Is there a way to slit the backer paper on Graphtec 8600 plotter

[shortstack23]

We have a large order of polystyrene signs. My production guy wants to perf cut each of these and then apply them to the polystyrene substrate. His plan for application to is to put a seam down the middle and then apply one side of the graphic at a time, and we're wondering if there's a way to load the print in a second time, and have the machine cut the slit in the backer paper instead of doing it by hand. My question is if there's a way to program a cut into the machine on a stroke instead of a closed path to make the split. And on top of that, has anyone tried/had success with running the same sheet twice in the machine and cutting on both sides of the vinyl??

 

[JBurton]

My question is if there's a way to program a cut into the machine on a stroke instead of a closed path to make the split.

I've never had a problem sending line segments to my 8600, depending on which version of cutting master you're using, there is a setting called something like auto-weld, that would just need to be unchecked. Can't say if flexi would give you fits.
As far as running a print upside down on the plotter, I wouldn't, I feel like the lower grit roller that actively turns would scar the face, but I've never tried it.
BigFish sells a crack and peel, that already has slit backing, but the slits are ever 1.25", so depending on the size of signage, and whether the slits always split apart, it could make it pretty tedious.

 

[jfiscus]

These actually work REALLY well for what he is wanting to do. (just get extra blades - paper wears them out quickly)

Amazon.com

 

[Joseph44708]

We did this all the time about 500 every month 12" x 24" vinyl onto .080 styrene. Peel vinyl from backer about three inches, cut backer off, align vinyl to styrene and attach vinyl to styrene.
After you have a bunch done use your laminator to finish the process.
We now have a Canon Arizona Flatbed to do it all now.

 

[greysquirrel]

Just buy crack and peal vinyl. I believe Mactac makes it

 

[tulsagraphics]

I use one of these. https://nwgraphic.com/products/family/?fam=AKUKUT1
Very pricey for a small tool, but I'm sure there are knockoffs out there.

 

[DL Signs]

Liner is harder to cut than vinyl, so using a plotter it'll just cut into/ through the vinyl when trying to use that to slit the liner.

It can be done efficiently by hand, there are tools for it, they work quick and easy. Here's a video that shows the the kind we use, and how they work. They're available through just about any vendor, probably on Amazon too. If you go this route, get the ones with the teflon coating, they're more costly, but you'll be much happier with a tool that doesn't stick to the adhesive when yer' slitting the liner. You do get 4 blade changes out of every blade by rotating it (just like a snitty cutter), and blades for these are about $8-10 for a 10 pack (40 blade equivalent).

We have a bunch of the ones like the one he shows in the video with the blue handle, except ours are black, there's one on every graphics cart and in every installers box/ kit. Haven't tried the double cutter, but I can imagine there are applications where, if that's what you need, it might work better. Never had any need for more than a single one. And you can slit a bunch ahead of installation, run your slits before you trim or weed, if you're doing a lot daily, they don't have to be slit as you use them. Just don't let calendared vinyl sit for very long after slitting, because it shrinks.