The latest edition of the software manufacturer Caldera's RIP product features an ink-saving module, thanks to a collaboration with colour management and standardisation company Alwan Color Expertise.

The new module, called InkPerformer, allows printing companies to monitor and optimise the ink consumption of their machines, by enabling the control of ink economy level and that of the BlackStart level – the point at which black begins to replace other colours.

InkPerfomer allows printer operators to see the percentage of ink saved in ink-saving modes

InkPerformer calculates a new combination of colours for ink lay-down to maintain a faithful image within a threshold decided by the user. The printer operator can also use the module to RIP, print and compare the original image and the image produced with the ink-saving function in order to establish the percentage of ink saved.

Caldera states ink use 'across all types of wide-format production' can be reduced by an average of 20 percent using the Caldera v9 RIP engine.

"This collaboration allows Caldera users to join Alwan customers in saving tons of ink and millions of dollars every year for the benefit of the planet and of their profits," comments Elie Khoury, president and chief executive of Alwan Color Expertise.