Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG (Heidelberg) will present its new
Prinect Hybrid Screening method at Ipex 2006, which will be staged
in Birmingham from April 4-11, 2006. This new screening method
combines the benefits of amplitude-modulated (AM) and
frequency-modulated (FM) screening technologies. It enables higher
screen resolutions and finer reproduction of detail in print, all
of which enhances the overall print image quality. Prinect Hybrid
Screening is available for the Suprasetter family of thermal
imagesetters, the Prosetter series with violet technology, and the
Topsetter. Depending on the CtP platesetter technology and plate
type used, screen resolutions of up to 400 lines per inch (160
lines per centimeter) are possible.
Prinect Hybrid Screening defines the smallest dot for
highlight areas and the smallest dot for shadows and does not allow
the dot size to fall below these values. Unlike stochastic FM
technology, the dot follows the angle of the AM screen. This
produces a smooth transition between tonal values. In contrast to
other hybrid methods, Prinect Hybrid Screening uses sophisti- cated
dot distribution at the relevant angle to enhance detail and
eliminate moiré. Prinect Hybrid Screening uses Heidelberg's
own Irrational Screening (IS) technology in the tonal range
reproduced with AM technology. This eliminates undesirable
moiré and delivers smooth results for difficult skin tones.
For black/white reproductions, the black separation has been set to
a better angle.
The new screening method does not necessitate any major
adjustments to the process flow. The user can increase the
resolution step by step as required, taking the usual screen
rulings as his starting point.
FM and AM screens enhanced and integrated in the Prinect
workflow
Heidelberg has also enhanced its Satin Screening FM screen
technology and integrated it into the Prinect workflow as Prinect
Stochastic Screening. Prinect Stochastic Screening enables smoother
tints while retaining all the advantages of stochastic screening,
i.e. elimination of moiré during compo- site printing of
process colors, ink savings over conventional screening, and color
stability.
The new screening methods can be ordered with the new Version
6 of Prinect MetaDimension RIP technology (see relevant press
release). The autotypical screens are now grouped under the product
name Prinect AM Screening. As before, they are included in the
scope of delivery of Prinect MetaDimension.
With these products, Heidelberg is offering a wide selection
of screening systems for all manner of print applications.
Moreover, the screening methods can be combined with other tools
and services from the Prinect family to further enhance the print
quality. For example the Prinect Calibration Manager that comes
with Prinect MetaDimension enables finely-tuned process calibration
for all screen resolutions and a wide range of printing materials.
Prinect Color Solutions products also ensure reliable color
management from prepress to press.
Image:
The graphic shows the distribution of screen dots in Prinect
Hybrid Screening.
Further information for journalists:
Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG
Corporate Communications
Matthias Hartung
Tel.: +49 (0)6221 92 50 77
Fax: +49 (0)6221 92 50 46
E-mail:
matthias.hartung@heidelberg.com