making cut files in AI

[palmimports]

Hi folks. This is driving me nuts- perhaps someone can help.
I need to take approx 10 different shapes created in AI and create an outline/cut path that can be imported into flexisign.
I need to place an image inside this AI created shape, group em and print the file then be able to cut the shape on our cutter with the artwork inside the cut.

I cannot find where I read how to create cut paths in AI to be used in flexisign.

Ive had the shapes ( simple geometric shapes) created by someone in AI as an EPS file- I can open the file and using the direct select tool in flexi assign a contour cut to the shape- but it doesnt create the cut file after I add the graphic, group everything then RIP/Print.
The graphic prints, the registration marks print, but no cut file.
Any ideas?

WHat I am asking I guess is: how to I create a cut file in AI that can be opened in flexisign, a graphic added, then the entire thing ripped/printed with the corresponding cut file created.

Joe

[mondo]

you probably must group them first before you add a cut line. I know there was a thread here a few days ago regarding what you want to do. Just do some search

[Sign_Boy]

If you save it as an EPS in version 8 (from Illustrator) you will be able to bring it into Flexi.

Then I select the line that should be a cut line and create a contour cut in Flexi.

That should work, just watch that there is only one cut line.

[Ron Helliar]

You may have a couple of problems going on.
1. Are you masking the bitmaps with the same contour cut assigned object?
2. Do you have the proper setup in production manager for your print/cut?
3. Are the cut files set to delete on completion?

I would first keep copies of the files intact as you have sent them. You probably can still save the printing you have done. If your masking the bitmap objects, use one copy of the vector to mask and another as the contour line. Check your contour to make sure the color (assigned specific by flexi) has not been corrupted by sending a simple print/cut file. Check your production manager setup and make sure you have the print/cut solution setup for your workflow & be sure to watch out for auto send/delete options that could be attempting to send the file right away to your plotter, not communicating and then deleting the cut file.


Hope some of that makes sense. Doesn't type out as well as a discussion.