Released on 21 March and replacing its immediate predecessor Flexi 19, SAi said Flexi 21 is a 64-bit RIP system suitable for creating applications including vehicle wraps, banners, signs and soft signage.

SAi director of marketing Michelle Johnson said the latest version was "feature rich and is perfect for advanced or novice users alike".

Now supporting multi-layer/white and varnish ink layered printing, Flexi 21 can generate white or varnish ink on the fly or from the white layer in the predefined design. Users can control how the ink is printed in both the Flexi Design and Flexi RIP Production Manager functions.

This ‘sandwich’ mode printing supports the printing of multiple layers, for example a bottom layer of white, colour in the middle and varnish on top. SAi said that with the ability to preview the white channel beforehand, users save RIP and print time and avoid wasted materials.

The Flexi 21 variable data printing tool will enable users printing a set of documents with mostly shared elements to change certain text or images from document to document.

They can design a print template with a sample file, select the element that will change per document and then specify the data to be used. This feature supports variable data images including raster files, transparent pngs and most PDFs, text, QR codes, data matrix, barcodes, and braille.

Other features of Flexi 21 include the ability to design and save jig templates that will precisely match a jig on the printer bed for printing on multiple parts, such as phone cases.

Enhanced printing while ripping, meanwhile, means users no longer have to wait for a print job to finish ripping to start printing, allowing for faster processing time.

Users can also now define their own, custom, cut line spot colours and give them custom names, which SAi said simplifies the cutting process.

Additionally, Adobe Illustrator layer support means multi-layer Illustrator or PDF files can be split into multiple jobs, which can then be processed as spot colours like white and varnish.

Finally, Flexi 21 recognises grey balance and generates linearisation that is compliant with G7 colour standards.

Flexi 21 is available via a subscription model or a traditional sales model. Annual subscriptions are priced at £49.99 per month on a 12-month commitment. The subscription price includes free software upgrades and e-mail and phone support.

Pricing for purchasing the software outright is €3,599 (£3,119). No UK price was available at the time of writing.