What does it do?
SAI PhotoPrint Cloud is the latest version of a widely used RIP workflow for large-format printers and cutters that has been around for about 15 years. US based SAI claims that this is the bestselling RIP for printers of 1.5m-3m in width, with about 100,000 active users worldwide. A related product, Flexi Cloud, is primarily intended for routers and vinyl sign cutters.
When was it launched and what market is it aimed at?
The new PhotoPrint Cloud was released in March as the replacement for PhotoPrint 10. It is intended for the wide-format digital print market, including commercial service providers and in-house printers in corporations, schools and government. It offers the usual wide-format support features such as layout, media saving, tiling, nesting, previewing, colour management and a wide range of printer drivers as well as separate or integral cutters.
What’s new?
As before, it runs on Windows and now supports Windows 8 as well as 7 and Vista. A new Cloud window accesses online features hosted by SAI, including fast job quoting (aiming for a 30-second quote for staff to give over the phone) and reporting, plus 1GB of free storage for archiving jobs. It also accesses dedicated information such as media profiles, software updates, support information and social media channels with training materials.
"What’s so nice about the Cloud window is that we will be able to give the customers new web-based tools without them buying an upgrade," says SAI’s product manager Dean Derhak. "The whole concept behind that is free tools that bring new business to a shop or make something that they’re currently doing easier. For instance we’ve got a job approval tool we’ll be releasing in the future."
Also new is the SAI Cloud mobile app for Android or Apple iOS mobile devices. "They allow people to see what is being printed when they are not in the shop," Derhak says. "This was one of the big requests from print shop owners."
How does it work?
Most document and image file formats are accepted, with detection of specially named vector layers for cutting. Tools are provided for applications such as signs, vinyl banners, graphic posters, POS displays, table tops, vehicle wraps, stickers and floor graphics. The system requires a PC running Windows 8, 7 or Vista.
What’s its USP?
SAI claims it’s "easy to learn, it has the fastest print-and-cut production workflow and the most features for the money".
How easy is it to use?
For beginners, there’s a simple ‘Print-Wizard’ feature. Tools have visual elements to help simplify nesting and tiling setups. A profiling wizard helps with setting media ink limits, output calibration and ICC profiling.
What training and support is offered?
SAI’s main UK dealer, Graphtec GB in Wrexham, provides onsite installation, onsite and online training; and onsite, online, email and phone support.
How much does it cost?
Prices range from £690 for an entry-level system with support for a single printer, up to £3,580 for a version with support for multiple printers and cutters.
SPECIFICATIONS
Platform Windows 8, 7, Vista
Price From £690 up to £3,580
Contact SAI +32 2 725 52 95 www.thinksai.com or Graphtec GB 01978 666700 www.graphtecgb.co.uk
ALTERNATIVES
Caldera RIP 9.10
The latest version of the French wide-format all-rounder gains the latest Adobe APPE 2.6 print engine, plus multipage PDF printing and removes size limitations on raster files. Products start with CopyRIP for low volumes and single machines, then VisualRIP and VisualRIP+ workflows for multiple print-and -cut workflows and GrandRIP for superwide output. Extra functions can be added via options and separate modules.
Platform Windows
Price from about £750 to about £3,000
Contact Caldera +33 88 210000 www.caldera.com
ColorGate PhotoGate
ColorGate offers a suite of RIP software, with PhotoGate being an all-rounder. The latest version, 7.2, gains the optional TVI Calibration Module for tonal value corrections. There’s also a full workflow called Productionserver plus modules for web-to-print, variable data colour management, pre-flighting, etc.
Platform Windows
Price from £890
Contact ColorGate +49 511 94293 0 www.colorgate.com
EFI Fiery XF Production v.5
A scalable software RIP and colour management workflow for wide- to superwide-format production printers. It drives EFI’s own wide-format printers, but drivers are also available for many third-party printers and cutters too, around 450 in total. Extra functions can be added via optional modules.
Platform Windows
Price around £1,950
Contact EFI 01246 298000 www.efi.com
Esko i-Cut Suite
An integrated large-format workflow coming out of Esko’s experience with pre-press workflows as well as its Kongsberg cutting table manufacturing subsidiary. It includes all layout, pre-flight, RIP and cutting table functions. A fully featured version with advanced user modules will cost about £5,800.
Platform Windows/Windows client or Mac
Price from around £1,250
Contact Esko 0121 667 4200 www.esko.com
Onyx RIP 10.2
A long-established RIP family available in three versions: entry-level RIPcenter is for lowish volume, single-user work; PosterShop, for about £2,150, is a general purpose workhorse with an Adobe RIP, for up to two printers; and ProductionHouse is for multiple printers and includes flatbed layout tools.
Platform Windows 7, Vista, XP
Price from around £860
Contact Onyx +32 16 400711 www.onyxgfx.com or Art Systems 0870 2243612 www.artsystems.co.uk
USER VERDICT
"This is a very feature-rich, easy-to-use software solution, that not only speeds up our workflow, but enables production of accurate quotations as opposed to rough estimations" 4/5
Simon Hulme Owner, S&S Signs and Graphics
