Back to square one with RIP software

[bronzeo]

I have a new HPz3200ps 44inch printer..... I have for the first week been practicing using PS for editing and Corel Draw to print with. No particularly worker friendly, but gets the job done and the results are better than I've been paying for from other printing sources I've used. I just purchased (and now returned) EFI designer RIP software 4.2 because HP has writing updates for the new printers. I learned this the hard way even though compatible charts say it will work. I did download the newest update and not help at all. I found another thread somewhere where they were going thru the same issues, which saved me several more hours of trying.

Anyway,,,, my question is what RIP software would you recommend to me for doing photos, giclees for artist, posters and maybe some point of sale posters? Keep in mind that I am a part time printer that is just trying to add to my revenue, and have some nice control for my customers. The printer is supposed to have good control on calibration and profiling of papers and inks. I was told I didn't need anything else, but I do need to be able to do reasonable nesting and accurate resizing. Corel does this somewhat well and I may need to continue with it, if I can't find something practically priced to work with.... I will say that for the price of RIP softwares, I would expect a lot more than I have experience so far. Thanks for any input on this. Jack

 

[Stephen Marsh]

So you have used the printer driver workflow with Draw, that is your base point of reference.

What do you not like about the driver approach? What should a RIP do for you that the driver can't? Do you really need a RIP, can you get by without one considering your business model, budget, print requirements etc?

Are you using OEM paper or third party paper very similar to the HP media?

This will help you to evaluate the features offered by the many RIPs out there on the market. As you have found, compatibility is the first step, before looking at the features.


Stephen Marsh

 

[bronzeo]

I am using premium photo grade paper on most everything probably in about 3 finishes. I use a method of mounting and spray finishing the print to give it an extra UV protect and water resist. It allows me to use without glass, and looks almost exactly like my original art.

I will be using canvas, litho grade and textured papers for those who wish them. I figure 6 to 8 papers in total for my services, so I should only need to profile between dense and light printing on them. The 3200 has a lot of built in profiles which have put out some awesome samples, so maybe I can work with them.... On the other hand nearly everyone has told me I need a good RIP software. Perhaps I don't, but if I should find one fairly reasonable in price I might give it a go. The last one was a very expensive mistake, although available documentation stated compatibility. Thanks for your views..........Jack