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…

During these uncertain times we would like to ensure you that the safety and health of our employees, customers, and partners is of utmost importance to us. We want customers to have the information they need to effectively clean Techkon devices and to assist customers in maintaining a healthy work environment. The best cleaning agent for your densitometer, whether it be a handheld or scanning device is 99% Isopropyl alcohol.  Please refrain from using any…

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…

February has been called the “month of love” by many and it’s certainly a time when some of us give pause to our busy lives and remember why we love those closest to us (even though sometimes it’s only long enough to scribble our names onto a Hallmark card). So for Valentine’s Day in 2020, I would like to give pause and reflect on all the reasons why I think YOU will love the Techkon…