GP-GL Files (Graphtec)
GP-GL is the command language of Graphtec cutting plotters (the CE, FC and CE-LITE series and the cutters built on
them). Most of them understand HP-GL too (see HP-GL); GP-GL is their own, and sets the cutting
speed, force and cutter offset in the file. Write it with File › Export › Export…, choosing Graphtec GP-GL Files
(.gpgl).
What it writes
- The cut layers, each a pass: lines on the Dimension, Tape and Registration layers are left out (unless Leave out dimensions and glue is off). Curves and lettering are cut as short straight lines, within the curve tolerance (0.02 mm).
- One file for each layer (
name-Cut.gpgl,name-Contour_Cut.gpgl…), so each can be cut with its own blade and force; or, with A file for each layer off, all of them one after another in one file. Every file starts from the same origin, the lower left corner of everything cut, so passes cut one after another line up. - Each layer's cuts in order: cuts inside others first (a letter's counter before the letter, decals before their weed box), so nothing is cut loose before what is inside it, and the knife travels as little as it can between them.
- A drag knife's overcut and blade offset, if a layer's tool options give them, are made up for in the path, as for HP-GL: see Drag knife.
The commands, as Graphtec's GP-GL command reference gives them: \0,0 and Z the write area (from the origin to the
far corner of the job); ! the speed in cm/s, FX the force and FC the cutter offset, each only if you set it (else
the cutter's own setting is used); then M x,y (move, knife up) and D x,y,… (cut to each point) for each cut; and
H (home) at the end. Positions are in plotter steps.
Options
| Option | Does |
|---|---|
| Step size | 0.1 mm (the cutters' default), 0.05, 0.025 or 0.01 mm. It must be the same as the cutter's GP-GL STEP SIZE setting, or the job is cut at the wrong size. |
| Speed, Force, Cutter offset | Written as !, FX and FC if you set them; The cutter's own writes nothing, leaving the cutter's panel settings. The force's range depends on the model (see its manual). |
| Commands end with | CR LF (a command a line) or ETX (03h): GP-GL takes either. |
| A file for each layer | A file per cut layer, or one file. |
On the machine
- Set the cutter's command mode to GP-GL (or Auto) and its GP-GL step size to the one you exported with.
- Set the origin where the job should start, and load the blade for the pass.
- Send the file to the cutter's port as it is (raw), with Graphtec's own sending utility or a copy to the printer port; send each layer's file in turn, changing the blade or force between them.
GP-GL files don't read registration marks: for print and cut, send a print-and-cut file through your RIP or Graphtec's Cutting Master, which read the marks with the cutter's ARMS.
See also: HP-GL, Vinyl cutting, Sign making.