"Customers were asking us to add cutting functionality," said UK business development manager Phil Pirie. "Normally you'd need to make a cutting path in a software package like Adobe Illustrator or CorelDraw. By creating the path in-RIP operators don't need to be trained in using those software packages."

Tracer will be supplied free as part of SoftRIP version 6.6 alongside the optional cutting module, which costs less than £200.

It can create cutting paths from a graphic or be used to edit paths from another application. Functions include specifying minimum object size, apply chokes or spreads, exclude interior paths and create a wrapper around the image.

Wasatch claimed that the inclusion of Tracer within the RIP made for a more streamlined workflow as well as saving users the cost of buying a standalone cutting application.