Color Management - II
One of the advantages of Prinect Colour Solutions is reduced
production costs because of faster make ready times and a reliable
control of the colour workflow. An integrated workflow allows
printers to use the stored press presettings (based on the type of
paper or ink), resulting in a considerable reduction in make-ready
time. Once a printshop is able to achieve this level of colour
accuracy and integrity, they are in a position to guarantee overall
print quality and seek more 'colour critical' work such as
corporate work.
Process optimisation during operation
Heidelberg has developed a method for monitoring the colour process using small elements known as "Minispots". These look like short colourbars but are placed anywhere in the blank areas, or at the side on the print sheet. The Minispots are measured by Prinect Image Control, which is a high-end automatic measurement device. The measured data is evaluated and corrections can be made on the spot during production. Any other device could be used as well of course, it would just take longer and therefore the benefit of immediate corrections during the print run would be lost. The measured data can also record the print quality for customers - an important sales tool in securing long-term customer loyalty. Although the colour workflow can be highly automated, the operator still retains control over whether, and how, to respond to deviations in colour quality.
Conclusions
Printshops that want to meet a customer's high quality demands without losing sight of their own economic goals have the possibility to do so. End-to-end integration of all production resources is the key to this approach and is set to play a vital role in future investment decisions. Having said that, it does mean that one should be able to start small today and migrate to a bigger system when needed. Therefore, the most important consideration will be to decide what suits the individual printshop's requirements today. In conjunction with a comprehensive training program, the cost savings and business improvements will start to be seen immediately.
Further Information:
Soeren Lange
Product Manager - Prepress & Workflow
Tel: +61 3 9205 4227
Email: Soeren.Lange@heidelberg.com
Heidelberg has developed a method for monitoring the colour process using small elements known as "Minispots". These look like short colourbars but are placed anywhere in the blank areas, or at the side on the print sheet. The Minispots are measured by Prinect Image Control, which is a high-end automatic measurement device. The measured data is evaluated and corrections can be made on the spot during production. Any other device could be used as well of course, it would just take longer and therefore the benefit of immediate corrections during the print run would be lost. The measured data can also record the print quality for customers - an important sales tool in securing long-term customer loyalty. Although the colour workflow can be highly automated, the operator still retains control over whether, and how, to respond to deviations in colour quality.
Conclusions
Printshops that want to meet a customer's high quality demands without losing sight of their own economic goals have the possibility to do so. End-to-end integration of all production resources is the key to this approach and is set to play a vital role in future investment decisions. Having said that, it does mean that one should be able to start small today and migrate to a bigger system when needed. Therefore, the most important consideration will be to decide what suits the individual printshop's requirements today. In conjunction with a comprehensive training program, the cost savings and business improvements will start to be seen immediately.
Further Information:
Soeren Lange
Product Manager - Prepress & Workflow
Tel: +61 3 9205 4227
Email: Soeren.Lange@heidelberg.com
