few other related tasks.

I have managed to separate the colours onto different layers in AI - I followed this: Ear (http://graphicdesign.stackexchange.com/questions/17940/how-can-i-separate-colors-by-layer-in-illustrator). I had no luck with any kind of Tracing.

The only problem I am having now is getting my registration 'Stars' (in this case although I will settle on more of an appropriate registration shape in time) to save with the other layers - all in the same place.. I am saving the file as .eps and opening it in Flexi and even though the colours are clearly separated (as I wanted) the 'Stars' are being placed elsewhere on the preview in Flexi which means they are considered separate even though I have grey ones on the grey later and black ones on the black layer :(

1993

Nightmare, but I am getting there :)

1994

.. I do understand that it is Flexi's production Manager just trying to save me vinyl but as the stars are the same colours, and on the same layer surely I should be able to send complete layers to Flexi ?

Break Through - I see 'Automatic Registration Lines' (In Production Manager).. And they cut :) I knew there was a light at the end of the Tunnel - but I would still like to know why it's difficult doing it the way I outlined above :(

gorgall2
12-10-2013, 03:10 AM
Not sure about your software. But in Coreldraw, I would keep it all in one layer with say green squares for registration. Put black vinyl in cutter, cut black and green sections, skip silver. Then put silver vinyl in cutter, cut silver and green, skip black. line up squares job done.

NikGrey
12-10-2013, 07:47 PM
Success - I worked it out.

1998

I know its not perfect - I tried to do three at a time.

Now to figure out how to do 4 Part Rim Stripes.

GoldRapt
13-10-2013, 11:10 PM
So, I should be ok now - bought a Digitus Serial to USB adapter so I can set up my registration marks on my Liyu and a legit copy of Flexistarter 10 (As I said, a great deal at £67 with dingle dongle of course).
No more black lines :)

CAn I ask who the supplier was please, I would like to buy a copy at that price. Thanks.

NikGrey
14-10-2013, 01:59 PM
Sure, here's the listing I purchased from (I'm sure he will re-list): Ear (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/300798246549?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649).

He has re-listed - it's Ear (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Flexistarter-10-0-cutting-software-Liyu-creation-pcut-Cutter-Plotter-/300798246549?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item4608f8fe95).

I'm not impressed with the fact that I have a Dongle to take up a port in my Mac, but I AM Impressed with the fact that it Glows :)

GoldRapt
14-10-2013, 02:56 PM
Thanks, ebay !!! Is it OME stuff?

NikGrey
15-10-2013, 01:34 AM
I think you are asking if it is Genuine - yes it is, 100%.

GoldRapt
15-10-2013, 10:44 AM
Cool, I checked the ad out and my cutter isn't listed so might not work with it. Thanks for your help.

NikGrey
15-10-2013, 02:47 PM
This is the Liyu edition, the One which was available with my cutter but in that original Bundle he wanted £85 for Flexi.

I already spent more than I should on the cutter as I bought the One with lazer, which to me at the moment seems an extra few steps before doing any work - You don't need the lazer, Just put your glasses on and line up the knife as per Paul's video. but again, you live and learn. and that's what these fora are for (assuming the student listens to advice rather than trying to do things the hard way).

NikGrey
16-10-2013, 08:32 PM
I was just about to print a design from FlexiStarter 10 onto Yolo Opaque paper in order to test a design for a Black T-Shirt when I realised I would need to use the ICC profile provided by Paul.

It struck me that turning off the colour controls would either make the printer control the colours or (Hopefully) Flexi !

So, am I going about this in the correct way ?

I intend using my Subli ink to print onto my Transfer paper - it would me MUCH easier if I could do this all in Flexi but I am starting to think I will have to use Photoshop in the mix again :(

Any thoughts?

Paul
16-10-2013, 08:47 PM
use photoshop ;)
prints will look much better...

NikGrey
16-10-2013, 09:35 PM
The problem of 'Regsistration Lines' rears it's head again - I need to contour cut the image before pressing, I cant get my head around how Flexi will know where the image is in relation to the blade.

Paul
16-10-2013, 09:51 PM
get your image ready in flexi.
make a contour
add registration marks
save it to flexi format
save it to standard format pdf, jpg etc...


print saved to jpg or anything via photoshop.
Print will already have reg marks ;)
once printed you can go back to flexi and contour cut image you saved.
all is there ;)

NikGrey
16-10-2013, 11:09 PM
Thanks Paul - That Worked :)

I am about to do my very first press, as you can see from my image I need to work out a way of making sure the elements line up properly as they are not connected. ALSO this film does not have a sticky backing so this should be fun.

Oh, and my XP-205 is doing it's usual (Ink and Paper Jam) light routine after only a few jobs - this really does annoy me.

2003

I have got rid of all the black and just done a Black stroke over the top of everything, made my sutter contour cut .1mm into this stroke so I dont have to print that black (I cant upload my .Tiff file of this).

Paul
16-10-2013, 11:17 PM
you can try application tape to transfer all elements to the shirt.

socialgiraffe
16-10-2013, 11:19 PM
you can try application tape to transfer all elements to the shirt.

Agree with that, especially the way you are trying to do it. IMHO Siser application tape sold by Grafityp is the best around.

NikGrey
16-10-2013, 11:22 PM
I have a couple of types of Application tape here but I dont see how that could work as this Yolo paper does not have a sticky backing - it's smooth plastic type material ! I can just push it about the garment !

Paul
16-10-2013, 11:27 PM
it's smooth plastic type material ! I can just push it about the garment !
:confused:

NikGrey
16-10-2013, 11:34 PM
I'm missing something here Paul - I'm going to try and find your video again.

Help me out - where is it?

Paul
16-10-2013, 11:42 PM
.. but what video?? :cool:

socialgiraffe
16-10-2013, 11:45 PM
Oh deary me Nik :wink:

Application tape is a specialist application film that you can use to transfer garment vinyl from the backing sheet to the garment. It will allow you to press your item and then you peel away the application film leaving the printed vinyl in place and stuck to you garment.

To use it you need to first of all cut your vinyl right reading (not in reverse). weed away the excess, then place the application film over the item you want to print, roll over it and then peel away from the vinyl backing paper. You can repeat this with the other vinyl colours (if needed) and once you have a complete image stuck to your film you are then ready to press

socialgiraffe
16-10-2013, 11:50 PM
the following you tube shows you how it is applied

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IMr8uFlsvtU (look at 1 minute 23 seconds in)

NikGrey
16-10-2013, 11:51 PM
Paul - Didn't you make a video using your 'Sample' from Yolo ?

SG, yes - Your right.. you see, I WAS missing something :( If ONLY I knew this when buying it (More Expense now).

I was wondering what I had to 'Peel' - it was the Twilight Zone there for a while.. I'm tempted to try my Masking Tape type application tape now.

socialgiraffe
16-10-2013, 11:57 PM
I'm tempted to try my Masking Tape type application tape now.

I am tempted to say don't bother, but having read (and quite enjoyed :-)) most of your posts I suspect you have already tried :smile:

NikGrey
17-10-2013, 12:06 AM
Ok Fella's, Here's 'Muppet 1'

2004

It's a bit 'Wonky' for the reasons outlined above, in my previous post (Confused about lack of control)..

But I am sort of happy with the colours, the Black is a dark Grey but the others are ok for first attempt.

The Contour Cut was not close enough, there is some white showing but I can increase the size of the Black 'Stroke' to combat that (Will be wanting to get this perfect though rather than a compromise).

I need to perfect this Template, maybe make certain elements bigger and possibly change some colours.

Overall I am not at all happy, but it's ok considering the lengths I just undertook to make this (Muppettry) - I can see now what I need to work on but most of all I need application tape otherwise this will be an absolute nightmare.

I have already sold 15 of these at a great price, this is because the buyer knows I wont sell anything unless it is at least 'very Good'.

socialgiraffe
17-10-2013, 12:11 AM
why don't you just get me (or others on here) with a print and cut machine to print the whole thing out on one sheet which you can then weed, apply application tape and then print.

The result will be considerably better, far far easier and a lot less hassle.

If you have sold them at a great price then you probably have enough in it to spare a few pennies

NikGrey
17-10-2013, 01:03 AM
lol, no way - You don't know me at all (But thanks for the offer)..

I like to be able to do everything myself, always been the same :)

Actually, I am considering a different machine but first I need to sort my flaming printer.. damn thing.

you will see, and probably laugh along the way but I WILL get there..

This all started as I re-built a 1978 Honda C90 and needed Tank Decals - I found them at £30 which was absolutely ridiculous price wise so I said 'I Will Make These Myself' which I will once I have my Solvent printer set-up..

Which Printer can I use my Special Ink in ? I am joking to an extent - but I have a CISS system filled with my extra expensive stuff I don't want to waste :)

NikGrey
17-10-2013, 01:26 AM
I can get 50 T-Shirts from a 5m roll from Yolo (for my Opaque paper 325mm wide) but why, oh why is there no link to create an account on their website? I bought this flaming paper from them so surely they should have prompted me to create an account.. slackness :)

Ear.
(http://www.yolo.co.uk/your-account-4-w.asp)
Purchased 5M of this flaming Application Tape @ just over £30 (With the forum's discount) - I have an order for £15 a shirt (x15 Items) which was good at first but profits are surely Dwindling now:(

socialgiraffe
17-10-2013, 09:40 AM
but profits are surely Dwindling now

All part of the learning curve mate, there is not one member on here that hasn't lost money on a job before, especially when starting out.

GoldRapt
17-10-2013, 02:41 PM
Ok Fella's, Here's 'Muppet 1'

2004

It's a bit 'Wonky' for the reasons outlined above, in my previous post (Confused about lack of control)..

But I am sort of happy with the colours, the Black is a dark Grey but the others are ok for first attempt.

The Contour Cut was not close enough, there is some white showing but I can increase the size of the Black 'Stroke' to combat that (Will be wanting to get this perfect though rather than a compromise).

I need to perfect this Template, maybe make certain elements bigger and possibly change some colours.

Overall I am not at all happy, but it's ok considering the lengths I just undertook to make this (Muppettry) - I can see now what I need to work on but most of all I need application tape otherwise this will be an absolute nightmare.

I have already sold 15 of these at a great price, this is because the buyer knows I wont sell anything unless it is at least 'very Good'.

So is that contour cut onto yolo papers?

Paul
17-10-2013, 04:36 PM
Paul - Didn't you make a video using your 'Sample' from Yolo ?

only this one i think
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LnlN9r5XqU4

NikGrey
18-10-2013, 12:55 PM
I have been watching sooo many video's it becomes a blur.. I was thinking of a video which was making a Banana shirt for the persons daughter - I thought it was you !

I do think your video's are very clear, and you explain things very well.

Paul
18-10-2013, 01:21 PM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-hoIbsoqAqI

This one then?

NikGrey
18-10-2013, 07:10 PM
That's the One - and I fully share your thoughts toward the 'Optical Eye' (Waste of time).

I am almost there with my T-Shirt printing, I had the 'Masking Tape' come today from Yolo but there is a problem with it so I am awaiting a response from them.

Anyway, can you help with this.

I am creating my design in Photoshop, saving it with the background layer deleted - opening it Flexi and getting it ready for Contour cut.. saing the Flexi file AND a .jpg (With Reg Marks) so I can print in Photoshop BUT, for some reason Flexi is saving my file at 72dpi and I want what I designed it in, 300dpi.

Is there a way to make it save things in a custom resolution? as at the moment all my hard work is being degraded !

GoldRapt
18-10-2013, 09:13 PM
Nik, why cant you print in Flexi?

NikGrey
18-10-2013, 10:12 PM
I can but I haven't found a way to use my ICC profile in Flexi, I should get better prints from Photoshop so am trying to get that to work as I want - I wont compromise though, 72dpi is just not good enough.

I have a lot riding on this so need to get it right, I will get a lot of work if I can pull this off.

Paul
18-10-2013, 10:23 PM
i dont think flexiStarter has a option of using icc.
flexi sign has...

windyash
13-01-2014, 08:17 PM
A bit off topic but what is the main differences between Flexi starter and Flexisign ?

GoldRapt
13-01-2014, 08:24 PM
A couple of grand for starters.
If you have flexi starter, download a copy of the full flexi and check it out.
The real difference I suppose is if you have print and cut machines.

windyash
13-01-2014, 08:34 PM
I got flexi pro with my secondhand cutter and my computer has gone up the creak so will need to get a new copy , and flexistarter is a lot cheaper!!!!!

Angloman
14-01-2014, 09:08 AM
Use lifting paper to create the sticker ,then place on tshirt,same as we do for signs

NikGrey
14-01-2014, 02:33 PM
Yes, FlexiStarter is about £70 I think - I will find the link.

Yes, £67 BUT this version is only for the Liyu: Ear (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Flexistarter-10-0-cutting-software-for-Liyu-creation-pcut-Cutter-Plotter-/300798246549?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item4608f8fe95).

arko
14-01-2014, 05:05 PM
Nik... the software itself is not made for individual makes of cutter rather it has different drivers in its software to run different makes of cutters. So basically the software should function on the majority of cutters out there if you can find the driver in the software. As Signzworld is a distributor/wholesaler for these products, they can sell well below the normal retail price which is more up around the £100 mark..... so this is a good deal but not specifically for Liyu only....... it will do for most cutters as long as the driver is there. I think if you check their website.. SAi.com....... there is a download of all the compatible cutters and driver list.