User`s manual

3
Version 1.1 Revised February, 2009
Chapter 1 - Introduction
Using FastRIP
e 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.
Wh y yo u ne e d Fa s t RIP
Generally, inkjet printers do not come with a PostScript Interpreter. Even with those that do (the
Epson Printers use Epson Stylus Pro RIP); their PostScript capabilities are typically designed for
color calibration and not halftone output. Halftone dots are the key to printing vibrant or photo-
realistic images
FastRIP was designed specifically to handle halftones, enabling an inkjet printer to create output
very close to Imagesetter quality using off-the-shelf Epson inkjet ink. e software is also cali-
brated to allow for the over 50% dot gain produced when printing inkjet ink to clear film. is
means that if your graphic specifies a 50% dot, you won’t get a 70% dot.
Fa s t RIP Fu n c t I o n s
FastRIP is very simple to use. Unlike some RIP’s that require you to print to a “hot folder” and
jump through several proverbial “hoops” in order to output a job, FastRIP allows you to print
directly from within your application.
Fi l m Ou t p u t - St a n d a r d , dO u b l e O r tr i p l e de n S i t y
FastRIP has two functions for clear film output- either Standard Density or Double Density.
For a high quality film such as FastPOS, you can use the Standard Density setting. For films that
have a rough coating and/or need a heavier deposit of ink to produce dense Black images, you
should use the Double or Triple Density setting.
in k j e t pr O O F S
A major feature of FastRIP is the ability to print a color calibrated inkjet proof to show the
customer. You can print a standard inkjet proof or you can print a proof using standard halftone
dots settings of either 45 LPI (Lines per Inch), 55 LPI. You can even print at 65 LPI to simulate
the look of halftones when the image is actually screen printed.
He a t tr a n S F e r S
FastRIP is calibrated for most off-the-shelf, coated T-Shirt Transfer paper. It does color correction
and mirrors the image before output.