![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.qdigitizing.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/08\/HALF-TONE1-150x150.jpg\" "\\"HALF-TONE\\"")
A brief description about halftones:\u00a0 Halftones are the reprographic technique that simulates continuous tone imagery through the use of dots varying either in size, shape or spacing.<\/p>\nRIP, in this case does not mean Rest in Peace. However, a good RIP (Raster Image Processor) software program can give a screen\u00a0 printer Peace of Mind.\u00a0 This month in Cora’s Corner I am going to discuss RIP software for textile screen printers and why RIP software is important.\u00a0RIP 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.<\/p>\n
A brief description about halftones:\u00a0 Halftones are the reprographic technique that simulates continuous tone imagery through the use of dots varying either in size, shape or spacing.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
There are other things to consider when deciding to buy RIP software:<\/p>\n
1)\u00a0 Preparing \u00a0graphics for output tends to be easier and quicker.<\/p>\n
2)\u00a0 Quality of output is higher which leads to quicker preparation times, set-up times and less problems with runs on the press.<\/p>\n
3)\u00a0 Less consumption and waste of supplies (especially inks).<\/p>\n
4)\u00a0 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.<\/p>\n
5)\u00a0 And the big one – Budget.<\/p>\n
Don\u2019t 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.<\/p>\n
Good news is that several companies have developed RIP software just for textile screen printers.\u00a0 Make sure you pick one that is easy to use. \u00a0Don\u02bct want to waste time. Pick a company that offers\u00a0 tech support and provides upgrades.<\/p>\n
Most companies offer trials that you can download from their or their distributor\u2019s websites. There are many companies but a list of the most popular is offered here:<\/p>\n
AccuRip (Freehand Graphics Inc.) $495-$795. www.softwareforscreenprinters.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n FilmMaker (CADLink) $395-$1195. www.cadlink.com<\/a><\/p>\n Harlequin $995 and up. www.harlequinrip.com<\/a><\/p>\n