11.06.2024
Caldera, a leader in developing software solutions for the large-format printing industry, is excited to announce the release of CalderaRIP Version 18, the latest major upgrade to its market-leading RIP software. This new version introduces a wide range of features and enhancements designed to boost productivity, streamline workflows, and improve print quality for professional printers.
“CalderaRIP Version 18 represents a major step forward in how we help print professionals manage their workflows,” says Arnaud Fabre, Head of Product at Caldera. “With powerful new features like smarter hotfolder management and enhanced support for cutting transparent films, we’re empowering our users to save time, reduce waste, and produce outstanding results with every job. We’re excited to see how our customers use these tools to push the boundaries of what’s possible in large-format printing.”
One of the key highlights of Version 18 is the integration of the Adobe PDF Print Engine 6.3, ensuring superior performance and precision when rendering complex designs. Version 18 also offers full compatibility with macOS Sequoia, Apple’s latest operating system released in September 2024.
CalderaRIP Version 18 introduces smarter tools designed to simplify the print process and boost efficiency. The hotfolder interface has been revamped and now features a search bar, allowing users to quickly locate any ready-to-print file. With advanced processing order control, users can also select from various sorting algorithms—such as fastest, numeric, or alphanumeric—ensuring optimized workflows and timely job completion. Additionally, the QuickPrints auto-naming feature automatically renames exported print configurations using metadata, making it easier to share presets between different printers. Moreover, completed jobs are now automatically tagged in the ImageBar, helping users to identify finished tasks and avoid unnecessary reprints.
Furthermore, CalderaRIP continues to uphold its reputation for delivering unmatched print quality and color accuracy. Version 18 still includes official Pantone, RAL, HKS, and NCS Spot Color Libraries to ensure precise brand color matching— and RAL spot colors have been updated for greater accuracy. On the other hand, the new bicubic-resampling option facilitates image rescaling, providing sharper, more detailed output and eliminating pixelation to produce smoother results, particularly on large-format prints.
In addition to priority support and access to premium training resources, CalderaCare subscribers will benefit from new exclusive features in CalderaRIP Version 18. Among these features is improved cutting accuracy on transparent films, made possible by customizable colored cut marks. Also, a new grouped material assignment function in EasyMedia streamlines workflow setup by allowing users to assign materials to entire media categories. Finally, the REST API first introduced in Version 17 now enables the collection of key production data -such as media and ink container levels- from a wide range of printers to optimize workflows.
“We’ve been focusing our efforts on developing tools to enhance our customers’ productivity and streamline complex workflows,” says Arnaud Fabre. “The REST API in particular, provides powerful data collection capabilities that allow our users to integrate CalderaRIP with ERP or e-commerce systems. On the other hand, features like improved cutting accuracy on transparent films and the new grouped material assignment function simplify both printing and cutting processes. These innovations, along with existing tools like InkPerformer, reflect our commitment to providing CalderaCare customers with solutions that not only improve efficiency but also drive substantial cost savings.”
CalderaRIP Version 18 is an essential upgrade for print professionals looking to maximize production efficiency, reduce operational costs and achieve superior print quality. This latest version offers significant benefits for users of older versions. Whether you’re focused on streamlining workflows, cutting costs, or delivering top-tier results, now is the perfect time to upgrade and unlock the full potential of CalderaRIP.
