Cora’s Corner – RIP Software
RIP, in this case does not mean Rest in Peace. However, a good RIP (Raster Image Processor) software program can give a screen printer Peace of Mind. This month in Cora’s Corner I am going to discuss RIP software for textile screen printers and why RIP software is important. RIP is a translator between your graphic program on your computer and your printer. RIP software allows a standard inkjet printer to be used as an imagesetter. This allows the screen printer to output high quality film positives. This is especially important when the graphics includes halftones.
A brief description about halftones: Halftones are the reprographic technique that simulates continuous tone imagery through the use of dots varying either in size, shape or spacing.
Four Color Process or Spot Process use halftones of various colors to create an extended range of blended color to simulate continuous tone within an image. Halftones can also give an image more texture and depth which can be more dynamic than using solid colors with clean edges.
Using RIP software to create your separations gives you several advantages over trying to output separations using various methods within the graphic program to create separations. With RIP software, the screen printer can control density of the ink on the film, dot or object shape, dot frequency (lpi), dot angle, ganging up separations, job que, job history (important for reprinting) and increase speed of output.
There are other things to consider when deciding to buy RIP software:
1) Preparing graphics for output tends to be easier and quicker.
2) Quality of output is higher which leads to quicker preparation times, set-up times and less problems with runs on the press.
3) Less consumption and waste of supplies (especially inks).
4) What are your most common image sizes? This is necessary so that you pick the correct size printer for your needs. This will also determine which RIP software is best for your output needs.
5) And the big one – Budget.
Don’t buy more sophisticated software than you need. Many of the RIP software applications were developed for other printing industries and therefore may have more bells and whistles than you need.
Good news is that several companies have developed RIP software just for textile screen printers. Make sure you pick one that is easy to use. Donʼt want to waste time. Pick a company that offers tech support and provides upgrades.
Most companies offer trials that you can download from their or their distributor’s websites. There are many companies but a list of the most popular is offered here:
AccuRip (Freehand Graphics Inc.) $495-$795. www.softwareforscreenprinters.com.
FilmMaker (CADLink) $395-$1195. www.cadlink.com
Harlequin $995 and up. www.harlequinrip.com
Wasatch $595-$3495. www.wasatch.com
Some screen print distributors sell package that include printer, RIP software, inks and film. Locate one in your area.
Whether you are one person shop or big shop, this is a great investment for your company. I highly recommend you take the plunge. In the long term you will save both time and money. Trust me your artist will thank you.
I would also like to hear from you about your most pressing issues about artwork. Your question may be used in a future issue of this newsletter. If you have questions, please email me at cora.kromer@qdigi.zing.com. And please reference this newsletter. I am looking forward to sharing an exciting journey of discovery into the world of Art.
How to learn the RIP program is a concern. I tried a free download of AccuRip and then I needed instructions – An artist came by to use it and I didn’t understand the 60,000 selection he chose… I actually need to learn Art more – I use Corel Draw and have Photoshop but also have Illustrator just to open and convert files… Can you tutor me? or send me to a place that teaches graphic art for screen printers? Please call if you can +Jeanie 757.880.6212
Hi Cora,
Thank you the latest artical “RIP” Software. A little expensive for what we are doing at the present time. A one person shop.
However, when we submit art to “Q” we have a lot of work to do when we receive it back. We request .eps format so that we can adjust the art for final imprinting. The work comes when we need to make a virtual color sample for the customer. The art always seems to be fragmitted into small parts.
Is it possible to receive the .eps format grouped in colors? That would save much time in selecting all the parts.
We are very satisfied with the quality of the images coming through. This is probably something I am neglecting to request.
Thank You,
Ron Grindling
Hi ron,
Would you pelase direct this question directly to Cora at order@qdigitizing.com. I will see that your question is given directly to Cora.
Hi Cora-
Thanks for the post. We have used Accurip in our shop for the last year or so and love it. Although the software works great, the user must have a very good understanding of the more complex aspects of outputting the artwork. Specifically LPI, dot shape, angle, mesh selection for process printing, etc.. I would love to see more info about these aspects in your next post.
Thanks Again,
Ben Baker