VDP on Konica-Minolta 1050s and 6500

[rcm355]

We run Ikon 650s, but they are basically the same machine. It is equiped with a Fiery. Our main print jobs on these machines are 24 page booklets with all vairable data, logos and colors. We were using the desktop version of XMPie and were having an issue laying down certain images because XMPie was having an issue with the Fiery. We upgraded to the server version and there are no issues at all with anything.

 

[betterimp]

Vdp

Vdp

I am the Print Production Specialist for Konica Minolta in RI and as far as VDP on our equipment, there is a low-end way to run through the print driver, we do have very inexpensive software solutions that are great for running VDP. If you need more information I am sure that I can help.

I need an inexpensive solution to run VDP on our 6500. I would appreciate your help.

Thanks,

Mike

 

[KJGregg]

Vdp

Vdp

Hello Mike,

If you could give me a call at 401-732-6050 x3124, I will see what I can do you come up with a solution that will work for you.

Kevin

I need an inexpensive solution to run VDP on our 6500. I would appreciate your help.

Thanks,

Mike

 

[Toner4Brains]

You need to create a VDP file and import it to the RIP on the printer. The 1050 does have a RIP, it is just embedded, and since it is an older engine it does not accept what are now commonplace forms of native VDP files such as PPML and VPS. The Fiery on your C6500 SHOULD accept PPML, assuming it is an IC303. If you create a flattened PDF using a merge function in inDesign or something similar, it is creating a large file and repeating each element (static and variable) for every record. A true variable file will contain a static images with a folder of resources, where the static images are cached at the RIP and resources are combined with it assemble the final piece.

For your C6500, I would invest in a beginner level VDP solution that will allow you to create variable file formats such as FusionPro Desktop. Create a PPML file, and file>upload it to the Fiery in CWS rather than file>printing it from the application. You can use Fiery's FreeForm but it is for very cumbersome variable data. You basically create a static shell, upload and store it on the Fiery, send the variable information to the rip, select the uploaded form as the master and tell it to overlay the information. Good for invoices and things of that nature but won't give you any form of personalization or object level VDP capability.

Your 1050 only accepts PS PDF and PCL, but since it is a BW job (obviously since it is being printed on a BW printer) raw PCL or PS might be fine for your application and will be much smaller than the PDF. You will need KM's Pagescope Direct Print to send PS or PCL files directly to the 1050 - Download here: Support & Drivers Search Results | Product: PageScope Direct Print - it is a submission tool that will allow you to upload a file (or folder in some cases) to the RIP rather than file>printing it from the application through the driver.

 

[Tpyo]

About the drop shadows... two things might help.

1. When creating the shadow in InDesign, make sure the 'Shadow Honors other Effects' box is checked.

2. (In the Fiery's Command Work Station) If working with a CMYK file, try changing the setting 'pure black' to 'normal black' in the Properties/Color/Expert Settings/Gray and Black Processing tab. This flattens the image and is useful for some, but not all jobs with this problem.

Regarding the VDP, Especially with those large jobs and a limit on your memory, try outputting the VDP file in chunks (limit each pdf output file to a minimum size) creating a series of several files. Sometimes the smaller files ease the load on the Fiery or the printer's buffer. Just treat each file in the series as another print job. Yes, It's a workaround, but sometimes the job just needs to get done, and discussions about the finer technicalities can be done after the job is out the door.