Proofgrade and QRC code

How will we ever know what settings are being adjusted for Proofgrade as it’s all being performed in the cloud.

By noticing differences in the two cuts!

Suppose the cut with the manual settings (matching the proofgrade settings for speed and power) cuts differently, e.g., has overshoots or other problems.

That sound fantastic! Are you thinking UI based or forum based?

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Seconded. Motion carried. This should happen.

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Still no kerf, so that’s means no precision in kerf like . Huge bummer

Disabled in the UI for us. @dan can clarify.

Disabled, as in there is a control in the UI but it is not usable, or as in there is no control at all?

If the former, are there other disabled controls?

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So can I just check, that on the latest software (or at least the version you are running). The GF will not let you use the Proofgrade settings unless it detects the presence of Proofgrade material?

The functionality to manually select PG settings (and run on any material) has been developed and is working (see @takitus). If this has been removed then it looks like GF are deliberately restricting functionality. Pure speculation on why, but I have my suspicions.

Potentially this will be a big issue for:

  • International users - due to shipping costs of PG.
  • Users who have there own supplies of materials.
  • Users of PG who have removed the masking tape (on which is the PG code).
  • Users of materials that GF do not supply eg all the different stocks of card/paper.

I really hope that GF reverse the position on the ability to manually select PG settings… @dan can you comment?

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While opportune for PF money grabbing, it also, as pointed out, cuts down on liability.

“I used the 1/4” birch setting and the GF burned down my house!" followed quickly by “I’m suing!”, is not something anyone wants to hear or have happen.

Edit: darned autocorrect

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You can manually select proofgrade settings. It will let you see whatever you want to see. You just can’t hit print while proofgrade is still selected (if that proofgrade QR isn’t detected). If you want to write them down, change back to unknown material, and enter them by hand and then hit print, you can.

They aren’t trying to make it hard to use whatever materials you want. They just are making sure that they aren’t at fault for suggesting settings that might not be compatible. By entering the settings manually they know there’s no way it could be accidental.

I’m totally ok with this. It’s a little bit of a pain but I completely understand.

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That is exactly what I was hoping for…jot down the values and have a starting point for similar non proof grade materials.

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I’m not clear on what settings would not be available for non-ProofGrade that is there for ProofGrade? Could you give me an example?

My thought is that the settings for ProofGrade are actually simplification or streamlining. I have often used custom settings on ProofGrade just because. It’s not adding anything that I can tell.

Let me answer you directly: we have not announced the pricing for international shipping of Proofgrade materials yet.

Yes. Using Proofgrade settings on non-Proofgrade materials is not a good idea, so we are not facilitating it. We expect non-Proofgrade users will do what laser users have always done: go through the process of learning to identify and characterize materials.

Thanks. Better than I said it. :slight_smile:

Correct.

I’ll let you all know if/when it happens.

Correct, kerf adjustment hasn’t been rolled out yet.

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Even if they are competitively priced and shipping is reasonable there is usually a brokerage charge getting them through customs when importing from the US into the UK which kills it. I don’t mind paying VAT as that is only fair, but I hate paying a ridiculous fee on top. And there are also bank charges for paying in Dollars.

The only company I deal with in the US that works well is Mouser who price and charge in GBP, deliver orders duty paid via Fedex and delivery is free for orders over £50. Due to the beneficial time difference they arrive very quickly as well.

If you can manage to equal those terms, or perhaps distribute through Mouser, it would make sense for me to buy proofgrade.

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We’d love to do that at some point! Not in the next six months though. :slight_smile:

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My daughter would say that’s so…“old dad” :smile: I use my pocket video note taker (aka smartphone) now as a result when I want to copy something.

Kids… :wink:

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I make spreadsheets. Which can then be shared. ( Or not, depending on how I’m feeling at the moment. Chuckle!)

We ran into the same problem with cutting different kinds of papers and card stock (and balsa, and clay, and engraving acrylic) with the digital cutters. As I tested them, I would capture the information on the cutting settings to use as a starting point by manufacturer and type of material. Wasn’t particularly useful in the beginning, but after a couple of years went by, that thing was solid gold. You’re just not going to remember the optimal settings for Bazzil versus copy paper or medium weight chipboard after a few months have gone by.

And you’d better believe I’ll be building one for this as well. (Might have to do a separate sheet by material.)

Then I print them out and leave them next to the machine for quick reference. Saves a ton of time.

If you’re going to get stuck with not having ready access to Proofgrade , which is going to eliminate a lot of the need for it, you might just want to take some notes on what works for the material you do have. (Then don’t lose them! Chuckle!) :relaxed:

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So what you’re suggesting is to view the proofgrade settings you see in the UI for each proofgrade material you have and write them down, in case you have a small piece of proofgrade you want to use in the future that doesn’t have a full QR code left on it (via invisible ink)?

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Hell, no…I’m not going to screw with that for the Proofgrade stuff. That will be set up already. Although it should be easy enough to view them or figure them out over time…I’m talking about the materials that GF might not choose to offer as Proofgrade.

They’re not going to find suppliers that meet their Proofgrade standards for everything at first. I’ll be creating tables as I figure out how to cut it, so I don’t have to keep figuring out how to cut it every time I do. :relaxed:

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Then how will you be able to cut on a small piece where the QR code is not complete?

I understand that if the Forge doesn’t see the code, it won’t let you use the proofgrade settings!