Initial situation:
In the printing industry it is standard practice to produce a proof before printing – i.e. the actual production of the printed matter on the press.
The current state of the art is to use a suitable inkjet printer and special software (proof rip). The final print result is simulated on paper when printing on this inkjet printer. In digital printing, the respective printing machine is usually used for this purpose.
Finishing processes such as hot foil stamping, foiling, varnishing and priming can usually not be reproduced at all or only with a great deal of manual effort. Many substrates can only be reproduced very poorly. Both of these are further impairments of the current methods.
Since different printing processes, substrates, design variants and colour combinations are often tested in order to be able to make a decision, such test prints are often made several times.
It also happens that doubts about the correctness of the colouring arise during ongoing production. In this case, production is usually stopped in order to create a control proof. This results in considerable costs, labour and time losses.
Nowadays, the decision-makers who view and evaluate such prints are often spread all over the world and also work in their home offices. Then several such prints have to be produced and distributed by post. This means further loss of time and an ecological burden (ecological fingerprint).
The inspection on the printed paper (proof) also requires the purchase of a so-called standard light device (standard light box or standard light lamp) to ensure that all participants view the proofs under the same lighting conditions. These are usually very large, so there is no room for them on a desk or in a home office.
In addition, all printed copies change colour over time.
Due to fading and colour shifts, they are then no longer usable for appraisal and, in case of doubt, have to be recreated.
All these processes are time and material consuming. In some cases, production on a digital press even has to be stopped or interrupted in order to then create the test print. Thus, the costs, time loss and environmental disadvantages are significant.
Solution:
A solution that works at the push of a button and allows simulation on the screen – in real time – is thus a considerable improvement for the entire process. All the disadvantages mentioned above do not apply to this solution.
Advantages:
Colour changes, substrates, printing processes and new designs can be run through immediately without material expenditure or loss of time.
Furthermore, this enables an immediate assessment and joint discussion of the decision-makers decentrally, promptly and simultaneously, without having to stop running productions for this purpose.
With our Spectraproof solution, the substrates can also be simulated via a photo-realistic display. This is an essential innovation for optimal and realistic simulation on original substrates.
In addition, a standard light bonnet and a measuring device are used, enabling continuous quality control and ensuring the same viewing conditions at all locations.
Essential features of Spectraproof:
- Simulation of printing processes, substrates and finishes directly on screen
- Real-time availability without the need to intervene in production
- Nearly perfect representation of the final result
- Unsurpassed flexibility and sustainability
- Simplicity of use
- Environmental friendliness (resource saving)
- Flexibility in terms of all technical parameters
- The solution brings measuring device and functions for calibration and control
of the monitor and ambient light (light bonnet) - In addition, the solution offers functionality for validating
viewing conditions (monitor, light, job parameters) - Functions for releasing a job and for documenting comments and viewing conditions
and viewing conditions complete the solution - The combination of traditional ICC-based colour management,
spectral colour mathematics and photorealistic image composing is unique.
Conclusion:
The presented technology and combination of components impresses with its simplicity, flexibility and modularity. The soft proof system is a unit in itself and offers “close loop” control mechanisms through simple measurement and regulation. With this technology, any printing process and finishing method can be easily and quickly displayed in an almost photo-realistic manner and with high precision in terms of colour accuracy. Ecological advantages, time savings and immediate, worldwide availability are additional features of our process.