Heidelberg PrintOpen Color Management Software Application Example (Part 2)

One of the focuses of these standards is the characterization of color, which, as Cassino said, is an important factor in process control, quality certification, and product efficiency. ICC's color management method is to use a characterization file to mark images. From input to output, this process involves calibration, qualification, and monitoring of all equipment (proofing systems), as well as all press parameters such as paper, ink, and print density. Once the characteristics of the input and output processes have been determined, then the color management work must ensure the connection between them.

The consistent performance of increased color enables printers to preserve the integrity of their customer brand. Cassino said that color management affects the entire printing process - from labels to folding cartons to POP displays - regardless of the type of printing (flexo, gravure, offset, etc.).

Eliminate speculation

Cassino quickly admitted that color management also has problems that are difficult to handle, such as using uncalibrated input and output devices, converting images created by RGB or CIELab to CMYK space, and so on. He said that the emergence of these problems has a common cause, that is, the creators of designers, photographers, advertising agencies, and other documents often design images that do not match the actual printing environment.

Just as a user cannot accurately determine the color on an uncorrected monitor, the color cannot be accurately duplicated on an uncalibrated proofer or printer. Cassino believes that professional color management is based on the value of each pixel that represents the image. This is also the essence of color management and the value of color characterization.

Opposite work flow

Understanding color management enables one to select the appropriate printing process (offset, flexo, gravure, or silkscreen) for a job. Cassino said that the actual knowledge of the printing process, including the characteristics of ink, coating, and film, is very important for effective color management. Brand sensitivity determines the level of product and safety, and it also has a certain relationship with the economic level.

Today, people can already print on plastic and corrugated cardboard. However, Cassino warned that advanced technology must be used to obtain qualified products. In order to avoid disputes, printers need to provide a high level of color management, and color management experts also understand their inherent possibilities when selecting a process.

Goodbye, try

Chop was previously a scanner operator and he appreciated PrintOpen's ability to match different color spaces at each stage of the project cycle. PrintOpen automatically generates monitoring images that reproduce the color effects seen in printing. It also saves a lot of time and labor compared to manual operation.

The color characterization correction method can provide users with higher color fidelity, fewer page faults, higher efficiency, fewer scraps, and lower costs over a longer period of time. If you are used to dealing with traditional color separations, PrintOpen is a godsend. While other tools can also evaluate and edit color profiles, PrintOpen is much more advanced than they are. It is a completely specialized tool.

ABC in color management

Effective color management:

Controls the appearance and feel of graphics in a variety of printing processes.

Regardless of the output mode, film, ink, and other variables selected, the accuracy of the critical data needed for stable and repeatable printing is ensured.

In different color environments matching the original, it is easier to respond to printed documents by various devices.

Define production conditions and define effective color standards.

Additional benefits include:

Reduced costs and scrap quantities.

Improved communication methods.

customer satisfaction.

Higher reliability and consistency in print quality.

Accurate proofs.

Author: Fu Qing Li Source: net win