Mimaki Print and Cut: Registration Marks and Contour Cutting

Mimaki print and cut printers (CJV150, CJV200, CJV300, CJV30, UCJV300/330) print a graphic and then contour cut it in the same machine. The printer reads registration marks (register marks) printed around the job so the cut lines up with the print, even if the media shifts. This guide covers the workflow on Mimaki CJV and UCJV printers and on CG cutting plotters.

How to print and cut on a Mimaki

1. Make the cut line. In Illustrator or CorelDRAW, draw the contour as a path around the art. With FineCut (Mimaki's cutting plug-in) set it as cut data; in RasterLink use a spot-color cut line.
2. Add registration marks. Create them with FineCut (Create Register Mark) or RasterLink. Keep every mark the same shape and size, use a mark size that suits the distance between marks, and keep the area around each mark free of print.
3. Print. Send the job from RasterLink with print and cut selected. Use enough dry time (or the heater) so the marks are crisp; blurred or smudged marks cannot be read by the sensor.
4. Detect the marks. The printer moves the sensor to find the marks. If printing from FineCut, click Detect Mark. For best accuracy set the mark search to 4 points.
5. Cut. The printer corrects for skew and scale and cuts the contour. Check the first piece before running a batch.

Cutting with Mimaki ID Cut

ID Cut prints an ID with the register marks, so later the printer can read the mark, find the matching cut data and cut automatically. It suits batches: print several jobs, laminate or dry them, then load and let the printer cut each one. ID Cut runs from RasterLink, with or without FineCut.

Cut only (no printing)

To cut only on a CJV150 or other CJV, send just the cut data from FineCut or RasterLink (no print layer). For already printed sheets, the printed register marks must be on the sheet so the printer can detect them. To cut without registration marks, place the media square, set the origin on the panel and send cut data only; accuracy then depends on how straight the media is loaded.

When the cut is off the print

• Marks not detected: check the mark size, the print-free area around the mark, glossy or reflective media, and the sensor (clean it gently).
• Cut offset from the print: run the print-and-cut position adjustment (sometimes called print-cut correction or calibration) from the machine menu, then test.
• Cut drifts on long prints: split long jobs into sections with their own marks, and make sure the take-up and media feed are even. Feed cut (cutting the media off) is set from the panel or software after the job.
• Ragged or incomplete cuts: replace the blade, set the right blade offset, pressure and speed for the media, and check the cutting strip.

Media height and alignment

On roll printers, set the head height (thin or thick lever) for the media; on UV flatbeds set the table or head height from the panel so the head clears the item. After changing media or heads, print a test pattern and run the drop position (bidirectional) and feed corrections so printing and cutting line up.

Mimaki print and cut printers and parts

• Mimaki CJV200-75 print and cut printer
• Mimaki CJV150 series (75, 107, 130, 160)
• Mimaki UCJV300-160 UV print and cut
• Mimaki cutting plotters and vinyl cutters
• Mimaki SS21 eco-solvent ink
• Fixing Mimaki test print problems
• Mimaki maintenance: liquids, wipers and dampers
• All Mimaki parts, printers and ink

Mimaki print and cut FAQ

How do I print and cut on a Mimaki?

Draw a cut line around the art, add registration marks with FineCut or RasterLink, print with print and cut selected, let the printer detect the marks (4-point search for best accuracy), then it cuts the contour.

How do I detect registration marks on a Mimaki?

After printing, the printer moves its sensor to find the marks. From FineCut, click Detect Mark; set 4-point detection for accuracy. Marks must all be the same shape and size, sized for the distance between them, and have a clean unprinted area around them.

Why can't my Mimaki find the registration marks?

Usual causes are marks that are too small for the distance between them, ink or print in the area around a mark, blurred marks from wet ink, glossy or reflective media, or a dirty sensor.

How do I cut only on a Mimaki CJV150?

Send only the cut data from FineCut or RasterLink with no print layer. For pre-printed sheets, keep the register marks on the sheet so the printer can detect them before cutting.

Can I cut without registration marks on a Mimaki?

Yes. Load the media straight, set the origin on the panel and send cut data only. Without marks, the printer cannot correct for skew, so accuracy depends on how square the media is loaded.

How do I calibrate a Mimaki CJV150 or CJV30 so the cut matches the print?

Run the print and cut position adjustment from the machine menu, check the blade offset and feed correction, then print and cut a test piece. Repeat until the cut sits on the print.