Caldera has developed generic drivers specifically designed for printers with Windows-based controllers and widely used electronics for driving printheads.
These drivers can be downloaded from CalderaDock and Workspace under the "Misc" manufacturer category.
They are considered generic because, although the driver is compatible with specific printhead electronics, it requires proper configuration to function effectively:
- Media sizes (via ServerAdmin)
- Print resolutions (via ServerAdmin). Also available in video
All these drivers are compatible with:
- Additional Spot Inks (White and Varnish by default)
- Custom Inkset and Ink-Reodering
File Formats
PRT and PRN
The ".prt" and ".prn" extensions denote "Printer Driver Files" and serve as a generic way to indicate that they can represent any file format specific to a printer.
Controller
To use these printers with CalderaRIP, you will need a small Windows-based controller to submit the ".prt" files to the printer (unless the printer already has an integrated controller).
On the printer's Windows controller, these files must be loaded (if autoloading is not enabled) and then sent to print (if auto-queuing is not available).
Files can also be sent via an LP or FTP connection, but not through USB.
Drivers
CalderaRIP provides multiple .prt-based printers. Three of them are called generic:
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GenericPRT1:
- Brand examples: Jade, Galaxy-Universal, Phaeton, Longier, Metalnox, Saturno, Eurotech, Infinity, Sid, Old Teckwins, Yishan, Zetek, SPS, ThunderJet ...
-
GenericPRT2:
-
Brand examples: Ahliyu, DIP, Forni, Sid, WitColor, Xenons, Hijet, Icontek, Teotech, Leopard ...
Info
The above drivers are also available in some other variants:
- GenericPRTX-DTF: Available since CalderaRIP V17.2, for users of up to 24” printers and a Wide license.
- GenericPRTX-Large: Available since CalderaRIP V13.1, for users of up to 100” printers and a Large license.
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- GenericPRT3.
The others are dedicated to BYHX electronics:
- BYHX-Epson-Ricoh: specific version for Epson and Ricoh printheads
- BYHX-Generic: for other types of printheads like Seiko and KM (Use GFP, >100inch roll and support of special inks)
- BYHX-Generic-large: for roll sizes <100 inches and no special ink support
- BYHX-TilePrint:
Brand examples: Docan, DYSS, PrintPretty, Human, Allwin, Colorjet, Imidia ...
Warning
Manufacturers often use different electronics for different printer models.
TIFF
Files with ".tif" or ".tiff" extensions ("Tagged Image File Format") offer a flexible way to represent continuous-tone or halftoned data for any ink combination ready for printing. Several drivers are available:
- Tiff-Contone: The printer controller handles the halftoning
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Tiff-Halftone: CalderaRIP handles the halftoning
- Brand example: Dupond-Artistri.
Info
Since CalderaRIP V16.2, the two generic drivers TIFF Contone and TIFF Halftone are available with a Large license (limited to 100" size) for better pricing.
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Ceramic: A contone driver with special color separations and colorants ( Pink / Brown … ).
- Brand example: Cretaprint
How to create Custom Drivers to share a pre-configured driver?
Since V10 there is a way to make "Custom drivers". What that means is that you can customize the Generic-PRT drivers (add resolution, color modes, page sizes, etc.) and export them as a new one.
Old Drivers may be still available for testing:
- Amica is used by: Ampla, ATP-Color…
- DPS is used by: Thieme, BR-GROUP, SPS-Stratojet ...