The signage market, or say the large-format printing market, all over the world is now growing, expecting to rise from the US$8.37 billion in 2017 to US$10.59 billion by 2023, according to a report by the global research firm Research & Markets. In this growth story, RIP software is considerably one of the fastest growing segments.

These large-format software suites are designed in such a way to help printers run consistently and efficiently, which is increasingly important for printers churning diverse materials, such as textiles, plastics, etc. Using of competent RIP software that can handle large image files is helpful to PSPs in easy handling of their print management tasks. It also enables them to multi-task, thereby increasing production process efficiency. Let’s learn about some popular software suites.

ONYX 12.2

ONYX Graphics is a market leader which offers a line of powerful and reliable large-format and grand-format RIP and Print Workflow Software, largely use by a large number of the world’s leading printers. The company offers varieties of suites, designed specifically for low, mid and high-volume printing productions. ONYX 12.2 is the newest from the company, an award-winning version of its ONYX RIP and ONYX Thrive software suite. This latest suite offers the ability to process more files in less time, eliminating bottlenecks with new automation tools, achieving colour consistently across devices.

Caldera V11.2

With its 25 years of experience, Caldera boasts award-winning suites, which are designed as production-oriented print and print-to-cut workflow programmes. The company’s latest V11.2 RIP version contains three new features: i) HelpLinks, ii) ContourNesting 180o and iii) MultiLayer.

HelpLinks allows users to add direct contextual inks to CalderaDesk overview pages from within Caldera RIP modules. ContourNesting 180o leads to significant media saving by printing following the fibre direction, a feature useful for fabric or textile printing. Application of MultiLayer is with backlights, allowing for different versions of the same image. Caldera has recently included Oce Colorado (Canon’s first 64 inch RTR printer) in its list of compatible printers.

ArtiosCAD

ArtiosCAD, a subsidiary of ESKO, is widely accepted structural design software for POP, packaging and display graphic applications. It contains dedicated tools specially designed for signage and packaging professionals for structural designs, product development, virtual prototyping and manufacturing. It is for designers engaging in corrugated items, folding cartons, POP, POS and FSDU display systems.

Zund Cut Center

Digital cutting software ZCC (Zund Cut Centre) of Zund facilitates every aspect of production workflow— it could be from import & production planning, up to cutting data optimisation, cutting systems management and remote production management. ZCC ideally takes finishing to the next level, significantly increasing productivity, by optimising both cutter utilisation and manpower. ZCC users can make their production workflow more transparent and efficient through data exchange with ERP and MIS systems.

ColorGATE Version 10

Colour management leader ColorGATE’s 10th generation RIP, ColorGATE Version 10 (Productionserver, Filmgate and Proofgate) offers more efficiency, security, and on top of that it simplifies the daily production for nearly all applications in graphic art printing. This latest suite is featured with updated Adobe PDF Print Engine, Optimised Multipage Handling of PDF Files, Extended HP Latex Media Management for HP Latex 300 series, Job Backup Module (JBM), New Job Send to Function, Channel Redirection Module (CRDM), Error Diffusion Screen, and Improvement of Gamut Viewer and Print and Cut Module (PCM).

HP WallArt Suite

HP WallArt Suite is a part of HP Application Center. This center is designed to help signage/graphic art companies drive new growth in decorative wall applications. HP WallArt Suite is free, cloud-based solution for PSPs, helping them generate graphics in three easy steps through web apps. In the first step: users have to join the platform; secondly, they must select the standalone decorative web apps they want to produce, and allow their customers create and visualise the design with a simulation for each unique environment. Third step is that they have to manage production efficiently with automatic, reliable print-ready PDF generation and customer, order, and content management tools.

SAi FlexiPRINT

SAi Flexi is a professional software solution designed from design to production for the sign making, screen printing and CNC machining industries. The company’s latest FlexiPRINT (which is FlexiPRINT Authorised 3M Traffic Edition) is a ‘design-to-output’ traffic signage software. This new solution is compatible with HP Latex 300 and 500 Series.

Wasatch SoftRIP

Saving time and cost while producing excellent quality colour, Wasatch SoftRIP is simple to set up and easy to learn for PSPs. It features simple setup, intuitive workflow, and powerful print control, helping PSPs save time and money while producing excellent quality colour. The suite’s exclusive Precision Stochastic Screens Halftone Method achieves excellent colour reproduction with perfectly smooth gradients.

Signage Autodesign

Signage.autodesign.online is a Creative Content Management Solution by Eclare Systems Pvt Ltd, Eenakulam (Kochi). This online solution provider helps sign makers make ‘creative adaptations’ simple and cheaper as they provide graphic design templates in a wide range, comprising all categories staring from interior graphics up-to roadside hoardings in diverse resolutions. The designs are available as low priced as Rs 10 per a graphic on the company’s portal.