The 3M Rainbow desktop color proofing system is comprised of 1) an Adobe PostScript CSPI software RIP, 2) a 3M color control system and 3) a thermal dye sublimation color proofing device that produces high resolution 300 dpi continuous-tone color images.
The Rainbow system controller software is installed in an Apple® Power Macintosh®, Macintosh or Windows™-based computer acting as a print server for the Rainbow proofer. The Rainbow proofer can proof images generated from computer-based DTP applications and images generated from other systems if these images can be sent to the print server as PostScript files over an AppleTalk™, Ethernet™, Novell™ NetWare™ or remote network. This capability allows the user to view accurate color pre-proofs prior to outputting films for the final proof or plates. It also allows designers to see superior image quality, not only on color separations, but on line art, graphic designs and color vignettes.
The Rainbow system produces proofs of images up to 11.9" x 17.2", a full two-page spread with bleed. Single page proofs are also available along with transparency material and NEW Adhesive Back Receptor (ABR), coming in Winter '94.
KEY FEATURES:
1. System RIP Speed
3M's newest Rainbow v3.0 software takes full advantage of the improvements of PostScript Level 2 and RISC-based improvements of the Power Macintosh. Proofing speeds are 2 to 4 times as fast as for the previous CPSI for 680X0 Macintosh systems. For example, a test 42MB color image file RIPs on a Power Macintosh 8100 with 92MB RAM in 4 minutes, 22 seconds. The same file on a Quadra 950 with 90MB RAM RIPs in 12 minutes, 27 seconds. Both systems output the test proof in 3 minutes, 50 seconds after the RIP phase.
2. Professional color control system
The 3M Rainbow system has user-selectable proprietary color look-up tables that allow the dye sublimation output to simulate the color of the 3M Matchprint™ proofing system and other color targets. This allows the user to achieve very accurate color early in the design process, through to the final printed page. The system also incorporates a sophisticated color calibration method for maintaining consistent color output from ribbon roll to roll.
3. High productivity as a Network proofing device
The Rainbow controller software has a Job Queue which allows for up to 3 jobs to spool to the proofer simultaneously, freeing users on the network to proceed with other jobs at their workstations. Sending proofing jobs to the Rainbow proofer is as simple as printing to a LaserWriter. Once a job is proofed, the software stores all the relevant production data in the job log, including records of any PostScript errors, color target selection and time to proof the job.
4. Traps and Overprints
In addition, when outputting "Separation" file formats, all trap and overprint information is retained, allowing the proofer to use the same file format that will be sent to the imagesetter for film output. You see all trap and overprints in a Rainbow proof, finding any problems and saving time before you get to final film or plates. This is a significant time-saving function for Service Bureaus in detecting trapping errors early on.
Additional features include:
- "Rainbow FineLines Text and Line Enhancement" which offers significant
improvement in the quality of fine lines and text.
- Photoshop™ Plug-in module.
- DCS file compatibility.
- Direct proofing of CMYK Photoshop, CMYK TIFF and Scitex CT files, bypassing the
PostScript RIP.
- Wide selection of color targets, including Commercial, Matchprint III Commercial,
Publication, SWOP™ on Pub, Newsprint, Designer, Japan Color, Euro color and
others.
FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
Contact your local 3M Area Sales Center, 3M authorized Graphic Arts
Distributor, 3M Systems Support Center (800-328-1303),
3M product information (800-844-8816) or write to:
