InkPerformer is an optional module available since CalderaRIP V9. It requires the purchase of a specific activation key. For more info, go to the Licensing details chapter.
Save ink without compromising on color accuracy with InkPerformer.
Developed in association with the color expert Alwan, InkPerformer is an optional ink-saving module for CalderaRIP software, designed to help inkjet printers reduce their ink consumption while maintaining color accuracy.
Easy to install and use, InkPerformer improves grey neutrality while reducing production costs and making your production more sustainable.
How does InkPerformer work?
InkPerformer can be enabled or disabled in the Print Module Interface. It is therefore a printing option and not a profiling option. Find some useful links at the end of this article.
The interface is easy to use, and consists of two main settings:
- One for adjusting BlackStart (the percentage at which the introduction of black ink is initiated)
- And another for the ink-saving level
It is possible to preserve the original BlackStart (the one defined in the output profile), to force it at 0% (authorize the replacement of the CMY inks by black immediately), or to use an intermediate value automatically calculated by InkPerformer.
The lower the BlackStart value (close to 0%), the more the black ink will be used in the mid and light tones of the image, and the higher the ink saving. However, this use of black in the light tones will make the print grainier (black dots will be visible in the colored areas), which can be an issue when a print is viewed from a close-up.
The level of ink saving can be set to 4 different values:
- Low (small savings, very important color preservation)
- Mid (moderate savings, important color preservation)
- High (high savings, good color preservation)
- Maximum (very high savings, less important color preservation that can lead to a loss in color gamut in shadows in order to save more ink)
InkPerformer also includes an additional option, called Dual Mode. This option enables ripping (or printing) of a job twice, once without ink saving and another time with ink saving.
This work mode enables faster comparison by using, for example, sample images that you want to print with InkPerformer. Once the two examples are ripped (or printed), the Caldera Spooler displays the percentage of ink saved (which is not the case during a simple mode use of InkPerformer).
Warning
- The InkPerformer option requires the usage of an ICC profile. Likewise, the Color Management Module has to be set up with Caldera (as it is by default). Make sure of the latter by going to the Special menu in the top bar of the software and then clicking on APPE Configuration (the first field must have "Caldera" selected).
- InkPerformer will not work in RGB print mode. In this mode, the CMYK separation is done by the printer which defines the CMYK for printing. The control of the black by the RIP is essential for the use of InkPerformer. The presence in the machine of ink types "light black" or "superlight black" will cause a decrease in ink saving.
What are the benefits of InkPerformer?
The percentage of ink saved essentially depends on the image to be printed, but also on the characteristics of the output profiles and the inks. It is therefore difficult to give a guaranteed percentage of ink savings in every case.
Nevertheless, our tests have shown that at a “high” level, we can generally observe an ink saving of about 20%.
In terms of precision of rendering, the first 3 levels maximize the preservation of the original colorimetry without any notable effect.
With InkPerformer, the greys are often more neutral. Printed with color components, the greys can seem more “colored” (bluish, yellowish…). The metamerism of the chromatic inks, which change the perception of the color according to the lighting, creates this impression of gray coloration. InkPerformer uses the black appropriately and reduces this effect, making the greys more neutral. This neutrality is an additional benefit of InkPerformer.
Compared to other ink-saving technologies, InkPerformer has some other advantages:
- It is included in the RIP, so there is no need for separate software to create specific profiles for ink saving and import them into the RIP.
- It uses existing profiles to which it applies an algorithm, which means that it does not require specific reprofiling for ink saving.
- It is easy to use, as InkPerformer needs only two basic settings to get the most out of it.
- In any case, InkPerfomer guarantees ink savings.
Licensing details
Info
If you don't know what license you need, feel free to contact our sales team directly.
CalderaRIP V17 and later
The license is now a floating (or concurrent) one, which means that you can use it with more than one printer, however, you must wait for the job on the first printer to finish processing before using it with the second printer.
If you need to use InkPerformer simultaneously on two or more printers, you can purchase InkPerformer licenses separately.
CalderaRIP V9 to V16.3.1
InkPerformer was available as an additional paid option per driver.
Useful articles
- What is CalderaCare?
- How to set up InkPerformer?
- Print Module – Colors – Output (tab where you need to set up InkPerformer)
- Spooler - Job Information (where you can see the ink savings)
- Color Management (dedicated section with some basics on color theory and ICC profiles)