Caldera has expanded its relationship with Kala, ensuring full integration between its V10 RIP suite and the full range of wide-format print finishing equipment from the French manufacturer. 

The cooperation between the companies guarantees users of Kala’s laminators, dye-sublimation calendars and cutting systems the full power of Caldera’s expertise in the full print production process when using its RIP software. Owners of Kala machinery therefore benefit from time saved, accurate placement of crop and registration marks, plus automation in the finishing service, creating rapid return on investment and streamlining costs. 

“If a print is mishandled in any way during finishing it means a reprint, which means wasted time, media and resource,” explains Laurent Bouchard, Co-General Manager at Kala. “Finishing is a labour-intensive process, so it’s essential for business owners to look at how this department can be made more efficient. By using Caldera, sign and display printers can address that rapidly and therefore improve profitability.” 

Caldera has developed a number of features to improve cutting and finishing processes for Kala users. V10 users can take advantage of accurate cut marks for single- or double-sided production, automated calculation of margins and stop indicators that aid manual position changes. These functions remove many manual interventions from the finishing process, thereby improving operations by reducing the chance of human error. 

Owners of Kala laminators and cutters can, by using the Caldera RIP with the Trim-O-Matik module, exploit the full capability of their machinery. The KalaXY semi-automatic trimmer, for example, can cut a 50m roll measuring 1.32m into A4 sheets within five minutes and is simple to use, even for unskilled or temporary workers. Similarly, a roll of print laminated using one of Kala’s range of hot or cold laminators can be transferred to the KalaXY trimmer rapidly thanks to an intelligently designed, interchangeable roll shaft. 

“Kala’s approach is very much like Caldera’s: all finishing devices are engineered to save time and money for users,” Patrick Marillier, Co-General Manager at Kala continues. “Our existing customers who are using our cutters, calenders and laminators in combination with the Caldera RIP are achieving fantastic results, improving quality and eliminating many reprint and wastage costs. In fact, many purchasers of Kala equipment are now seeing return on investment within six months.” 

“Caldera and Kala have a communicative partnership that reacts quickly to the needs of the market,” says Joseph Mergui, chief executive officer for Caldera. “We’re proud to support the full range of Kala’s finishing equipment, helping users streamline their print operation and fulfil customer demand more easily and cost-effectively than ever before.”