by MeFlick » July 17th, 2019, 9:03 am
Hi Walt and welcome to the Silver Bullet forum. Like with any of us, when switching between hardware and software, there is a bit of a learning curve. You noted that the file you are trying to work with is being imported from Autosketch, a CAD program. You also noted that while working with the Cricut Maker, you imported the file from CorelDraw. You note that Autosketch will only let you export out to a PNG file, but you don't note what file format you were taking from CorelDraw and importing into the Cricut Maker software. Why were you using Autosketch with one and CorelDraw with the other? Do you still own CorelDraw? (I would assume you do as it is not transferable.) CorelDraw has many formats that you can export out from including SVG files which would be the best to export and import into SCAL for cutting purposes. Do you have all your files in Coreldraw? If so, what file formats do you have available through there? You should be able to take something from CorelDraw to SCAL directly.
First, let's start with the basics, forgive me if I get too basic but I want to make sure we are all on the same page - all cutting machines that I know of (previously and presently) - need to work with "vector" cutting lines in order to cut out an image. So, even if you thought you were importing and not tracing with the Cricut machine - it was doing the "tracing" automatically for you if you were choosing to import a "basic" image to their program. ("Basic" being a .jpg, .gif, .png, and .bmp file types (according to Cricut's own information.) These "basic" file formats are "raster" images and do not have the information needed to "cut" with. So, if you are importing one of these basic raster formats, the Cricut software was simply doing the trace automatically around the outside of the image and creating a "cutting" line or a "vector" line to use for cutting. SVG files are "scalable vector graphics." They can be created with a lot of different programs for various needs. Their original intent was for use for onscreen displays so they could easily be resized. For the cutters, those lines are the cutting lines that the cutter "sees" to cut the image out. They are easily "scaled" as needed up or down without becoming distorted in size and shape like the "Basic" file types will. A "PNG" file is a "portable network graphics" file. It is a "raster" file. A raster file does not contain cut lines that can be read by a cutter and its program for cutting with a cutter. No raster format file does. So in order to use a "raster file" - it has to be "traced somewhere somehow in order for a cutter to be able to cut it out. So if you were importing a PNG file into the Cricut Maker software, it was being traced even if you didn't realize it.
Now, I will note that I have not used a Cricut cutter or their software in a long time as it was the most basic of the basics and did not support using outside files until the release of 3rd party software programs like SCAL and others that came on the market. They wanted to lock users into their images and cartridges that held those images. Then when the 3rd party software came out, they tried to stop it by suing them to keep them from working with their machines. Some they sued multiple times. Eventually, other cutters and their programs started allowing for "import" into their programs, so Provocraft reluctantly went along. However, in my experience, and in watching the market, they still have typically done so reluctantly, and their programs are some of the worst ones out there to use so I have continued to not use their products (I used their first 3 machines before seeing the light and moving on.) However, even though I have not used them directly recently, I do stay abreast of what is going on with them. So, that said - I feel that I do have the basic knowledge of their systems and know how they work for the most part still. In addition, all cutters work the same basic way, with the same basic info - they need "vector" lines to cut. They have to get those vector lines somehow - either by doing an automatic trace or a manual trace if the file being imported does not already contain those vector lines for cutting.
Again, specifically what Online Tutorials are you referring to? There are lots of tutorials and information out there on the use of SCAL, some are pretty old and deal with an older version of SCAL so they may "look different" then what you are seeing if they are using an older version as changes have continued to be made. We can't help much more there without seeing or knowing exactly what you are looking at. Unfortunately, most every software I know if has gone to online information over printed form - mostly due to cost.
I am not familiar with Autosketch its self. I did some basic searching and see that it is discontinued as of about 3 years ago and no longer supported. I understand the pain there, I hate it when my favorite programs are no longer supported and it has happened to a few. But, if this is the case - I would recommend that you try to get all of your needed files out of Autosketch and into a flexible format that can be used with a variety of different programs. SVG is probably the best format for that. Almost every program I know of from low end to high end will support importing SVG files. In addition, SVG files when done correctly, are very accurate and well done for cutting needs. What I did read also said that you could export out of Autodesk as a DXF (Design Exchange Format) file. So another option is to use the DXF format. Gigi said SCAL supports importing DXF files or there is a free program, Inkscape, which will import DXF files and convert the file to SVG and then import that SVG file into SCAL. Yes, it adds another step to your process, but allows you to not trace the file in order to get it into a cuttable format. Since Inkscape is free, its probably worth giving it a try and seeing if it can work for you.
Also, you noted that the protective sheet won't stick to the SB mat so that adhesive would need to be added. I am curious, did it stick to the Cricut Maker's mat or did you add adhesive there as well? All cutters that I am aware of, unless cutting something with its own backing like vinyl, need to use a mat as a "carrier" to carry the media through the cut and support it. I assume when cutting, you are cutting all the way through that protective sheet as well? If so, then you would need a mat, if not, it could potentially serve as your "backing" or "carrier" mat. You can use painter's tape to tape things down on the mat so that it is well adhered and will cut without adding sticky. I use it all the time.
As far as the random line being drawn that was not there, if your pen is sitting to low in the holder, you can get a random line when the cutter had is moving. Could this perhaps be it?
I am curious, you got rid of your Epilog laser and the Cricut Maker - can I ask why you got rid of each of those? My dream is to one day have an Epilog laser but I "dabble" in a lot of crafts and things and I just think it would be a cool tool to have in the shop. I assume you got rid of the Cricut Maker because it didn't do the job that you needed done? If so, what was the issues you encountered with it that didn't work for you?
Finally, as I already noted - I am a "dabbler" in many types of crafts and projects. We have a CNC machine that use Vectric software with, I use a scroll saw and a band saw to create other wooden projects, I have multiple cutters, that I use multiple programs with, I have a heat press and do sublimation work along with vinyl work to name just a few so as I like to say, I am a jack of all trades, master of none, but I do usually understand most of the basics needed to work with a variety of machines. As a result, I have Adobe products and CorelDraw in my arsenal as well. I have learned that there is usually more than one way to "skin the cat" but sometimes it requires us to go outside of our comfort zone to do so. The one thing I have found is that almost all of these programs now support the use of SVG files.
In regards to the "thin sheets" of basswood you want to cut. Have you tried to cut any? How "thin" is "thin" - will you be able to run it under the pinch wheels of the machine? Is it thin enough to fit in the opening of the machine? What I have found over the years with basswood is that the thinner it is, the more fragile it is and I wonder about it holding together and cutting for you. I will be interested in hearing if you have gotten it to work.
As far as the SB being a "high end" crafter's machine - yes, it is sold to a lot of crafters, me being one of them. I have used a variety of different cutters over the years (More than 13 years now I believe) and it is one of the best machines on the market for a variety of work. However, I don't know that I would call it a "high end crafter's machine.) While I use it more as a "crafter's" machine, there are others who use it more in a "manufacturing" mode and use it to create and cut some tiny, intricate items from a variety of media that has amazed me over the years. Is it for everyone, no. Does it work with every program, no but no machine does. Does it work with every media out there, no. That is why I would suggest to anyone that is looking at one or any cutter, to make sure it does what you need to do BEFORE getting rid of any other software and/or machine that you have that do the work for you. Send in sample test files, materials and get someone to see if they will work with that program and machine if possible. I know that Sherri has done that for people in the past because she wants them to know that it will work for their needs and I know she has previously told people that it will not work for their needs. Better to have no sale then an unhappy customer. Did you talk to her about your needs before buying? Send her samples of your files and media you wished to work with?
Go Vols!