Predicting Spot Color Overprints

Predicting ink behavior

An alternative method can be used to predict ink behavior on a specific substrate for each press setup—without the difficulties of proprietary chart-based press fingerprinting. This is accomplished by combining spectral modeling algorithms with spectral ink measurements that analyze the properties of each ink color, as well as the substrate's colorimetric properties. This information is applied to a specific printing process (flexo, offset, gravure). A profile can be created with a just the solid patches of the spot colors on the substrate, although better results can be achieved if multiple steps (50 percent, 30 percent, 10 percent, etc.) of the spot were measured. Traditional press fingerprinting charts can also be applied, along with existing press characterizations to refine accuracy.