0 11010 10 VERSION User’s Manual MANUAL VERSION 1.1 - REVISED FEBRUARY, 2009 FASTRIP VERSION 10.
Copyright Notices ©2004 - 2009 U.S. Screen Print & Inkjet Technology, Tempe Arizona ©2002 - 2009 CADlink Technology Corporation and Digital Images Corporation ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. No part of this publication may be reproduced mechanically or electronically or in any form without the prior written permission of U.S. Screen Print & Inkjet Technology (U.S. Screen).
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Table of Contents Chapter 1 - Introduction 1 Welcome to FastRIP 10.
Table of Contents Epson 4000 10 Epson 4800/4880 10 Epson 7800, 7880, 9800, 9880 10 Cartridge Instructions for FastRip High Speed Computer Connections 11 Dongle Connection 11 Printer Connections 12 USB Port 12 Parallel Port 12 Ethernet Port 13 FireWire Port 13 Installing the Printer Driver Installing FastRIP Software 13 14 The FastRIP CD Beginning the Installation 15 15 Choose Language 15 Installation Wizard 15 License Agreement 16 Choosing an Install Destination 16 Select
Table of Contents Set the Connection Parameters 23 USB Parameters 23 Ethernet Cable TCP/IP Parameters 23 FireWire Port Parameters 23 Layout Mode Media Setup Name Your Production Queue Output Options Add Printer to Queue Window 24 24 24 25 25 Two Epson Drivers...
Table of Contents Chapter 5 - Program Settings General Interface Settings RIP System Settings Processing Settings Preview Options Advanced RIP Settings - Performance Chapter 6 - Page Layout Portrait and Landscape Settings Page Layout/Media Setup 37 39 40 41 42 43 43 44 Setting the Page Size 44 About Custom Page Sizes 45 Creating a Custom Page Size 45 Working with Page Layout Templates 47 Selecting a Template 47 Creating a Custom Template 48 Template Settings 52 Printing Template Slots 5
Table of Contents Chapter 7 - Printing From a Graphics Application 67 Introduction Basic Printing 67 67 Sending a Print Job 67 Printing From Adobe Photoshop Printing From CorelDraw Printing From Adobe Illustrator 68 70 72 Illustrator CS Versions 72 Illustrator Versions 10 and Previous 73 Printing From Macromedia Freehand Printing Complex Files 75 76 Chapter 8 - FastRIP Print Options 77 Introduction Print Controls 77 77 Starting and Stopping Print Jobs 77 Cancelling a Print Job 78 Print
Table of Contents Costing Interface Material Cost 93 Surface Treatment Cost 93 Black, Colored and White Ink Costs 93 Notes 93 Color and White Ink Passes 94 Ink Contingency 94 Labor Cost 94 Tax 1 94 Tax 2 94 Time 95 Record Costing Data 95 Dot Profiles 95 Job Properties - Costing 95 Chapter 9 - Print Modes and Printer Information Print Mode Introduction Setting, Applying and Saving Print modes 97 97 98 Setting the Print Mode from the Print Mode Dialog 98 Changing the Print Mode
Table of Contents Epson 2200 111 Epson 4000 116 Epson 4800/4880 120 Epson 7600/7800/7880/9600/9800/9880 124 Chapter 10 - Output Settings Introduction Obtaining Photorealistic Prints 129 129 129 Shadows, Highlights and Midtones 130 Choosing Halftone Settings 131 Printing Separations 135 Configuring PPD Files 135 Separations In PhotoShop 136 Separations In CorelDraw 137 Separations In Illustrator 138 Additional Output Features 139 Output Scheduling 139 Adding Crop Marks 139 In-
Table of Contents Registration 155 Roll Feed 156 Film Loading 156 Using your Inkjet Printer for Sublimation Purposes 156 Chapter 11 - Troubleshooting 157 Frequent Troubleshooting Topics 157 Printer-Specific Troubleshooting Tips 159 FastRIP 10.
Chapter 1 Introduction Welcome to FastRIP 10.0 Congratulations on purchasing FastRIP, the affordable PostScript printing solution for non-PostScript printers. PostScript is an industry-standard scripting language that describes the text and graphic elements of a print job. When FastRIP processes a job, PostScript elements are used to generate a raster image (a series of horizontal lines) that the printer is capable of rendering. The printer will then print your image one raster line at a time.
Chapter 1 - Introduction PostScript and Raster Images The term “raster display” originates from the method by which television images are created in a series of horizontal scan lines. Sixty times a second (60 Hz), these scan lines are rendered from top to bottom on a cathode-ray tube (CRT). This frequency is faster than the brain can process the information, thus allowing a sequence of still pictures to create the illusion of movement.
Chapter 1 - Introduction Using FastRIP The FastRIP application is a rasterization solution for non-PostScript printers. FastRIP will take the text and graphic elements of a print job, create the corresponding PostScript data, generate a raster image for the entire job and then manage the spooling of raster data to the printer. Why You Need FastRIP Generally, inkjet printers do not come with a PostScript Interpreter.
Chapter 1 - Introduction A New Era for Inkjet Printers FastRIP and an inkjet printer now offer a low cost solution to film output. Traditionally printers have had to use large format laser printers for film output. Although this has been a standard practice for years, “mis-registration” has been an ongoing struggle with no solution. Laser printers use fusing rollers to heat up the media, thereby causing shrinkage and poor registration.
Chapter 1 - Introduction Supported Printers As of the writing of this Manual, FastRIP 10.0 supports the Epson Stylus Color 1520, 3000, R1400, R1800, R1900, R2400, the Epson Stylus Photo 2200 and the Epson Pro 4000, 4800 and 4880. FastRIP XL supports the Epson 7600/7800/7880 and FastRIP LF supports the Epson 9600/9800/9880. FastRIP 10.0 also supports the T-Jet Blazer Series inkjet-to-garment printers as well as the T-Jet SDT-1000, T-Jet2 SDT 2200 and T-Jet3 Plus and 3300 models.
Chapter 1 - Introduction FastRIP Manual The electronic version of this Manual is on the FastRIP CD in a folder called FastRIP Manual. It is an Adobe Acrobat PDF file. If you don’t have Adobe Acrobat, there is a free version on the FastRIP CD. FastRIP Support Toll Free +1 888-698-5387 Technical Support Corporate Office Fax E-mail: +1 480-929-2937 +1 480-929-0640 +1 480-929-0766 support@usscreen.com Internet: www.screenprinters.net. Click on the Support tab.
Chapter 1 - Introduction PC System Requirements FastRIP is a 32-bit Windows application. The following system configurations are the minimum requirements: `` A PC equipped with a Pentium processor 1.25 GHz or higher `` At least 512MB of RAM; 1GB or more is highly recommended. (User’s of Windows Vista will need and minimum of 2 GB of RAM for proper operation) `` 200MB free hard drive space recommended `` Windows Vista/XP/2000 Operating System `` USB 1.1 port (high speed 2.0 recommended) 7 Version 1.
Chapter 1 - Introduction FastRIP 10.
Chapter 2 Installation Basic Printer Setup Whether you have a large format printer of a standard 13”W format printer, the following steps will apply. 1. Open the box and carefully unpack your Epson Printer. 2. Follow the printers setup instructions. 3. Connect the Printer’s power cord to the back of the printer and connect the opposite end to an AC electrical outlet. (We recommend the use of a surge protector to prevent power spikes from damaging the internal components of your printer.) 4.
Chapter 2 - Installation Epson R1900 Much like the R1800 and R2400 models, the Epson R1900 is shipped from the factory with UltraChrome (Pigment) inks. UltraChrome ink will NOT work for printing film positives. UltraChrome ink will NOT adhere or dry on film transparencies. We have developed an ink called FastINK and can be used to replace the UltraChrome Black cartridge. The Black ink is the only cartridge that need be replaced since film positives are only printed in black.
Chapter 2 - Installation Cartridge Instructions for FastRIP High Speed FastRIP High Speed requires that you have one of the following printers listed below. FastRIP High Speed uses 4 ink cartridges to print out your film positives REALLY FAST! You can still print color images with your printer because the 4 black cartridges utilize the light-colored ink slots. Epson 4800 and 4880 Epson 7800 and 7880 Epson 9800 and 9880 The 4 black cartridges will go in slots 5-8 on any of the six printer models.
Chapter 2 - Installation Printer Connections With the printer power still OFF, connect the printer to your computer. There are a few ways to do this; a USB to Parallel Port connection (using an adapter), a Parallel Port to Parallel Port cable, a USB to USB connection, an Ethernet connection or through FireWire. NOTE: Not all Epson Printers have USB to USB, FireWire, Ethernet or Parallel, but will at least have one.
Chapter 2 - Installation Ethernet Port If you are connecting via an Ethernet cable, a 10/100 Ethernet card is required. FireWire Port If you are connecting via FireWire, a standard IEEE 1394 cable may be used as long as it does not exceed 10 feet in length. USB FireWire Installing the Printer Driver Although FastRIP has its own printer drivers, you must install the printer driver that came with your printer in order to utilize utility programs like Head Cleaning and Nozzle Checks.
Chapter 2 - Installation You can also check by clicking on Start > Settings > Printer and Faxes. An icon representing your printer should now appear in the Printers and Faxes window that just opened. 3. You must now configure FastRIP to work with your printer. `` Go to Start > Programs > FastRIP 10.0 and click on FastRIP. `` Select your Epson printer and click on Next. `` On the next screen, select the option “Search for new printer package versions from CD.
Chapter 2 - Installation The FastRIP CD In addition to FastRIP, the FastRIP CD contains a 20 day trial version of FastFILMS, a complete catalog of FastART, a catalog of effects available with FastFX, sample files and Adobe Acrobat Reader. Beginning the Installation 1. Connect the USB security device NOW. Insert the FastRIP CD into your CD drive. The installation program should start automatically. If the FastRIP installation does not start automatically, follow these steps.
Chapter 2 - Installation Installation Wizard After selecting your language preference, the installation process will begin. When the install pauses at “Welcome to the InstallShield Wizard,” click Next. Licensing Agreement Read the Licensing Agreement thoroughly prior to accepting the terms and conditions. Clicking Next implies acceptance of the agreement. Choosing an Install Destination Select the destination folder for FastRIP.
Chapter 2 - Installation Scanning for Resources The installation program will scan the computer for available resources. It may take several moments for the installation to resume. You will then see the installation progress window. Concluding the Installation Once the installation is complete, FastRIP will ask if you want to re-boot your computer. Refer to the following sections that referring to your particular dongle type to conclude the install.
Chapter 2 - Installation Un-installing FastRIP Should you need to un-install FastRIP from your computer, click on Start > Control Panel and locate the icon labeled Add or Remove Programs. Double-click on this icon and another window will open. Scroll through the listings until you see FastRIP. Click on the program to highlight and then click on the Remove button. In the FastRIP Setup window select Remove and click on Next.
Chapter 3 Setting Up FastRIP Configuring Your Printer After you have completed the basic installation, FastRIP is ready to run. However, prior to printing a job from a graphics program, you must configure FastRIP to work with your printer. 1. First Time Setup Dialog The First Time Setup screen will appear letting you select your preferred measurements options. 2. Printer Driver Selection 1. Go to Start > Programs > FastRIP 10.0 and click on FastRIP. 2. A screen will prompt you to select a printer.
Chapter 3 - Setting Up FastRIP 3. From the next screen, select the option “Search for new printer package versions from CD.” Place a check mark by “Search CD-ROM or floppy drive.” Click on Next. Click on Next. Click on Finish. When the “Configuration Complete” window appears, click on Next. 3. Create Queue Wizard Intro The next steps in the installation process will be completing the Create Queue Wizard. The Introduction window will open automatically. Click Next and follow the steps below. 4.
Chapter 3 - Setting Up FastRIP `` The ports could be USB, LPT (Parallel), LPR (Ethernet) or the IP address of the printer (FireWire.) `` Click the ellipsis (...) button to the right of the Port drop-down list to open the Print Mode Selection dialog. Note: If you are connecting your printer to your computer via USB cable, refer to Appendix A for details on how to find the correct USB Port. 2.
Chapter 3 - Setting Up FastRIP `` LPT Mode EPP This is the mid-range speed setting. It is not often used, but may be a good compromise between ECP and SPP modes. `` LPT Mode ECP In this mode, data is sent to the printer at the fastest possible rate. Generally most printers can support this speed, but if your prints show errors, your printer may not be capable of this mode.
Chapter 3 - Setting Up FastRIP 3. Under the Properties tab, click on the button labeled “Print a Test Page.” If the test page does not print, or does not print correctly, refer to the following step in looking up your connection type and for instructions on settings/ports. 8. Set the Connection Parameters If your printer completed a positive test print, skip this step and continue with Step 9. The following sections will cover setting the parameters to correct or initially setup your connection properly.
Chapter 3 - Setting Up FastRIP 9. Layout Mode The Layout Mode window lets you select how to handle jobs as they are imported. When finished, click Next. 10. Media Setup The Media Setup window allows you to control the default setting of media used and size of media. When finished, click Next. 11. Name Your Production Queue The Name Your Production Queue window lets you assign any given name to the Queue you just created. Click Next, when finished. FastRIP 10.
Chapter 3 - Setting Up FastRIP 12. Output Options The last window in the Creat Queue Wizard is the Output Options window. This lets you set the default printing options for jobs that have been sent to the RIP Queue for printing. When finished, click Finish. 13. Add Printer to Queue Window The FastRIP Program Screen or “Queue”- window should have opened. This is the same window you will see when the image processor is working.
Chapter 3 - Setting Up FastRIP Two EPSON Drivers.... When you choose the Epson printer driver during installation, FastRIP creates a new “Postscript” driver for the printer. The new driver is actually a FastRIP tool that tells FastRIP to rasterize the image before sending it to the printer. This new driver is called Epson Stylus Pro 4000 PS, Epson Stylus Pro 4800 PS, Epson Stylus Pro 7800 (FastRIP XL) or Epson Stylus Pro 9800 (FastRIP LF).
Chapter 3 - Setting Up FastRIP Port Selection Output Port 1) From the Printers menu, choose Manage Printers. 2) The Manage Printers dialog will open. 3) For the given printer, the Port column indicates the output port. 4) To change the port, choose a port from the drop-list. 5) To change the port settings, click the ellipsis button (three dots) that is to the right of the drop-list. Of the various port settings described in the following sections, the USB Port is recommended for output from FastRIP.
Chapter 3 - Setting Up FastRIP Printer Sharing on Windows 2000 and XP Setting up the Host Computer On a Host Windows 2000 computer, setting up printer sharing is done through the Sharing tab of the printer driver properties. The procedure for Windows XP is similar. 1. From the Start menu, Settings, choose Printers. 2. The Printer dialog will open. Right-click the icon of the printer to be shared. A context menu will appear. 3. From the context menu, choose the Properties option.
Chapter 3 - Setting Up FastRIP Setting up the Remote Computer Assuming that the Host Windows 2000 computer has been set up to share its connected printer over the network, Remote Windows 2000 computers may use the following procedure to add that printer as a resource. The procedure for Windows XP is similar. 1. From the Start menu, Settings, choose Printers. 2. The Printers dialog will open. 3. Double-click the Add Printer icon. The Add Printer Wizard will launch. 4. Click Next.
Chapter 3 - Setting Up FastRIP FastRIP 10.
Chapter 4 Toolbars and Menus Overview of FastRIP Interface The following sections will cover the Main Window elements of FastRIP 10.0 such as the Pulldown Menus and Toolbar buttons. For further information on these tools and settings, refer to the following chapters. The main elements of the FastRIP window are: Jobs in the Active List are positioned in the Preview Pane. Selecting a job provides additional controls for modifying its layout. FastRIP 10.0 User’s Manual 31 Version 1.
Chapter 4 - Toolbars and Menus The Pull-down Menu Bar The Pull-down Menus, also referred to as drop-down menus, provide the main FastRIP controls. `` The Queue menu provides controls for adjusting FastRIP parameters. `` The Jobs menu provides controls for adjusting selected print jobs. `` The Printers menu provides management for printers. `` The Tools menu provides access to advanced RIP settings. Queue Pull-down Menu When print jobs are received by FastRIP, they are added to the queue of active jobs.
Chapter 4 - Toolbars and Menus `` Rename – change the job name. `` Open Page – discard the spool data, such that individual jobs can be scaled, rotated, etc.
Chapter 4 - Toolbars and Menus Tools Pull-down Menu From the Tools Pull-down menu, choose Options to open the Options dialog. The available tabs are as follows: `` General – Basic controls for customizing the FastRIP interface. `` Queue Base Folder – The location of Queue production files. `` RIP – Allocate memory for the RIP, and set the relative priority of jobs with respect to other Windows applications. `` Processing – Spool extra jobs whilst waiting for the current print job to finish.
Chapter 4 - Toolbars and Menus `` Configure Queue: Lets you setup and configure queue settings to a job that is currently in the queue list (shortcut for Queue>Properties Pulldown Menu selection). `` Printer Status and Settings: This button will allow you to adjust printer settings and to view the current status of the printer. NOTE: The Toolbar Icons that are grayed out, are not currently available with the current selection or situation.
Chapter 4 - Toolbars and Menus Unscheduled or Archived Jobs After a job has been printed, it will show up in the Unscheduled or Archived Jobs area of the RIP Window. Preview Pane Here you will see the placement of the job to be printed or printed job in relation to the page layout or template that have loaded for that job. Located in the Preview Pane is a Zoom tool that lets you zoom in and out of the page layout.
Chapter 5 Program Settings General Interface Settings From the Tools Pull-down Menu, choose Options and then click the General tab. The General tab provides basic controls for customizing the FastRIP Window: FastRIP 10.0 User’s Manual 37 Version 1.
Chapter 5 - Program Settings Show splash screen When launching the FastRIP Window, this checkbox controls whether the FastRIP Window splash screen will be displayed. Always on top If this checkbox is ticked (ON), then the FastRIP Window window will always remain in the foreground “above” other windows. Show advanced settings Tick this checkbox (ON) to enable advanced control tabs in both the Queue Properties dialog, and Job Ticket Properties dialog.
Chapter 5 - Program Settings RIP System Settings From the Tools menu, choose Options and then click the RIP tab. The RIP Settings are used to specify the resources that are available for spooling (rasterizing or RIP’ing) print jobs. These controls will directly influence the workstation that is performing the RIP calculations. RIP System Location The RIP System Folder field explicitly states the directory to which the FastRIP Window RIP has been installed.
Chapter 5 - Program Settings RIP Memory Allocation Memory refers to the maximum amount of workstation memory (RAM) that may be used by the queue when creating a spool file. If more than this limit is required, then Virtual Memory (VM) will be used. Virtual Memory refers to hard drive space that is used to supplement RAM. Virtual Memory is used to effectively provide applications with more RAM than the workstation has installed. However, accessing hard drive space is much slower than real memory.
Chapter 5 - Program Settings begin creating spool files for subsequent print jobs concurrently. However, please note that only one spool file is being compiled at any given time. The Maximum number of concurrent RIPs limits the number of spool files that can be compiled in advance of the job that is currently being spooled. Preview Options From the Tools menu, choose Options and then click the Preview Options tab.
Chapter 5 - Program Settings Generate thumbnail previews Clearing this checkbox (OFF) will prevent thumbnail previews from being automatically created. However, previews can be manually created by right-clicking the given job and choosing Jobs menu >> Generate Preview Image. Preview quality Adjusts the screen resolution of the generated preview. Higher quality will require the greatest amount of time in generating the preview. Gamma adjustment Adjusts the relative brightness of the generated preview.
Chapter 6 Page Layout Portrait and Landscape Settings Suppose that two documents have been created, where one document is noticeably wide, and the other is tall. Wide Image (landscape style) Tall Image (portrait style) The following diagram shows how orientation affects the placement of these images on a paper roll and will give you an idea how to group them together.
Chapter 6 - Page Layout Page Layout/Media Setup The following sections will cover setting up your page layout, creating custom page sizes and other page options available with FastRIP 10.0. Setting the Page Size Queue Pull-down Menu>> Properties>>Media Setup tab The page size is the size and margins of the loaded media, which will be used for positioning of jobs in the Preview Pane. The page size is set as follows: 1) From the Queue Pull-down menu, choose Properties.
Chapter 6 - Page Layout About Custom Page Sizes If a custom page size is being created, then the dimensions of the page size must correspond to how the page will be rendered on the printed page. For example, if a tall document is being printed with portrait orientation, then the dimensions of the custom page size will be the same as the image dimensions. However, if a landscape orientation is being used, the document will be rotated through 90 degrees, and the custom page size dimensions will be reversed.
Chapter 6 - Page Layout 4) Next, from the Tools Pull down menu, select Options. 5) On the General tab, set the display units in which page sizes will be defined. 6) Click OK to close the Options dialog. 7) Select, from the Printers Pull-down Menu, Manage Print Media. 8) From the Show media for droplist, choose the printer name. 9) The existing page sizes for the printer will be listed. 10) Click the Add new print media button. 11) From the Create New Media dialog, choose either Roll or Sheet.
Chapter 6 - Page Layout Working with Page Layout Templates Templates can be used for lots of different work flows and you can use multiple templates within a queue. Templates will save you hours of time and allow you to automated repetitive tasks such as laying out jobs as well as setup an automated work flow inside FastRIP if required. When using templates, jobs as they arrive can be automatically scaled, rotated and positioned.
Chapter 6 - Page Layout Creating a Custom Template 1. Select Add New Media There are 2 ways to select Add New Media. `` Select Add New Media from the Template list in the Media setup. `` Select Add New Media from the main window in the smart menu area (with no job selected) you can select Add New Media from the Template Media options drop down selection. 2. Set Name and Page Size The Template Setup Dialog will open. `` First, enter in a name for the template under Name.
Chapter 6 - Page Layout outside of the slots are the non-printable areas or masked areas. You can have multiple slots in several different arrangements to accommodate any need, if required. Each slot will have a number assigned to them (from 1 to 9). Slots assigned with a unique number can be for separate jobs or slots that share the same slot number will print the same job. `` To define the first slot, under Slot Label, select 1 (use the up and down arrows to adjust.
Chapter 6 - Page Layout `` Once you have added all the details for your slot, click on Add to create and it will show in the preview. 4. Add Additional Slots (if necessary). Additional slots can be created by repeating step 3. Deselect current slot and continue with the next dimensions. If the next slot overlaps the current slot, it will not let you add. If the next slots will be the same (dimensions etc), you can easily make duplicates of the first slot or any other slot.
Chapter 6 - Page Layout The Copy slot spacing will allow you to adjust the measurement between the copied slots (either by left and right or by above and below). The measurements here must be entered prior to selecting a copy function in order for the entry to work properly. So, if you wanted extra space between the first slot and the one that will go below it, do the following: `` Select the slot to copy `` Enter the extra measurement in the appropriate field `` Click Copy selected slot down in position.
Chapter 6 - Page Layout `` Select the slot you want to change `` Adjust the slot label number to a new number. `` Click Update to apply the change Any other changes you want to make can be made in the same way. 6. Click Save to save your new template. Note: You can create as many different templates as you want and select them from the main interface as discussed in the earlier section, Selecting a Template.
Chapter 6 - Page Layout Layout Adjustments and Options Once jobs are added you can change there position and re-size them as normal, you can even drag and drop jobs between slots if required. Using this type of template there is no reason to have to layout the 3 jobs in FastARTIST first, simply send three separate jobs and FastRIP will handle the layout for you. Note: This also improves the overall RIP performance. 53 Version 1.
Chapter 6 - Page Layout Multiple Layout This example template layout shows a possible template for printing tennis balls, all of the slots are slot 1 and this means when an image is added it will be duplicated in all the slots and is a simple way of printing the same image on many Tennis balls at once. Note: Select Scale to fit, under Scaling on the first slot so the job will be scaled down to fit inside the slot area, in each slot number.
Chapter 6 - Page Layout Shirt and Cap Layout This is a template layout that will print a T-shirt and a Cap from the same image. Both slots are set to the same slot number and because they are different sizes both use the Scale to Fit Always, so that the image will be scaled to the correct size for the shirt board and the cap board. The Shirt board is set for rotate 270, as the neck of the shirt will be loaded on the left and the cap will be no rotation.
Chapter 6 - Page Layout Templates hot folder Queue Pull-down Menu>>Properties>>Hot Folder tab Templates come with their own Hot Folder support, providing an automated way of using templates. This is ideal for users who want to setup work flows with minimum or no interaction with the FastRIP workspace.
Chapter 6 - Page Layout Using the Template Hot Folder After setting the Hot Folder, FastRIP automatically creates a subfolder in the directory for each of your templates. Simply by adding jobs into the “named” template folder, the jobs will be added to your queue, using that template. The jobs are added in Express mode. In this example, a 3-up folder, there is a folder representing each slot number.
Chapter 6 - Page Layout The available controls will vary according to the model of printer, the Layout Mode selection (if available), and whether Tools menu >> Options >> Show Advanced Settings is enabled. NOTE: If the queue is Stopped, then all jobs are automatically placed on Hold, regardless of the Output Scheduling settings.
Chapter 6 - Page Layout Scheduling Settings Queue menu >> Properties >> Layout Manager tab The Output Scheduling controls are set according to the type of job. For example, if the printer and cutter are separate devices, then it would be desirable to hold the cut portion of the job, until the media has been loaded into the cutter. `` From the Queue menu, choose Properties >> Layout Manager tab >> Output Scheduling.
Chapter 6 - Page Layout Layout Jobs As They Arrive Queue menu >> Properties >> Layout Manager tab When jobs are received, the default behavior is that they are “scheduled” (i.e., put in the active list, and positioned in the Preview Pane). However, this behavior is toggled per the “Layout jobs on page as they arrive” checkbox.
Chapter 6 - Page Layout 1) From the Queues menu, choose Properties. 2) On the Media Setup tab, set the Type to either Roll media, or Fixed sheet media. 3) On the Layout Manager tab, the Layout mode drop-list will now be available. `` Manual – Add jobs to the Preview Pane without attempting to conserve media. `` Auto Page – Append a page break to each job as it is received. `` Auto Nest – Reposition newly received jobs to conserve media.
Chapter 6 - Page Layout 2) On the Media Setup tab, set the Type to either Roll media, or Fixed sheet media. This step is required on initial setup. 3) On the Layout Manager tab, the Layout mode drop-list will now be available. NOTE: If you have already set the media settings in step 2, you will not have to set each time, unless you want to change your default selection.
Chapter 6 - Page Layout As an alternative to Auto Nest All Content, jobs can be repositioned using the mouse, per Figures 4 and 5 below. Once the jobs have been repositioned, use the Auto Page Break command to define the edge of the combined jobs. Fig. 4 - As in Fig. 1, jobs are added to the Preview Pane without repositioning to conserve media. Fig. 5 - However, jobs can be dragged with the mouse.
Chapter 6 - Page Layout Fig. 8 - After the jobs are nested, a new page break is created to define the page. If necessary, the jobs can be repositioned by dragging within the page. Once the page of combined jobs has been defined, right-click an empty portion of the page (in the Preview Pane) and choose Print.
Chapter 6 - Page Layout Page Nesting/Layout Options Queue Pull-down Menu>> Properties >> Layout Manager tab The Page Nesting / Layout Options are used specify how incoming jobs should be tiled when they exceed the media size. Note: The available controls will vary according to the model of printer, the Layout Mode selection (if available), and whether Tools menu >> Options >> Show Advanced Settings is enabled.
Chapter 6 - Page Layout Options - Overlaps The overlap is the amount of overprint that each tile will contain, such that the end of each tile includes a portion of the subsequent tile. Limit page length (Roll media only) For roll media, do not allow the total length of nested jobs exceeds this amount. Limit page coverage (Sheet media only) For sheet media, do not allow the total area of nested jobs exceeds this percentage of the sheet.
Chapter 7 Printing From a Graphics Application Introduction The following section detail how to from specific software applications like, Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator as well as Corel Draw. Since the Windows Print Menu works the same no matter what program you are using, there are very few differences when printing from different applications. As long as you remember to select the proper FastRIP printer, you will be ready to print.
Chapter 7 - Printing From a Graphics Application Printing From Adobe Photoshop Here are the steps necessary to print an image created in Adobe Photoshop: 1. Open Photoshop and the image you wish to print. 2. Create the color separations, called “Channels,” in Photoshop and place the “Preview Eye” next to the channel you want to output. 3. From the File menu choose Print with Preview. NOTE: If you are using Photoshop 6 use Print Options. In Photoshop 5 and 5.5, go to File > Page Setup. 4.
Chapter 7 - Printing From a Graphics Application 6. Click on the Screens button. Uncheck Use Printer’s Default Screens. Drop down the Ink menu and select the first channel. Enter the recommended Frequency, Angle and Dot Shape information. Do this again for the next channel until all the channels are set. 7. Click on OK. NOTE: The “default” setting is Current Setting. This is the SAME as the FastRIP Standard Density function.
Chapter 7 - Printing From a Graphics Application Printing from CorelDRAW Below are the steps to print from CorelDRAW on a Windows-based system. 1. Open CorelDRAW 2. Create the color separations as spot colors or 4-color process 3. From the File menu, choose Print 4. From the General tab, choose the FastRIP installed printer (Epson Stylus Pro 4800, Epson Stylus Pro 4000 PS, Epson Stylus Pro 7800-Full, etc.) Remember to select the printer with lower case characters in the name. Click on Properties. 5.
Chapter 7 - Printing From a Graphics Application 11. Click on the Separations tab. Put a check by Print Separations. Click on the Advanced button. 12. In the Advanced Separation Settings window, put a check by the spot colors to print. Click on the Frequency and Angle sections to adjust the settings. 13. Select the Halftone type and Dot Shape. Click on Ok. 14. Your job is now ready to print. Click on Print in the main CorelDRAW print window. 15. Watch your image print… or start working on the next one.
Chapter 7 - Printing From a Graphics Application Printing From Adobe Illustrator The Adobe Illustrator CS versions are the newest editions of Adobe’s graphics application. This section will outline the steps of printing from within Illustrator CS (or CS2 and CS3) followed by printing in older versions of Illustrator. Illustrator CS versions 1. Open the graphics file you wish to print. 2. Go to File > Print and select your FastRIP printer. 3.
Chapter 7 - Printing From a Graphics Application 6. In the Print window, locate the section called Output. Change the mode to Separations. Put a Printer Icon next to the spot colors to print. Set the page orientation under Emulsion. Set this to Up (Right Reading) and Image to Positive. Adjust each spot color Frequency, Angle and Dot Shape. Click on Print. 7. Watch your image print… or start working on the next one.
Chapter 7 - Printing From a Graphics Application 4. You will now need to select the Windows folder where the PPD file is located. FastRIP has placed PPD’s on your hard disk in a Printers folder. You will find this folder in the C:\FastRIP directory. 5. The files are called STYL4000.PPD, STYL4800.PPD, STYL7800.PPD, etc. Locate the appropriate file that matches your printer and double-click on it. Browse your local C: drive for the folder called FastRIP.
Chapter 7 - Printing From a Graphics Application Printing from Macromedia Freehand While most graphics applications don’t require the user to manually specify a PPD file for use when printing, similar to the older versions of Illustrator, Macromedia Freehand requires you have a PPD available. This is not a major issue and only requires a couple extra steps in the printing process to resolve. In this section we will outline how to print from within Freehand. 1. To print, select File > Print.
Chapter 7 - Printing From a Graphics Application 6. Choose the Page Setup tab. Set the Page Size for the document. 7. Click on OK to Print Setup window. 8. You will now be able to print your film positives through FastRIP . Printing Complex Files Files created in Vector-based programs like Adobe Illustrator, Macromedia Freehand, CorelDRAW, or QuarkXPress can create complex files. FastRIP has an option called Complex Line Art that will send the data to FastRIP as one piece instead of in sections.
Chapter 8 FastRIP Print Options Introduction FastRIP has many different options that you can enable and control. This chapter will cover the basic controls and options features of FastRIP 10.0. NOTE: If you always rely on your graphics application to open FastRIP you may experience occasional errors or output issues. For that reason, we recommend you open FastRIP before sending a Print command from your graphics application.
Chapter 8 - FastRIP Print Options Cancelling a Print Job 1. Pause the job on the printer control panel. 2. In FastRIP 10, right-click the job and choose Abort. 3. Windows will open a Port Locked dialog. Do not close this dialog. 4. From the printer control panel, reset the printer. If there is no reset button (or procedure for resetting the printer), then turn the printer OFF. After powering OFF, power the printer ON after a short pause. 5. Return to the Port Locked dialog and click OK to continue.
Chapter 8 - FastRIP Print Options Printer Options Tab Queue Pull-down Menu>>Properties>>Printer Options tab In the Queue Properties dialog, the Printer Options tab provides access to printer-specific options within the print mode. These printer-specific options are defined within the print mode, such as plane order, knife speed, etc. Please note that these options vary according to the printer model.
Chapter 8 - FastRIP Print Options View Raw Data Window Options In the View Raw Data Window, you will notice a toolbar offering several options. These options are outlined below. Zoom Zoom Selection Save Configure In Print Zoom Out Color Plane Selection Image Information Save Select the Save button to save the picture as a bitmap image for comparisons or later viewing. Print Select the Print button to print the preview. For example, the preview can be printed to a desktop printer for use as a sample.
Chapter 8 - FastRIP Print Options Configuration Click the Configure button to open the Preview Configuration dialog. `` Treat Process as Spot This option is typically off. However, when viewing color separations that are a combination of process and spot colors, setting this option = ON can help to obtain an improved view of the color blends. `` Show True Pixels Resolution Many printers have different horizontal and vertical resolutions.
Chapter 8 - FastRIP Print Options Archiving Print Jobs Print jobs can be archived as a combined JTB file that contains the job data and log data, such that the JTB can be safety stored (i.e., backups) and then restored at a later date, saving time from respooling a file as well as preventing any “guess work” in the job settings, etc. Archiving a job in this fashion is convenient because the log and notes related to the job are preserved, such that specifics about the job will be available upon restoration.
Chapter 8 - FastRIP Print Options Archiving a Job 1. Right-click the job and choose Properties. If the job has already been spooled (printed) a flyout menu will open; select either Show for Page Output or Show for Page Content. Both options will open the Job Ticket Properties Dialog. Note: if selecting Show for Page Content, there will be a few more options, such as compression settings etc. For typical output archiving, select Show for Page Output. 2. Select the Archiving tab. 3.
Chapter 8 - FastRIP Print Options Restoring an Archived Job Jobs Pull-down Menu>>Restore Jobs: The Restore Job Tickets dialog allows you to restore a selected job or multiple jobs, delete archives or browse other locations for archives saved in separate locations. 1. From the FastRIP window, select a Queue Tab to indicate which queue you want the job to be restored to. 2. From the Jobs Pull-down Menu, choose Restore Jobs. 3. The Restore Job Tickets dialog will open. 4.
Chapter 8 - FastRIP Print Options Importing a File and Import Options From the FastRIP 10 toolbar, the Open button can be clicked to import an image file (e.g., EPS, BMP, TIFF, etc.) or you can select File>>Import. Alternatively, an image file can also be drag-and-dropped onto the FastRIP 10 window, causing that file to be imported. In either case, the File Import Options are applied when importing the given file.
Chapter 8 - FastRIP Print Options Underbase Settings in FastRIP Using Transparent Images Images saved with transparency can be output directly from FastRIP and the Underbase created automatically from the transparency information. NOTE: You cannot create an Underbase using the File>Print method because the File>Print process flattens the file and loses all the transparency information. FastRIP supports two methods of creating an Underbase.
Chapter 8 - FastRIP Print Options 2. Select Yes to “Do you want to create a Underbase from the transparency layer”. NOTE: If you do not need an Underbase or do not care about the extra options, you can leave this as No and set the job up as if the file were a non-transparent image. 3. Select the Underbase Print Mode and other options. Select Print Mode Consult your Printer Manual for information on Underbase Print Modes. Underbase Strength: This has 4 settings for determining the Underbase to be created.
Chapter 8 - FastRIP Print Options The Minimum setting uses the least amount of ink for the Underbase and is equivalent to the Normal Underbase setting in the FastRTIST Underbase Wizard. `` Medium: Converts the transparency information to an Underbase and then process’s the Underbase to remove areas of the Underbase were the colors in the main image are black (as you do not need to print white under black).
Chapter 8 - FastRIP Print Options `` None – Applies no choke to the Underbase `` Minimum – Applies a choke of equivalent to 2 pixels at 720dpi `` Medium – Applies a choke of equivalent to 3 pixels at 720dpi `` Maximum – Applies a choke of equivalent to 5 pixels at 720dpi `` Extreme – Applies a choke of equivalent to 10 pixels at 720dpi Note: The accuracy of the choke depends upon the resolution of the image, (see the AVI’s on choking for more information), but typically you want 300/360dpi images to get a
Chapter 8 - FastRIP Print Options Always Use These Settings When Importing This option will allow you to use the same import settings for all file types. If checked, the Image Import dialog will no longer open every time you import an image. In this case, to gain access to this dialog in the future, go to Queue>>Properties>>Import Options tab. Uncheck the “Hide Image Import dialog and use the following settings” checkbox.
Chapter 8 - FastRIP Print Options Setting up the Substrate Color Queue Pull-down Menu>>Properties>>General tab By default FastRIP will show you a preview of your image on a white shirt, but you can configure your queue for any color shirt. From the Queue Pull-down Menu, select Properties and click the General tab. `` Under Default Device Settings, Substrate Color, click on the Choose Color... button. `` Select any color from the color picker to use as your shirt color.
Chapter 8 - FastRIP Print Options Costing Interface Queue Pull-down Menu>>Properties>>Costing tab This new feature of FastRIP 10.0 allows you to keep track of costs in several different variables. To access the Costing Interface, select Queue from the Pull-down Menu and choose Properties. The Queue Properties window will open. Under the Other Tabs, select Costing. FastRIP 10.
Chapter 8 - FastRIP Print Options Material cost The material cost can be calculated in one of three ways using the drop down box. `` Per Unit A fixed price per print and typically used for T-shirts and other fixed price items when printing and will calculate the price using the value entered `` Per Square Foot This option, will calculate the price based on the actual area printed using the value per square foot.
Chapter 8 - FastRIP Print Options Color and White Ink passes This is so you can enter the number of passes the printer makes when printing color pass or the white pass (if printing white). With some printers you select the number of passes when you print (or in the general tab), but some printers can control the number of passes internally. For this reason the number of passes you use with print jobs should be set manually in the costing interface and match the number of passes you use when you print.
Chapter 8 - FastRIP Print Options Time This does not effect the cost and is just for information purposes. `` Per Unit, is a fixed time per print and typically used for T-shirts and other fixed printing and application timed items. `` Per Square foot, will calculate the time based on the actual area printed using the value per square foot. `` Per Square Meter, will calculate the time based on the actual area printed using the value per square Meter.
Chapter 8 - FastRIP Print Options FastRIP 10.
Chapter 9 Print Modes and Printer Information Print Mode Introduction Each FastRIP Print Mode has been painstakingly crafted to obtain high quality output that takes into account the absorbency characteristics of the given media, so as to avoid under-inking conditions (i.e., pin-holing) and over-inking conditions (i.e., bleeding). As such, the expectation is that reliable reproduction will be obtained from your given model of Epson printer, per version of FastRIP.
Chapter 9 - Print Modes and Printer Information `` Inkjet Proofing These modes are only available for specific printers and are used to create custom proofs before printing. These modes are great for sending to the a client for final approval of a job. `` Heat Transfers Some model printers and versions of FastRIP support Heat Transfer Printing. Setting Applying and Saving Print Modes The following sections will cover using Print Modes and applying them to your designs, hassle free.
Chapter 9 - Print Modes and Printer Information Changing the Print Mode Within a Held Print Job Once a received job is held in a queue, the choice of Print Mode can be changed within the job properties. 1. Right-click the job and choose Properties. 2. The Job Ticket Properties dialog will open. 3. On the General tab, note the Print Mode field. 4. Next to the Print Mode field, click the ellipsis button. 5.
Chapter 9 - Print Modes and Printer Information Editing a Print Mode 1. From the Printers menu, choose Manage Print Modes to open the Print Mode Manager dialog. 2. From the drop-list, choose the printer model. The Print Modes for that printer will then be listed. 3. Click the Print Mode, such that the name is highlighted. 4. Along the top of the Print Mode Manager dialog, click the Edit Print Mode button. 5. The Properties dialog for the Print Mode will open (see Queue Properties).
Chapter 9 - Print Modes and Printer Information Unprotected Queue Mode `` On the Queue tab, Unprotected mode assumes more responsibility from the designer for choosing a Print Mode that is appropriate for their design. `` Letting the designer choose the Print Mode can be acceptable when they understand the loaded media and Print Mode choices that are available. Marking Print Modes as Favorites 1. In the FastRIP 10 Queue window, choose Printers >> Manage Print Modes. 2.
Chapter 9 - Print Modes and Printer Information Hiding Print Modes To prevent users from selecting the wrong Print Mode, the Print Mode Manager dialog can be used to hide Print Modes. 1. In the FastRIP 10 Queue window, choose Printers >> Manage Print Modes. 2. Set all of the drop-lists to “All,” so that the full list of Print Modes are displayed. Note: As a memory aid, it may be desirable to use the Favorites column to mark the Print Modes that will not be hidden in the subsequent steps 3.
Chapter 9 - Print Modes and Printer Information 2. Print a job to the FastRIP 10 Queue window. 3. The print job will now be listed in the FastRIP 10 Queue window. 4. Right-click the print job and choose Properties. 5. The Job Ticket Properties dialog will open. 6. Any changes to these dialog settings will override the Print Mode for this job.
Chapter 9 - Print Modes and Printer Information Printer Specific Modes and Functions The following sections will cover printer-specific Print Modes and other printer information that will help along the way of printing great film positives. Epson R1400 The Epson Stylus Photo R1400 is a pigment based printer that is capable of printing film positives on media up to 13” wide. The printable area is 12.5” in width by 19” in length.
Chapter 9 - Print Modes and Printer Information `` Triple Density 1440 x 720 TD or 1440 x 1440 TD at 40 LPI 1440 x 720 TD or 1440 x 1440 TD at 60 LPI 1440 x 720 TD or 1440 x 1440 TD at 80 LPI High Speed Output Print Modes FastRIP allows you to print twice as fast by selecting HS (High Speed) mode. In HS mode there might be a slight decrease in the amount of ink laid down and there could be minor registration issues on large prints.
Chapter 9 - Print Modes and Printer Information Changing Ink Cartridges After swapping out the UltraChrome ink, the printer’s lines must be flushed completely of the old ink BEFORE printing film positives. 1. With FastINK in the Black ink slot, run 3 head cleanings through the Epson driver or by using the Ink button. Hold down the teardrop button for three seconds. 2. Create a solid Black box in any graphics application that is about 6” x 6” in size.
Chapter 9 - Print Modes and Printer Information R1400 Printer Tips `` Execute a Head Cleaning cycle on your printer each morning. `` If streaking occurs, do a Nozzle Check, Head Alignment and Head Cleaning from the standard Epson printer driver. You can perform up to TEN head cleaning routines in succession. Select your EPSON Stylus PHOTO R1400 printer and click on on Properties > Printing Preferences. Select the Maintenance tab.
Chapter 9 - Print Modes and Printer Information If the Green light (Power button) is blinking and nothing prints: Ensure no ink cartridge lights are indicating an”empty’ status on the printer. All empty ink cartridges need to be replaced before printing. Open FastRIP and check the status of the job.”Holding”,”Pending”, or”Holding with Error”. If listed as Holding or Pending, right-click on the job and select Print. If the job is listed as Holding with Error, right-click on the job and select Remove.
Chapter 9 - Print Modes and Printer Information Here are some tips to help the Epson 3000 or Epson 1520 recognize film transparencies. `` Place additional sheets of film in the printer. For example, if you are printing a 6 color separation, put 8 sheets of film in the printer. Sometimes, if the film has built up a charge of static electrify, the printer may feed 2 sheets of film at a time. Shuffle and fan the film to reduce any static electrify. `` Place regular white paper beneath the sheets of film.
Chapter 9 - Print Modes and Printer Information Epson R1800/2400 The Epson R1800 and R2400 are pigment based printers that are capable of printing film positives on media up to 13” wide. The printable area is 12.5” in width by 44” in length. Below are some tips to assist in printing with the Epson R1800 or R2400 printer and FastRIP. NOTE: For best results when printing film positives, we recommend that you only use FastINK along with FastPOSITIVE WP film.
Chapter 9 - Print Modes and Printer Information Epson 2200 The Epson Stylus Photo 2200 is a pigment based printer that is capable of printing film positives on media up to 13” wide. The printable area is 12.5” in width by 44” in length. Below are some tips to assist in printing with the Epson 2200 printer and FastRIP. “Pizza Wheels” The design of the machine’s paper feed creates an inherent problem for the screen printer. Internal rollers create ”tracks” on film, ruining the film positive.
Chapter 9 - Print Modes and Printer Information `` Double Density FastRIP 720 DD 45 LPI FastRIP 720 DD 55 LPI FastRIP 720 DD 65 LPI `` Triple Density FastRIP 720 TD 45 LPI FastRIP 720 TD 55 LPI FastRIP 720 TD 65 LPI High Speed Output Prnt Modes for Epson 2200 `` High Speed Standard Density FastRIP 720 SD HS 45 LPI `` High Speed Double Density FastRIP 720 DD HS 45 LPI FastRIP 720 DD HS 55 LPI FastRIP 720 DD HS 65 LPI `` High Speed Triple Density FastRIP 720 TD HS 45 LPI FastRIP 720 TD HS 55 LPI FastRIP 720
Chapter 9 - Print Modes and Printer Information `` FastRIP- Proof 65 LPI Paper proof at 65 LPI. `` FastRIP- Generic Proof Print a color calibrated Inkjet Paper proof. You can also use the standard Epson driver for this. Using a Bulk Ink System with the Epson 2200 A Bulk Ink System comes in the form of easy-to-use 90 ml. bags for continuous flow printing. To get the best performance from your Bulk Ink System: `` Replace all of color the cartridges with special ”always read full” bulk cartridges.
Chapter 9 - Print Modes and Printer Information Changing Ink Cartridges After swapping out the UltraChrome ink, the printer’s lines must be flushed completely of the old ink BEFORE printing film positives. 1. With FastINK in the Black ink slot, run 3 head cleanings through the Epson driver or by using the Ink button. Hold down the teardrop button for three seconds. 2. Create a solid Black box in any graphics application that is about 6” x 6” in size.
Chapter 9 - Print Modes and Printer Information Epson 2200 Printer Tips `` Execute a Head Cleaning cycle on your printer each morning. `` If streaking occurs, do a Nozzle Check, Head Alignment and Head Cleaning from the standard Epson printer driver. You can perform up to TEN head cleaning routines in succession. Select your EPSON Stylus PHOTO 2200 printer and click on on Properties > Printing Preferences. Select the Maintenance tab.
Chapter 9 - Print Modes and Printer Information age Printers. Select the Epson 2200 printer. Change the port to match the one to which the Epson printer is connected. If you are using a USB cable, the correct port would be Epson Stylus Photo 2200_USB00*. If you are connected via a Parallel cable, it would be will be LPT*. Click on Ok and try to print again. If the Green light (Power button) is blinking and nothing prints: Ensure no ink cartridge lights are indicating an”empty’ status on the printer.
Chapter 9 - Print Modes and Printer Information Requirements FastRIP is a 32-bit Windows application. The following system configurations are the minimum requirements: `` A PC equipped with a Pentium processor 1.5 GHz or higher `` 512MB of RAM (1 GB or more is highly recommended. User’s of the new Windows Vista OS should have 2 GB of RAM for proper functionality.) `` 200MB free hard drive space recommended `` FastRIP Pro will only operate on a Windows Vista/XP/2000 platform `` USB 1.1 port (high speed 2.
Chapter 9 - Print Modes and Printer Information FastRIP 2880 SD - prints up to 65 LPI FastRIP 2880 SD85 - prints up to 85 LPI FastRIP 2880 SD100 - prints up to 100 LPI FastRIP 2880 SD133 - prints up to 133 LPI - use this mode for most output, including clear film that is smooth and waterproof inkjet film. This option may experience more banding or streaking when used on poor quality film that has a rough surface. This is the default for Current Settings.
Chapter 9 - Print Modes and Printer Information Epson 4000 Hint and Tips `` Service Req. error 00010007-This occurs when the Green tab becomes locked on the Print head. Lift the top lid of the Epson 4000, Locate the Print Head and pull this Green tab out. Turn the printer OFF then back ON. `` Film curl - If the film curls up, toward the ceiling, the Epson 4000 printer will have a difficult time recognizing the film. It helps to have the film lay flat or curl down, toward the floor.
Chapter 9 - Print Modes and Printer Information Printing Sheets On the printer’s LCD Display, ensure the status reads as Ready. Push the Right ARROW until Printer Setup appears. Push the Right ARROW again and then press the Down ARROW until you see PPR Size CHK. Push the Right ARROW button once and then press Down ARROW until you see the word OFF. Push the Right ARROW again and you will see an asterisk ”*” next to OFF. The printer will now read what size of film is in the printer.
Chapter 9 - Print Modes and Printer Information `` A PC equipped with a Pentium processor 1.5 GHz or higher `` 512MB of RAM (1 GB or more is highly recommended. User’s of the new Windows Vista OS should have 2 GB of RAM for proper functionality.) `` 200MB free hard drive space recommended `` FastRIP will only operate on a Windows Vista/XP/2000 platform `` USB 1.1 port (high speed 2.0 recommended) Processor Speed Processor speed determines how fast files will be processed through FastRIP.
Chapter 9 - Print Modes and Printer Information FastRIP 1440 SD at 45 LPI FastRIP 1440 SD at 55 LPI FastRIP 1440 SD at 65 LPI - Use this mode for most output, including clear film that is smooth and waterproof inkjet film. This option may experience more banding or streaking when used on poor quality film that has a rough surface. This is the default for Current Settings.
Chapter 9 - Print Modes and Printer Information 10 head cleanings do not fix the problem, run a Power Cleaning. A Power cleaning is done from the interface of the Epson 4800 printer. `` To run a Power Cleaning, your ink cartridges need to be more than 50% full or you cannot run a Power Cleaning. The status of the printer must say Ready. On the printer interface, push the right arrow button or Enter button. Push the Up or Down arrow button until you see Maintenance. Push the right arrow button.
Chapter 9 - Print Modes and Printer Information monly held belief an elliptical dot was better, you might find that, with an inkjet printer, round is a better dot shape choice. When printing halftone dots on or next to halftone dots, optical patterns can form called “Moiré Patterns.” These patterns look like checker boards and are not desirable. To minimize Moiré Patterns, use a halftone angle of 25 degrees for all screens on photorealistic jobs. This is called “Simulated Process Color.
Chapter 9 - Print Modes and Printer Information `` A PC equipped with a Pentium processor 1.5 GHz or higher `` 512MB of RAM (1 GB or more is highly recommended. User’s of the new Windows Vista OS should have 2 GB of RAM for proper functionality.) `` 200MB free hard drive space recommended `` FastRIP will only operate on a Windows Vista/XP/2000 platform `` USB 1.1 port (high speed 2.0 recommended) Processor Speed Processor speed determines how fast files will be processed through FastRIP.
Chapter 9 - Print Modes and Printer Information Standard Density 2880 Prints up to 133 LPI Double Density 720 Prints up to 75 LPI Double Density 1440 Prints up to 100 LPI NOTES: For a high quality film such as FastPOSITIVE, use the Standard Density setting. Films with a rough coating need a heavier deposit of ink in order to produce dense Black images- use the Double Density 720 or Double Density 1440 setting. The higher the resolution the print, the slower the printer will output the file.
Chapter 9 - Print Modes and Printer Information FastRIP Proof at 45 LPI-Ultra FastRIP Proof at 55 LPI-Ultra FastRIP Proof at 65 LPI-Ultra Halftone Frequency, Angle and Shape Both FastRIP XL and FastRIP LF create an excellent halftone at a line count of up to 133 lines per inch (LPI). As you get higher than 133 LPI, slight banding may occur. This is due to the fact that at a printer resolution of 2880 x 1440 DPI, a higher line count will produce more gray levels.
Chapter 9 - Print Modes and Printer Information FastRIP 10.
Chapter 10 Output Settings Introduction This chapter will cover outputting your files to the printer and getting the correct results, such as line count, dot angle and dot size as well as color correction, adjustments and additional output features available with FastRIP 10. Obtaining Photorealistic Prints Screen printing of hand-drawn art is traditionally performed through the combination of spot colors, where each color is applied to a specific region of the substrate (i.e., paper, t-shirt, etc.).
Chapter 10 - Output Settings Shadows, Highlights and Midtones There are three distinct regions that are crucial to quality printing: Shadows, Midtones, and Highlights. Shadows The Shadows are the darkest regions of the image, where halftone dots are largest and risk blending together. `` On a tint scale of [0..100%], shadows would consist of (roughly) the [85..100%] tint region of the image. `` The challenge with shadows is that the dots blend together and obscure the darkest details of the image.
Chapter 10 - Output Settings Choosing Halftone Settings Each CMYK color separation has is its own halftone. As such, each separation will have its own shadows, midtones, and highlights according to the strength of that color component in the original image. Each separation is like the dot pattern for the given color channel. Combining the separations reproduces the desired color image.
Chapter 10 - Output Settings `` If you have already chosen a mesh that is appropriate for your artwork, then the Frequency = Mesh Count / Ratio. `` Conversely, if you know the halftone frequency that is appropriate for your artwork, then the Mesh Count = Frequency * Ratio. Note: When designing artwork in your graphic software application, the best image resolution can be determined by Resolution = Frequency * 2.5, which will help to avoid creating undersized dots in the highlight areas of the halftone.
Chapter 10 - Output Settings `` Spot colors are typically printed at the same angle as Yellow. `` Though screen printing typically makes use of an Elliptical dot shape, flexo generally uses a Round dot shape. Lithography and Flexography For lithographic techniques in combination with flexography, typical (CMYK) angles are: Cyan (C) 15 105 0 0 Magenta (M) 75 75 60 30 Yellow (Y) 90 0 15 15 Black (K) 45 45 30 90 `` Spot colors are typically printed at the same angle as Yellow.
Chapter 10 - Output Settings FastRIP 10.
Chapter 10 - Output Settings Printing Separations The creation of separations is enabled within your graphic software application. For best results, the halftone settings (angle, frequency and spot function) should also be set for each separation. Otherwise, FastRIP will use the black channel halftone that is defined within the print mode. For the procedures in this section, the following is expected: 1.
Chapter 10 - Output Settings Separations in PhotoShop® The following procedure was written using PhotoShop CS2. For other versions of PhotoShop, please refer to the PhotoShop help file or your software documentation. 1. Before creating separations, verify that the design is in either CMYK Color mode (for CMYK separations), or Multichannel mode (for CMY separations). 2. From the Image menu, choose from the Mode flyout. 3. Use the Channels palette to control which separations to print.
Chapter 10 - Output Settings `` Use Printer’s Default Screen = OFF (unchecked) It is recommended that you uncheck the Use Printer’s Default Screen option. Doing so will enable the Halftone Screen controls and sets custom halftone settings for the print. Refer to the PhotoShop help file for an explanation of these controls. `` Use Printer’s Default Screen = ON (checked) Enabling this option will cause FastRIP to use the halftone information from the print mode. 12.
Chapter 10 - Output Settings Separations in Illustrator® The following procedure was written using Illustrator CS2. For other versions of Illustrator, please refer to the Illustrator help file or documentation. 1. Before creating separations, verify that the design is in CMYK color mode. From the File menu, choose Document Color Mode >> CMYK Color. 2. From the File menu, choose Print. The Print dialog will open. On the left-hand side of the Print dialog are several categories of controls.
Chapter 10 - Output Settings Additional Output Features Output Scheduling Output scheduling is used to choose how jobs are scheduled when received by Visual Production Manager. Common scheduling scenarios are: `` For print jobs, spool print jobs as they are received, but holding the spool file until the appropriate media has been loaded. `` For print and cut jobs, printing the jobs as they are received, but holding the cut portion until the printed media has been loaded into the cutter.
Chapter 10 - Output Settings In-RIP Cutting Queue Pull-down Menu>>Properties>>In RIP Cutting tab When printing from third-party software graphic applications like CorelDraw or Illustrator, the queue can be set to interpret line art (of a specific RGB or CMYK color) as being cutting path information. For example, cutting paths could be designated to be CMYK colors of 100% cyan, 100% magenta, 100% yellow, and 100% black.
Chapter 10 - Output Settings 7. In CorelDraw or Illustrator, create a shape that will represent the cutting line. 8. Set the shape stroke color to the In-RIP Cutting color that was set in step 6. 9. From the File Pull-down Menu, choose Print. 10. In the Print dialog, select the appropriate printer and click Setup. You may need to click the Preferences button to access the Printer Preferences. 11. Click the Advanced button to access the Advanced Options for the printer. 12.
Chapter 10 - Output Settings Output Adjustments The following section will guide you through the process of adjusting the output, whether it is a density, highlight, ink or profile adjustments. You should use the “Printing a Test Page” feature to test your results. Refer to Printing a Test Page, later in this chapter.
Chapter 10 - Output Settings Color Adjustment (Shadows, Midtones and Highlights) Queue Pull-down Menu>>Properties>>CMYK Color Adjustments tab The CMYK Color Adjustments tab adjusts the color levels of the print job. These adjustments are not typically required because the ICC profile is created for use with a specific calibration. As such, performing color adjustments will actually distort the color accuracy of the ICC profile. One reason for color adjustments would be to create an artistic effect.
Chapter 10 - Output Settings The Midtones Slider The Midtones Slider adjusts the gamma curve, which affects the midtones without changing the black and white points (the lower and upper ends of the curve, respectively). Raising the midtone of a color plane results in laying down less ink on the media for that color. Use the mouse to adjust the Midtones slider The Highlights Slider The Highlights Slider adjusts the white point, which is the upper end of the curve.
Chapter 10 - Output Settings Multi-adjustments When both Highlights and Shadows are adjusted, the contrast between light and dark areas will be more pronounced. However, light and dark details will be lost as those tones were forced to either 0% or 100%. The Highlights and Shadows controls are useful for preserving details on printers that are incapable of differentiating the darkest and lightest pixels accurately.
Chapter 10 - Output Settings Image Adjustments Queue Pull-down Menu>>Properties>>Image Adjustments tab The Image Adjustment tab provides some additional controls for improving the image quality of the printed output. Image Sampling The Image Sampling slider is used to upsample images, such that their resolution meets a minimum percentage of the printer resolution (i.e., the resolution set in the print mode). For example, suppose that the Image Sampling slider is set to 10%.
Chapter 10 - Output Settings Max Ink Tab Queue Pull-down Menu>>Properties>>Max Ink tab Ink Volume Adjustments The ink volume is the physical quantity of ink that is applied when printing, which is regulated by the MaxInk setting within the print mode. Each print mode is assigned a MaxInk setting (Fig. 38) that is appropriate for the inks and media that the print mode was designed for. Sometimes the MaxInk settings need to be adjusted when the print mode is considered a “close” match for a substitute media.
Chapter 10 - Output Settings ICC Profiles Queue Pull-down Menu>>Properties>>ICC Profile tab The ICC Profile tab indicates the color profiles used in the RIP process. During the RIP process, the input and output profiles are used to preserve color quality between the original design and the resulting print. `` The input profiles represent the colors as seen when displaying the design on a monitor. `` The output profile represents the colors that the printer is capable of reproducing.
Chapter 10 - Output Settings Printing a Test Page Under the Printers menu, choose Print Test Page. The Print Test Page dialog provides several types of target charts for testing your printer output. More than one test page can be printed at a time. Check each test page that is required and then click OK. Quick Print Test One or more of the charts from the Print Test Page dialog can be designated for the Quick Print Test. The charts are selected as follows: 1.
Chapter 10 - Output Settings Print Test Page Options From the Printers menu, choose Print Test Page to print the selected charts. Test Page This Test Page is specifically designed to help recognize changes due to tonal adjustments. For example, the individual tints can be checked by referring to the tint percentage boxes, whereas the overall balance is checked by looking at the color graduation.
Chapter 10 - Output Settings 6. Each of the CMYK color channels is represented by the percent ink that can print. By default, each channel is set at its maximum 100%. 7. Click the Print Test Chart button. The Ink Limits Chart will be printed to the FastRIP 10. 8. After the Ink Limits Chart has been printed, inspect the quality of the chart. Each swatch should contain three white rectangular hairlines. 9.
Chapter 10 - Output Settings `` The hue of the swatches is less important than inspecting the quality of white rectangles that should be present within each swatch. `` The top four rows consist of your CMYK swatches, varying from 100% to 5% tint. `` The CMY row indicates the tints produced using only the CMY channels. `` The MY, CY, and CM rows each consist of only the two channels combined, which are then varied from 100% to 5% tint.
Chapter 10 - Output Settings Agfa IT8 Target The Agfa IT8 Target is a legacy target for internal use by CADlink Tech Support. The original use of this target was to produce ICM files. In troubleshooting output, CADlink Tech Support may request that you print this test page. Profile Test Chart The Profile Test Chart is recommended for testing your media profiles (i.e. print modes). `` The gradient bars along the bottom are a useful indicator of problems in grayscale gradient.
Chapter 10 - Output Settings Inkjet Concerns and Issues Overspray and Dot Shape Generally speaking, an inkjet printer will print a fairly clean image. However, an inkjet uses hundreds of tiny little nozzles to spray out the ink drops and occasionally a few random drops are deposited outside the image area. If you look at a typical inkjet print with a 30X magnifier, you may see a few random dots scattered very close to the actual image area.
Chapter 10 - Output Settings Film Drying The coating on standard films is not waterproof, so if the film gets wet, the ink will run. After removing your film from the printer, make certain the ink is thoroughly dry before stacking. When cameras and film processors were the standard, the only way to dry films was to hang them. Things have not changed much, with hanging films still being the best way to dry them.
Chapter 10 - Output Settings Roll-Feed When outputting in Banner Mode, the printer will advance the film a few inches after printing so you can cut it with the optional paper cutter (available from Epson.com). It then pulls the film back in when you start the next print routine to minimize film waste. Film Loading If using large sheets, slide the paper guide all the way to the right. Also, make sure the film goes UNDER the small paper feed holder. See your Epson Manual for more details.
Chapter 11 Troubleshooting Frequent Troubleshooting Topics Test Files The FastRIP CD contains a folder with CMYK test files that will help you determine how well you can print halftone dots. Instructions for using these tests can be found in the Readme.txt file contained in this folder. RIP Doesn’t Print If FastRIP doesn’t print, or if you continue to get PostScript code output even after you cancel a print routine, you may need to re-install the program or the printer driver.
Chapter 11 - Troubleshooting Start FastRIP BEFORE Sending a Print Job If you get errors when FastRIP opens while a job is being sent from within an application, try opening FastRIP before you print to it. When you open the RIP it will remain idle until a Print command is given. When All Else Fails.... Certain devices and computers like to see things turned on in a specific order. Generally, you should turn the printer ON before you boot your computer.
Chapter 11 - Troubleshooting Technician. They may be able to clean the nozzles or they may have to replace the print head. When they replace the print head, it replaces the nozzles on the printer. To locate a service technician near you, contact Epson Support at (562) 276-7202. Can’t find RIP driver or access advanced print options Open the FastRIP program. In the toolbar, go to Printers > Manage Printers. In this window, ensure the box for your printer underneath the heading Control Panel is checked.
Chapter 11 - Troubleshooting Epson 4000 Q: FastINK cartridge reads as Wrong Ink. A: When setting up your printer, make sure the FastINK cartridge is inserted into slot #5. Look for the white sticker on the FastINK cartridge. The top line should start with “US.... BLKD110U.” If there is not a “U” at the end of the product code, contact the Support Department to exchange the FastINK cartridge.
Chapter 11 - Troubleshooting Epson 4800/4880 Q: When using sheets, the printer gives an error of Wrong Page Size. A: On the printer interface ensure the status reads Ready. Push the right arrow until Printer Setup appears. Push the right arrow. Hit the down arrow until you see PPR Size CHK. Push the right arrow. Hit the down arrow until you see the word OFF. Push the right arrow. You will now see an asterisk “*” next to OFF. The printer will now read what size of film is in the printer.
