Are you currently relying solely on a handheld densitometer for print quality control in your pressroom? Most have considered implementing a closed-loop color control system for their older offset press, but are discouraged by the perceived high cost. Well, we have great news for you. Techkon has a closed loop system  that falls within the mid $30,000 price range. Techkon has a complete closed-loop system equipped with the same software features as the fully automated…

The Power of Automation The adoption of automated print color quality control has transformed the printing industry by delivering significant improvements in color measurement accuracy, efficiency and consistency. By utilizing advanced technologies such as automatic scanning color spectrodensitometers coupled with color QC software solutions, businesses can enhance their production capabilities to meet the ever-increasing expectations of today’s customers. Here are some of those advantages go leveraging Automatic Scanning Color Spectrophotometers: Real-time Data Analysis Data plays…

When printing colors other than CMYK, many users understandably turn to colorimetric information (CIE LAB, Delta-E). Frequently overlooked, however, is the importance of using optimized density metrics for process control in the offset lithographic pressroom.  One such metric, available on many spectrodensitometers, is spectral density (sometimes called “density-by-wavelength” or “lambda density”). A brief illustration of how a densitometer “sees” color ensues, followed by an overview of spectral density. Consider looking at a printed cyan ink…

While color measurements can be taken by hand, calculated, and worked out to verify a ‘passing’ sheet, for most offset printers this is not practical. The time it takes, both to measure and to calculate all the required print attributes, is prohibitive. When printers ask about doing this, we advise that while it can be done, for most printers they will not be successful. Many brand customers care about a variety of attributes such as…

We invited Sonja Dearden, Print Production Manager at Lindt Chocolate, to a discussion on color quality for brand owners and developed this Question & Answer Guide to provide valuable insights on the importance of print standardization when managing color around the globe. QUESTION: Why do we need print standardization? ANSWER: An international company can have many different designers, pre-press agencies and print vendors around the globe working on their brand. If they all start from…

Screen from ChromaQA, Color Quality QC software, showing ink Delta E, as well as recommended adjustments to improve Delta E. For printers, being able to see if the print is good during makeready and production is important. Most press consoles do not have any easy way to see if a print is measuring to the print standard. Press consoles typically show metrics such as dot gain, density and even solid ink LAB values but they…

If you’re wondering: “How do I clean a color densitometer or spectrophotometer?” or “What’s the best cleaning solution to use to clean my densitometer or spectrophotometer?” Your color management support team at Techkon USA has the answer. It’s especially important during these uncertain times that we work collaboratively to ensure the safety and health of all our employees, customers, and partners involved in the supply chain. We also want to be sure you take the…

Commerical and packaging printers in all markets and of all sizes are making the switch from their current densitometers, spectrophotometers, and color software to newer Techkon solutions. The reasons are compelling and plentiful – so we decided to create comparison charts for some of our key products including the SpectroDens, SpectroDrive, and the SpectroPlate. If you are interested in why so many printers around the world are switching, check out these links: SpectroDens – Make…