In this article we’ll walk you through open loop vs closed loop: What “open loop” and “closed loop” control really mean in a print environment The key advantages and disadvantages of open loop vs closed loop How a closed‐loop system is built and why it pays off Guidance for when your shop should move from open loop toward closed loop (and how to do that). What is “Open Loop” and “Closed Loop” in Print Color…
What Is a Spot Color? A spot color is a single, premixed ink designed to produce a specific hue. Unlike process colors that are created on press, spot colors are mixed before printing according to standardized color systems — most commonly the Pantone Matching System (PMS). Example of a Spot Color Imagine a brand that uses a deep, vibrant blue as its signature brand color — but it can’t be accurately reproduced with standard CMYK inks. When printed using process colors, this blue often appears duller…
In the world of professional printing, precision is everything. Whether producing packaging, marketing materials, or high-end publications, the colors you see on the press sheet must match the intended design—every time. This is where color measurement comes into play. By using specialized color measurement instruments, printers can achieve consistent, accurate results, reduce waste, and improve customer satisfaction. In this guide, we’ll cover the essentials of color measurement, explore the tools used in the printing industry,…
In the world of printing and color management, precision isn’t just a goal—it’s a requirement. When you’re producing packaging, the ability to reproduce colors accurately and consistently is vital for brand integrity and client satisfaction. One of the most powerful tools for achieving this is the LAB color space, sometimes referred to as the CIE LAB color space or color space LAB. In this article, we’ll break down what LAB color space is, why it’s…
Color Spectrophotometers: Applications in the Printing Industry Color spectrophotometers are indispensable tools in the modern printing industry. As the demand for high-quality, consistent color in printed materials continues to grow, ensuring that every print job meets customer expectations has become a top priority for print service providers. Whether printing packaging, labels, signage, or promotional materials, maintaining accurate and consistent color is crucial. This is where color spectrophotometers come in. These precision instruments help print professionals…
Color consistency is crucial in the printing industry. It ensures that every print job matches the intended color and design. This consistency is vital for maintaining brand integrity. Achieving color consistency can be challenging. Different devices and substrates can alter color perception. This makes color management a complex task. Print shop owners often struggle with maintaining color accuracy. Inconsistent colors can lead to customer dissatisfaction. This can ultimately affect a business’s reputation and profitability, as…
What is a Color Management System (CMS)? A Color Management System (CMS) is a technology framework essential for the graphics arts and printing industries. It ensures that colors are consistent from digital conception to final print. This system enables various devices such as monitors, printers, and presses to produce uniform colors. At its core, a CMS uses ICC profiles to manage how colors are represented. Color profiles describe the color attributes of each device involved in…
Integration of handheld spectrophotometers into automated color control systems for offset printing no longer has to break the bank. The PressLink has 3 different configurations, each with different price points, which opens the door to closed loop color control for all. PressLink Basic utilizes the SpectroDens, which is an entirely handheld device. The PressLink Advanced utilizes the SpectroJet, which is a spectrophotometer that can be manually pushed on a track or used as a handheld…
In the world of printing, color accuracy is crucial. Extended color gamut printing offers a solution to achieve vibrant and precise colors. This advanced technique expands the range of colors beyond the traditional CMYK process. Print shop owners face challenges in maintaining consistent print quality. Extended gamut printing addresses these issues by providing more accurate color reproduction. It reduces the need for costly spot colors, leading to significant cost savings. Understanding the benefits of extended…
High-print volume environments require precision, accuracy, and control. Handheld spectrophotometers offer all this and can automate your color control process. When considering investing in a handheld spectrophotometer, it is crucial to evaluate the total cost of ownership; from purchase price to maintenance and operational efficiencies. Why Choose a Handheld Spectrophotometer for color control in Printing Operations? Handheld spectrophotometers offer a range of functions and benefits to press operators who are looking for accuracy and consistency…
In the world of print production, color accuracy is paramount. Challenges can arise, however, as achieving consistent color across various print jobs can be difficult. This is where spectrophotometers in print production come in. These instruments are vital for ensuring precise color measurement and quality control. For printers looking to enhance customer satisfaction, selecting the right spectrophotometer is crucial. It can significantly impact productivity and cost-effectiveness. Understanding the different types and their applications is key…
Color matching is crucial in the printing industry, however, achieving precise color consistency can be challenging. This is where spectrophotometers come into play. Using a spectrophotometer helps maintain brand consistency. These color measurement devices ensure colors are reproduced accurately across different print batches. If a job does not match what a brand desired, printers may have to re-print the entire job, which costs a lot of money and requires a lot of wasted materials In…
colorIn today’s fast-paced flexo printing environment, color accuracy isn’t just a desirable trait—it’s a non-negotiable necessity. Modern brands rely heavily on specific colors to communicate identity, ensure consistency across platforms, and build recognition with consumers. When it comes to print production, particularly at scale, even the smallest deviation in color can have outsized consequences. That’s where real-time inline color control for flexo steps in to revolutionize the color management process. Color management in printing is…
When automated color control systems are introduced into offset press environments, several challenges can arise, impacting performance and print quality. Common issues include inaccurate ink density readings, misalignment between measurement devices and press settings, and communication errors between hardware and software components. Techkon addresses these concerns with advanced solutions like PressLink which features closed-loop feedback, real-time ink key adjustments, and user-friendly interfaces that integrate seamlessly with most offset presses. For more specific information about closed…
In the fast-paced world of print production, maintaining consistent color quality is paramount. Techkon USA offers advanced solutions that ensure color accuracy and consistency throughout the production process. These solutions utilize sophisticated non-contact spectrophotometer technology combined with powerful software to deliver reliable results across a variety of paper substrates. Inline Color Measurement and Control Inline color measurement solutions offer a type of control that other spectrophotometers don’t have. These systems provide real-time color data from…
Using analytics for offset color control empowers printers to enhance process efficiency and color consistency. Techkon’s SpectroDrive delivers real-time measurements, allowing operators to make timely adjustments and maintain tight color tolerances throughout production. Complementing this, ChromaQA 6 with SmartInk provides intuitive dashboards and automated ink recipe corrections, streamlining the color matching process and reducing make-ready times. Together, these tools facilitate data-driven decision-making, minimize waste, and support continuous improvement initiatives in the pressroom. Introduction to Color…
Techkon USA’s advanced inline color control solutions, such as the SpectroVision, are engineered to meet the demands of today’s high-performance printing presses by delivering fast and reliable color control. These spectrophotometers assist in achieving precise color control during rapid inline adjustments, allowing operators to identify and correct color deviations instantly without slowing down production. Unlike traditional spot-checking methods, Techkon’s technology scans entire color bars at full press speeds, ensuring on-color accuracy from the start of…
Closed-Loop Color Control for Offset Printing Closed-loop color management control removes the need for human intervention on press. A print job no longer requires a well-trained human eye to adjust ink on press, as closed-loop systems make automated press adjustments and maximize efficiency, which over time reduces the amount of waste produced on press. In digital printing, color management is the process of ensuring that color reproduction is exact and consistent with the desired standard….
Integrating Color Measurement Data with MIS and ERP Systems in Print and Packaging In the fast-paced world of print and packaging, ensuring color accuracy and consistency is crucial for brand integrity and customer satisfaction. Integrating color measurement data with Management Information Systems (MIS) and Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems provides a smart, data-driven approach to streamline workflows and enhance operational efficiency. This integration is a game changer for printing and packaging businesses aiming to reduce…
Print Color Quality Programs can be a challenge for global brands or private labels. The process is often very manual and labor intensive, and as such can be a high financial burden for all involved. Existing programs also typically focus primarily on print preparations (pre-press) and leave quality control during the actual production run to the print provider. This creates a major QA/QC gap in many print control programs at a critical step in the…
