Compare a DTF RIP by its supported printer driver, white workflow, layout controls and input requirements. Start with the exact machine and queue, then test an approved job. The products below provide a shortlist for gathering vendor requirements; use the current supplier specification and a physical sample to make the purchasing decision.
Request a quote for the tested configuration
A useful RIP quote identifies the product edition, printer driver, licence terms, support and updates. Ask the supplier to demonstrate the same configuration on your artwork, then retain the resulting file, queue settings and observed sample result with the quote.
| Candidate | Primary source to consult | Information to obtain |
|---|---|---|
| AcroRIP | Official features and printer support | Edition, version, printer driver and white workflow |
| Digital Factory | Vendor queue documentation | Driver, print mode, layout and white controls |
| Kothari Print Pro | Product supplier for the exact machine | Current edition, supported device and required input |
| SAi Flexi | SAi product information | Product configuration, supported device and receiving file |
| RasterLink7 | Mimaki product information | Supported printer and special-colour workflow |
| Caldera | Caldera product information | Current product, driver, operating system and file requirements |
Sources reviewed 2 October 2026 where accessible. Use a current written specification from the supplier for the configuration being purchased.
Ask the questions that distinguish the receiving workflow
AcroRIP
The vendor publishes edition and printer-support information. Confirm the installed version and driver, then use a sample containing colour, white artwork, transparent holes and fine detail. The AcroRIP planning guide gives a file and queue checklist.
Digital Factory
The vendor documents queue controls for white and layout. Determine whether the selected workflow generates white in the queue or uses supplied artwork white, and locate the controls for that route. The Digital Factory planning guide links the relevant documentation.
Kothari Print Pro
Obtain the product and driver specification for the actual printer from its supplier. Ask for the expected input structure, colour path and white handling in writing. Use that specification to construct a small representative test before comparing the quote.
SAi Flexi
Use SAi’s current product information to identify the configuration required for the machine. Ask the supplier to demonstrate the layout, white and receiving-file steps the operator will use. Record the product edition and device setup with the sample.
Mimaki RasterLink7
Begin with Mimaki’s current supported-printer and workflow documentation. Establish the expected input and the selected special-colour process, then inspect the actual job in that receiving setup. Keep the approved file and queue settings with the production record.
Caldera
Identify the current product and supported driver with the supplier. Confirm the operating environment, required input and queue setup for the intended printer. Demonstrate the complete handoff on an approved source, then review the output and support terms together.
Compare layout using the same approved order
Test the layout controls in the installed RIP alongside any separate prepress workflow under consideration. Keep source artwork, physical sizes, quantities, roll width, gap, margin and rotation rules fixed. Compare sheet length, cutting space and the operator steps needed to approve the batch.
The published NestSheet benchmark shows a reproducible layout-comparison method using a dated modelled dataset. Use the workflow-category guide to identify which application owns each handoff, then evaluate the stage your shop wants to improve.
Establish white responsibility before preparing the file
Ask whether the receiving workflow generates white from transparency or reads a supplied white separation. Record the expected file format, channels, names, polarity, physical dimensions and transfer orientation. Use known colour, white and transparent regions to inspect that interpretation in the actual queue.
NestSheet’s Production DTF preset hands off a mirrored 300 dpi TIFF with CMYK and one W1 white channel for MainTOP; for a RIP that builds white, NestSheet also exports a transparent PNG. Use the export specification when discussing that file with a supplier. The white-preview guide explains the receiving inspection.
NestSheet prepares the file before the queue
NestSheet accepts transparent PNG artwork and prepares gang sheets with Auto-nest or Manual placement. Set print sizes, copies, roll width, gap and margin, then choose a sheet-wide choke of 0, 1 or 2 px. The Production DTF preset writes a mirrored 300 dpi TIFF with CMYK and one W1 white channel for MainTOP.
For the current MainTOP workflow, follow the handoff guide. For another proposed setup, obtain the receiving supplier’s requirements and approve a controlled sample using the exact file and queue. Keep the result with the printer, material and order record.
