Cambridge, UK, 4 November, 2020:  Global Graphics^® Software has licensed the Harlequin RIP to Mimaki Engineering, a leading manufacturer of wide-format inkjet printers, cutting plotters, and 3D modeling machines, to create the new RIP software RasterLink7 that will be available with Mimaki printers worldwide from December 2020.

Mimaki printers are used by sign and graphics, textile and apparel, and industrial printing professionals around the globe. RasterLink7 improves performance and enhances quality as well as introducing new features such as variable data printing for applications such as sports apparel, card printing, name tags stickers and labels. Shipments are expected to be in the region of 10,000 Units a year.

RasterLink7 was announced by Mimaki on 4 November at the launch of their new JV100-160 and UJV100-160 presses for sign and graphics.

“Our objective in choosing Harlequin as the core of our genuine Mimaki RIP is to improve the performance of our products,” says Satoshi Kaneko, General Manager of software design department, MIMAKI ENGINEERING CO., LTD.. “Customers will see that the RIP processing time for PDF files is considerably shortened.  There are significant quality improvements too; PDF transparency processes correctly and we have found that the expression of thin lines is improved.”

Global Graphics’ local office in Tokyo provided responsive technical support to Mimaki. They worked closely with Mimaki engineers in a number of areas to introduce unique functionality for Mimaki customers. These included multi-layer printing, the replacement of colors in graduated tints, exporting contours for cutters, and the addition of texts and graphics to submitted jobs for variable data printing. The variable data feature was implemented using the dynamic overlays in Harlequin which are specifically designed for those printing applications that require a simple form of VDP support. It combines a single background page with overlay graphics, such as text and images, that are selected using data from a file supplied in CSV format.

Harlequin is a Raster Image Processor, or RIP. A RIP is a tool for converting a page description language such as PostScript^® or PDF into a format that a printing device such as an inkjet printhead, toner marking engine or laser platesetter can understand. The format that it outputs may be a raster file format such as TIFF™, or it may be a stream of raster data that is delivered more or less directly to the printing device. The exact format delivered may be tuned for each integration.

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About Global Graphics Software

Global Graphics Software www.globalgraphics.com develops innovative core technology for digital print, including the Harlequin RIP®, ScreenPro™, the Direct™ product range, and Mako™. Customers include HP, Canon, Durst, Roland,  Kodak and Agfa. The roots of the company go back to 1986 and to the iconic university town of Cambridge, and, today the majority of the R&D team is still based near here. The US office is in Sarasota, Florida. Global Graphics Software is a subsidiary of Global Graphics PLC (Euronext: GLOG).

About MIMAKI ENGINEERING

Mimaki is a global industry leader of wide-format inkjet printers, cutting plotters, 3D modeling machines, software, hardware and associated consumable items, such as inks and cutting blades. The company engineers and manufactures a complete range of products that attain the total workflow solution for sign/graphics, textile/apparel and industrial printing professionals. Mimaki excels in offering superior quality and reliable products, based upon its aqueous solvent and UV curable inkjet technology. As an innovator and strategic partner, Mimaki is committed to always providing “something new, something different” in the marketplace. Visit website at https://mimaki.com/

Harlequin, the Harlequin RIP and Harlequin Host Renderer are trademarks of Global Graphics Software Limited which may be registered in certain jurisdictions. Global Graphics is a trademark of Global Graphics PLC which may be registered in certain jurisdictions. All other brand and product names are the registered trademarks or trademarks of their respective owners.

Contacts

Jill Taylor, Global Graphics
Tel: + 44 (0) 1223 926489 | Mobile: +44 (0)7714 410598 | Jill.taylor@globalgraphics.com

Paula Halpin, Global Graphics
Tel: +44 (0)1223 926017 | paula.halpin@globalgraphics.com