Which RIP works best with Agfa Galileo?

[prepress_brillance_43]

Not sure yet, but think we are getting a Galileo platesetter. I'm curious about user opinions for which RIP works best with this platesetter. All opinions welcomed.

[pcmodem]

Agfa will probably say their workflow works best with it. But their workflow might not work for you the way you want it to.

My suggession is to determine what features you want. Then look at the key workflow players, Nexus, Apogee, Rampage, Prinergy, etc. What works for one shop might not work for another.

Keep in mind there are 2 types of workflows that I know of.
1.) ROOM (RIP Once Output Many). This is a Raster based workflow and is very solid.

2.) NORM (normalize-once, render-many). This is a PDF based workflow and is said to be solid. Some will disagree as they say PDF has flaws.

ROOM is more secure than NORM, meaning things won't change because the file is already RIPed.

NORM is more editable than ROOM but not as easy to edit as the native application.

Brian Cupp

[prepress_brillance_43]

Thanks Brian. I will keep this in mind as the upper levels begin to make decisions in the coming weeks.

[pcmodem]

You also have to look at how OPEN the system is. Can you send to any device using brand X RIP?

I have been using Artwork-Systems/Nexus for 6 years and find it very flexable in what I am wanting.

Brian Cupp

[prepress_brillance_43]

I believe my only needs for output are to the platesetter, laser printer to check seps, and the color/match proofer(probably the epson 10600 with best color xxl,still unsure though.)

[pcmodem]

Make sure you put all your needs down on paper. Even if you are not sure. Also put anything down you might think about in the future.

You might also want to consider a Digital Dylux/Contract 2 sided proofing system. This way you can proof your imposition and give your customer an assembled proof of what their job is going to look like. You might beable to do this with your Epson 10600but you should make sure.

Brian Cupp

[prepress_brillance_43]

Yea. I was looking at the Spinjet 1000 & 5000 accessory for the HP DesignJet 1000 & 5500 and was curious about it. The HP is expensive and the SpinJet obviously is seperate. I was also looking at Latran Technologies new Prediction 4600, it is a halftone proofing system that prints actual dots, do you know anything about these? Are they expensive? It can print on a wide variety of actual stock instead of the specialty papers the others need, meaning that cost could come right off the stock on the floor. I will look more into the one you mentioned as well. Thanks.

[pcmodem]

We currently use the SpinJet 1000. We have found using the Dupont Digital Dylux paper has the best results with getting proofs to backup and not have as bad of curl issues with the paper. It is also recommended to have a steady humidity in the room where the SpinJet will be to help reduce curl/backup problems even more.

As another option you could also look at the ImpoProof from Hyphen http://www.hyphen.com.au/ This actually uses 2 printers and is about twice as fast as the SpinJet.

From what I read, the Prediction 4600 does not allow for backing up of proofs. It is basicly a higher end proof than the Epson you have. We currently have the Prediction 2300 and we like the quality. Granted you can use different stocks in the machine, but you would have to calibrate each stock you were going to use. This could be time consuming and depending on the stock the quality might not be as good. We currently run a premium gloss stock to get the greatest color from the Prediction.

Brian Cupp

[prepress_brillance_43]

Thanks again Brian for your words of wisdom. We sat down with Screen and Agfa today, and Heidelberg yesterday. I think the package deal Heidelberg has thrown at us, used prosetter,workflow, RIP, processor, & color proofer(around$50,000), is mighty tempting to my superiors, but we would be locked into buying their plates($10/plate) for 60 months, basically paying on the backend. I was wondering if you knew or could suggest anywhere to find a USED Screen Platerite 4100, I've searched the WEB endlessly. My boss thinks the Screen is a better platesetter (based on our needs, and close relationships with friends running one at another shop here in Dallas) but new is 3x the amount said above for the Heidelberg, shocking pricetag for him and he can't justify it. That is just the platesetter, processor,workflow,and proofer would be add-ons. Let me know if you have any suggestions or thoughts to this. Thanks again Brian.

[mattbeals]

I would look at the workflow itself first. That is, what the workflow brings to you in terms of efficiency and automation and their tech support. Secondly, I would look at the bundled features, like trapping and screening. Third would be interoptability, can it work with the Galileo without problem along with any equipment you may be considering in the next 1 to 3 years (JDF, CIP3, CIP4). Fourth would be the RIP technology itself, is it Harlequin or Adobe based. This may come into play if you need to send out screened 1bit TIFFs or you have a dual plane RIP (CT/LW). Make sure that the workflow you use can pass the Altona Test Suite. It checks to make sure that overprints and such are honored properly.