AcroRIP DTF Software for Home Printers

Source: https://achievement.co.za/acrorip-dtf-software-for-home-printers

• published: 2022-12-19 14:31:04
• modified: 2024-08-23 12:13:41
• excerpt: https://acrorip.co.za/ AM.CO.ZA® AcroRIP® Specialist RIP Software designed for use with popular Epson desktop / office printers - enabling them to be used as Direct-to-film Printers.

What this page is

This is the "AcroRIP DTF Software for Home Printers" post on achievement.co.za, the directory of AM.CO.ZA's websites. It is a short pointer to acrorip.co.za, the co-branded site for AM.CO.ZA® AcroRIP®.

Original text (as published): "AM.CO.ZA® AcroRIP® Specialist RIP Software designed for use with popular Epson desktop / office printers - enabling them to be used as Direct-to-film Printers. The software also allows for white ink to be printed as a channel. Version 11 comes in two flavours Desktop and Wide format printers and sees support for more past printer models."

This Knowledge Base version expands that pointer into a plain AcroRIP guide. Every point below comes from AM.CO.ZA pages already in this KB, which are linked so you can read the full wording.

Important: sales status

AcroRIP is Cold for sales. AM.CO.ZA does not sell or recommend AcroRIP today. The pages stay published so that people who already own it can find install files, version history, printer compatibility and support routes (acrorip.co.za site guide). Do not quote it, recommend it or build a quote around it. The 2022 post above is old marketing wording, and this status overrides it.

AM only distributed AcroRIP. Technical support comes from the developer, not from AM support (AcroRIP: no AM technical support).

In one paragraph

AcroRIP is a Windows RIP (raster image processing program) made by Easy Group LLC in the United States. Its main job is to let ordinary Epson desktop and office printers print a white ink channel, which the original Epson driver cannot do. With converted inks, that lets a home or office Epson print DTF (direct-to-film) transfers, DTG (direct-to-garment) prints on dark shirts, and small UV work. AM.CO.ZA distributed it in Southern Africa under the co-brand AM.CO.ZA® AcroRIP®. It has also been sold as DTGRIP, DTFRIP, Partner RIP, Partner RIP Pro, UVRIP and TransferRIP (acrorip.co.za site guide).

Why Epson printers

The acrorip.co.za homepage says Epson is used because its Micro Piezo printheads push ink out mechanically with voltage instead of heating it. That suits DTG, DTF and sublimation inks. The site calls the EcoTank series the most popular choice (AcroRIP supported printers).

The editions

Version 11 split AcroRIP into two products, which is what the original post means by "Desktop and Wide format".

The three are separate products with separate USB security dongles. An owner cannot switch, exchange or upgrade between them. The dongle is the licence, and the training page says it can move between computers (AcroRIP training notes). Full product records: X-ACRORIP/DESKTOP record and X-ACRORIP/WIDE record. These records are reference for existing owners, not a recommendation.

What the software does

From the official software page and changelog (official DTF and DTG RIP page, updates and changelog):

• prints white ink as its own channel, so a converted Epson can lay down white under colour for DTF film or dark garments;
• prints white and colour in one pass (from V10);
• RIP BOOST™, which the site says makes the Epson L1800 up to 30 to 40% faster (from V10.1, expanded to more printers in V11);
• custom channel settings, so a colour can be moved to a spare white channel when a nozzle is clogged;
• a WAVE setting that reduces banding on Epson-head UV printers;
• roll printing on several printers, ICC colour profiles for some models, and multi-image handling from V11.

Version history

Which printers

acrorip.co.za publishes 22 supported-printer pages, all Epson, covering EcoTank and Expression models (L800, L805, L1800, ET-8500, ET-8550, XP-15000), Stylus Photo A3+ printers, SureColor P400, P600 and P800, and 17 inch Stylus Pro models. The homepage recommends five: the ET-8550, ET-8500, L805, L800 and L1800. The full table, the edition rule for each printer, extra drivers named only in the changelog, and setup notes are on AcroRIP supported printers.

Two setup notes come up often. On the XP-15000, ET-8500 and ET-8550, set the page size on the Layout tab and feed from the Rear Feeder, or the image can print in the wrong place. On dual-black printers, only the Matte Black channel can be used.

Install files and manuals

• The current installer is V11 (build V11.2.230605) in the CNCU AcroRIP latest version folder. All versions are in the CNCU AcroRIP folder.
• Before installing a new version, uninstall the old one and delete the C:\DTGRIP folder.
• English handbook: AcroRIP V10.3 User Manual and Usage Guide (PDF) and the minimum system requirements (PDF). The handbook title is older than the V11 installer.
• AcroRIP is a Windows program, so there is no firmware to flash (AcroRIP software notes, AcroRIP files index).
• V11 runs on Windows 7 to 11, but the training page warns that older Epson setups can have driver trouble on Windows 11.
• An owner who lost their download link must give the order number and where they bought it, so the copy can be checked as genuine.

Support for existing owners

• acrorip.co.za/training has install notes and resources (KB copy).
• The developer's manual request form, the AcroRIP Facebook user group and the AcroRIP Q&A forum.
• Pirated copies are illegal and can carry malware; the site has a piracy report page (KB copy).

Common questions

Do I need AcroRIP for sublimation? No. Sublimation usually uses no white ink, so a normal Epson EcoTank with the original driver, sublimation ink and sublimation paper is enough (site FAQ).

Can AcroRIP drive a large-format printer? No. Large-format printers come with their own RIP.

What is the difference between DTF and DTG? DTF prints onto film, which is then powdered and heat-pressed onto the garment. DTG prints straight onto the garment (explainer video).

I have desktopDTF and bought a wider printer. Can I upgrade? No. The editions are separate products with separate dongles.

What AM offers new DTF buyers instead

Someone starting DTF printing today should be pointed to AM's own DTF printers through sales, not to AcroRIP. These are purpose-built machines with Epson XP600 or I1600 printheads driven by a PrintExp controller. Artwork goes through InkRIP (S-INKRIP, AM's in-house RIP) or SAi FlexiPRINT; barebone and hardware-only sets include no RIP (DTF and UV-DTF printers, InkRIP site guide).

For a home start-up, the closest match to this post's idea is the A3 range with one XP600 head and a 300 mm film roll, for example the A3 DTF printer with XP600 head and InkRIP or the A3 DTF printer and powder shaker complete set. Plain-language guides: Cheap A3 DTF printer, A3 DTF printers for home business and Epson printers for DTF printing.

Read next

• acrorip.co.za site guide
• AcroRIP supported printers
• AcroRIP updates and changelog
• Cornerstone post on the V10.4 Epson drivers
• Updating post on the V11 versions
• Which RIP goes with which AM machine