Mimaki's Marc Verbeem from Mimaki Europe offers some very useful tips on print production workflows, with particular focus on MImaki RasterLink version 7, which the company says goes 'beyond the RIP.'
Today’s printing industry is full of innovative and advanced technologies. From high-speed printing capabilities to robotics to sustainable inks, it is an exciting time for the sector. However, for all its advancements, hardware cannot operate on its own. This is why having equally advanced software, such as Mimaki’s RasterLink7, is essential to the modern printing workflow.
What is RasterLink7?
RasterLink7 is Mimaki's latest proprietary RIP (Raster Image Processor) software that bridges the gap between the digital file and the printer, converting the file into a format that the printer can understand and process. If the printer is the body, RasterLink7 acts as the brain, processing and translating digital images into a format the printer can understand and execute.
Designed to work seamlessly with Mimaki printers and cutters, RasterLink7 ensures smooth communication between software and hardware. This tight integration results in a streamlined and efficient printing process, eliminating the challenges associated with coordinating separate systems. By facilitating seamless operation between devices, RasterLink7 minimises downtime and errors, enhancing the reliability of the entire printing setup.
The Crucial Link
Without the brainpower provided by RasterLink7, some areas of the printing workflow would see a significant decrease in efficiency, while others would simply not work. For example, without RasterLink7’s ability to convert and prepare digital files, the printer would not be able to fully understand the design, meaning that details would be lost in the final print.
Beyond file conversion, it offers advanced print settings and controls, allowing users to optimise colour management, nesting, and ink usage for maximum efficiency. This level of control is vital for professionals seeking to maintain high standards while keeping costs down. Without RasterLink7, users face significant limitations in managing these critical components of the workflow, potentially leading to increased costs and lower print quality.
Why RasterLink7 is more than just a RIP Software
RasterLink7 boasts several features that elevate it from simple RIP software to a powerful tool that can be used to enhance all aspects of the printing workflow. The software includes ‘New Profile Manager’ that allows users to create and manage device profiles for different media types, making it easier to achieve the best results for each print job. The ‘Layout Preview’ feature provides a visual representation of print jobs directly on the screen, simplifying final confirmations before printing. Moreover, the ink-saving functionality reduces ink consumption by up to 30% without compromising colour balance, offering substantial cost savings.
RasterLink7 also supports 2.5D printing, previously exclusive to flatbed printers and now available on roll-to-roll printers, expanding creative possibilities. The software’s ‘Cutter Support’ feature integrates directly with cutting plotters, allowing seamless print-and-cut operations. Additionally, the ‘Lab Colour Chart’ enables precise colour matching, ensuring that colours are rendered exactly as intended. These features, along with the ability to estimate ink consumption and manage advanced print effects like multilayer printing and watermarking, make RasterLink7 a comprehensive solution for modern printing needs.
By going beyond the traditional functions of RIP software, RasterLink7 offers an array of advanced tools that streamline the entire workflow, from file preparation to the final print. Whether it's optimising colour management, reducing ink consumption, or enabling new creative possibilities, RasterLink7 ensures that every aspect of the printing process is handled with precision and efficiency. For professionals looking to elevate their print operations, RasterLink7 is more than just software; it's an essential component in achieving outstanding results consistently.
Mark Verbeem, MImaki Europe
