4print

CODE DP0.1.xx

General features

4Print is a product consisting of:

a software that, starting from the data generated by a RIP (Raster Image Processor) in TPF format (Tpa Print Format), in turn generates the print pass data, consistent with the number and arrangement of the heads on the printing plate. The software is completed with a modern and intuitive User Interface of the printing system;
a hardware part that receives the data for the heads generated by the software through a standard 1 Gb network cable and synchronizes them with the head carriage position encoder signal, generating up to 4 waveforms for each head.

Each 4Print can connect up to 4 inkjet print heads; this product is compatible with RICOH Gen5 and Gen6 and Epson Precision Core I3200 print heads. In case of machines with more than 4 heads, more 4Prints can be used on the same machine, communicating data from a single PC.

Functions

4Print allows for an accurate management of the communication of data and waveforms to the printheads, controlling the entire printing process of the machine with a single hardware product.
4Print software allows for an advanced management of the waveforms and print data, with a high level of correction of any printing flaws.

The product is optimized to manage any type of printer (plotter, roll-to-roll, single pass…).

Diagram of the 4Print system for RICOH Gen5/Gen6 and Epson I3200 heads: one power input, a 1 Gb LAN cable on the opposite side, linking the system to the PC, another input links the system to the encoder, and 4 outputs link the system directly to the four RICOH Gen5/Gen6 or Epson I3200 heads.

Software features

The 4Print software consists of two parts: the User Interface and the data generator. The UI allows you to use the machine, it consists of an execution list where you can choose several print parameters, such as resolution, number of passes, offsets to be applied to the print, or apply minor changes to the drawing, if still in a graphic format (JPG, PNG). In addition to the “list” mode, it is also possible to monitor a “print folder” of the operating system. A page dedicated to the print system and head maintenance is also available, and a page dedicated to colours, with tank and subtank levels, settings for cleaning, flushing, wiping…

Once the position of the printheads and colours in the head plate has been set and starting from a TPF-format file saved by RIP, the data generator is the software that generates the print passes, and thus the data, that 4Print will communicate to the individual printheads.

4Print UI screenshot. This one shows in a clear layout the levels of the ink tanks and any parameter relative to tanks and subtanks.

No. of heads

Compatible RICOH heads

MH5320, MH5340, MH5421, MH5441, MH5420, MH5440, MH5421F, MH5421MF

Compatible Epson heads

I3200(4)-U1, I3200(4)-E1, I3200(4)-A1, I3200(8)-A1HD, I3200(8)-S1HD

Data input

1 Gb LAN (RJ45)

Encoder inputs

5 V TTL encoder signal with A-A#-B-B# phase (15-pole socket connector)

Outputs

Encoder signal repetition, trigger signal for next 4Print, connectors for four heads

RICOH power supply

12 V, 24 V, and 37 V (6 poles)

Epson power supply

12 V, 42 V (6 poles)

Operating temperature

5 - 45 °C

Operating humidity

10 - 95% relative humidity, non-condensing

Fixing holes

Size

233x340 mm

Weight

2.5 Kg