Acurrip
Acurrip
Acurrip
www.softwareforscreenprinters.com
Manual
Welcome to AccuRIP. Whether coming from another RIP or using a RIP for the first time, you will appreciate
the ease of use and quality you get from AccuRIP.
We know you’re frustrated with other RIP solutions that require too much attention and fail to deliver the
results in a timely manner. Switch to AccuRIP today! AccuRIP is simple to install and configure and even
easier to use.
For over 25 years Freehand Graphics has been screen printing, color separating, software developing and
educating screen printers. When our users asked us to put our experience into a screen print specific RIP
we took on the challenge and AccuRIP is the result. Built as a “core” system driver once installed AccuRIP
is a PRINTER choice listed in the Print Window of all of your applications. AccuRIP is not like other RIP
programs. It was designed and programmed to handle one specific and important task and to do it extremely
well. Have a question or need some help - support is ALWAYS FREE!
AccuRIP works in the background ready to deliver films made with your shop’s
parameters. Just Hit PRINT and AccuRIP is called into action. It’s so easy - you just
might forget about the technology behind your films!
AccuRIP Software Manual Page 3
Table of Contents
Freehand Graphics wants you to be as confident with your purchase of AccuRIP as you have been with all other
Freehand Graphics software. That’s why AccuRIP has a 14-day, fully-functional trial. Begin making money
with AccuRIP from day one of your trial!
STEP 1
Download the AccuRIP Trial available at www.softwareforscreenprinters.com
STEP 2
Run the installer for AccuRIP, submit your registration information and receive back an unlocking code via
e-mail to begin working. This manual explains the simple set-up process (see page 5).
IMPORTANT Note: You will receive 2 e-mails, the first is a $0 shopping cart receipt -disregard it. The
second e-mail includes the required “UNLOCK” code. COPY and PASTE this code into the “unlock code” field
on your screen.
There are several easy options for purchasing AccuRIP Software at any time during your trial period or after
the trial has expired.
Run the Installer. The AccuRIP Set-Up Wizard will appear (see picture below).
First Time Users will enjoy AccuRIP’s Set-Up Wizard designed to make the already simple,
one-time set-up process even easier and faster!
Once completed all the user needs to do is start using AccuRIP by simply selecting the "AccuRIP to Epson"
print driver (built for your Epson model) from your favorite applications print window.
Fine tune your results using the easy setup feature within AccuRIP (File Menu>Setup).
AccuRIP Software Manual Page 6
The Set-Up Wizard completed the connection process and a TEST PAGE was made. Review your TEST
PAGE (film output). You can easily fine tune the results by choosing “Set-Up” from within AccuRIP. For
example, you can adjust the ink droplet weight to lighten or darken your results or adjust the resolution for
the best results.
AccuRIP offers a simple 3 tab set-up with just a few questions. The 3 Tabs are shown and described on
the following pages.
AccuRIP Software Manual Page 7 Section: What printer do you have?
(a) PRINTER
Locate then select your printer model from the convenient pop-down list of AccuRIP supported printers.
(b) MEDIA
Select Roll or Sheet Size and set the proper size. AccuRIP automatically sets the page size based on your
document size in the application you are working in. Even though AccuRIP has this auto feature it is
important to set the proper media size so you can take advantage of AccuRIP’s N-UP feature (ganging
up/nesting). N-UP printing is discussed further in the Special Features section of this manual Page 13
PLUS a PDF is available which can be located in your Applications/Program Files Folder/Main Application
Folder in the AccuRIP folder.
Mac Hard Drive>Main Application Folder>AccuRIP>App Notes
Windows: C:/Program Files>Fawkes Engineering>AccuRIP
which now have our formulated black dye. When using the All Black option make sure all cartridges are
selected otherwise their will be an uneven draining of cartridges. Leaving cartridges unused (idle) may
result in clogged inkjet heads and uneven draining - two of the main reasons All Black was developed in
the first place!
PLUS: Users of other ink systems such as bottled bulk inks as well as odd cartridge configurations can use
this feature to control which ink cartridges are used during printing (i.e. R1800 printers using the matte
black cartridge for inks such as Fast Ink).
- DROPLET WEIGHT
Next select droplet weight (light, medium or heavy). The default is set to medium which is a good starting
point to determine what your needs are based on your brand of film. Droplet weight controls the flow of
ink from the print head and has the greatest effect on a films darkness. Depending on your ink and film
combination you may have to increase or decrease this setting. For very thick films that require a lot of ink
may need to use the heavy setting.
Bidirectional works best with new printers and the ability of an inkjet to manage bidirectional diminishes
over time due to normal wear of the printer. If your printer starts to stage (move) film prematurely you may
AccuRIP Software Manual Page 9 What printer do you have?
experience blurred printing. If this happens simply turn off the bidirectional feature and have your printer
serviced. Default setting is off.
Most screen printers don't have the need for exact dimensions, but (for example) those that need to
match films to "die cut" templates or have other specific dimension needs desire this control that AccuRIP
can deliver.
1. Located in the AccuRIP program folder is a pdf file called "Adjust Print Test.pdf".
2. "Drag and Drop" this pdf file into the Queue window of AccuRIP and it will print. The test print
requires 17"(43.18cm) of film. Measure the result.
3. Open the SETUP feature in AccuRIP and locate at the bottom of the first tab (What printer do you
have?) the "Adjust Print Length" feature.
4. Positive numbers increase length while negative numbers decrease length.
5. Starting with number 19 reprint the test page until you have the desired result. Changes in
increments of 10 make visual movements.
*It's advised to check your settings each time you change film rolls or brands as variations during
manufacturing may effect your printers film feeding rate.
AccuRIP Software Manual Page 10 How is your printer connected?
Tab 2: Windows AccuRIP Setup (Local Connections) (left). Windows AccuRIP Setup (Network Connections) (right).
• convenient tab system • easy to understand headings • POP-UP Advisory Windows
Connection Type: Select either Local or TCP (Network) (example: Epson 1400, 1800 and 1900 select Local).
Local is for locally connected printers such as USB, LPT1 or Firewire. TCP (Ethernet) connected printers.
Note: Firewire is only supported on Windows computers.
Local connections: Windows computers will automatically pick up any printer connected via USB, LPT1
(Parallel) or Firewire. If you do not see a proper connection click “show all ports” (Windows only) and
locate the proper printing port for your computer.
Network connections: (TCP/Ethernet) a “dummy” address of 127.0.0.1 will appear in the address field. Do
not attempt to connect using this false “dummy” address.
Address: Enter a proper IP Address for your printer or network print server. If you don’t know what it is
contact your network administrator for help, access the network setup from the front control panel of your
Epson printer or use the “EpsonNet Config” software utility that can be downloaded from the Epson web site.
Test: Click this button to test that you have a good (passed) connection to your printer.
*EcoPro printers using the internal Ethernet card that has been converted from AT (Apple Talk) to Ethernet use Port 35. Don’t know how to do this?
Contact technical support: [email protected]
AccuRIP Software Manual Page 11 How would you like this screened?
Screen: There are many shapes to choose from when making a halftone screen. The default for AccuRIP is
ROUND. There is also DIAMOND, LINE, and ELLIPSE. Choose the shape you desire. Round and Ellipse are
the most commonly used shapes but ALL will work well.
Lock Screens: This simple feature is your greatest asset. Not only does it prevent user error when printing
films by universally overriding the setting in your various graphics applications to ensure proper film
output, it also eliminates the need to address those settings in the graphics applications every time you
need to print your file or separations – saving you a tremendous amount of effort and time.
When you select your angle in AccuRIP (i.e. 22.5 degrees) your halftones will all be printed at the same
chosen angle - proven to be the cleanest printing method hands down. Lock screens assures that AccuRIP
controls the info provided to the printer and not your application(s). See page 12 for additional information
on the power and benefits of single angle printing (Flemenco).
Angle: This sets the angle for the spot on your halftone screen. The default is 22.5 degrees and also
known to be the best screen angle for screen making as it has a very low moiré rating when exposed to
mesh screen properly stretched at a 90 degree angle and looks best when viewed after printing. There are
AccuRIP Software Manual Page 12 How would you like this screened
Frequency: Set your line screen value here. The default is 45 lpi which is a comfortable line screen for
most textile screen printers. Set this number to your desired line screen. In order to choose a proper mesh
count for a line screen you can quadruple the lpi to establish the minimum mesh count to successfully
capture this line screen. Going a little bit higher is good too. Example, 45 line screen time 4 equals 180.
Therefore you should use a 196 mesh or higher – 230 is recommended.
Dot Gain Control: This advanced feature is to be used by those with a Transmissive Densitometer that
require exact control over dot size as it relates to dot gain.
For printers needing to control dot gain created by their printing press AccuRIP offers the Advanced Dot
Gain control feature. Made as easy as possible simply click the "Print Target" button. Be sure to print on
the film you use to make screens. Read the film or a print of the test film and apply those numbers to the
proper fields to adjust the RIP for the inkjet printer.
Advanced information: Please know that calibrations to film adjust the inkjet printer and not the printing
press. For the most accurate calibrations it makes sense to calibrate the printing press so printing the
Test Print on press and measuring that result tells you how much dot gain is created by the "printing
press" allowing you to make the most accurate adjustments. Harder to do since there are changing
variable on all presses. Most people just calibrate the inkjet printer and do their best on press to control
inks and pressure.
Single Angle Printing (Flemenco Printing): is historically the best method for printing halftones.
Discovered in the late 1800s and patented by the Italian newspaper Flemenco users moved away from
single-angle printing ONLY because of registration problems of the cmyk printing presses during that time
period. Today the offset presses and screen print presses are far superior and have highly accurate
registration processes. Screen printers will find a remarkable improvement in their halftone printing by
moving to single-angle printing (you’re welcome!)
Not convinced? During discussions many will say “it can’t be done” and when asked why they simply
have no good answer other than someone they think was knowledgeable told them that. Ask to see their
prints and find out just how hard they had to work at them. The conversation always turns to the "secret
angles" they have discovered and usually its that they simply line up the black and yellow screen which
improves clarity and reduces dot gain. I always say "great idea" but why stop there? You have improved
your print by only 50%. If you can line up two out of four colors and the world did not stop spinning then
why can't you line up all four? Usually followed by silence and a lot of brow ruffling. Now it sinks in and
they smile.
AccuRIP Software Manual Page 13 Exclusive / Special Features of AccuRIP
AccuRIP On Call
AccuRIP is a “Core Service” which means it is always on call, ready and waiting. Think of it as “sleeping
until ready”. Once you complete your set-up you do not need to open/launch AccuRIP to take advantage
of its service whenever you wish to print.
Simply choose the AccuRIP Driver that will be available in all Print Menus. Go ahead and print as usual.
N-UP Printing
N-UP Printing
HOW TO:
N-UP Printing is an “automatic” feature activated when the page size (media size) of your graphic in
any application is smaller than half the size of film selected in AccuRIP. To make the most of this feature
simply make your page size (media size) large enough to accommodate your image, registration marks
and plate labeling. When AccuRIP sees that your page size is half the size of your film size it will
automatically fit and organize as many images on a single film as possible. AccuRIP applies division
mathematics. For more information specific to your graphics program refer to the supplied PDF
documents in the AccuRIP program folder.
The AccuRIP Menus are easy to navigate and for the most part the user will not need to use the features
in the Menu.
applications. Quitting AccuRIP does not affect your ability to use AccuRIP anytime. Not needed to launch
AccuRIP to use AccuRIP is a great benefit of the program.
Test Print
As part of the AccuRIP setup we recommend you do a Test Print to verify that your selected settings are
producing the results on film that you desire. Test Print will deliver a single piece of film with copy and
graphics created specifically for your testing of AccuRIP and not one of your personal files.
Setup
Brings up the 3 Tab Setup Windows that we have discussed in length earlier in the manual. You can revisit
the Setup any time you wish to change your AccuRIP settings such as when you switch to a different
support inkjet model or to change your shops desired lpi (line screen).
These are your controls for job queue or you can use the friendly icons in the Main AccuRIP Window! Roll
your mouse over the icons for a pop up description.
Green Square:
STOPS your job from printing.
The Jobs Menu also includes the option to Cancel All Jobs.
*AccuRIP can go into the “Paused” Mode any time a file is not fully printed. Causes can be from
the printer not being turned on to a broken Network connection to the printer.
Here is where you can control what Menus you see in the AccuRIP Window. All Menus are “tear away” so
you can configure your on screen appearance to suit your needs. Job History and Details provides basic
job information about the files sent and processed with AccuRIP. Tool Bar can be viewed or hidden by
checking or unchecking it under the View Menu.
WINDOWS USERS:
Under the View Menu you will also find:
Help • About
Note: About for Mac users is located under the AccuRIP Window.
This Menu is ONLY displayed in the trial versions. Once the software is purchased the Menu changes to
ACTIVATION.
Purchase Menu:
You can Purchase AccuRIP directly online. This provides for instant unlocking (just a few minutes). Your
purchases are “secured” through E-Sellerate.
AccuRIP Software Manual Page 17 AccuRIP Menus Explained
Activation Menu:
Visible in versions that have had a serial number entered.
Transfer Activation: (requires Internet connection) If you need to "move" AccuRIP to another computer
you must first "de-activate" the serial number before re-installing. It is advised to wait 20 minutes after
de-activation before re-installing. This gives our security servers time to communicate and reopen access
to your serial number.
Don’t "remove or delete" the software from the original computer AccuRIP was installed. Removing or
deleting is not the same as de-activating. You MUST "de-activate" before moving and re-installing.
AccuRIP is a "single install" license that allows you to "share" the driver with your entire network not
"install" and activate it on multiple computers. * Too many failed attempts at multiple installations will
result in a security lock out and the need for you to contact tech support at [email protected].
AccuRIP Software Manual Page 18 Terms and Features Explained
1
3
2
The Job Queue, Job History and Job Details window are displayed together or may be torn apart to float
on their own.
2. Job Queue:
Displays the present file printing and all the separations related to that file as well as all jobs waiting to be
printed.
3. Job History:
Click on any job previously printed to display Job Details. Mac and PC users can right click to reprocess
jobs. Jobs with green check marks indicate the job has fully processed - printed. Jobs with an “X” failed
to process and may need investigation or possible reprinting from the application.
4. Job Details:
Provides general information about the job (i.e. file name, Rip Time, etc.)
AccuRIP Software Manual Page 19 Terms and Features Explained
Moving Windows:
The Job Queue, Job History and Job Details windows may be pulled apart (tear away / float). Click on the
window name and drag, then release the mouse over the desktop. To resize the window, click and drag
the lower right corner of the window.
To return the window to the Main Job Queue window click once on the Window Return icon
located at the upper right corner of the window or click and drag the window name, releasing the mouse
over the Job Queue window.
Close the window by clicking on the “X” located at the upper right corner of the window.
Open a closed window by going to the “View Menu” and selecting the window.
Have a PDF, Postscript file or EPS file and don’t have an application for these files?
Simply drag and drop the file into the Job Queue.
AccuRIP Software Manual Page 20 Quick Reference
- Trial users: The unlock code will arrive in the 2nd e-mail received after registering online. Be sure that
you don’t attempt to use the serial number received in the 1st email which is your $0 receipt.
• My serial code is not unlocking the trial into a full purchased version. I am receiving an error.
- Purchasers: Make sure that you copy or paste the ENTIRE purchase code including the ACCU... into the
Enter Serial Number field (see below).
If you type it in be sure that it is in ALL CAPS and you include
the dashes - NO SPACES.
Older Epson models (1280 and 1520) that support parallel connections can quickly and easily be
converted to Ethernet and shared across a network at high speed. All that is needed is an inexpensive
parallel to Ethernet Print Server available at computer stores and online.
Example - search www.CompUSA.com
EcoPro Users Only: Contact Freehand Graphics to quickly learn how to convert the internal card from AppleTalk (AT) to TCP
(Ethernet) at NO COST.
AccuRIP Software Manual Page 21 CONTACT INFORMATION
Thank you for reading the manual and using AccuRIP Software. We appreciate your business.
Contact Information
631-744-4330 PH
631-209-0265 FX
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
www.softwareforscreenprinters.com
AccuRIP ™
www.softwareforscreenprinters.com