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Glossary · Software

UV printing

RIP software

The program that converts an image into exact print instructions for the UV printer. It determines where colour, white and varnish end up.

Explained in more detail

RIP stands for Raster Image Processor. The software converts image data into halftone dots for each ink channel, applies ICC profiles and generates the channels for white and varnish. This is where resolution, number of passes, print direction and ink amount are set. Many hobby devices come with their own simplified software; in commercial use, Maintop, Onyx, Caldera or Flexi are common, for example. The quality of the profiles and the halftoning often affects colour accuracy and banding more than the device does.

Where does the term come from?

RIP stands for “Raster Image Processor”. The term comes from prepress: originally these were dedicated computers that converted page descriptions such as PostScript into raster dots for imagesetters.

In practice

  • Before buying, check whether the software runs on your operating system; many device RIPs are only available for Windows, some with a dongle.
  • The spot colours for white and varnish must be named exactly as the RIP expects, for Roland VersaWorks for example RDG_WHITE.
  • More passes in the print mode reduce streaks but noticeably lengthen the print time.
  • Many RIPs show an estimate of ink consumption and time before printing; use it for costing.
  • Factor licence costs, subscription model and updates into the running costs; commercial RIPs often cost extra.

Not to be confused

Not every printer software is a full RIP: some desktop programs are more like layout tools with fixed profiles. On devices with two programs, one often handles the rasterising and the other only controls the device.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need RIP software for a UV printer?

Every UV printer needs software that generates white and varnish as separate channels. With many desktop devices it is included, and a separate RIP is mainly worthwhile if you need your own profiles and finer control.

Can I print directly from Photoshop on a UV printer?

Usually not directly, because the normal printer driver does not know white and varnish channels. You design in Photoshop and then load the file into the print or RIP software.