SAi has introduced Flexi 21, the latest iteration of its sign-making software and wide-format Rip, bringing support for multi-layer, white and clear ink printing plus variable data printing capability.
Now fully 64-bit, the design-to-production software can generate white or clear ‘varnish’ ink layers from artwork files on-the-fly, or from white layers contained in the files, for printing on suitably-equipped supported printers. Both the Flexi Design and Flexi Rip Production Manager functions can access this capability, allowing it to be used with artwork not created with the Flexi software.
A ‘sandwich’ mode allows for printing of multiple layers, allowing for example a base layer of white to be overprinted with CMYK for good colour image reproduction on a coloured substrate, and then a clear coat for further visual effects or protection on top of that. The ability to preview the white channel is said to save on Rip and printing time and avoid material wastage.
New support for variable data printing allows for changing of specified text or image areas in jobs that otherwise consist of repeating common elements, such as labels or stickers. The Flexi 21 software allows the design of variable data templates in which both repeating static and variable elements can be defined and the latter linked to the relevant data source. Variable elements may be a variety of image types, including bitmap images, transparent PNG and most EPS or PDF files, text, QR, data matrix or barcodes and braille.
Other new features include jig templates to match artwork and step-and-repeat printing to product jigs, such as phone cases or small promotional items; printing-while-Ripping for faster throughput; support for layered Adobe Illustrator or PDF files, which can be used in conjunction with the white and clear layer generation; custom ink sets and cut line naming and colouring and G7-compliant grey balance support.
