Step 1: Creating Printing Data

Measure the printing size of the object, set the printing area, and then create print data.
MEMO Follow the procedure below to operate FlexiDESIGNER Ver. 22.0.0, build number 4176. Operation methods may vary depending on the version of FlexiDESIGNER.
Procedure
  1. Measure the printing area (print surface of the object).
    This is necessary to set the printing area. Make a note of the measurement when you take it. The printed surface of smartphone cases is 134 mm (5.28 in.) wide and 67 mm (2.64 in.) long when placed horizontally. This time, to print on the entire surface of the case, set the printing area to be larger than the printed surface. Any printing outside of the edges of the printed surface will be wasted, but you can print all the way up to the edges.
  2. Start FlexiDESIGNER.
    1. Start Roland DG Connect Hub.
      • Windows 11
        1. Click Start - All apps.
        2. From the list of apps (programs), click Roland DG Corporation - Roland DG Connect Hub.
      • Windows 10
        1. Click Start.
        2. From the list of apps (programs), click Roland DG Corporation - Roland DG Connect Hub.
    2. Click the machine (BD-8) to use.
    3. Click Open for FlexiDESIGNER.
  3. Set the printing area according to the procedure below.
    1. Click the BD-8_Flexi-Icon_DesignCentral icon (A).
      The DesignCentral dialog box (B) opens.
    2. On the BD-8_Flexi-Icon_Documents tab (C), click the pull-down menu [▼], and then select Custom.
    3. Enter a printing area (136 mm × 69 mm (5.35 in. × 2.72 in.) that is 1 mm (0.04 in.) larger than the printing area measured in step 1 in all four directions, from both front to back and left to right.
      A printing area frame (D) is created in the design area.
    BD-8_Flexi_SmartPhoneCase1
  4. Create data for printing.
    Here, the photos are imported, sized, and trimmed. A primer plate is then created to improve adhesion and a white plate is created to prevent the color of the printed object from showing through.
    1. Save the photo data to your computer.
    2. Click File - Import..., select the saved photo data, and then click Import....
      The blue dashed frame of the photo data size is displayed in the window.
    3. Click the desired location, and then paste the photo data into the design area.
      IMPORTANT If the photo data size is large, use BD-8_Flexi-Icon_ZoomOutZoom Out or "Ctrl + Scroll" to view the entire photo data.
    4. Select the photo data, and then adjust the size.
      1. Select the loaded photo data.
      2. In the DesignCentral dialog box, select the BD-8_Flexi-Icon_Rotation tab and click BD-8_Flexi-Icon_TurnLeft.

        The loaded photo will rotate 90° counterclockwise.

      3. In the DesignCentral dialog box, select the Proportional check box.
      4. Enter a size close to that of the printing area and then press Enter.
        Adjust the size based on the size of the image to be trimmed. Here, set a width of 145 mm (5.71 in.) for the printing area (136 mm, 69 mm [5.35 in., 2.72 in.]).
        BD-8_Flexi_SmartPhoneCase2
    5. Perform trimming.
      1. Select BD-8_Flexi-Icon_FigureRectangle Tool, and create a frame for the printing area (136 mm × 69 mm [5.35 in. × 2.72 in.]).
        Since this frame will be used as an outer frame for trimming, click BD-8_Flexi-Icon_PaintLineEdit and then configure the settings as follows.
        • BD-8_Flexi-Icon_Paint tab:No fill
        • BD-8_Flexi-Icon_Senshu tab: Type of line: Solid line; Line color: Red
      2. Select the BD-8_Flexi-Icon_SelectSelect Tool, and then move the frame to determine the position to be trimmed.
      3. With the image and frame selected with the selection tool, click Arrange - Mask - Mask.

        The image is trimmed with a red line.

    6. With the image and frame selected, click Arrange - Align - Both Centers to Page.
      The selected image is placed in the center of the printing area.
      BD-8_Flexi_SmartPhoneCase3
  5. Click File - Save to save the data.