Application of Kodak Approval XP in Color Digital Proofing (Part 2)

Approval XP System Curve Application

The most common way to control print color levels in digital proofing is to use the CC curve. The Approval XP system also has stable and powerful support for this. Regardless of where in the world, as long as customers provide a print test sample, they can use the input device such as X-Rite densitometer to measure the customer-supplied print proofs, and can generate personalized ICC curves based on the obtained measurement data. . Then, the CC curve is called to print a new print sample, and the densitometer is used to measure the density value and dot size at each target color dot, as shown in Table 1.

Compare the data obtained from the print test sample with the data provided by the customer on the printed sample sheet. If the two are within the tolerance range, then the ICC curve can be saved as the customer's standard curve, and later the customer's product. For digital proofing, the standard CC curve can be called directly. If the print test sample and the customer-supplied standard proof error exceed the allowable range, the ICC curve should be fine-tuned and re-proofed until the standard test proofs are met.

Because different customers have different requirements for the color effect of printed materials, different ICC curves should be formulated for different customers. Sometimes, several customers share the same curve. In addition, for a large number of customer ICC line proofing systems, a comprehensive and scientific management of the curve database should be adopted.

Application of ApprovaI XP in Remote Proofing

As a high-precision, high-stability digital proofing high-end device, the Approval XP achieves a true remote proofing function. It can support a variety of Japanese Confucianism, such as Harlequin RIP, Nexus RIP, etc., the number of screen lines is 65 to 250 lines / inch, the print quality of the image is equivalent to the output quality of the imagesetter 2 and 2640dpi or 2540dpi resolution. Moreover, the color rendering materials in the color rendering system are in full compliance with the international color standards of SWOP, European, and Japan. Their own excellent characteristics ensure the accuracy and high consistency of remote proofs.

The rapid development of network information technology has become a booster for digital remote proofing. The pre-printed design and finished documents can be stored as a cross-platform, general-purpose PDF file with a very small amount of data, which can be transmitted to the customer via E-mail. After the customer confirms the error, the user can send an instruction via E-mail to make the next step. . Subsequently, in the Approva I XP system, the customer's standard ICC curve is called to output the proofing. Since the proofing has been tested and approved by the customer in advance, the specific proofs do not need to be sent back to the customer for confirmation and can be directly printed at the local printing plant. Make a sample. This not only greatly saves time and costs, but also realizes real-world sample registration. Customers do not need to worry about whether there are color mismatches between different batches of products.

Comparison between ApprovaI XP Digital Proofing and Traditional Proofing

1. Productivity

Approval XP Digital Proofing has the high efficiency that traditional proofing cannot match. When we use a document to output film or direct plate-making, we can also use the same file for proofing. In a very short time, we can get proofs. The traditional offset printing proofing also requires the film to be made into a PS plate, and then color proofing; traditional gravure proofing methods, also need to make a plate cylinder, and then use a dedicated proofing equipment for proofing.

2. Substrate materials

Approval XP not only can be proofed on newsprint and packaging fibrous board, but also on transparent PET, plastic film, sheet metal proofing, the introduction of spot color white matter, making flexible packaging proofing possible. These are all impossible with traditional proofing machines.

3. Special process

The use of the silver coloring material in the Approval XP system makes it possible to use special production techniques such as bronzing and hot silver in proofing. The traditional proofing system does not have this function.

4. globalization

Approval XP, relying on its own high-tech technology, can realize the real remote proofing function. It has achieved the sample localization, blurred the geographical boundaries, and greatly increased labor productivity. Traditional proofing has a big gap in this respect.

5. Environmental protection

Approval XP's color rendering materials are not the inks used in traditional proofing, nor are the inks or toners used in general digital proofing equipment, and the environmentally friendly color rendering materials are used. Traditional offset printing requires printing of PS plates. Chemicals used for developing, fixing, and cleaning processes will undoubtedly cause environmental pollution. The use of traditional gravure proofing methods also requires the production of gravure cylinders, as well as environmental pollution problems.

6. Cost of production

Since the price of coloring materials used in Approval XP is much higher than that of traditional PS plates for offset printing, plus the price of Approva I XP devices is still very expensive, so the cost of each sample is much higher than that of traditional proofs. The Approval XP digital proofing system is easy to operate and requires only one person to complete. Traditional proofing involves multiple processes and requires several people to work together. However, due to the fact that domestic labor costs are very low compared to developed countries, their advantages are not very high. obvious.

With the continuous development of science and technology, the production cost of digital proofing continues to decline, and the digitization of proofing has become a trend. Traditional proofing will gradually withdraw from the market. In the printing industry, digitalization is becoming more and more popular. Digital proofing is rapidly gaining popularity. In some developed countries, it has replaced traditional proofing.

Author / Li Ying Sauco Image (Shanghai) Co., Ltd.

Source: Printing Technology