Handheld Spectrophotometers for Print Accuracy

Spectrophotometers are tools that printers use to ensure quality as well as consistency in their products. Spectrophotometers are commonly used in printing and packaging to ensure consistency and help maintain a brand’s identity while still complying with industry standards. The most common use of the spectrophotometer is to determine the Delta E, or the difference between two colors. This is primarily used in printing and packaging, as packaging can be made up of many different materials. Other factors that impact the color include density, incorrect ink formulation, and technical issues that are related to the print process. These can be products such as corrugated materials, like cardboard, paper, and plastic. The same color may appear different to the naked eye, when printed on distinct materials, because of the intensity of light or the way different wavelengths are reflected and absorbed by the material. Printers of all sizes must manage color for color critical jobs, such as printing for brands. Larger printers, with multiple locations, have to focus on keeping color consistent throughout their many locations. Handheld spectrophotometers play a large role in this process, as they allow printers to maintain color standards throughout the printing process.

Understanding Handheld Spectrophotometers

Handheld spectrophotometer uses include the automation of your color control process as well as the collection of color data. A Spectro-Densitometer, which is a combination of a spectrophotometer and a densitometer, is designed for press operators who need more than just density readings. Densitometers measure the density of a printed sample, which is the absorbance of an ink at different wavelengths or a different intensity of light. Densitometers only use red, blue, and green filters to qualify light absorption of CMYK colors, where Spectrophotometers can determine if 2 colors match each other and quantify the difference between 2 colors. High-end spectrophotometers such as the SpectroDens work by using a white light source perpendicular to the printed sample. Utilizing an LED light source is common as they last longer and are more rugged. More information about spectrophotometers versus densitometers can be found here.

Handheld devices, such as Techkon’s SpectroDens, are a lower cost solution compared to automated scanners (SpectroDrive). The SpectroDens is rugged handheld device, meaning there are no moving parts, allowing it to be picked up and used on-the fly for “spot check” measurements. The SpectroJet is a solution that runs on a precision track but can also be picked up and be used as a handheld device.

What is a Spectrophotometer?

A spectrophotometer can be used to measure color and numeric color differences. In print and packaging, this device is used to verify that colors match required specifications set by a brand or an industry standard. A spectrophotometer works by capturing discrete spectrum amplitude values every 10 nm and 20 nm intervals. A white light source perpendicular to the sample illuminates the desired section, and the reflected light is separated by narrow band filters. The spectral curve that results from this is an excellent identifier of color samples. This data can then be converted into CIELab values, which are industry standard color measurement values. Advanced spectrophotometers have the ability to integrate color management software and automated color quality control systems. This allows press operators to make real-time decisions and adjustments.

Key Features and Benefits for Packaging Manufacturing

In industries such as printing, the most common application of the spectrophotometer is ensuring color consistency, as printers understand the importance of color quality. Spectrophotometers also help to ensure consistency throughout a print job, reduce make ready times, and reduce waste. With SpectroDens, press operators no longer need to rely on the strength of their eyes. You no longer need a skilled person, with years of training, to differentiate between color nuances and shades, as you can just measure it objectively. Spectrophotometers play a crucial role in maintaining color quality, since data analysis enables businesses to make informed decisions. This feedback allows manufacturers to ensure consistency across all their products, while maintaining color standards. In the past, manual adjustments and estimation ruled the color game. Now, handheld spectrophotometers, with the ability to measure multiple samples at once and actively scan entire colorbars, ensure quality control and higher efficiency. With automation, printers can label themselves as an eco-friendly option for brands, as improved color quality control means less waste. In addition, spectrophotometers can measure density, TVI, print contrast, trap, and slur & doubling. For more information about the advantages of an automatic scanning spectrophotometer, visit our website.

How Handheld Spectrophotometers Improve Color Quality

Color quality is important, yet it can be hard to achieve. With handheld spectrophotometers, achieving color quality does not have to be a painstaking task any longer. Printers may have multiple substrates, printing processes, suppliers, and locations. Each of these factors can make it difficult to ensure that the same color is being printed consistently. Spectrodensitometers, such as the SpectroDens, allow printers to reduce make ready times, by removing the guesswork that goes into color matching.

Real-Time Color Measurement and Feedback

Printers face many challenges, one of them being time constraints. Deadlines are firm, as brands need their packaging on time, and done right the first time around. Color measurements with handheld spectrophotometers allow printers to save time during make ready. Spectrophotometers allow press operators to get feedback and make changes in seconds. The SpectroVision is an inline color measurement solution that offers real-time color measurements at full press production speeds. The SpectroVision reduces human intervention and is perfect for a setting where real-time feedback is necessary, as color must be tightly monitored and controlled. There are also several automated spectrodensitometers that can be used as handheld devices, such as the SpectroDrive.

Ensuring Consistency Across Different Materials and Finishes

Just as light is reflected, on different color backgrounds, it also reflects differently on a range of printed materials. This can be due to the intensity of light or the type of material. Printed materials made from darker colors, like black, dark blue, or dark grey, absorb more light, which means that printed colors will appear darker. Dark samples or samples with low light intensity are measured by using Techkon’s color measurement engines. Types of materials and finishes are important for press operators and brands to take into consideration, as the same color may appear differently on two different backgrounds because of the way the sample reflects the wavelengths of light. Corrugated materials, such as cardboard are more likely to absorb wavelengths of light, meaning that colors may appear different on carboard than they do on a material, such as plastic or paper. This is where a handheld spectrophotometer comes in, as this tool allows press operators to complete “spot checks” to ensure that colors are within a Delta E of 2 or below.

Integration with Quality Control Processes

Techkon’s SpectroDens fits seamlessly into the color measurement process with the help of Techkon’s newest color management software. ChromaQA 6 is a color management platform that simplifies workflows. After color measurement, color values are automatically sent to ChromaQA6 where press operators can then examine key print attributes like density, deltaE, TVI, G7, and more. This allows the production manager to keep track of results for prints each day and determine the efficiency of each print job. Store and organize color standards in a library that can be shared with anyone in your organization.

Preventing Costly Reprints with Handheld Spectrophotometers

For printers, it is important to keep track of costs. Needing to reprint samples because of noticeable color differneces leads to waste, sustainability concerns, as well as high costs. Paper, as well as ink waste, can be minimized (or even eliminated) by utilizing quality control systems, such as a spectrophotometer. By catching color differentiation early on in the printing process, press operators are able to save time and money. Removing the guessing game from color matching using a spectrophotometer also allows press operators to avoid mistakes, and in turn, save money.

The High Cost of Color Inconsistencies in Packaging

Every extra minute it takes to get the right color on press means that waste is being produced. Each minute costs press operatorsmoney, time, ink, and substrate. If a color is very far off from the color standard, the brand may reject the job completely. This leaves it to the printer to reprint the entire job and take the costs on themselves. Another possibility is that the brand does not catch the issues early enough and is forced to distribute the incorrect color packaging to discount stores, which is not ideal for any company.

How Handheld Spectrophotometers Minimize Errors

With handheld SpectorDens, press operators are equipped with the tools they need to set color tolerances for density and Delta E. This provides the operators with immediate feedback about how the job matches customer tolerances. Color inconsistencies in packaging lead to incurring high costs on the side of the printer. Handheld spectrophotometers allow press operators to catch and resolve issues in real-time. This allows press operators to catch issues early on in the process, in turn limiting the chances of needing a large number of re-makes.

Spectrophotometer Uses in Packaging

Packaging is one of the essential pieces of a brand’s identity. Packaging could be the final factor that consumers consider when choosing whether or not to buy a product, so it should tie into what the consumers has seen beforehand. If the color of a package does not match the brand’s colors, consumers may be less inclined to buy the item. This is where color matching tools, such as the SpectroDens, come in. Different packaged products utilize different types of materials, whether they be flexible, rigid, or labels and sleeves. Each sample presents its own challenges to printers, whether it be the intensity of light or the fact that materials will reflect and absorb wavelengths of light in different ways.

Flexible Packaging: Films, Laminates, and Pouches

Flexible packaging materials, such as films, laminates, and pouches, are made with an extrusion process that can develop a grain or anisotropy. This can impact color measurement, as color measurement can depend on the orientation of the measurement tool in relation to the grain. SpectroDens are also equipped with polarization filters, to ensure that reflections from the materials surface do not impact the color measurement. As an example, think about the bag that your dog’s treats are packaged in. This package is made from a different type of material, such as a pouch, and color will appear differently than it does on a box. The designs on this package will need attention to detail, and the SpectroDens allows press operators to ensure that the material of the packaging is not impacting the color.

Rigid Packaging: Bottles, Containers, and Boxes

When it comes to rigid packaging, color consistency can be harder to reach, as different materials reflect light in different ways. Corrugated materials, such as boxes, may absorb light more, leading to color looking darker. This is where handheld SpectroDens come in, as it is important to ensure that a brand’s color standards are met. For example, think about cereal boxes. Cereal boxes are made from cardboard, which is a corrugated material. The corrugated materials are typically darker than paper, so it would absorb more light. The SpectroDens is useful in ensuring that the brand’s colors are correct and consistent, as no consumer wants to purchase a product that looks as if it is older, since the color looks incorrect to their perception of the brand colors.

Labels and Sleeves: Ensuring Print Accuracy

Whether printing on labels or sleeves, it is important to ensure that the printed colors are accurate and consistent throughout the entire print run. Accuracy ensures that color standards are met, and consistency ensures that each printed material will meet the needs and wants of the brand. Techkon’s products are known for their accuracy, which comes from measurement engines that use high intensity LEDs and a large sensor that maximizes light collection. This is important when using polarizing filters that can lower the light intensity. As an example, think about wine labels, with complicated and detailed designs. Colorful designs need to be accurate in order to meet the brands color standards. The SpectroDens allows press operators to ensure that even detailed and intricate designs are consistent.

Key Features to Look for in a Handheld Spectrophotometer

When searching for a handheld spectrophotometer, it is important to consider the features that will increase efficiency and reduce make ready times. Techkon’s SpectroDens is a handheld device that has no moving parts, an aluminum cast body, and a solid-state measurement engine. This makes the device user-friendly, durable, and highly accurate. Durability is key, as the press room is a manufacturing environment. There is ink, people rushing around, and there is a possibility that devices will fall. Because of the solid housing of the SpectroDens, the device is less prone to break, which is a key feature to look for. Another important feature related to durability arelarge and easy-to-use buttons, rather than a touchscreen. It is likely that press operators will have ink on their fingers, and using a touchscreen would be less than ideal.

Efficiency is important in the world of printing, as jobs that take more time cost more money. InkCheck is a Techkon feature that instantly shows Delta E and provides density adjustments, in turn reducing make ready times. With the SpectroDens 4, press operators can get quick measurements of process and spot colors by measuring solid ink density, percentage of dot area, CIE Lab, Delta E, and more. The SpectroDens 4 has a visible aperture, to make measurements fast and easy. Unlike other spectro-desnitometers, the SpectroDens 4 is able to be used with one hand and has a large and easy-to-read display. When considering spectrophotometers, it is also important to note that different light sources may have different impacts. Incandescent light sources typically do not last as long as LED lights do and are often seen to be less stable.

Portability and Ease of Use

It is important that andheld spectrophotometers are comfortable and easy to use. The SpectroDens has no moving parts, meaning that the solid-state spectral engine delivers accuracy and repeatability every single time. The SpectroDens is made from a solid aluminum unibody case, meaning that a single block of aluminum is used to ensure durability and reliability, even in harsh production environments. Large and easy to press buttons are also a key part of the ease of use of the SpectroDens. When working at a fast pace, the buttons must be functional, and easy to see and press. The SpectroDens is also able to be operated via cable connection to a computer, or by Wi-Fi. This means that the device can be operated while being transported.

Compatibility with Different Materials

The SpectroDens is compatible with most kinds of printing material, making it extremely versatile. Spectrophotometers are highly customizable, meaning they can measure many different types of samples. Specifically, with the SpectroDens, there is no need to worry about compatibility with different types of materials, such as flexible versus rigid. The SpectroDens is equipped to integrate into various color quality control processes. Techkon has developed a measurement engine that is suitable for any light intensity. The polarization filters that are built into the SpectroDens also help to ensure that reflections from materials surfaces do not impact the color measurement.

Advanced Data Analysis and Reporting Capabilities

Data analysis has a large role in color quality control, as it allows businesses to make informed decisions. Analysis and color data illustrate insights and trends that can be used to adjust and optimize the color quality process. Color data also allows companies to ensure consistency across different products, as well as maintain their color standards. SpectroConnect is a free software that comes with the purchase of a SpectroDens. This application runs on a user’s laptop and works like a remote control for the SpectroDens. SpectroConnect can also extract data from the device and export the data to Excel for detailed analysis. ChromaQA 6 is a more advanced software that users can purchase. Printers and companies can download their data to the software or connect their device directly to extract the data.

Maximizing Efficiency with Spectrophotometer Uses in Packaging Manufacturing

In the past, press operators have relied on their judgement to determine if a job will meet the standards of a brand. This is because most press consoles do not have an easy and efficient way to see if a job is meeting the print standard. In order to keep consistency, press operators rely on spectrophotometers to ensure that the color they are printing on sample is the same in every printing location. ChromaQA 6 with SmartINK allows press operators to get real-time feedback about exactly what needs to be adjusted in order to meet the color standard. By reducing the time it takes to guess what adjustments need to be made, waste is reduced and make ready times are shortened.