Wasatch updates SoftRIP to Version 6.9

Look at all of the great new features and performance enhancements:

Wasatch SoftRIP Version 6.9 offers dramatic speed improvements for users who keep multiple entries in their RIP and Print Queues; a new Output column in the Print Queue for keeping track of how many copies of a job have been printed; enhancements to our barcode-driven print-and-cut workflow; the option for users to mirror and rotate their images directly in the Print Setup screen; and the ability to add center register marks that are useful in the production of inkjet separations.

Wasatch SoftRIP V6.9 for Speed Enhancements

Wasatch SoftRIP Version 6.9 provides a drastic increase in speed for users who maintain a lot of entries in their RIP and Print Queues. For users with a few hundred such entries, many operations are two to five times faster and some operations are a hundred times faster.

Wasatch SoftRIP V6.9 has a new Output Column

This release includes a new Output column in the Print Queue that keeps track of how many copies of a job have been printed. The Output column is updated when physical output of a copy is completed. If multiple copies are output via a layout, the column is updated each time a copy is completed so that if a layout is interrupted, users have an indication of what was printed and what remains to be finished.

The new Output column can also be viewed through Wasatch ImageNET. By configuring this through a server proxy, users can check the status of all their output from anywhere they have access to the Internet.

Wasatch SoftRIP 6.9 has Barcode-Driven Print-and-Cut Workflow

Wasatch SoftRIP Version 6.9 allows users to utilise the barcode system of their roll cutter to automate their print-and-cut production process. With this workflow, each job is printed by SoftRIP with a unique barcode that corresponds to the cut path that is defined in the print job. This release also improves our support for barcode workflows with Zünd and i-cut table cutters.

Once the cutter reads the printed barcode, the barcode is sent to SoftRIP and the corresponding cut job is sent to the cutter. After the cutter cuts the contour path, it scans for the next barcode and repeats the process. This innovative feature allows for a whole roll of media to be cut with minimal user intervention.
Mirror and Rotation Selections

Wasatch SoftRIP V6.9 has Mirror & Rotation Selections

The Mirror option has been added to the Print Setup screen in Wasatch SoftRIP Version 6.9. This addresses common issues facing users in the dye sublimation market. With this type of printing, the image must be printed as a mirror image so it will be correct after the additional mirroring that results from the transfer process.

Since the printer has to be configured for transfer materials in the first place, the ideal time to select the Mirror option is in the Print Setup window so the user doesn’t have to worry about selecting this option later in the printing process and the user sees the finished work and not the transfer step. After selecting the Mirror option in the Print Setup screen, the user doesn’t have to keep selecting this option in the Job screen, which helps reduce errors and minimize waste of expensive consumables.

Users also now have the ability to select the Rotation 180 option directly in the Print Setup window. This option prints jobs upside down relative to the preview on the Job screen. This enables users to have prints come out of the printer right side up. This is ideal for users who are displaying at trade shows or on showroom floors.
Register Marks Options

Wasatch SoftRIP V6.9 has Register Mark options

Wasatch SoftRIP Version 6.9 allows users to add center register marks to their print jobs. These marks are useful when stripping inkjet separation films on a light table and for other hand registration issues.

1. Bargain prices on all Wasatch SoftRIP products, with our unique ‘Price Promise’ guarantee – if you get a lower price from anyone, we will match it.
2. All Wasatch SoftRIP licences purchased from Tech8 include outstanding technical support – we are a technical service business, and our engineers are all fully trained Wasatch users.
3. Delivery from stock to any Country in the world, usually within 24-hours.

Click here to visit our shop for current pricing. If you have any pre-sales or technical questions, please email wasatch@tech8.eu or call us on UK Tel: +44 (0) 1628 560893

With this workflow, each job, whether it is a single image, a complex layout, or a whole roll of jobs, is printed by SoftRIP with a unique barcode. This barcode corresponds to the cut path that is defined in the print job.

Once the cutter reads the printed barcode, the barcode is sent to SoftRIP and the corresponding cut job is sent to the cutter. After the cutter cuts the contour path, it scans for the next barcode and repeats the process. This innovative feature allows for a whole roll of media to be cut with minimal user intervention.

Increase Productivity

This dynamic print-and-cut workflow allows users to boost productivity because they can quickly load a printed roll and let their cutter’s barcode function take over.

By removing steps from their existing print-and-cut production process, SoftRIP helps users save time and resources, making this workflow a less expensive and more functional solution than a traditional print-and-cut method. And, since SoftRIP provides unparalleled support for the industry’s most popular printers, users can seamlessly integrate their existing printers into this simplified workflow.

Automate Your Print-and-Cut Workflow

Because the cutter reads the barcodes and processes the contour cut paths automatically, there is no need for users to manually scan barcodes or search the RIP for the correct contour cut path.

The roll can even be mounted on the cutter backwards, directly from the printer, and the barcode recognition system will ensure the cut paths are properly flipped. This allows users to automate their print-and-cut workflow, increase production, and minimise mistakes.

Wasatch SoftRIP HP Edition

Now includes HP Designjet L25500 Latex Drivers FOC

We are pleased to announce that the Wasatch SoftRIP HP Exclusive Edition now includes support for the HP DesignJet L25500 latex printer free of charge. This latest edition of SoftRIP is fully-certified for the L25500 printer under HP’s RIP Certification programme. Certification is only awarded to products that have undergone rigorous testing by HP and met the necessary performance requirements.

The fully-featured SoftRIP solution also includes support for older HP printers at no extra cost. Other features include RIP-while-print, Cost Estimator, the Wasatch Tracer, unmatched image quality (with 16-bit rendering) and much more.

One happy customer is US-based Global Imaging. According to Josh Marten, West Coast Territory Manager, “Our installs Wasatch have been with HP DesignJet L25500 printers in multiple Alphagraphics sites throughout the country and with Agfa Anapurna printers that we’ve placed in several independent shops. Wasatch SoftRIP is extremely easy to use and is designed to cater to all markets – from entry level to the more experienced.”

Tech8, the technical support and spares provider for the wide format printing industry, is authorised to supply and support Wasatch SoftRIP products globally. Justin Atkinson, Business Development Manager at Tech8, comments, “The new Wasatch version with inclusive support for HP latex printers offers users a powerful and cost-effective way to drive up to four HP DesignJet printers with a single RIP.”

Wasatch SoftRIP HP Exclusive Edition is available immediately from the Tech8 online shop at a cost of £1100

NEW Wasatch SoftRIP website from Tech8

We are delighted to announce the launch of our new website dedicated to Wasatch SoftRIP – visit the site at www.tech8ripsoftware.com and you’ll find full product information, technical and training resources including videos for all of the key features, and details on the latest upgrades and features.

WASATCH SOFTRIP

RIP & PRINT MANAGEMENT SOFTWARE

Wasatch SoftRIP is sophisticated RIP software made easy. With simple setup, intuitive workflow, and powerful print controls, SoftRIP saves you time and money while producing excellent quality colour. With SoftRIP, you don’t need to be an expert to print like one.

When you purchase any of our RIP products, you receive free technical support and upgrades during your 6-month technical support contract period. Additional support contracts can be purchased and carry the same benefits. Find out more about upgrade pricing.

Wasatch SoftRIP

Wasatch SoftRIP includes drivers for popular large and small format inkjet printers. SoftRIP is so simple to set up and easy to learn that you might forget it has the most powerful colour and workflow tools in the industry.

Pricing | Find Out More

Wasatch SoftRIP SP

Printing colour separations with your inkjet printer saves you time and money while increasing your flexibility to meet customer demands. SoftRIP SP is the most advanced software you can find for producing high quality separations.

Pricing | Find Out More

Wasatch SoftRIP TX

Wasatch SoftRIP TX is equipped with the tools you need to make a seamless transition to digital textile printing. SoftRIP TX is packed with tools for step and repeat, spot colour atlas printing, and colourway management.

Pricing | Find Out More

Three reasons why you should by Wasatch SoftRIP from Tech8…

1. Bargain prices on all Wasatch SoftRIP products, with our unique ‘Price Promise’ guarantee – if you get a lower price from anyone, we will match it.
2. All Wasatch SoftRIP licences purchased from Tech8 include outstanding technical support – we are a technical service business, and our engineers are all fully trained Wasatch users.
3. Delivery from stock to any Country in the world, usually within 24-hours.

Click here to visit our shop for current pricing. If you have any pre-sales or technical questions, please email wasatch@tech8.eu or call us on UK Tel: +44 (0) 1628 560893

Do you run a RIP that was supplied ‘in the box’ with your printer? It is possible that you are running Wasatch SoftRIP without even realising it – Wasatch have provided OEM white label RIPs for a number of print manufacturers including Agfa, DGI, Dilli, Dgen, Gandi Innovations and others. Common OEM RIP software that is based on a cut down version of SoftRIP includes: Agfa C3, Mimaki Rasterlink, NUR Splash, Roland ColorRIP and Uniform TROOP.

Why is this relevant? Because you can upgrade your OEM RIP to the full power Wasatch SoftRIP for a very low price, and give your printer a whole new lease of life by utilising all of the very latest, most advanced and time saving RIP features.

Have you got a cut-down version of SoftRIP?

Check out the Wasatch SoftRIP training videos on our website, if you recognise the interface then you are running an OEM version of SoftRIP – and that means you are able to upgrade to full SoftRIP at a very attractive price.

Of course while you are looking at the videos, you will also be able to review some of the advanced features that an upgrade can give you, these include:

• Spot Colour Replacement

“Can I match colour #183 from my customer’s swatch book?” Yes you can. Let Wasatch show you how. Watch the Training Video

• Dynamic Layout

SoftRIP saves you time and money with fast, efficient print layouts. Check out how easy it is to drag and drop straight to profits. Watch the Training Video

• Variable Data Printing – VDP

Watch how SoftRIP customises signage, sportswear, labels and more. Watch the Training Video

• Wasatch ImageNET

Manage your queues easily using a web browser and different operating systems. Watch the Training Video

• Cost Estimator

Save time and money by knowing the exact costs for jobs before moving into production. Watch the Training Video

• Wasatch Port Redirector

Find out how to setup your computer to print to Wasatch from any application. Watch the Training Video

• Hot Folders

Automate your workflow in even the most complex production environment with our dynamic hot folders feature. Watch the Training Video

• Wasatch Templates

Save hours of prep time for users with standardized output sizes and placement needs. Watch the Training Video

• Wasatch SoftRIP Separations – Separate on RIP

Learn how to produce colour separations in Wasatch SoftRIP SP. Watch the Training Video

• Wasatch Tracer

The Tracer is a quick and interactive way to create contour cut paths for raster or vector graphics. Watch the Training Video

Like what you see?

Want to find out more or get a quote? Contact Tech8 for guaranteed unbeatable pricing, backed up with exceptional after-sales support, on Tel: +44 (0) 1628 560893 or email us at wasatch@tech8.eu

The new campaign will be running over the next 6 weeks, with a different message each week – below is the main image from Week 1.

The message this week is that using Tech8 for your warranty provision should earn you brownie points from your boss, and thus keep you safely employed

Each week will have a different message, some of them quite cheeky – let us know if we cross the line!

Lick N Stick Graphics turn to Tech8 for Entire Site Warranty

Based in Thorpe, Surrey, Lick N Stick Graphics is a large format graphics production company.  The two company owners both have over 15 years experience in the large format graphics industry and using the latest digital technology, Lick N Stick provides practical graphics solutions for the event, exhibition, sport, retail, TV and films industries.

From its inception, there were four main employees.  Richard Long took the role of sales director and Paul Cobby became production director.  They were joined by Nathan Green as production manager and Justin Wallace as marketing manager.

According to Justin Wallace, “Starting any new business is hard enough at the best of times, yet in the middle of a recession, we have managed to create a successful digital graphics production company.  We have had a very positive first couple of years in business and have expanded rapidly.”

From the outset, Lick N Stick purchased an arsenal of printers upon which it could create quality output including:

• Roland VersaCamm print and cut 720mm-wide solvent printer capable of printing and cutting to shape laminated and unlaminated vinyl stickers
• HP5500ps on which all Lick N Stick’s indoor hi-res graphics and pop-ups are printed
• Mutoh ValueJet 1604 used for high-end outdoor graphics including banner, vinyl, mesh and canvas
• Vutek 3300 super-wide format printer to produce graphics up to 3m wide on banner, mesh, jettex, woven poly and vinyl

Having had a very successful first year in business, the company decided to expand its portfolio and invested in an Acuity HD 2504 so that it could print directly onto sheet material up to 8’ by 4’ using UV inks.  This saved Lick N Stick time on production and ultimately increased turnover.

The increase in production then created a bottleneck in finishing, so to combat this, Lick N Stick bought a Zund iCut which can cut any output to shape on materials upto 1750mm wide.

In January 2011, Lick N Stick also replaced its Vutek 3300 with a Vutek Press Vu400 for roll and sheet fed options upto 3m in width.

Lick N Stick has closely partnered with various companies to ensure it has a great back-up team at hand.  The Roland, HP and ValueJet printers all run Colorific ink.  This alternative ink brand offers massive cost savings over OEM inks and helps to keep the company profitable.

SelecTech, a specialist supplier of ink, media and accessories to the professional large format sign and display print market, supplies all the substrates and other consumables that Lick N Stick needs.

Maidenhead-based Tech 8, which offers technical support, extended warranties and spare parts for most wide format printers, has colour-profiled the Colorific ink so the prints are the best quality they can be when printing onto the SelecTech substrates. Tech 8 also supplies any engineering backup and spare parts required.

Lick N Stick’s success can be demonstrated by the fact that for the third year running it has been awarded the signage contract for Royal Horticultural Society’s Hampton Court Palace Flower Show 2011.  Lick N Stick has held the contract for the last two years, but this was the first year the contract had gone to tender – and the company retained the contract.

According to Justin Wallace, Marketing Manager at Lick N Stick, “For Hampton Court Flower Show, we design and create hundreds of individual graphic items in our Mac-based studio to precise brand guidelines supplied by the Royal Horticultural Society. We then produce all the signage required in-house onto the various different media using our wide- and super-wide format printers.  The signage will be installed on-site by our installation team over a three-week build period at Hampton Court Palace.”

He concludes, “We are very confident taking on such ambitious projects.  We are well-organised and are well supported by our suppliers.  Our business continues to grow at pace and we have doubled our headcount in less than 2 years.”

Tech8, the technical support and spares provider for the wide format printing industry, today announced the appointment of Graham Parkinson to the role of Business Development Manager.  With over 20 years experience across all aspects of the printing industry, Graham is ideally qualified for this newly-created position.

His primary responsibility will be the development of mutually beneficial technical support partnerships with key customers throughout the UK and Europe.

Having spent 10 years working in a production environment – and gradually working his way up to managing the whole operation – Graham truly understands the technical challenges faced by print businesses.

In subsequent years, Graham held key technical support positions within major manufacturers including Roland and Mimaki with responsibility for servicing and supporting end users.

In joining Tech8, Graham is moving to a more commercial role where his significant experience from all sides of the industry will allow him to further develop Tech8’s ever-expanding range of products and services.  His appointment is crucial in aiding Tech8’s ambition to become the leading UK provider of printer after-sales care and support.

According to Justin Atkinson, General Manager at Tech8, “Graham’s appointment will really help to drive the business forward.  Our core business is the provision of tailor-made warranties and exemplary customer service, as well as the provision of competitively-priced spare parts for all major printers.”

Graham adds, “I am delighted to join Tech8 in this business development role.  Some manufacturers view support as a costly overhead, whereas the provision of first-class service is Tech8’s sole purpose.  We offer printer owners a dedicated support resource and I’m convinced that our approach offers a compelling alternative to existing technical support provision.”

Further information on Tech8 can be found on their website at www.tech8.eu

BARBIERI is proud to announce the world’s first portable spectrophotometer for professional digital printing. This professional measurement device is built to measure a variety of different media used in professional digital printing including large and wide format printing. Thanks to its independence from a computer it can also be used directly on the printer. The integrated touch display facilitates interaction with the device and gives immediate feedback about the measurement results. It is the ideal tool for all digital print professionals for use away from the desk.

Spectropad is the new portable measurement device for all professionals within digital printing including large and wide format printing. Thanks to its large measurement aperture it is able to accurately measure a wide range of different, reflective media. Banner, cardboard, textiles, canvas, PVC, Fine Art Paper, vinyl and Paper are just a few of them.

This new wireless, battery powered spectrophotometer can be operated without a computer and therefore directly at the printer, even without cutting the media. Jobs can be stored in the device and measurement results (if requested) sent through WiFi to the computer.

The Spectropad is the first measurement device with Barbieri “qb-technology” inside. This new technology is based on D50 illumination and contains the next generation of highest precision spectral core. The D50 illumination used is based on LED technology by Just Normlicht. It fully matches the new measurement condition M1 introduced with the ISO standard 13655-2009. Thanks to the Barbieri “qb-technology” most precision measurement results will be reached.

The touch display makes the operation and job selection a breeze – no matter whether measuring a control bar, a linearization or profiling chart or just a simple spot color. The measurement results will immediately be displayed or sent to the computer for further processing.

With this portable measurement device BARBIERI targets all professionals in digital printing, color management consultants as well as technicians for printer installation. It finally allows using the well-known BARBIERI measurement quality away from the desk or at the customer site.

The new BARBIERI Spectropad will be formally launched and demonstrated at FESPA Digital 2011 in Hamburg (May 24 – 27, 2011), in Hall A1, Booth C30.

Further information can also be found on the Barbieri website.

The full range of BARBIERI colour management and profiling tools are distributed in the UK by IGSUK Ltd, and is available from resellers including Tech8.

When The Sign Shop’s Cadet Plus wide format printer developed a fault and stopped printing yellow ink, the company turned to Tech8 to provide technical support and supply spare parts.  The printer was swiftly returned to full operational use and Andy Lang, Owner of The Sign Shop, says he would recommend Tech8 to everyone with a printer.

The Sign Shop, www.the-sign-shop.co.uk , based in Torquay, Devon, has been supplying high quality signs to the public and the sign trade for nearly 10 years.  It offers a wide variety of signage products including braille/tactile signs, engraved signs, commercial signs, brass plaques and engraved fascia panels.  The organisation prides itself on its attention to details – regardless of the size of the order placed.

The bulk of its signage output – including general signage, large printed graphics, banners and back-lit box graphics – is printed on a Cadet Plus wide format digital printer.  Early in 2011, the Cadet printer developed a fault and stopped printing yellow ink.  The problem could be fixed temporarily by pulling the ink through and running head cleaning cycles, but would quickly return.  The Sign Shop had no idea what was wrong with the printer and no idea how to permanently fix the problem.

At this point, Andy Lang, Owner of The Sign Shop googled for ‘Cadet Plus spares and support’, and came across Tech8.  He called them and was encouraged by the professional, friendly and knowledgeable approach they demonstrated over the telephone.

Tech8, based in Maidenhead, offers technical support, extended warranties and spare parts for most wide format printers.  Technical support is supplied via email, over the telephone or through a site visit by one of Tech8’s fully qualified engineers, if required.
He comments, “The guys at Tech8 were instantly helpful and guided me though the various possibilities that could have been causing the printer to malfunction.  They were very keen to ensure that obvious things had been ruled out first to eliminate any wasted expense on spare parts that I did not need.”

He continues, “Following consultation over the phone, Tech8 recommended we ordered new dampers, capping stations and an upgraded pump as these were due for replacement anyway.  They then diagnosed the problem – the printhead manifold had either become blocked or was cracked and was therefore allowing air into the printhead.  That proved to be exactly what had happened and once we replaced the relevant part, the printer was returned to full functionality.”

According to Andy, Tech8 is the most helpful company he has dealt with in a long time.  “Every single member of the team I spoke to was really helpful and when they said they would get back to me, they did.  They completely understood the seriousness of a sign business in a situation where its primary printer was not working.  They made every effort to get us up and running as soon as possible –nothing was too much trouble.”

He adds, “I would definitely recommend Tech8 to any business relying upon a wide format printer.  They know their stuff, they are great to deal with and really care about their customers.   Tech 8 is one of a growing number of businesses that are almost old-fashioned in the quality of their customer care, whilst being at the cutting edge of professionalism, technical knowledge and efficiency.”

As for the future, Andy Lang said that The Sign Shop plans to continue developing the business based on its customer-focused approach to sign making.  He concludes, “The Sign Shop is a business that values its credibility over and above the bottom line and we are delighted to have found a like-minded business to partner with.”

Parts, warranty and technical advice is available from Tech8, who can be contacted on Tel: 0845 873 9707, via email to support@tech8.eu, or by visiting their website at www.tech8.eu