System to enable development of clear toner forms

A system for forming a variable data job, comprising:

• a first input source for providing an original image for obtaining fixed image data in a first multiple channel color plane;
• a processor for converting the fixed image data to a clear channel color plane;
• a raster image processor for performing image processing on the fixed image data to translate the fixed image data into a first ready-to-print file;
• a memory for saving the first ready-to-print file as a post-RIP file;
• a second input source for subsequently providing variable image data in a second multiple channel color plane;
• a processor for performing image processing on the variable image data to obtain a second ready-to-print file;
• a merging module for merging the post-RIP file with the second ready-to-print file for forming the variable data job;
• and,
• a marking engine for printing the variable data job.

An image forming apparatus adapted for printing a variable data job, including:

• an input source for providing an original image including original image data in a first multiple channel color plane;
• a processor for converting the original image data to fixed image data in a clear channel color plane;
• a raster image processor for performing image processing on the fixed image data to translate the fixed image data into a first ready-to-print file;
• a memory for saving the first ready-to-print file as a post-RIP file;
• a second input source for subsequently providing variable image data in a second multiple channel color plane;
• a processor for performing image processing on the variable image data to obtain a second ready-to-print file;
• a merging module for merging the post-RIP file with the second ready-to-print file for forming the variable print job;
• and,
• a marking engine for printing the variable data job, including:
• a clear toner applying component for printing a fixed image using the clear channel color plane, and
• a colored toner applying component for printing a variable image using the second multiple channel color plane.