SFA

We recently bought a used Allen Datagraph Plotter and have been using a trail version of AllenCAD to plot our files from a LT55. I really don't like the AllenCAD software except for the plotting feature. Now we have to make a decision on whether or not to buy AllenCAD or something else that will let us plot. So what are you guys using???

I could be wrong, but I am pretty sure you will only be able to plot to it using the AllenCAD software. That's what I have plotted with for the last five years. Contact Ray Marsh at ADSI and he can tell you what is required.

You can use a sign making software but allen cad is the easiest and Ray is top notch(But it takes forever to get back to you)And you only need them in a hurry .

You wont be able to get support if you dont have their complete package as the program and machine work hand in hand but it will work without.

We use the program sometimes and easystone most of the time. It is a pain in the arse if you are used to the AD software and then see what it takes to do it form somehting else. Manual tiling blows about as much as plotting plastic in general. I think I'm gonna turn all ScottM and say screw plastic. Right now we only use it for customer layout purposes and when we are over capacity on the sawjet and waterjet. But mainly just cutomer layouts.

We use Auto cad and import to Allen Data Graph. I found auto cad easier to use since it doesn't need to convert imperial.

I used an Allen plotter without AllenCAD for a number of years. Allen will provide (or already has given) you the correct Windows drivers for the plotter. I made a couple plots from Word and other programs. I cut some sign vinyl for signs and trucks. All without AllenCad.
............but

For templates, the AllenCad software is unbeatable for breaking and tiling the pieces to fit onto 30" wide material. I always did it manually.....it takes a LOT of extra time. With AllenCAD, it's worth the cost of the software.

We have used it for years too, and yes there are other programs out there for editing and drawing, i agree.
As far as tiling for cut, Allen is the only one I know of, so we still use it for plotting.

you cant beat that tiling feature of allen cad ,
but we rhino for cad work and transfer into allen and print , i learned rhino before getting allen data plotter . Its been a long time and forget why we don't just use straight Allen cad

I think you can only use Allen Cad on 1 computer they have a dongle to keep you from using another PC the dongle has to follow the software , with Rhino i can have it loaded on multiple PC as long as only using one at a time

I just use CorelDRAW straight up.

We use LT55 for most of the editing and use allencad only for plotting and tiling onto vinyl.
I really can't imagine any other workflow unless there was a tiling feature in LT55 or AlphaCAM.
99% of our work in AllenCAD is open file -> select pieces -> tile -> print -> close AllenCAD without saving changes. Or print each piece individually.

We have never been able to use AllenCad for anything but tiling and plotting either.
I really tried to use it for editing.
Not user friendly at all for us.