Node count explodes when importing file into Sign Blazer

[bmxunderground 2]

Does anyone know why an EPS file would explode in node count just by importing into SignBlazer? The file in question was created in Inkscape and has a reasonable node count, but once opened in SignBlazer, the node count goes so high that when I try to cut on a Graphtec plotter, it attempts to account for every node and basically scratches the graphic right up off the surface making the cut useless. Below are examples of the node counts from IS to SB. 

I've been using signblazer on an MH871 plotter for years just fine. I think perhaps the control board on the MH doesn't have the ability to get fine detail and that's been masking the issue, but now that I've upgraded plotters, I'm in attention to detail hell as the cutter attempts address 1000 nodes one by one. If there is another program that can create simplified paths please let me know. I'm willing to experiment here to get a great simple final artwork. 

SIGN BLAZER ELEMENTS: 

 

 

INKSCAPE:

[slice&dice 2,460]

Hi there, BMX.

The problem you are describing involves the Vector engine that SignBlazer employs. Honestly, it's always been the weakest part of the program. In fact, the lack of precision and the addition of many more nodes than required has led me to stop using it for making conversions, and I go with the vectorizer contained within VinylMasterCut, which works quite well.

Beyond that, don't know what to tell ya.

[darcshadow 1,640]

How are are you going from Inkscape to SignBlazer? I did that in the past and don't remember this sort of problem. The process I used was to export/save the file off as an EPS in Inkscape then import the EPS into SignBlazer.

My 2nd question, do you have your knife depth set correctly? The number of nodes shouldn't have any real effect on how it cuts, it just might slow the cutter down a little. If the vinyl is lifting there is a chance you have your blade set too far out.

[bmxunderground 2]

 

Hi there, BMX.

The problem you are describing involves the Vector engine that SignBlazer employs. Honestly, it's always been the weakest part of the program. In fact, the lack of precision and the addition of many more nodes than required has led me to stop using it for making conversions, and I go with the vectorizer contained within VinylMasterCut, which works quite well.

Beyond that, don't know what to tell ya.

This is the answer I knew I might receive. I have dragged my feet on getting a full version of a cutting program. Anyway, would you willing to perform a test for me? Could I send you the eps file and you let me know how VinylMasterCut opens it in relation to the node count on this particular logo? I think that would be enough motivation for me to buy that if it worked simply to keep the node count down. 

[bmxunderground 2]

 

How are are you going from Inkscape to SignBlazer? I did that in the past and don't remember this sort of problem. The process I used was to export/save the file off as an EPS in Inkscape then import the EPS into SignBlazer.

My 2nd question, do you have your knife depth set correctly? The number of nodes shouldn't have any real effect on how it cuts, it just might slow the cutter down a little. If the vinyl is lifting there is a chance you have your blade set too far out.

I used to take a picture of something, edit it in photoshop to BMP, then I bring that into Inkscape and trace the BMP to make the EPS file, then import the EPS into signblazer and cut it. SignBlazer came with my MH machine when I bought it from UScutter.  Now I have a Graphtec since everyone kept telling me I was missing out but I have the problem you see described above. 

Regarding the knife depth, I've tried over and over but a variety of depths, pressures and speed have netted the same results on the Graphtec. 

[haumana 1,227]

Are you able to post screen shots of the nodes in Inkscape, and a screen shot of the nodes in SBE?  I'd be very curious to see what the difference is.  I have and still do, vectorize in Inkscape and export the .eps for SBE.  I hadn't really noticed if there's a substantial difference in node counts.

Posting your file might get some forum members to give it a test cut for you to see what's happening.

[slice&dice 2,460]

Uh, Haumana, the opening post shows the comparisons.

If I were asked to give my opinion, the BMX poster would be well-served by the $50 VinylMaster program, and it'll work fine with that Graphtec. What you're seeing here is that SignBlazer cannot be relied-upon for any actual tech support or feature updates.

[haumana 1,227]

 

Uh, Haumana, the opening post shows the comparisons.

If I were asked to give my opinion, the BMX poster would be well-served by the $50 VinylMaster program, and it'll work fine with that Graphtec. What you're seeing here is that SignBlazer cannot be relied-upon for any actual tech support or feature updates.

Thanks slice.  For some reason, my puter didn't display the images 

[bmxunderground 2]

 

Uh, Haumana, the opening post shows the comparisons.

If I were asked to give my opinion, the BMX poster would be well-served by the $50 VinylMaster program, and it'll work fine with that Graphtec. What you're seeing here is that SignBlazer cannot be relied-upon for any actual tech support or feature updates.

I looked last night and couldn't tell which version I need, they range in price from very cheap monthly to expensive one time purchase. I'm not a commercial operator. I've just been a hobby cutter for many years on the same simple platform. 

[slice&dice 2,460]

USCUTTER sells the basic (CUT) version of VM for $59.95 (slightly higher than last year's price -- but isn't everything costing more these days?!!)

https://uscutter.com/VinylMasterCut-Software-Value

I know that using a new sofware program takes a bit of investment on the learning curve.
Personally, after spending some effort to implement the switch to VM, I have still been hanging onto my preference for SBE, I just like the way it works (except for the Vector Conversions I run into the need for, now and then).

[darcshadow 1,640]

You should be able to download graphtecs software for free. I use it for cutting and Inkscape for design.

[bmxunderground 2]

 

You should be able to download graphtecs software for free. I use it for cutting and Inkscape for design.

Cutting software? 

 

[MZ SKEETER 4,714]

 

Cutting software? 

 

Yes, cutting software.  https://www.graphtecamerica.com/software,  Which model is it?   https://www.graphtecamerica.com/software  Also under .Legacy models.