Diversifying into vehicle wrapping can be a lucrative decision for growing print businesses, no matter where you’re at in your large format journey. Recent advances in print technology have made wrapping easier than ever before. With durable water-based inks, intelligent media and, more precise large-format printers all available, there’s never been a better time to get involved.

Market growth

Vehicle wrapping is seeing an especially sharp rise, with the automotive wrap film market expected to grow 22.4% from 2021 to 2028. ¹ The broader signage industry also remains resilient, as it’s a cost-effective solution for almost any business sector. This is all thanks to wider growth in the online and delivery sectors: E-Commerce is expected to grow by 16% in 2022, ² and this means more demand for branded vehicles on the road. With 69% of customers finding out-of-home advertising more trustworthy than digital advertising, ³ it’s time to take advantage of these new opportunities and get results.

To get you up to speed with the basics including materials, technologies, and practical applications we’ve pulled together some of the most useful hints and tips into our short, handy guide.

Tip 1: Select the right media for the job

We’re going to focus on wrapping films in this section, as it’s a durable solution for vehicle wraps, but these principles apply to all media types. Cast vinyls are likely your go-to substrate for car wraps: they’re easy to contour, stretch, and cut, but this flexibility comes at a higher cost. If you’re printing to flatter signage surfaces and want to save some money, calendared vinyl is the way to go.

When there are so many options, you need a versatile print solution that can keep up. HP Latex is fully compatible with substrates from leading brands such as 3M and Avery Dennison. With HP, you can find a solution that fits your application needs and current equipment. These can all be found on HP Media Solutions Locator, giving you access to perfect media for your printer or application. Don’t forget to consider warranties for peace of mind. HP Latex printers are eligible for six year 3M MCS and Avery ICS warranties⁴ for vehicle graphics–helping you print with confidence.

Tip 2: Measure and measure again

A top tip for ensuring a successful sign or vehicle wrap, is ensuring that you have the measurements, images, and specifics of the surface, item, building, or vehicle you are designing for. For vehicles, especially for full wraps, you’ll need the latest vehicle templates, which you can find online. This will ensure your design fits properly, without distortion or slicing the image into pieces.

Tip 3: Design with the end-installation in mind

Less is sometimes more. The human eye can take in seven items at a time, so when designing it’s important not to try and pack in too much information.⁵ Equally, colour and font can help get your message across–but don’t use too many.

For signage, perspective and distance is key. Choose your lettering size carefully to optimise visibility according to the reading distance. As a rule of thumb, for every 3 meters of viewing distance away from your sign, you should increase the letter height by 2.5 centimeters. ⁶ HP Latex helps you print sharp images and text for easier eligibility. With a resolution of up to 1,200 DPI, ⁷ you can print clear text all the way down to 4-point font sizes.

Tip 4: Choose white ink–for prints that pop!

Printing with white ink can drive up your gross margins by up to 30% by adding depth and vibrance to your images–especially on transparent and coloured substrates.⁸ It can also make previously challenging (or even impossible) projects easier, saving time on additional processes and materials.

HP Latex White Ink gives you all the benefits of white without the complexity. HP Latex printers with white ink, such as the HP Latex 700W, 800W, or HP Latex R-series, feature automatic recirculation to prevent clogging. Additionally, they’re built with an offline rotation chamber for white printhead storage, to minimise waste between white ink jobs. 

Tip 5: Select the right print profile

Let’s say you have the design ready, and you’ve chosen the ideal material for the task. Next, it’s important to deliver a sharp, high-quality image for your sign or vehicle wrap. HP offers a wide range of tested, approved and certified ICC print profiles for HP Latex printers. These profiles give your machine specific instructions on how much ink to lay down for the optimum result. This ensures images are not subject to colour shifts, over-saturation, insufficient ink coverage, edge curling or, drying problems.

A lot of print shops don’t follow this important step and use one generic profile for all their media, resulting in images that appear dull or just not quite right. So, by making sure to select the right print profile, you’ll definitely win on quality.
 
Since you’ll most likely laminate your vehicle wrapping prints, remember to disable the overcoat when selecting your profile.
 
Don’t forget–the latest generation of HP Latex also gives you a 10% higher colour gamut, giving you vibrant and accurate colors on any substrate.⁹

Tip 6: Move into lamination

As your vinyl or film will be exposed to the elements, you need to select one that’s suitable for lamination to prevent scratches or water from dislodging it from the surface.

Tip 7: Eliminate the need to de-gas

By choosing HP Latex technology, you can remove the need to de-gas your vinyl prints before you install them. HP Latex prints are dry straight from the printer, ready to be laminated or installed immediately after leaving the print tray. This cuts out an entire step from your vinyl printing workflow, saving you time, and freeing up your resources for other tasks. A great way to boost your productivity and improve your bottom line.

Tip 8: Start your installation squeaky clean

The most time-consuming part of most signage or vehicle wrap installations is the preparation stage. For new signage installations, this may involve removing old graphics and adhesive, then washing with water and detergent to ensure a grease-free dry surface. When preparing for a vehicle wrap it’s essential to clean every inch of the surface as well as under trims and cracks to make sure they are 100% dirt-free. You should use a suitable solution to remove any wax, before wiping the vehicle with alcohol to remove any residue. All cleaning must be completed the day before to ensure the vehicle is completely dry before installation. Understandably this is often the least preferred part of wrapping a car and is sometimes neglected, but this is at the peril of long-term wrap durability as the slightest dirt left behind could result in the vinyl’s adhesive failing. So, to be sure of success, make sure your vehicle is always squeaky clean.

Tip 9: Apply graphics with ease

The installation of a car wrap undoubtedly requires skill and practice. But the real key to success is post-heating. After the wrap is installed, you should apply a heat gun to the vinyl at 85-95 degrees Celsius, especially where there are deep recesses or contours. This will ensure that the vinyl will retain its memory and remove the risk of it ‘popping’ out.

If you are wrapping in colder weather, keep the car inside until the next day. This will allow the vehicle and vinyl to cool down gradually to minimize the risk of lifting.
 
With the HP Latex 700 and 800 printers, you can achieve 30% better adhesion to laminate, 10 making it easier than ever to get smooth, long-lasting fits. What’s more, HP Latex Inks are very flexible. Discover ink elongations up to 30% without losing quality.¹¹

What are you waiting for?

Signage and car wrapping undoubtedly offer a range of exciting possibilities for entrepreneurial print businesses to explore. There are certainly some tricks of the trade to learn upfront, but once proficient, you’ll be able to offer a wide portfolio of services that will ensure your customers will never need to go elsewhere.
 
Remember, you’re not alone on the journey. Printer manufacturers and media vendors are always on hand to help, and you’ll find online tutorials and videos to help with any questions along the way.

Footnotes
 

1.      Grand View Research, Automotive Wrap Films Market Size Report 2021-2028, https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/automotive-wrap-film-market
 
2.      Insider Intelligence, Ecommerce Industry Statistics, https://www.insiderintelligence.com/insights/ecommerce-industry-statistics/
 
3.      Statista, 2016 https://www.statista.com/topics/5771/out-of-home-advertising-uk/#topicHeader__wrapper
 
4.      Warranty coverage varies by region, please see graphics.averydennison.com and 3Mgraphics.com for information about what is offered in your country. Some warranty limitations may apply.
 
5.      Simply Psychology, Short-Term Memory: Facts, Types, Duration, and Capacity, https://www.simplypsychology.org/short-term-memory.html
 
6.      Signs.com, Signage 101 – Letter Height Visibility, https://www.signs.com/blog/signage-101-letter-height-visibility/.
 
7.      HP Latex 800 print resolution: up to 1,200 DPI. See the spec sheet for more info: https://h20195.www2.hp.com/v2/GetDocument.aspx?docname=c06990640
 
8.      Based on research conducted by Keypoint Intelligence July 2020 and commissioned by HP, across over 100 print service providers across the U.S., Europe, and India
 
9.      On HP Latex 700 and 800 printers, when compared with same ink density in HP Latex 365/5x0 printers. HP Latex 700/800 printers provide lower color distance to some Pantone* (average visual colour distance 1.99 dE vs 3.34dE): Blue (Pantone 289C): 1.3dE vs 3dE, Red (Pantone 201C): 0.49dE vs 3.8dE, Orange (Pantone 153C): 1.6dE vs 3dE. *Measured Xrite i1Pro 2, dE calculated based on the CIEDE2000 standard L500 (10p: 151 sqft/h 110% saturation) vs. L700/800 (8p: 183-215 sqft/h 120% saturation)
 
10.   Compared to HP Latex 365/5x0 series printers.
 
11.   HP Latex 365/5x0 and 700/800 Printers inks show similar ink flexibility performance. We can support ink elongations up to 30% (2dE criteria). In case of HP Latex 700/800 printers, white ink has similar flexibility as the other colours.

Technical documents are a cornerstone of any architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) office. Ask any designer, architect or engineer: they facilitate collaboration with stakeholders located near and far — from concept design stage through to the completed construction project.

When looking for the right architectural printer, one that doesn’t meet specific requirements can lead to many complications. With tenders, presentations, and deadlines hinging on smooth project flows, it is imperative that you get the right printer best suited to the needs of your practice. If you have ever received an internal email with instructions not to send any jobs to the printer because a tender is due, then you understand what we are trying to say.

So, what should you look for?

In short, the right printer can help you:

• Streamline workflow
• Enable collaboration across departments
• Support a more agile work culture

Time is money

The golden rule is to never waste any time. The faster the print job, more time can be spent on core activities. Two areas to look out for, whatever architectural printer you choose, are:

• The time the printer takes to warm up from standby mode to begin printing.
• The time it takes to complete the first and subsequent prints, known as “throughput time”.

Speed is often listed in terms of images per minute (IPM) and pages per minute (PPM). For large format printers, PPM is typically given in terms of A1 sheets, as opposed to A4/letter sheets in standard printers.

Up to 0.1% line accuracy precision

For architectural printers, every little detail matters. They are designed to produce highly accurate drawings, and precision measurements are generally measured in two ways. Line accuracy is given in “ per cent”, denoting the margin of placement error that a printer allows. This refers to the distance between the printed line and the line’s position on the original file. The smaller the figure, the higher the accuracy.

Guaranteed minimum line width is given in millimetres and describes the lightest line weight a printer is capable of representing. Similarly, the lower the figure, the higher the accuracy, meaning that even very fine line weights will be preserved.

Depending on the type of technical drawing, the line weight (better known as pen width) is assigned to the graphical elements in CAD and needs to be consistent with all technical drawings produced.

Compatible with all modelling software

Imagine making several rounds of changes to the 3D model in preparation for a tender submission. When reviewing the prints, you discover that several layers were not printed as intended, because the printer driver, or the printer, is not compatible with your 3D application. With the number of CAD platforms used, this scenario is very plausible.
 
While some CAD platforms are widely used within the AEC industry, there is none that can meet every requirement or purpose. Accordingly, not all of these will be compatible with your chosen large format printer.

Makes work much easier

Ever struggled to locate the ink cartridge ports in your architectural printer? Had difficulties with sending your print jobs to the printer? Frustrated with collecting prints off the floor? The good news is that modern large format printers enable workflow efficiency to be improved.

For instance, easy paper and ink loading, as well as neat stacking and collation of completed prints all help to save time, contributing to a smoother process.

Always depend on hard copy

No project is safe from delays. There are multiple reasons for downtime, from remoteness or inaccessibility of field sites, or sudden bad weather. Connectivity in such places may be fair at the best of times, but it can disappear in a second. In such situations, hard copy is always reliable and dependable.

Today, large format printers are more cost-effective than ever, producing documents with higher resolution and colour fidelity. The right ones can help you do more than you can imagine.

If you need to print high-quality, large-scale posters or banners, you likely understand the importance of selecting the best poster printer to complete the job. Specifically, what you'll want is a top-end plotter printer that can optimise quality and detail with each printout. However, with so many options available, you might not know which printer will work best for you.

To help you find the right solution, we've compiled a list of some of the top poster printers on the market today. We've carefully examined their features, customer reviews, and cost to determine which equipment is best for large-format poster printing in 2024. We hope our insights will help you make the best selection to provide you with consistently great quality.

2024 large format printing trends to look out for

When shopping for a large-format plotter printer, some trends in this industry are worth noting.

In addition to an industrial poster printer machine, you may have access to certain benefits that facilitate a safe work environment due to the lasting effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Amid the pandemic, brands like HP and others, have offered extended warranties and remote customer support while promoting various work-from-home initiatives.

Check to see if your large-format poster printing equipment manufacturer offers these benefits as you shop for the perfect solution.

What to consider when buying a plotter for large-format poster printing

When choosing a plotter printer for large-format poster printing, consider the following factors:

a) Printing speed

You'll want to find a highly-efficient industrial poster printer machine to save you more time. Manufacturers typically detail the estimated speed of their printers to give you a good sense of their efficiency.

b) Resolution quality

Consider the resolution quality you need for your posters and other print jobs. You can find large format poster printers with resolutions as high as 2880 x 1440 dots per inch (dpi), and many can print a wide range of colours.

c) Print-size capacity

The printer size will also depend on the size of your projects. Choose a plotter printer that can handle the intended print size. But also consider your space requirements and how they may affect the placement of the printer.

d) Type of ink used

Decide whether you want a poster printer machine that uses water-based or solvent-based inks. Water-solvent inks tend to be more costly and are ideal for indoor applications. Meanwhile, you might want solvent-based ink printers to save money and withstand exposure to outdoor elements. Also, dye inks offer bright picture quality but don't hold up well in sunlight while pigment-based inks often withstand outdoor exposure with the downside of increased dullness.

e) The cost

Another key factor is the cost of the printer, including the initial purchase and maintenance. Set a budget for your printer, and don't buy the cheapest printer you find, as higher initial costs may translate to lower ongoing expenses due to reduced maintenance.

5 best poster printers for large-format printing in 2024

The following are some of the top plotter printers for large-format poster printing available today:

1. HP DesignJet Studio 24-in Printer

Key features:

• A conveniently compact, high-quality design
• User-friendly touchscreen interface
• Fast print speeds

Printer overview:
This inkjet printer from HP is ideal for use in many work and home environments as a convenient, compact printer. You can use it for large-format poster printing in various paper sizes. It also features an easy-to-use touchscreen interface.

2. HP DesignJet T850 36-in Printer

Key features:

• Print multi-size prints without manually changing from roll to sheets
• Vivid colours and pigment-based ink
• Avoid distractions with fewer ink interventions thanks to 130/300 ml cartridges

Printer overview:
The HP DesignJet T850 printer makes printing in all sizes a hassle-free and effortless experience. Print half-size to D size jobs without having to manually change from roll to sheets. Get high-quality prints with vivid colours, fine-line quality, and excellent small-letter clarity to make any poster stand out. The pigment-based HP Flex Tech Inks are resistant to smudges and highlighter bleed and can withstand exposure to outdoor elements.

3. HP DesignJet T650 36-in Printer

Key features:

• Compatible with sheets and rolls
• Efficient print speeds
• The smallest printer with a built-in stand

Printer overview:
This 36-inch plotter prints paper sizes up to A1 and has a top print speed of 25 seconds for large documents. It uses dye inks and includes a gigabyte of memory to handle large projects. It's ideal for printing everything from posters and renders to technical drawings.

4. HP DesignJet Z9+ 44-in PostScript® Photo Printer

Key features:

• Fast printer speed
• Vibrant colours and rich detail
• Highly secure connection

Printer overview:
If you need a large printer for large-format poster printing, consider this HP DesignJet printer. This particular model can handle print jobs of up to 44 inches and includes a 500 GB hard drive and a touchscreen display. The results are sharp in detail and of superior quality.

5. HP DesignJet T230 24-in Printer

Key features:

• Automatic paper switching
• Compact size
• Ease of use

Printer overview:
As the smallest large-format printers from HP, the 200 Series DesignJet models feature a compact design that makes them easy to move and meet tight space requirements. You can use it to print A1 to A4 paper sizes or a roll up to 24 inches. You can also print multiple jobs remotely via an app on your smartphone.

Reach out to HP to discuss your plotter printer needs

Searching for the perfect poster printers for large-format printing? HP has you covered with a wide range of top-quality options.

Large-format printers have become an essential part of the photography industry. Many professionals today rely on these printers because they contribute to the modern photo printing process. They're also widely available and accessible, allowing photographers to easily convert digital images into high-quality, large-scale prints.

The necessity for large-format printing in the photography industry makes it crucial for photographers to purchase the right large-format photo printer to meet their unique requirements. However, with so many models on the market, it can be difficult to make the right selection based on factors like features and cost.

In this article, you'll learn about the various applications of large-format printers in the field of photography and how to find the best large-format printer for photographers. Specifically, we'll list three large-format printers that we consider to be the most reliable in this industry. Photographers can consistently produce professional-grade prints using top-performing functions with the right printer.

The Role of Large Format Printing in Photography

Large-format printing is essential for photographers because of the unique benefits it offers. It allows them to showcase their work on a grand scale, with every detail crisp and visible. The best printers for photographers are the ones that can handle the demands of large-format output without compromising on the fine details that are crucial in photographic work.

The need for high-quality prints in photography
Photographers need prints that offer the best quality through reliable, high-resolution printing processes. A large-format photo printer can print images in some of the highest achievable resolutions with accurate colours to give photographers top-quality prints with every project.

How large-format printers help with achieving professional-grade prints
The best large-format printer for photographers will provide professional-grade images while eliminating the need to outsource printing. With the right investment, you can own a high-quality printer that helps you repeatedly produce superior images in larger sizes.

Top factors to consider when selecting a Large Format Printer for photo printing

When looking for the best large-format photo printer, there are certain key factors to consider, such as:

a) Capacity to scale an image and print in high resolution

One of the main factors to look for in an ideal large-format photo printer is the ability for you to scale images as needed. Many large-format printers today can print sizes of around 13 inches or wider, with some capable of printing billboard-sized images.  In addition to scalability, look for a printer that can print in the highest resolution to ensure consistently great image quality with each print.

b) The colour gamut and print accuracy

You should also seek a large-format photo printer that has the right colour options to accurately print each image. For example, you might want prints with a high level of accuracy when printing the colour yellow, in which case you would want a printer with a variety of reds and greens that can mix to form a range of yellows.

c) Type of ink technology used

The type of ink technology your printer uses could also factor into your decision. For instance, the best large-format printer for photographers today uses inkjet technology that provides great results and peak performance with every project.

d) Connectivity options and paper media compatibility

Your printer should also be able to connect with computers, smartphones, and other devices to allow for convenient printing within your existing tech setup. Additionally, the ideal large-format photo printer should be able to print the specific image format you want to use in photo-editing and printing software.

e) Workflow integration with common photography software

The best large-format printer for photographers will also work with your photography software to allow for seamless workflows. This software could include everything from Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom to Pixlr, Luminar, and other popular types of software.

What are the best large-format printers for photographers?

When you're searching for the best large-format photo printer for you, here are our top picks based on the options and quality they offer:

1. HP DesignJet Z Series

The HP DesignJet Z Series printers are among the most dependable HP large-format photo printers available, with multiple options in this line to give you what you need for each print job.

Key features:

• Expansive ink pigment systems of up to 9 pigments
• HP’s dual-drop technology produces a combination of large drop sizes for robust area fills at fast speeds
• Achieve smooth colour transitions with HP Pixel Control
• Large 300-ml ink cartridges
• Professional photo print quality
• Automatic roll feeds
• Touchscreen displays
• Wireless printing option available via HP Click and HP Smart app for iOS and Android

Main advantages to photographers:
Depending on your needs, you can choose from multiple printers in the Z Series that can meet your needs, each with different specs that can help you meet your specific requirements as a photographer. These printers are particularly helpful in producing top-quality professional-grade prints.

2. HP DesignJet T850/T950

Another great option on the list of the best large-format printers for photographers is the HP DesignJet T850/T950 plotter series, which offer all sorts of benefits for photographers.

Key features:

• 2,400 x 1,200 dpi for superior resolution
• Prints multi-size prints from half size to D size without having to manually change from roll to sheets
• One of the most compact plotters available in the industry
• Many printing options available, including Ethernet, Wi-Fi, USB, and HP Click

Main advantages to photographers:
This large-format photo printer is ideal for printing all types of photos with professional-level quality, along with architect and engineering drawings, and many other projects. It's easy to use and efficient, with excellent printing capabilities that make it ideal for many photography projects.

3. HP DesignJet Studio

The HP DesignJet Studio is a popular large-format photo printer that's available in either 24" or 36" models.

Key features:

• Fast print speed up to 26 sec/page on D
• 1 GB of internal memory
• First net carbon-neutral HP DesignJet plotter¹
• Aesthetically pleasing wood or steel finish

Main advantages to photographers:
This plotter printer is easy to use and highly accessible, with the ability to print high-quality photos from virtually anywhere with the HP Smart app. It can also print very efficiently, depending on the level of quality of your print. Additionally, it's easy to set up and allows for simple control. That's why it features on many lists of the best large-format printer for photographers.

Reach out to HP to meet your large-format photography printer needs

When you're searching for the best-large format printer for photographers, HP’s large-format photo printers can give you everything you need. When you turn to us, you'll be able to choose from a range of reliable large-format printers and plotters based on your unique printing needs.

HP offers reliable customer support and maintenance services
Not only can you find the best large-format printer for photographers with HP, but you'll also have access to top-tier customer support and maintenance as needed to keep your printer running the way it should. Regardless of the issue you might be facing, we're here to help resolve it.

If you have any questions about our large-format printers or want help with finding the best model for your photography practice, then contact PSW Paper & Print today

Footnotes

1. HP is reducing the carbon footprint of printing through carbon reduction initiatives such as energy efficiency, reduced packaging, and use of recycled plastics. The HP DesignJet Studio Printer is the first HP DesignJet where HP has offset the remaining carbon impact due to raw material extraction and processing, printer manufacturing and transportation, as well as electricity, paper, and cartridge use in accordance with The CarbonNeutral Protocol https://www.carbonneutral.com/how/carbonneutral-protocol

Raster Image Processing software, commonly known as RIP software, is an integral tool for any printing professional looking to deliver the finest quality of prints with the sharpest detail and colour variance. But what actually is RIP software, and how does it work? Even experienced employees, who have worked in the printing industry for many years, may find their knowledge about this topic limited.

There is a fair bit to uncover, even about the basics of RIP software. It is also equally important to know how RIP software differs from other regular printer drivers and how it performs to fundamentally improve your images. With the help of this article, expect to advance your understanding of RIP software and explore our expert tips, plus advice, on using it to fully capitalise on its benefits.

What Is RIP Software?

RIP software is a type of software that offers more control over your print production. It optimises digital images for printing by converting them from their native file formats into high-resolution raster images. With RIP software, you'll have control over every element of your workflow, from image editing to colour accuracy and overall print quality.

You can use it to adjust your image's colour, brightness, and contrast and handle other advanced printing techniques. On a technical level, there is so much you can do with RIP software to generate better prints.

RIP software aims to make printing easier, faster, and more accurate. It bypasses all other programs, allowing your computer to communicate directly with your digital printer. A computer-aided design operator will have access to pre-designed products and an option to create unique, customised print designs. If you would like to produce high-quality prints, RIP software can help you in the following ways:

• Easy manipulation of print (scaling, rotating, cropping)
• Creation of a more efficient printing process
• Automation of duplicate tasks like the placement of multiple files on a single sheet
• Ensuring consistency across multiple printers
• Creation of presets depending on your needs
• Accurate control over the print's colours

Image print RIP software eliminates the complexities of printing while ensuring you achieve superior printing quality.

Key Benefits of RIP Software

Speed

One of the key benefits of RIP software is its speed in processing your prints. The entire process happens within minutes, allowing your company to meet customer demands while retaining high quality. You can process multiple files, easily manipulate your prints, and create presets that speed up your printing process.

RIP software allows you to produce high-quality products by giving you complete control over the print files. You can adjust your print's scaling, opacity, colour correction, dot size, and other features to meet the desired print quality. This is especially crucial when printing large format prints. RIP software can resize your images while maintaining their quality.

Production Efficiency

RIP provides efficient functionalities and features that significantly optimise your company's printing workflow. It supports the simultaneous processing of multiple large files and ensures accurate prints and consistency across various printers.

Therefore, using RIP for your daily printing tasks means fewer reprints, reducing the wastage of paper and ink. This results in more efficient production that saves time and money.

How to Properly Use RIP Software for Printing

RIP software is essential in the production of high-quality printed products. It can be easily installed and used with different printers, including large format printers. Here is how to properly use RIP software for printing and enjoy the numerous workflow benefits.

Prepare Your Files for Printing with RIP Software

Image print RIP software offers an intuitive interface that makes it easy to prepare your files for printing through the following steps.

Set Up Print Parameters

After you launch ImagePrint RIP software, you can set up your print parameters:

1. Select your Printer
2. Set the Page Size, Quality, Roll/Sheet and Media Type

These settings may vary depending on the printer you're using.

Select Your Media Outlet Profiles

You can take the following steps to select a Printer Profile for the paper you'll use:

Click on Choose by Profile to choose from already downloaded profiles.

Configure Your Colour Management Settings

After acquiring the printer profiles, configure your colour management settings:

1. Expand the Printer selection area.
2. Select either ImagePrint manages colours or Printer manages colours.

Send Your Files to a Printer Using RIP Software

When you're ready to print, you can send your file to a printer by:

1. Click on the Print button at the top of the Dashboard.
2. Click OK to confirm your print settings.

Monitor the Printing Process

You can use Spoolface to control and monitor the printing process through the following steps:

1. Click on the Printer icon on the top right to open the Job Manager.
2. Look at the top Active side to see the job that's printing.
3. Monitor the job's progress in the Job Progress area on the right. It'll also show any errors or warnings that may arise.
4. Once it's done, it'll move to the bottom Saved side.
5. Monitor the printer's current status at the bottom left corner. Error codes will appear here in case the job runs into a problem.

What Are Some of the Advanced RIP Software Techniques?

RIPs offer a wide range of advanced features that enhance the printing process while improving the final product's quality. These features include:

• Colour management: Image print RIP software allows you to create ICC profiles, modify ink capacity, and offer linearisation control. You'll have superior colour management features to help you create accurate prints.
• Halftoning: Creates halftone patterns to ensure high-quality production of continuous-tone images
• Automation: Automate the printing process, including repetitive print jobs such as smart cropping, sizing, multi-page layout, tiling, and more.
• Scaling: Scale images without losing resolution.
• Job management: Manage print jobs such as scheduling and tracking.

With RIP software, you can effortlessly produce high-quality prints that meet and exceed your expectations.

Ensure Print Quality and Production Efficiency by:

Nesting

Nesting allows you to combine multiple files into one print job. RIP software will automatically organise images, shapes, and objects to maximise your print material. It will calculate and figure out the best positions to place them. This ensures efficient use of the space on your print, reducing the wastage of materials.

Tiling

RIP software includes tiling features, allowing you to print larger images without cutting off design elements. When an image is larger than your media size, tiling breaks it into specific sizes your printer can handle. Tiling separates the design image into multiple pieces that can then be printed on multiple pages. Tiling is crucial when you get a job too wide for your printer.

Imposition

When printing your work, RIP software utilises the imposition feature to combine various print works and print them simultaneously. This minimises the printing time and significantly reduces paper waste by maximising the number of orders per impression and thoroughly filling the print sheet. Proper planning and positioning allow your work to be printed effectively and in an orderly fashion.

Reach Out to PSW to Learn More About RIP Software

RIP can greatly affect your printing processes and output quality. It enables creativity, streamlines production, and improves workflow while reducing costs. Therefore, if you would like to increase efficiency and improve profitability, consider investing in RIP software and a high-quality large format printer.

At PSW, we have the right printing solutions for your business. We can help you utilise powerful RIP software to produce high-quality printed products with our extensive range of top-notch large format printers. Contact us today to learn more.