This article explains how to use the Automation Module within Caldera Direct-to-Film RIP to streamline your DTF workflows. The module provides automated file loading and job processing capabilities, reducing manual intervention and improving efficiency.
Overview
The Automation Module is located within the Caldera Direct-to-Film RIP Settings area. Upon opening the module, you'll find two primary sections: "Auto Load" and "Auto Print":
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Only one of these sections can be active at a time.
Auto Load: Automating File Loading
The "Auto Load" feature automatically populates your RIP software with files from a designated folder. This is particularly useful for automating your file management workflow.
How to Configure Auto Load
- Enable Auto Load: Toggle the "Auto Load" switch to the "On" position.
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Specify folder:
- Manual Entry: Enter the full path to the desired folder in the "Path" field.
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Folder Selection: Click the folder icon to open a file explorer window and select the folder.
Good to know
The input folder you select will function as a hot folder, a designated directory on a computer or server that automatically triggers a specific process whenever new files are added to it.
It's commonly used in workflows like printing, file conversion, or data processing, where files placed in the folder are immediately picked up and processed without manual intervention.
- Automation is running. After selecting the folder for auto-loading files, the automation will be running and a message will indicate this.
Considerations
- The "Auto Load" feature supports the same range of raster and vector file types as the software.
- The input folder path must be accessible to the Caldera Direct-to-Film RIP software. In this sense, be cautious when using extractable drives or network mounts as hotfolder locations. Ensure consistent accessibility.
Auto Print: Automating Job Processing
This feature is available to "Pro" and "Max" subscribers.
The "Auto Print" feature automatically processes files placed in a designated folder, sending them directly to your printer. This eliminates the need for repetitive "Print" button clicks.
How to Configure Auto Print:
- Enable Auto Print: Toggle the "Auto Print" switch to the "On" position.
- Specify Input Folder: (Same as "Auto Load", see above)
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Print Configuration: Select the desired printer, media type, and print preset for automatically processed jobs. You may be interested in reading: How to manage devices? / How to preset your devices?
Warning
Changes to the selected preset require a restart of the automation process to ensure proper application.
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Job Completion Actions: Define what happens after a job is processed:
- Ignore: The job is skipped, and no further action is taken.
- Delete: The job file is deleted from the input folder after processing.
- Move To: The job file is moved to a specified folder after processing. Enter the destination folder path in the provided field.
- Run / Stop Buttons: To activate the automation, click "Run" after selecting the folder and printer. Click "Stop" to deactivate it, especially when adjustments are needed or automation is not required.
- Automation is running. A status message will confirm when the automation is active.
Considerations
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The "Auto Print" feature supports the same range of raster and vector file types as the software and identifies and maps Spot Color Favorites.
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Image Adjustment parameters are not supported, as these are applied during real-time processing in non-automatic printing workflows.
- When printing designs containing spot colors, such as white ink, ensure the selected printer preset is configured appropriately for accurate color reproduction. You may be interested in reading: How to create a white underlay in DTF?
- The printer must be powered on and properly configured within Caldera Direct-to-Film RIP before enabling “Auto Print”.
Troubleshooting
- Job Not Processing: Verify the printer is online and configured correctly. Double-check the hotfolder path for accuracy and accessibility.