determine_optimal_solid_ink_densities_best_match_delta-e [MeasureColor]

This page is read only. You can view the source, but not change it. Ask your administrator if you think this is wrong.
=====How to determine optimal solid ink densities (best match delta-E)=====

====This QuickStart document describes how to use MeasureColor’s Printability Module to determine the optimum ink film thickness (best match delta-E) ====

Whenever you need to calibrate your print process to a standard, the first step is to determine the optimum ink film thickness (Densities) for your solid ink on the selected material. For this purpose, MeasureColor has a special module, called ‘Printability test’. By printing and measuring a special printability test form you can quickly determine the exact ink response on your materials.

===What you need:===
  *MeasureColor 4 Pro or higher license level
  *MeasureColor Printability test form ({{::printability_testform_v3.pdf|}})
  *Compliant scanning measurement device (XRite Intellitrax, Techkon SpectroJet or Techkon SpectroDrive. Measurement devices like the XRite EyeOne, XRite 530-939, XRite SpectroEye and Techkon SpectroDens are less suited for this task

===Generic preparations:===
  *Create 4 printing plates from the Printability test form (linear plates by preference but not mandatory)
  ***IMPORTANT**: on the press console open ALL ink keys to the same level
  *Print the form where you want to find the target densities as noted on the sheet in the center zone

{{::2015-11-25_12_05_41-bmde_sheet.png?direct|}}

===MeasureColor 4 workflow (for wet and dry prints):===
  *Open the ‘Printability test’ module
  *Create a new job based on the proper reference and make sure the ‘MeasureColor_printability_50’ color bar is selected for this job
  *Open the Measurement window and select the condition for this measurement (wet/dry)
  *Optional: print some fresh sheets so you can measure the wet ink if needed 
  *Measure the color bar and hit ‘Finish’
  *Let the sheet dry properly (24hrs)
  *Open the job that contains the ‘wet’ measurement
  *Open the Measurement window and select the condition for this measurement (dry)
  *Measure the color bar and hit ‘Finish’

{{::2015-11-25_12_03_07-bmde_editjobsettings.png?direct|}}

===Analyzing the ink performance and select ‘best match’:===
  *Open ‘Printability test’ module
  *Select the job you wish to analyze and open the ‘dry’ measurement for that job
  *In the ‘Results’ view, you see a graph area which holds tabs for each printed color, CIE-ab details are shown on  the right
  *Above the graph on the left, you see a slider. Move the slider to the right and watch what happens as you move it back and forth
  *Move the slider until the measured point reaches to the lowest point on the (vertical) delta-E axis. This is your ‘best color match’ for this ink!
  *Note the ‘Best match density’ AND the little number you see right to the density (e.g. ‘(9)’). Click on the button on the right to save the result
  *Repeat for each color
  *Now that we have found the best match and corresponding density for the dried result, we want to find the corresponding density for wet inks
  *Open the measurement that contains the ‘wet’ measurement
  *Drag the slider to the same patch (e.g. ‘(9)’) as found in the dried result. Click on the button to save the result.
  *Note the density for this ‘wet’ ink condition
  *Repeat for each color
  *Instruct your press operator to use these densities and maybe update the target densities for your Presets (Process Control Module)

{{::2015-11-25_12_04_39-bmde_printability.png?direct|}}

===Next steps: ===
  * Read How-to [[generate CTP correction curves based on linear plates]] to calibrate dot gain (TVI) behavior for your press/paper/ink combination