print/cut registration problems

i have an order for approx 4000 1.88" x 1.88" oval decals (6up x X length) with a tight 1/32" white border. i'm about a few hundred into the print and while checking the cut, it is creeping off. i don't know if it's the printer Edge LE streching the print (up/away from control panel side) or if my plotter is off enough to make the difference noticeable. the first 1 or 2 decals line up exactly, from there the strech becomes apparent that is not acceptable. any tips on how to save the prints i already have and/or registering for the rest of the run? it is rare i cut items this tight, but this job requires it and i don't want to scrap where i'm at so far.

 

... i was afraid of that.

thanks!

 

it's an EnVision 375. that's kinda my dilemma, wether it's the printer or the plotter. i normally wouldn't run such a tight cut job, but since i had my heads replaced a few months ago, i've notices tight registration/cut jobs are off more than i remember them being.

 

so is there a utility to recalibrate my plotter to my Edge Printer?

 

d'oh! i can't find on my discs...

as always, but the tolerance is too tight for this much out of registration between the 2 machines.

 

thanks Fred!
not sure how to use the files though. i ran the 45sticks and do see the print to cut is off about 1/64th inch left to right with the print being short and the cut being longer.

as for the *.bat files, i get an error saying the printer is offline; but if i run it as the printer is printing, it says the files were sent... but i see no evidence that it has done anything.

any other tips?

 

ha! while moving your files to a storage folder, i see i do have a "C:\Jobs\Calibrat" file. since i have all my Edge jobs in another directory.

 

and after running the calibrat.plt file i do now see how far off my print to cut is. now that i know just how much each corner co-ordinate is... how can i fix/adjust it?

 

thanks to all who offered help.

after reading Mel's post (over at 4EdgeTalk.com) i went in to the Help Section in GSPplot to read more and found these:

To print and cut the plotter calibration test:
1 Click File > Open to open the Open dialog box.
2 Choose the folder C:\Jobs\Calibrat to Look in.
3 Click Calibrat.plt to choose the calibration test pattern plot file.
4 Click Open.
5 Click Layout > Weed Border to turn off the weed border.
6 Click Setup > Device Select to open the Plotter/Printer Select dialog box.
7 Choose the plotter to calibrate from the Plotters list.
8 Choose the printer from the Vinyl Printers list.
9 Click OK.
10 Click File > Print to Device to send the calibration pattern to the printer.
11 Print the file according to the instructions on the printer.
12 Load and align the printed test pattern in the chosen plotter.
13 Click File > Cut/Pounce. The plotter will cut a frame around the edge of the calibration pattern. Use the test pattern to determine the need for plotter calibration.


To calibrate a plotter to a printer in GSPplot:
1 Click Setup > Device Select to open the Plotter/Printer Select dialog box.
2 Click Calibrate to open the Calibrate Plotter dialog box.
3 Choose the button that corresponds with the last numbered bar without black printed past the calibration frame.
4 Choose the button that corresponds with the last lettered bar without black printed past the calibration frame.
5 Click OK.

so now the plotter is calibrated to the printer, and i'll post my results after i run some more tests.
i also went ahead and re-cleaned all my sprokets on both the printer and plotter, just in case the little bit of buildup was making any troubles.