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Just bought a printer, what ‘rip’ software to use?
I hope this is the right section to ask this, mods please move if it isnt!
Basically I have just bought an Epson 7880 printer (second hand from a family member but only 112 page count so as new!). Anyway I am aiming to expand into canvas printing and poster/photo printing with the odd bit of digital printing (i’m aware of limitations being aquaeous etc…). Anyhow what software would be best for me to use. I’ve heard of the term ‘rip’ etc but being new to this field i’m not sure what that means. I’ve only ever done vinyl cut stuff and car wrapping and subbed my digital print stuff out.
Do I presume its the software used (ie Photoshop?) or can anyone recommend something that will be better for me to use?
Many thanks
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7 Replies
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Depends on a number of different factors really Chris, a RIP will probably cost a lot more than the printer did unless you can find someone selling an old rip that supports your machine.
You will still need software to produce the artwork, your existing software may do that depending on what you use or you may need to look at other options like Photoshop. I couldn’t get drivers for my printer above windows xp so I just use an older version of adobe CS which I bought cheaply because there is absolutely no support from adobe for it now but it does everything I need it to.
Found this with a quick search & it will explain things a lot better than I ever could.
http://www.breathingcolor.com/blog/do-i-need-a-rip/ -
great thank you mate, tbh i’m not entirely sure what a rip is or what it does/can do? I have adobe cs4 and the likes and this is the software in which the printer was used before, i just wanted to know what the advantages of using this rip software was over any adobe products?!
Chris 🙂
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Hi Chris did you get the cd with the drivers, i have this printer which i run on XP with cs3, it prints fine with sizing and other functions easy to use I think the driver disc has information to chose from, so that the choice of different papers, canvases
or printable self adhesive vinyls can be use which are better if cold laminated.cheers
Andrew -
HI Andrew, yes everything is there, i will be running it on Win7 though so hope the same or later drivers will be the same.
Where do you get your printable vinyl from and what type? I’ve ok on the canvas side but never attempted to print onto vinyl (although I know its not as good as solvent etc).
Thanks
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Hi Chris
I buy from http://www.fastek.co.ukit is quite expensive but has its uses
matt white S/A 610mm x 30 mtrs
gloss white S/A 610mm x 20 mtrs
clear S/A 610mm x 20 mtrs
I use a laminating product from hot press /drytac
some is cold laminate and some i use in a hot vacuum pressAndrew
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You could also try Paper Graphics & All Print Supplies who both do a good range of media for aqueous printers, with laminates generally the more expensive they are the higher the UV protection but they still won’t get close to solvent prints for durability.
Most I have ever found any sort of warranty for was 18 months but most will only be about a year. Print outside my unit has been up for just about a year & there is definite signs of fading showing, especially with the reds.You might struggle with a driver for windows 7 especially if your running a 64 bit system.
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Try downloading a demo copy of a RIP and see if it’s going to be worth the money you. I only have experience in Shiraz but other RIP software is available at similar costs. There’s a free 15 day trial here:
http://www.shiraz-software.com/product/shiraz-focus/
If you need any help with it, let me know.
Stafford
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