Quickstartguide:Roland

Prepare the file

• Open Illustrator on the iMac
• Open your file

• If you have text, make sure you have made them into outlines. You can do it by selecting your text box and look for the option "Create Outlines" in quick actions or ---> (Type>Create Outlines/Shift+Ctrl+O)

Prepare the plotter

• Set the blade or pen. Always make sure they are in place before cutting. If you don't find it inserted, look behind the plotter in the pencil holder. Dont know how?
• Place your Sheet or Roll in the plotter. Dont know how?
• Select the media type on the display and then press the enter button.

• The plotter will show you the width of the roll, and measure the width and length of your sheet. Verify that your graphic in Illustrator is not bigger than the plot area

Roland Cut Studio setups

• Open the CutStudioPlugin by clicking on the Illustrator menu Window>Extensions>RolandCutStudio
• If you are using the plotter flex, plottter flock or vinyl (for inside of a window), make sure to mirror your design!

• The preview box will show you what will be plot

Output options

• Depending on the setting, you may have to select everything in your graphic you want to plot
• You can also set what you would like to cut through the window highlighted in the screenshot.

• To make the knife start cutting/drawing in a given position on the piece of vinyl/paper, move the knife with the arrows and then press the button "Set Origin" on the plotter. Then make sure to tick the "Move to origin box on the Roland Cut Studio extension window as shown here.

Cut the design

• When you're ready, click the button with the plotter graphic

• If the plotter is detected, click "Cut"

Setting Media

When setting up the media you will need to do the following:

Insert the vinyl sheet

• Set the rollers under the white markings.

• When using a roll, place it in the holder at the base of the machine

• Then feed the edge of the roll from the back to the front so that it is under the rollers

• When using a sheet, feed it in making sure that it is under the rollers; also make sure that the right side of the vinyl is facing up;
• Clamp the roll or sheet using the lever by pulling it towards you

Types of materials you can use

• You can output your design on different types of vinyl and paper, both matte and shiny. Here we offer many colours and finishes (of vinyl, paper can be found in the school shop) but if you are not sure about the type you want to use for your project, ask a student assistant or tutor for advice :)

Changing Pen/Blade

• Loosen the blade holder by screwing the silver tightener anti-clockwise

• If you want to cut through flock make sure you have the correct flock blade put into the plotter. Not sure? Ask one of the tutors in the station!

When you change the blade make sure to check if the offset parameters of the blade are the correct one.
(menu > condition > offset)

FlOCK BLADE (offset 0,5mm) -> cuts only FLOCK
REGULAR BLADE (offset 0,25mm) -> cuts NORMAL VINYL and FLEX

• If you are inserting a pen, make sure that when the holder is completely pressed the pen touches the surface you wish to draw on.

• If you are inserting a blade, make sure that it is inserted as far as it can go.
• Tighten the tightener by screwing it clockwise
• Plot

Flex/Flock transferring onto fabric

1. Once you have cut your design, remove the unwanted areas

pro tip: you can use the leftover pieces to create a new design

2. Heat transfer press

2.1 Choose the "Flex & Flock" setting from the "Presets" menu

2.2 Preheat your fabric

2.3 Place your design on the fabric (plastic backing facing up)

2.4 let the fabric cool down before unpeeling the plastic sheet

for more detailed instruction on how the heat transfer press works: http://ps.wdka.nl/wiki/Quickstartguide:Transferpress

HAPPY PRINTING!