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Mimaki extends Harlequin Core tech license

Jonathan Pert, 19 December 2024

Wide-format printing company, Mimaki, has extended its partnership with Global Graphics Software to utilise its Harlequin Core RIP technology.

Global Graphics Software, part of the Hybrid Software Group, has announced an extension of its strategic partnership with Japanese wide-format print manufacturer, Mimaki.

The renewed agreement will see Mimaki continue to license Global Graphics’ Harlequin Core technology, a raster image processor (RIP) that has been used to drive Mimaki’s range of wide-format, roll-to-roll, and flatbed industrial inkjet printers.

Global Graphics is chiefly a developer of smart software components for original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) of print equipment. Other products include SmartDFE, a software stack for high-speed single-pass inkjet presses.

Harlequin Core technology is used to convert a page description language such as PDF into a format that can be interpreted by a printing device, such as an inkjet printhead. It claims to be the fastest RIP on the print market.

Additional capabilities of Harlequin include support across multiple digital platforms, compatibility with the latest PDF specifications, and extended colour gamut printing. Its v14 update claims to be 60% faster than previous versions.

Harlequin was utilised by Mimaki in its current RasterLink7 RIP software. Speaking of the value of Harlequin Core, Daisuke Takai, deputy general manager, Software Design Department, at Mimaki Engineering, says: “We chose Harlequin for RasterLink7 to boost the performance and versatility of our printers, and it has delivered impressive results.

“We have experienced up to 25% faster PDF processing times and enhanced functionality when handling variable data. Additionally, Harlequin Core has improved our reproduction of complex design elements, like transparency.”

Harlequin RIP solutions have been utilised by the printing industry for almost 40 years, first introduced in 1986.

Yoshiyuki Hagiwara, representative director of Global Graphics in Japan, adds: “We are delighted to extend our long-standing collaboration with Mimaki. This renewed agreement highlights the exceptional performance and reliability of Harlequin Core.”

Source: Signlink