Why measurements on printing plates?
Today in the age of Computer-to-Plate it is obvious: Without quality control in pre-press, there is no guarantee for quality in print. Thus the measurement of the right dot transfer on offset printing plates is a key segment of comprehensive process control in the printing industry. However, measurement is only useful if the appropriate measurement technology is applied. Some years ago using densitometers on printing plates was common practice. But densitometers are designed for measuring on printed papers leading to limits when reading on plates. At present, plate measurement devices based on microscopic image capture and processing are the established standard. TECHKON SpectroPlate unifies all advantages of this modern measurement technology in a compact, hand-held instrument.

How does SpectroPlate work ?
The measurement accuracy of a plate-measuring device is determined by the quality of the optical system and the performance of the image processing algorithms. SpectroPlate meets the highest standards in this respect. The sample is illuminated uniformly with spectral broadband light. The microscopic image is captured by a precision optical lens system and a high resolution CMOS colour matrix sensor with high dynamic range. The processing of the detailed colour image is performed by a powerful graphic signal processor and sophisticated imaging algorithms. All relevant quality parameters for correctly manufactured printing plates are shown on the LCD display.

Versatile in use
Thanks to the excellent image capture quality and the ingenious graphic calculations, SpectroPlate can read precisely any screen size and screen technology: FM, AM or Hybrid screen. The spectrally white illumination and dynamic colour evaluation permits reading all kinds of plate types and coated surfaces.

SpectroDens and SpectroPlate
An unbeatable team! For each application you need to use the right measurement tool. Densitometric and colourimetric values on printed matter by using SpectroDens and geometric dot information on printing plates with SpectroPlate. But it is not only plate reading where SpectroPlate shows it’s Strength’s. The multifunctional device handles dot measurement on film as well as on printed paper in CMYK-print excellently.

Portable Microscope
SpectroPlate lets you see things normally hidden to the human eye. It shows the raster dots on a film or a printing plate in large magnification on the device display or optionally on a computer screen. It lets you visually judge printing plates and discover any soiling or exposure errors now that the structure of the raster dots is visible. A specific strength is the image transfer of uncompressed high resolution files to the PC where they can be stored, edited or sent over the internet. Geometric sizes of dots or lines can be retrieved in micrometer- or mils-dimensions.

SpectroPlate Connect
The supplied Windows software connects the device to a PC. Measured values and transfer curves are displayed and stored. The display of comparisons to target values, the data export to Microsoft Excel and the compatibility to RIP applications are additionally useful functions of SpectroPlate Connect. An exceptional feature is the enlarged view of the microscopic images.

Downloads

• SpectroPlate Brochure.pdf
• SpectroPlate Manual.pdf

High quality and productivity
These are the two factors which are essential for today’s success in the printing business.
TECHKON SpectroDrive, with its automatic colour and density measurement capabilities is the perfect solution to substantially increase press productivity by ensuring consistent print-to print colour accuracy throughout the press run.

The system consists of two components: The motorised measurement system scans the complete colour bar on a printed sheet within seconds and simultaneously sends the spectral measurement data wirelessly to the PC where all relevant information for controlling the printing press is displayed.

Increase profitability
Due to the trend of smaller print jobs and shorter press runs the time from starting a press to getting it “in colour” and running with consistent quality is cost critical. SpectroDrive reduces this “non-productive” set-up time dramatically. You will increase profitability thanks to substantially reducing paper and ink waste and getting more precious time out of your printing press. The system makes your printing jobs predictable and calculable. In addition, the complaint rate will go down significantly and your customers will appreciate the sensible gain and reliability of the print quality.
The high rate of return of investment is amazing. The relative low – and only one time investment will show in recurring profits almost immediately. Also, older printing presses get a productivity boost thanks to SpectroDrive.

Quality assurance during the complete press run
Increasing customer demands require that the press run is printed according to defined and documented industry print quality standards. TECHKON SpectroDrive and the related PC-software ExPresso are practical utilities that adhere to the print quality standards as defined by ISO 12647 and Gracol G7™.

Ease of use and high speed measurement
Setting up a printing press can be compared with starting a jet plane. It is a time-critical process, where the press operator – like a pilot – must observe and perform a multitude of important tasks at the same time. Hence, during the development of SpectroDrive great care was taken in delivering a system that is easy to use, does not distract from running the press and delivers all significant information instantly and automatically. The measurement device only has one button to start the measurement process. The PC-software ExPresso has a self explanatory user interface which can be operated via touch screen. Installation is simple as well. After a few minutes the system is operable and ready to take measurements.

Two measurement systems in one
This relates not only to the technical fact that the spectral measurements allow displaying densitometric and colourimetric data, but that SpectroDrive can be used as a scanning device as well as a hand held instrument for single measurements. Just take the device from the horizontal track and position it wherever you want to take a colour measurement.

The TECHKON ExPresso software offers a comprehensive tool-set comprising measurement of spot colours, support of up to 16 print units, face and reverse printing, display of colour
density, dot gain, gray balance, L*a*b*-values and recommendations on how to adjust the ink on the press. This is only an excerpt of the complete functionality.

Thanks to its modularity, TECHKON ExPresso is expandable and versatile. The measurement data can be exported into other software applications that connect real-time to printing presses to enable a ‘close loop’ turn-key solution. In addition, TECHKON ExPresso can export measured data to standard applications such as Microsoft Excel.

Resources

• SpectroDrive_Brochure.pdf
• SpectroDrive_Manual.pdf

SpectroJet is a “spectrophotometer on wheels” which automatically measures the densities and colour values of process- and spot-colors and simultaneously transfers the measurement data to a PC within seconds.

It revolutionises automatic measurement on any colour control bar for any printing process. The device is simply guided by hand along the colour test patches. Tracking wheels on the bottom ensure a straight run.

Simultaneously the accurate, spectral measurement data is sent to the PC where all relevant information for controlling the printing press is displayed.

SpectroJet is equipped with a high resolution spectral sensor element including a true physical, switchable polarising filter which analyses the color samples under standardised conditions meeting ISO and Gracol G7 requirements. The measurement data can be exported into other software applications that connect real-time to printing presses to enable a ‘closed loop’ turn-key solution. One unique feature is its flexibility to be used with any press type or format. It is delivered as a complete turn-key system.

SpectroJet and the related PC-software ExPresso are practical utilities that adhere to standards as for example ISO 12647 and Gracol G7.

Downloads

• SpectroJet Brochure.pdf

These compact scanning devices revolutionise automatic measurements of densities and dot gains on any print control strip, colour wedge or test chart. Operation is easy: The ergonomically designed instrument fits securely in your hand. Quickly glide it over the print test strip. Tracking wheels on the bottom of the device ensure a straight run.

Two different models are at your choice: The scan-densitometer RS 400 finds its application preferably in 4-colour printing and the scan-spectrometer RS 800 is especially designed for measuring spot colours thanks to its high-resolution spectral engine.

The Windows software TECHKON ExPresso takes the measurement values and displays the ink-zone specific densitiy values at a glance on a computer screen. This permits fast and precise control of printing presses, thus enabling shorter set-up times, less paper waste and high print quality.

On large-format print sheets, the device can be guided along a guiding track. This is now available in a motorised version as well. The linear track LT can be placed on any table without mounting, thus facilitating system installation even more.

Downloads

• RS400 & RS800 Brochure.pdf
• RS400 & RS800 Manual.pdf