Configuring PrintStation

Configuring PrintStation

PrintFactory PrintStation is an interface to manage jobs ready for output on the printer.
Furthermore, sending multiple jobs via PrintFactory PrintStation to the printers can unburden the RIP.
Instead of driving the printer directly from the RIP, you can choose to RIP a file once to the PrintStation folder.  In PrintStation you can then define number of copies, nesting, positioning etc and send the nested files to the printer.


How to create a PrintStation:

  1.  Launch PrintFactory PrintStation from the PrintFactory Program directory, or from the Desktop:
         On Windows: c://Program Files/PrintFactory/PrintStation.exe
         on Mac: Applications/ PrintFactory/PrintStation.app


2.  In Printer Setup:
          a. Select the printer from the list
          b. Fill in the printer name
          c. Set up the connection to the printer: either by USB port, Ethernet IP address


3. Input Tab:
           a. Queue folder: browse to the folder chosen in Prerequisite above.
           b. Check Fast job intake if you want to start printing when the job is being
                buffered. (Note: if the printer seems to pause because it does not receive data fast
                enough, uncheck this option.)


   4.  Clean up tab: This holds the option to delete the printed files after a set time or after
         printing.


5. Click OK and the PrintStation is created. A shortcut is made on your Desktop using the printer name. You can then create a 2nd, 3rd, 4th PrintStation if required by opening the original PrintStation shortcut again. (Step1)

How to configure a printer in your RIP to use PrintStation:

If you wish to use PrintStation in your workflow, you should create the PrintStation before you add the device to the RIP. Once the PrintStation is created you can then go ahead and add the device to your RIP. If the PrintStation has been successfully created, the RIP output device options will look like this:

Notice the (PrintStation) next to the device name, this means the RIP has recognized that you are outputting to a PrintStation. If you do not see (PrintStation) in the device name, then you need to go back and finish the PrintStation creation.

Make sure the created PrintStation instance is open for the RIP to see the driver.


Notes:

  • The caches of your printer are now retrieved and loaded via the PrintStation.
  • The status of your jobs can now be reported back from the PrintStation for automation purposes.
  • PrintStation now recognizes step and repeat jobs, thus allowing the operator to change the length of the printed part without having to go back to the RIP or other modules.

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