5 Advantages of Using an Automatic Scanning Color Spectrophotometer
What is a Scanning Spectrophotometer?
A scanning spectrophotometer is a precision instrument used in the printing industry to measure and control color with high accuracy. In print applications, a spectrophotometer is used to detect variations in ink color, density, and spectral data to ensure consistent, high-quality results. Its main purpose is to automatically capture detailed color information across an entire press sheet so operators can make precise ink adjustments quickly.
Unlike a handheld spectrophotometer, a scanning spectrophotometer is mounted on a rail and automatically scans the entire color bar of a press sheet in seconds. For example, the SpectroDrive is designed to quickly read color bars anywhere on the sheet without the need for manual spot measurements. The scanner head can even be detached for handheld use, giving operators flexibility for on-the-spot checks or color matching.
What Data Does a Scanning Spectrophotometer Measure?
In print, a scanning spectrophotometer measures spectral reflectance values, color density, and CIE color values (such as L*a*b*). This information is essential for detecting color drift, verifying color matches, and maintaining brand color consistency throughout a press run.
Advantages of Using a Scanning Spectrophotometer
1. Automate Your Color Control Process
An automatic scanning color spectrophotometer like the SpectroDrive is a perfect tool to aid in the task of automating your color control process. It is designed to scan entire press sheet color bars in a matter of seconds thus eliminating the need for manual measurements via a handheld device. These devices are fast, accurate, and can also scan color bars anywhere on the press sheet. Moreover, the scanner head can be easily detached from the rail, allowing the operator to use it as a handheld device for spot checks or color matching anywhere!
2. Collect & Distribute Data
The ability to automatically gather required spectral and color density information from the scanning spectrophotometer and distribute it to the appropriate customers is invaluable. These real-time quality control reports of the press data are easily generated with an automated scanning device and can help validate exacting color.
3. Shorten Make-Ready Time
Due to the trend of smaller print jobs and shorter press runs the time from starting a press to getting it “in color” and running with consistent quality is cost critical. The scanning color spectrophotometer reduces this “non-productive” set-up time dramatically, by substantially speeding up the process of scanning color bars while eliminating the need for manual ink key adjustments.
4. Reduce Waste
Material waste in the form of ink and paper is considerably reduced with an automated scanning spectrophotometer as mistakes are often caught very early in the print production process and corrected much more quickly than would be possible with a handheld spectrophotometer or densitometer.
5. Improve Color Quality Control
An automatic scanning color spectrophotometer measures density and color information and displays it with suggested density changes for more accurate color. This process helps to ensure consistent print-to-print color accuracy throughout the press run thus improving overall color quality control.
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