Harlequin 12.1 is now available to the developer’s OEM partners, from which it will be available at their discretion.

New features include PDF processing steps, which are developed in line with new ISO 19593-1 regulations that specify standardised fields such as die and fold lines and dimensions to a PDF file.

“PDF processing has been a very manual step, and by introducing this feature we are removing the chance for error,” said Global Graphics chief technology officer Martin Bailey.

Bailey pointed to processing steps as one of three new functionality features introduced into the latest edition of the RIP.

A scalable RIP feature allows press vendors to build higher-speed digital front-ends (DFEs) by granting access to a complete scale of solutions from a single RIP through multiple RIPs on either a single or across multiple servers.

Seamless screening has also been introduced for repeat patterns and designs that are not simple rectangular shapes, mostly intended to benefit applications such as flexographic sleeves or non-publication gravure to avoid gaps in graphic artefacts from the same screened raster when repeated.

Bailey said: “Historically, we have talked a lot about speed in the context of Harlequin and that has been a priority for us. Many inkjet vendors are stepping up from 600dpi to 1,200dpi and people are stepping up to extended colour gamuts.

“Printers are running more jobs in the labels and packaging sector that have very complex patterns, so we have designed a RIP software that is considerably faster to accommodate.”

He said Harlequin, the company’s flagship product, was now seeing jobs run through the system with up to 30 spot colours and a need to run multiple jobs in parallel, which led to the development of the new features.

The new system also boasts a number of existing features from previous versions that will help with label and packaging workflows, such as high-speed variable data printing, overriding printing for white and varnish, brand colour matching and screening options for flexo, offset and digital production.