Screen Printing - June/July 2012 - (Page 28)

What PRInteRs thInk about softWaRe Learn what rIP software can do for screen and digital printers. Dan naumovich hen a new technology is introduced into an industry, there is usually a small band of innovators who hop on board first. They invest their time and money in hopes of leveraging it to improve productivity and gain a competitive advantage. Over time, as the technology becomes increasingly accepted in the industry, the competitive advantage largely disappears and new users must adopt it simply to keep pace. As an example of this, Mark Bagley—a consultant and owner of Digital Marketing Solutions in Orlando, FL— believes that RIP software is currently in that life cycle stage where screen printers need to have it simply to exist. “The screen printers who are have been in business for more than a couple of years are being forced to bring on more technology that will allow them to compete with direct-to-digital market. New screen printers may still limit themselves to printing one or two colors, but in time it will make it tougher to survive. After that, they start to look into RIP software,” he says. A generation ago, a small momand-pop shop could get by simply offering simple one- or two-color prints. With the rise of the digital age, artists and consumers have become aware of the options available online for customized, limited run products that feature multiple colors and even photo reproduction. When they visit their local screen printer, they’re expecting similar quality and price points. RIP software is a critical tool towards achieving that capability using affordable inkjet printers. RIP technology W For those unfamiliar with RIP technology, its function as commonly used in the screen printing industry is fairly basic. An acronym for Raster Image Processor, the software takes files from graphic programs by running them through Postscript and converting them to halftone dots that can be recognized by an inkjet printer, while also allowing the user to dictate the 28 screenprinting

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Screen Printing - June/July 2012

Screen Printing - June/july 2012
Contents
Newsworthy
New Products
Digital vs. Screen and the Dilemma of Process Improvement
Grayscale Magic
Step Up Your Game With Team Wear
Boosting Garment-Printing Efficiency
What Printers Think About Rip Software
Direct-to-Garment Site Preparation and the Environment
Industry Update
Shop Talk
Classifieds
Distributor/Dealer Directory
Ad Index
Editorial Insights

Screen Printing - June/July 2012