Wide Format Imaging

From the beginning of workflow to cutting and finishing, how prints are rasterized can mean the difference between smooth and glitch-free processing or wasted time and media.

In the simplest form, raster image processors, or RIPs, convert vector graphics to bitmap images for printing. But complex jobs demand more of them, including color-matching and color management options, variable-data printing, and even cutting options.

Built-in RIPs are the choice of some. HP machines like those at Rapids Reproductions have built-in RIPS, and Greg Tarca, reprographics manager, said they tried RIP software with a 50-inch Encad machine, but it was very slow. "You could only do one thing on that computer—RIP to the printer."

According to David Reidel, assistant vice president of color graphics at eBlueprint, color management issues are better handled using their RIP software. "Making a profile for each media is a large task—usually about three hours per media, he said. "But once you make the profile, you can pretty much bank on it that the colors are correct," said Reidel.

Vendors say shops should look for RIP software that eases Pantone spot color-matching, automates color management, does rasterizing for all the shop's equipment and has a reputable company behind it. And when buying a machine, the choice of RIP software is an important factor in long-term profit.

"The bottom line is that cost of ownership (annual profitability) is monumentally more important than cost of acquisition (one-time purchase price)," said Robert Eversole, president of ErgoSoft US LLC. "Keep this 'bigger picture' perspective in mind as an initial meager savings on day-one could very likely be the source of a significantly diminished return at the end of the month. Not only does this make the daily course of operation a bit tighter but future growth can be impacted as well, thanks to limited capital for re-investing in this industry's ever-changing technology."

Foundation of Workflow

According to Stefan Spiegel, general manager of graphics arts solutions at EFI, without a RIP, the shop has to print directly from the design application, submit a job, wait until it's finished, then submit the next job. "The RIP is the very foundation of workflow automation, providing hot folders, queues and connectivity with a print service provider's network."