By default, three Spot Inks are linked to these devices: Primer, White (Underlay and Overlay), and Varnish. Each of these has a specific tab in the Page Setup window:
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For more information on managing Spot Inks in CalderaRIP, please refer to this dedicated article.
Multilayer
These flatbed printers use a controller and support Double-Sided Printing (DSP) and multilayer printing with an unlimited number of layers.
However, job submission is processed in segments, so each layer must be submitted separately. Printing is managed by the printer’s controller and is performed layer by layer. For DSP, each side must be manually reloaded.
How to print simple jobs with up to 3 layers using the same image?
In addition to the standard behavior of the Spot Inks, you can print simple multilayer jobs of the same image by using the options in the lower area of Page Setup > Primer/White-X/Varnish tab:
Print modes:
Not applicable for primer, as it is printed in a single layer.
Resolution:
The available resolutions are determined by the SQPE file imported from your printer's Lory controller.
By default, the list of resolutions is disabled, and the "Auto" option is checked. This helps prevent errors when preparing multilayer jobs. If you're not printing multilayer jobs, you can uncheck the "Auto" option and adjust the resolutions as needed.
Qualities:
- Primer 1 (Default)
- Primer 2
- Primer 3
Print modes:
- Underlay (Default): The white is printed underneath the colors
- Spot: The white is treated as a spot color
- Color-White-Color: Sandwich mode where the white is printed between two colored layers
Resolution:
The available resolutions are determined by the SQPE file imported from your printer's Lory controller.
By default, the list of resolutions is disabled, and the "Auto" option is checked. This helps prevent errors when preparing multilayer jobs. If you're not printing multilayer jobs, you can uncheck the "Auto" option and adjust the resolutions as needed.
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In "Spot" print mode, only one layer is printed, which includes only the areas containing white data. Therefore, the resolution cannot be changed in this mode.
Qualities:
- Translucent (Default): Allows some light to pass through, subtly softening the colors printed above while maintaining a gentle effect.
- Semi-translucent: Provides partial transparency, allowing a balance between light transmission and the visibility of colors printed on top.
- Opaque: Completely blocks light, ensuring full coverage and effectively concealing any colors or patterns printed above it.
Print modes:
- Overlay (Default): The white is printed over the colors
- Spot: The white is treated as a spot color
- Color-White-Color: Sandwich mode where the white is printed between two colored layers
Resolution:
The available resolutions are determined by the SQPE file imported from your printer's Lory controller.
By default, the list of resolutions is disabled, and the "Auto" option is checked. This helps prevent errors when preparing multilayer jobs. If you're not printing multilayer jobs, you can uncheck the "Auto" option and adjust the resolutions as needed.
Info
In "Spot" print mode, only one layer is printed, which includes only the areas containing white data. Therefore, the resolution cannot be changed in this mode.
Qualities:
- Translucent (Default): Allows some light to pass through while softening underlying details, creating a gentle, diffused effect on the colors beneath.
- Semi-translucent: Partially transparent, striking a balance between light transmission and the visibility of the colors underneath.
- Opaque: Completely blocks light, providing full coverage and effectively hiding any colors or patterns beneath it.
Print modes:
- Overlay (Default): The varnish is printed over the colors
- Spot: The varnish is treated as a spot color
Resolution:
The available resolutions are determined by the SQPE file imported from your printer's Lory controller.
By default, the list of resolutions is disabled, and the "Auto" option is checked. This helps prevent errors when preparing multilayer jobs. If you're not printing multilayer jobs, you can uncheck the "Auto" option and adjust the resolutions as needed.
Info
In "Spot" print mode, only one layer is printed, which includes only the areas containing white data. Therefore, the resolution cannot be changed in this mode.
Qualities:
- Matt (Default): Provides a non-reflective, matte finish that minimizes glare and enhances the overall appearance of the printed material.
- Semi Gloss: Offers a reflective finish that improves color brightness and reduces glare, creating a polished, professional look that highlights images and text.
- Gloss: Delivers a high-shine finish that maximizes reflection, intensifying colors and providing a vibrant, eye-catching effect.
- Drop Gloss: Features a textured, glossy finish with raised drops that add depth and visual interest, enhancing the tactile quality of the printed material.
How to print complex jobs with X number of layers?
Follow the steps in the articles below depending on your production needs:
For step 5 ("Select the desired layer, then set your printing configuration"), proceed as follows:
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In Print Module, configure each layer as needed, including the resolution.
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If you select a White-U resolution, for example, you must also enable the corresponding spot ink, as detailed in the next point.
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In Page Setup > Primer/White-X/Varnish tab, click "Enable Separation" for each spot ink that matches your selected resolution. For instance, if you choose "White-U" as the resolution, ensure you enable the "White-U" spot ink. Additionally, you can select the quality of the spot ink in the field provided at the bottom.
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Keep the default settings for print mode and resolution in Page Setup, as these options are not needed when using CalderaRIP's Multilayer Manager. Future driver versions will eliminate these settings to enhance user experience.