French RIP software specialist Caldera has announced a RIP solution for direct-to-garment (DTG) and direct-to-film (DTF) printing, representing a strategic move into one of the fastest growing segments of digital inkjet printing. It was revealed at the Impressions Expo, held at Long Beach, CA, USA from 19-21 January 2024.
Caldera says digital printing of textiles is one of the fastest growth areas of printing
The Caldera Direct-to-X product range will initially only be available in a bundle from selected DTG and DTF printer OEMs, as the first of a suite of linked products. It will be followed by Caldera Direct-to-Object and Caldera Direct-to-Fabric, and the new software will form a suite of Direct-to-X RIPs, aimed squarely at the garment decoration market.
Caldera’s VP Marketing & Operations, Sebastien Hanssens, explains: “We’re already bundling with some market leading garment printer manufacturers, while continuing to work with other OEMs to offer an exciting new solution for garment printing machines. Caldera has also created a new offering for the apparel decoration market, aimed at users who want to provide full customization to their clients, from unique pieces to small batch print runs.”
The software’s key features will include color management, a background knock-out feature, intelligent white management, ink management and an easy-to-use GUI.
Caldera Direct-to-X product range is a radical change for the company in another way: It will be the first Caldera RIP product to run natively on Microsoft Windows, as well as Mac OS and Linux.
Hanssens adds: “Alongside being bundled with new DTG and DTF printers, Caldera Direct-to-x RIP will become available to customers on a subscription basis later in the year. It will be suitable for a range of desktop, industrial and hybrid printers – so watch this space for further updates.”
