DI-Plot: The missing Link

With JDF enabled DI-Plot, we have designed outstanding proofing software for a wide range of digital offset printing machines, computer-to-plate systems and film imagesetters. Any colour printer or plotter can be used for printout.

DI-Plot has finally closed the gap between prepress and printing in the digital workflow. For the first time, it is possible to achieve a reliable Okay-to-Print based on the original data after it’s been ripped and separated. The proofs are inexpensive and yet of the highest possible precision. With DI-Plot, production reliability can be stepped up to an unprecedented degree.

The digital workflow won’t always flow

It’s every publisher’s nightmare: the data has been ripped and production has been started, but on the final output, misprints are detected! Not only does this mean considerable financial loss in wasted time and material, but possibly a missed deadline as well! Such incidents can happen even with an experienced DTP team – and even when they check their work with proofs made on a conventional blueprint system.

A printout is no blueprint

In fact, such “proofs” are proof of nothing. They all use different Rip technologies, and process unseparated PostScript files. Numerous problems can arise: the installed fonts might not harmonise, RGB-images might not be processed, or the different software versions under PostScript level one, two or three might collide (to name but a few). In short: years of practical experience have shown that outputs rasterised by a Rip for digital blueprints – the so-called “form proofer” – cannot be matched to outputs from a production Rip. When compared to what finally comes off press, such blueprints are absolutely worthless as a reference.

The solution

When fitted between the PostScript interpreter and the imaging unit, DI-Plot is the only digital blueprint system that guarantees absolute conformity between proof and print. DI-Plot makes use of a simple but ingenious concept: the colour proofs are made from the ripped, separated and screened original files. A fault-prone re-interpretation of PostScript and unnecessary second ripping of the data is thus avoided. When using DI-Plot, most configurations don’t need a special form proof Rip at all!

Technology

The core of DI-Plot is its descreening algorithms: the original high-definition files (between 1200 and 4000 DPI) for imagesetters are descreened, reassembled and downsized at a resolution according to the colour printer’s settings (e.g. 300 or 600 DPI). DI-Plot’s descreening process has been brought to an even higher standard: the colour proofs are now reliable down to the finest detail.

The printer’s concern

A proof only deserves to be called a proof if, in addition to all necessary cutting, folding and collating marks, it also shows format crosses and control strips. DI-Plot provides them all – with complete accuracy. The customer is presented with a definitive version of his job, which he can correct and certify before any films or printing plates are imaged. DI-Plot can even emulate up to ten spot colours, depending on the type of printing machine (e.g. five, six or more printing units). All the user has to do is define the CMYK values that will represent the spot colours on the printout.

Newspaper workflow

Originally, DI-Plot was designed to produce printouts from the internal bitmap files of a GTO DI or Quickmaster DI printing machine, giving a reliable representation of their content. This was the first time that the technique of proof printing high-resolution Rip data had been used. DI-Plot has since become a fully-fledged professional tool for making digital blueprints from any imaginable configuration. The software package supports all common Rip technologies. Even newspaper facilities where the Rip site (editing/production) is separated from the imaging site (printing operation) can now produce remote form proofs that are 100% representative of their content.

Color calibration

DI-Plot can be connected to many well-known colour proofing processes whenever a colour-reliable printout is needed. Color gamut calculation and output is then carried out by most popular proofing RIP’s.

PDF output & remote proofing

A long-cherished dream for future PDF workflows has finally come true: DI-Plot produces PDF files from fully imposed and ripped sheets. The comparatively compact PDF data can be sent to any MAC or PC via network, ISDN or e-mail. These files keep their full integrity and can be checked on the monitor and printed out on any local printer. Easy and reliable, the remote form proof is a reality at last!

System environment

DI-Plot can be installed on the Windows platform. Any colour printer or plotter can be connected, as long as its printer driver runs on Windows and its printing format matches the corresponding printing machine (nearly all do). Alternatively, DI-Plot can be used to generate TIFF, EPS or PDF files, which will then allow reprocessing in any other way. When running DI-Plot, the installation of an inexpensive PC is recommended. It receives the ripped data files from the network, converts them to the format required, and outputs them on the colour output device.

JDF technology

DI-Plot is JDF-enabled. Based on the bitmap data and CIP-3 files transferred from the prepress workflow, the software writes CIP4/JDF files and passes them on either to the InkZone family of preset solutions, or direct to the printing machine console.

Return on investment

Due to vastly increased production reliability, an investment in DI-Plot will pay off within a few weeks.

Input Formats for DI-Plot

DI-Plot processes internal bitmap files of the following Rip and Workflow technologies:

Agfa Intellinet
Agfa PrintDrive PackBits
Agfa PS-Proofer (RLE)
Agfa Taipan, Apogee PDF RIP – LZW
Agfa Taipan, Apogee PDF RIP – CCITT4
Antares/Cymbolic Sciences
Artwork Nexus CCITT4
Autologic RIPtoLAN FileName (EPS)
Best Option for InkZone Box
CIP3/4
Creo InkPro
Creo Overture LZW
Creo Screen2go
Creo Virtual Proofing System
DI-Bitmap (Presstek)
EFI OneFlow
ElaplanNews
Epson 7600/9600
Esko-Graphics FlexRip LZW
Esko-Graphiocs FlowDrive
Fuji Celebra – Genstore, LZW, CCITT4
Harlequin CCITT4
Harlequin LZW Gray
Harlequin LZW Mono
Harlequin PackBits
Harlequin PageBuffer
Heidelberg Delta Directory
Heidelberg Delta Document
Heidelberg Metadimension
HP-RTL
Intergraph CRL
KPG EPS Group 4
KPG Fast TIFF
Krause Newspaper I
Krause Newspaper II
Krause Newspaper III
Krause Shetfeed I
Monotype Express CCITT4 (1)
Monotype Express CCITT4 (2)
PCC Artwork Systems
PPI Proman
Prinergy
Scitex Brisque CT-Handshake
Scitex Brisque separated nCT/nLW
Scitex CT/LW
Screen Trueflow
TIFF CMYK Uncompressed
TIFF RGB uncompressed
TIFF/IT-P1

This list does not claim to be complete. Please contact us if you require more information. A detailed description of the input format can be obtained here as a PDF file.

Output Data of DI-Plot

The following output formats can be generated from the input data converted by DI-Plot:

Windows 2000/XP Graphic Device Interface Data (GDI)

DI-Plot continually transmits the files that it has reduced in resolution (e.g. down to 300 DPI) to the Windows 2000/XP Graphic Device Interface. Any printer with a matching Windows 2000/XP driver can be connected! The range of possible printers, plotters, or proofers is practically unlimited. The parameters pertaining to each printer, such as paper format, portrait or landscape orientation, screening process etc., can be defined through the Windows printer driver. A list of the print-out devices that we have tested is included at the end of this page.

TIFF, EPS and PDF files

DI-Plot writes these file types in the desired output resolution (e.g. 300 DPI, 720 DPI, etc.). These files can then be used as required.

CIP3/4 Files

DI-Plot can – simultaneously with the form proof – generate CIP3/4 files for printing machine ink-zone control. These files can be processed by all familiar control systems (e.g. Heidelberg CPC32, MAN-Roland Pecom).

Color management with ICC profiles

DI-Plot is CMS-enabled. In this version, the integration of ICC profiles is also possible. Including the profile of the output-device used for actual printing (offset or newspaper press, digital printing system, etc.), a form proof can be shown to the customer which corresponds to the final printing process, also with regard to colour reproduction.

Deimposing and splitting of panorama page

One innovation of interest to the commercial printing and newspaper sectors is the Deimposing function. Complete, assembled bitmap forms for sheet-fed offset can – either automatically or according to user parameters – be split into smaller formats (single or double pages, for example) and produced on small-format printing systems. De-imposing enables newspaper producers to split panorama pages automatically for running proofs off laser colour printers.

Evaluate Plate, Proof and Press Automatically

InkZone Move takes Digital Information’s InkZone concept for digital presetting and closed-loop ink adjustment on offset printing machines to significantly wider audience and adds capabilities for both plate and proof evaluation.

The new InkZone Move (IZM) suite of solutions is divided into the IZM Press module (measurement and visualization of colour control during printing), IZM Plate (measurement of the ink coverage on the printing plate) and IZM Wedge (evaluation of a media wedge on colour proofs). All three software modules make use of a spectral engine from industry-leading supplier X-Rite assuring accuracy while setting a new industry standard for economy.

A New Standard in Cost-Benefit Ratio

The on-screen display of the InkZone Press solution makes it easy and quick for the press operator to interpret the measurement results.

The InkZone concept sets a new entry price point for a product suite with such a wide range of functions, including both the presetting of ink zones and spectral, closed-loop colour control, which can be used on most any sheetfed-offset press. InkZone products bring automation and significantly improved efficiency to commercial and package-printing operations, including presses without modern CIP3 or CIP4 interfaces. The flexibility of the InkZone solutions can bring consistency and strong savings even to those operations where initial ink settings and subsequent colour adjustments are carried out via visual evaluation and corresponding manual adjustments.

In many cases, due to InkZone’s adaptability and open architecture, many printers are finding value in replacing older preset and closed loop solutions on most any model of printing press.

This also allows dissimilar press models within a shop to all have a common operator interface and adjustment process. In short, few productivity investments can match the exceptionally high cost-benefit ratio of the InkZone suite of solutions.

Three Applications, One Measuring Device

InkZone Move is the latest product within the InkZone family. Its three modules – InkZone Move Press, InkZone Move Plate and InkZone Move Wedge – mean that for the first time ever, a comprehensive system is available for controlling the entire proof-to-print process. X-Rite’s affordable Eye-One spectrophotometer is used as the sole measurement instrument to provide a variety of measurement data for all three of the solutions. In addition, the records from the three integrated applications are saved centrally in an XML-based file system, making them readily available for process analysis, and in a format compatible with a host of other systems. While the three IZM modules offer the most comprehensive benefits as an integrated suite, they can be implemented individually, and upgraded via a simple licensing method in order to add new components as desired.

It Starts with Fast Color Measurement

A precision guide delivered with InkZone Move Press enables smooth and steady movement of the measuring device and dependable scanning of the separate measurement elements.

InkZone Move Press has at it’s foundation an unique software solution which makes clever use of automation to gather colour measurements quickly from a colour bar positioned at the edge of each press sheet. To ensure accurate alignment, the measuring device rides upon a precision guide which is included with the IZM Press package. This allows smooth and steady movement of the Eye-One and results in dependable, repeatable data – every time. When compared to slower manual colour measurements, IZM Press completes a comprehensive evaluation of the entire press sheet in just a few seconds.

Press operators have the benefit of applying any necessary corrections faster, and can focus their attention on decision-making and press adjustments instead of on data collection. With such a simple colour evaluation process, operators can always have access to an up-to-date look at any deviations from target values or customer-approved samples. And since the entire system operates uses a full-fledged spectrophotometer, it is equally well-suited for controlling both process colour and spot-colour work.

True and Consistent Color Results

Press operators will appreciate how easy and quick it is to interpret the graphic display of the IZM Press solution. The software depicts the ink-key zones for each unit of the press, and provides the option to view either absolute colour and density results, or measurements relative to target values. With the functions of density, dot area/dot gain (tone value/TVI) and colorimetry (CIELAB/Delta-E), InkZone Move Press is the basis for process stability, colour consistency and adherence to recognized standards or specifications. And since IZM Press keeps a running history of your colour results, you can easily use it to provide proof of quality records, or import the data from its native ASCII/XML format into analysis or statistical software for further evaluation.

InkZone Move Press supports all makes and models of printing presses, allowing operators to review measurements and make manual adjustments to the ink key settings. However, for prompt and consistent ink adjustments, IZM Press can be upgraded to a full, closed-loop control system (InkZone Loop), providing automatic, simultaneous regulation of ink key openings across all press units.

Even Faster Results with Full Automation

Most smaller press formats, like 52 cm (e.g. A3, 20″, 2-up with 16 ink zones) or 70 cm (e.g. A4, 28″, 4-up with 24 ink zones) can be hand-scanned efficiently using the IZM Press solution and the included precision guide. However, for larger press formats (A1, 100 cm, 40+”, 8-up) and when businesses place a high value on operator convenience, a fully-automated precision guide is available for IZM Press. This auxiliary motor transforms the cost-effective Eye-One into a pressroom powerhouse, making quick work of colour control bars with patches as small as 5mm (0.20″) in size.

More Economy and Efficiency with Plate Measurement

InkZone Move Plate is used both for process control and for the preparation of data used in calibrating the imaging device.

Regular measurement of the printing plates is a key process-control component. As with on-press print issues, sources of error related to the plate can only truly be identified when the quality of the on-plate image is known. Thankfully, Digital Information has built a fast, ideal method to automate this process: InkZone Move Plate.

This second module of the InkZone Move suite makes quick work of evaluating a tone scale from most any offset printing plate, including metal or polyester plates.

The software is used both for ongoing process control and also for preparation of the data used to calibrate the imaging device. After a quick scan of the 21-step tone scale, the software calculates and displays a characteristic curve for each colour separation, including the numeric results.

Because of the integration of the IZM solution, IZM Plate can not only take advantage of the cost savings realized via a single Eye-One measurement device, but also the flexibility of reporting with the use of a common ASCII/XML data format.

IZM Wedge – Comparing Proof and Press

Rounding out the InkZone Move triad, InkZone Move Wedge is an efficient way to measure the quality of any proof via the evaluation of control wedges according to accepted standards. IZM Wedge includes many international formats for media wedges recognized throughout the industry; while the ingenious control wedge included with IZM press provides a correspondingly reliable method for controlling the print run. After measuring and evaluating the proof using IZM Wedge, the results can be checked for compliance against predetermined standard values (colour space, characteristic curve) both quickly and reliably.

Prepress operators will appreciate the flexibility of the IZM Wedge solution to provide results as a straightforward data table, but also as a series of dot gain curves or as a 2-dimensional LAB/LCH plot of the primary and secondary colours. With the graphical display, users can easily evaluate key aspects of the proof, and the numerical DE colour difference. This helps to assess the feasibility of achieving a proof with the available colour set, and highlights the areas that need corrective action.

Complete, Uniform, Color Results

InkZone Move Press:
the measurement parametersfor all ink zones are displayed on-screen within seconds.

With its three software modules, InkZone Move offers a comprehensive set of tools for colour consistency and uniformity across the entire imaging process. With objective, measurement-based evaluation of the proofing media wedge, printing plates and press-sheet colour bar, InkZone Move provides a comprehensive approach to controlling all of the factors relating to quality sheetfed offset printing.

And as the industry’s first, integrated aftermarket solution, InkZone Move has the capability to unite otherwise incongruent solutions from multiple system providers at each stage of the process.

In this way, the full process can be controlled using a single, comprehensive approach. When paired with the automation and affordability of InkZone Move, it’s hard to envision a packaging or commercial printing environment where it wouldn’t be relevant.

InkZone Loop: Online printing

The launch of InkZone Loop puts a manufacturer-independent online solution for digital control of offset presses onto the market for the first time ever. Supported by measurement technology, InkZone Loop enables the automatic measurement and evaluation of control strips, as well as the continuous transmission of computed correction values directly to the printing machine. InkZone Loop is based on tried-and-tested IZ Card, IZ Tape, IZ Strip and IZ Perfect preset solutions.

Measure…

Input:
Direct connection to prepress

InkZone Loop supports measuring systems from a wide range of manufacturers. Density values on the sheet containing the printing control strip are measured in a matter of seconds, and can be visualized in IZ Loop.

Using saved data, the printer immediately recognizes the ink zone where the colour is wrong. In addition to density, InkZone Loop evaluates other factors like dot gain, slur, etc.

Naturally, as well as functioning with CMYK, InkZone Loop supports any spot colour. All these functions combine several production steps that so far have mostly been carried out manually. InkZone Loop thus comes with a huge increase in efficiency. Streamlined sequences are extremely important, especially at a time when print runs are shrinking.

InkZone Loop generates a record of the measured colour data and thus assists with repeat runs. Naturally, the record also aids compliance with international quality standards.

…and regulate

Output:
Transmitting correction values to the printing machine

By comparing actual measured values with reference data, IZ Loop computes correction values for the printing machine. Transmission of the data to the console can be via IZ Card, IZ Strip, IZ Tape, or IZ Perfect. If necessary, the operator checks the preset values and, at the press of a key, releases them to the printing machine. The effect is clear: a huge reduction in workload, higher quality, and a stable production run.

Preset & proof

The preset products IZ Card, IZ Strip, IZ Tape and IZ Perfect are extremely important if IZ Loop is to be used successfully. The better the preset, the more efficient the closed loop! While InkZone solutions secure the connection to the printing machine, the DI-Plot software package looks after the transfer of prepress data. DI-Plot reads both CIP3/4 and proprietary bitmap formats from almost all prepress workflows and passes the computed ink zone values on to InkZone for digital presetting of the printing machine.

At the same time, DI-Plot can produce accurate form proofs from the ripped bitmap data of almost all workflow systems.

Ready for the print run in record time

The combination of control, measurement technology and workflow interface is unique. With InkZone Loop, the printing house saves time and cuts down on waste. Reference values are attained faster, and it’s easier to keep them within narrow limits. InkZone Loop enables set-ups in record time, even with offset machines from the previous millennium. It’s the perfect way to protect investments in existing installations. InkZone Loop – the latest update for your offset printing machine!

A detailed description of the supported presses and consoles can be obtained here as a PDF file.

Presetting Ink Keys via Network

With InkZone Perfect, Digital Information offers an interface between prepress and press that’s equally powerful and economical.

Drag & drop: straightforward operating with mouse or touch screen

First, the solution provides networked ink key presetting, so colour start-up is accomplished in a fraction of the previous time, bringing a clear increase in productivity. What’s more, InkZone generates a database of your settings, allowing corrections and continuous improvement in results over time.

This makes InkZone Perfect a component that’s indispensable on the road to a standardised printing process.

Consider the following: As you use InkZone Perfect, it compares the computed preset data with the corrected values during each press run. By reading back the values measured throughout the print run, the calibration curve for a given set of printing conditions can be continuously corrected and will gradually approach an optimum. When it comes to repeat orders, that means a further boost to the speed of set-up sequences, significant savings in paper, and a permanently stable, high-quality printing process.

InkZone Perfect:
automatic adjustment of the linearisation curves to specific printing conditions

Using the appropriate hardware components IZ Card, IZ Strip, IZ Tape, IZ eFloppy and IZ Wire, ink key presetting with Ink-Zone Perfect can be realised on almost all offset presses.

An investment in extending your workflow to the pressroom with InkZone Perfect from Digital Information is worthwhile. From the hundreds of printers using InkZone worldwide, experience shows the ROI horizon to be only a few months away.

A detailed description of the supported presses and consoles can be obtained here as a PDF file.

Ink profile with InkZone Print

As an alternative to writing the ink zone values to the respective printing machine manufacturer’s data carrier, InkZone Print enables the values to be printed out on a laser or inkjet printer. The press operator presets the ink zones manually on the ink fountain using bar graphs, this using bar graphs containing the allocated numerical values. InkZone Print also allows precise calculation of the average ink consumption for each printing job, a function that can be crucial to any printing house where expensive inks are an important cost factor.

A detailed description of the supported presses and consoles can be obtained here as a PDF file.

Quality and Productivity of InkZone Move Now Extended to Digital and Flexo Printing Processes

InkZone Move, already an established colour measurement solution for commercial print applications, is now available in a format specifically designed for digital and flexo printing applications. InkZone Move Digital & Flexo is both cost-effective and easy to use. The Eye-One measurement device from X-Rite is an integral part of the system and supports both manual and automatic measurements. Digital and Flexo printers now have a complete package for quality control and colour consistency with a never-before seen price-performance ratio.

Flexible use and simple operation

Fully automatic measurements with the Eye-One from X-Rite and the optional DC 2/4/8 motor drive.

The InkZone Move Digital & Flexo (IZM Digital & Flexo) solution works both in manual and automatic mode. For manual monitoring, the user can measure single elements across the substrate width during makeready or production. Once measured, the colour results are displayed both graphically and as numeric values using the included IZM Digital & Flexo software. Measured results are compared to colorimetric tolerances which can be tailored to individual customer or process requirements.

IZM Digital & Flexo is equally well-suited for automated measurements via the Eye-One and the optional DC2/4/8 motor drive. For each measured colour, the operator can evaluate solid and tonal density to ensure highlights, midtones and shadows are reproduced within pre-established tolerances. In addition, neutral gray can be evaluated to assess colour balance between primary process colours. All measured patches are represented in an additional chart as Delta E deviations from the target colour. At a glance, the IZM Digital & Flexo software shows if the measured colour values are within the established tolerances so that corrective action can be taken.

Communicating Via JDF

InkZone Move Digital & Flexo:
all relevant data for the process run and quality checks are displayed within seconds

A key feature of the IZM Digital & Flexo measuring system is the clever support of the Job Definition Format (JDF). Using JDF, IZM Digital & Flexo can take advantage of information previously entered into a Management Information System (MIS), in order to automatically create job information such as customer name, job number, as well as colour names and values. Once created, colour reference values for different job substrates are saved in a centralised library, along with all measured data. JDF can be used to access this information and combine it with other job or customer information for reporting, data analysis and quality control.

Quality and Reliability

Single spot measurements for ad hoc checks are easily made.

Simple presentation compares actual and target values for all colour patches.

IZM Digital & Flexo is the only solution on the market that requires a single, comparatively-inexpensive, scanning device for both manual and automatic measurements. Unlike many other solutions in the market, IZM Digital & Flexo is specifically tailored to the needs of flexo and digital printers in order to maintain high quality with an uncomplicated solution. The objective measurement of colour control patches guarantees process results based on data and tolerances, not on visual assessment and subjective press adjustments. Using IZM Digital & Flexo can help bring consistency based on metrics to digital, packaging and label printers, reducing costs and increasing quality.

Supported Presses & Consoles

This list does not claim to be complete. Please contact us or any of our distribution partners if you require more information. A detailed description of the supported presses and consoles can be obtained here as a PDF file.

Adast
Akiyama
Caber
CIP3
CIP4/JDF/XML
Eltromat
EPG Essex Products Group
GMI Microcolor
Hamada
Heidelberg Sheetfed
Heidelberg Web (incl. Harris, Goss)
KBA (see also Planeta)
KBA Logotronic
Komori
MAN Roland (manroland) Sheedfed
Miller
Mitsubishi
Müller Martini
Monigraf
Perretta Graphics Corporation
Planeta (see also KBA)
Polly
Rockwell/Allen-Bradley
Ryobi
Sakurai
Shinohara
TGC Grafitel

Workflow

Click to download the Workflow as a PDF.

The InkZone concept for presetting the ink keys on offset printing machines is making life easier for printers: they are saving money and gaining time; at the same time, they are achieving considerable increases in quality and productivity. InkZone smoothes the way into a future with JDF: JDF files supplied from the workflow or bitmap or CIP3 data that has been converted by DI-Plot into the Job Definition Format are then converted by InkZone into the required preset control commands for the specific machine. As a direct continuation of the preset function, the Closed Loop technology is responsible for non-stop control of the printing machine and compliance with print production standards.

Small gap, big opportunity

In many printing houses, the digital process chain stops with plate imaging. The option to transfer prepress output data to printing machines for presetting ink zones remains unused. And because proprietary available CIP3/4 connections come with relatively high investment costs, there is often little incentive to close this gap in the flow of data. Which is why Digital Information has developed InkZone: InkZone is an intelligent, flexible concept that can be adapted to requirements. With little expenditure and the simplest equipment, full use can be made of existing potential for the sake of increased efficiency.

An alternative to plate scanners

In many printing houses, preset values for ink zones are still generated using plate scanners. Apart from the laborious handling of the printing plates, the scanning of plates will also result in a relatively imprecise ink profile due to weak contrast between the aluminium and ink-bearing layer, while subsequent precise adjustment of the zones costs time and paper. Through the online transfer of bitmap files, on the one hand a work-intensive detour via the plate scanner is eliminated, while on the other, InkZone will always refer back to first-generation data. That means: shorter set-up times and minimum start-up waste. In view of shrinking print runs and frequent job changes, this means a significant increase in productivity.

Digital presetting of the ink keys

InkZone extends DI-Plot, the Rip-independent formproof solution, by a new component and brings manufacture-independent workflow all the way to the printing machine. Now, bitmap data calculated by DI-Plot and used for the formproof can be simultaneously used for presetting the ink zones on the printing machine. InkZone can be used with all popular printing machine types. Existing offset machines without digitally preset ink zones can be upgraded with InkZone simply and economically.

JDF technology

InkZone supports the transfer of preset data – also JDF based – between prepress and press. Bitmap or CIP3 files accepted from RIP and converted by DI-Plot into the Job Definition Format are then converted by InkZone into specific printing machine signals for presetting the ink zones. The conversion function is fulfilled by inkZone also in the case of direct transfer of CIP4/JDF files from any JDF prepress workflow.

More productivity, greater efficiency

Data calculated for film and plate imaging provide the printer with reliable information for digitally presetting the ink zones. Numerous advantages are the result, which go to boost the productivity and quality of the printing process: much quicker attainment of the correct ink feed, shorter start-up times, drastic savings in waste and 100% reproducibility with repeat orders, because the same digital data are referenced all the time.

Quality assurance thanks to Closed Loop

The calculated preset data can be written to the Closed Loop software package by InkZone. After start-up, the printing machine also prints measuring fields for each print zone, which are measured and compared with the saved reference values for CYMK plus spot colours. InkZone transmits the necessary correction values to the printing machine control console online. The printer decides on the use of these corrections and retains the option to intervene manually at any time. The console then writes the relevant settings back into the InkZone software package.

The Closed Loop functionality of InkZone is the simplest possible way to achieve continuous monitoring and control of all zones in the offset printing machine. When it comes to maintaining and logging a stable printing process as required by all international standards, Closed Loop is indispensable!