By Digital Output Staff
Print providers expect output predictability as their reputation is on the line. To achieve this, tools like color profiling software, spectrophotometers, and light boxes are used. The May issue of Digital Output looks at color management through the eyes of wallcovering applications. Here, we include influential products that assist in managing color.
Caldera
The Caldera RIP Version 17 EasyMedia creates optimizes ICC color profiles easily and in an efficient way without the need of external software.
Caldera PrintStandardVerifier verifies print compliance with standards like Fogra, ISO, and G7.
Caldera Spot Color Management embeds the most diffused and famous color libraries and allows for the creation of customized color libraries.
Designers usually work within the RBG color space while printers work in CMYK. Caldera RGBWorkflow allows digital printers to carry out print profiles in RGB to produce more accurate colors.
In industrial printing applications, new market trends make it necessary to go beyond what CMYK alone can achieve. Caldera CustomInkset allows for the design of custom ink configurations from scratch and discovering new shades of printed colors.
INX International Ink Co.
INX serves as a reseller for X-Rite Inc. One product is an eXact Spectrophotometer to capture spectral data that compares production samples to the target standard color and ensures consistency.
The other is an eXact2 Spectrophotometer, an updated version of the eXact that features the ability to measure multiple samples—color bars—in a single measurement with embedded wheels.
Onyx Graphics, Inc.
ONYX software solutions include a named color replacement, which leverages the power of ICC color management to achieve desired color results, provided they fall within the achievable color gamut of the print mode.
A SwatchBook tool, combined with named color replacement by print mode, allows users to interactively select optimal inking combinations for printing named colors, particularly beneficial for colors that are not precisely achievable.
Colorways with step-and-repeat functionality enable the definition of color palettes for pattern printing and facilitate reuse—especially important with wallcoverings.
Integrated ColorCheck tools within production workflow enable ongoing assessment of printing consistency over time or across different printers.
Recalibration serves as a vital component of the process control regimen, including printer maintenance, as indicated by the results of ColorCheck reports.
Setting up quicksets that utilize Simulation profile setups ensures consistent and repeatable results, enhancing efficiency and productivity.
PrintFactory
PrintFactory offers comprehensive color management solutions tailored for wallcovering applications. The software provides precise color profiling, calibration, and quality control features. With PrintFactory, users can easily create and maintain color profiles specific to their wallcovering materials, ensuring vibrant and accurate prints every time.
Additionally, an intuitive interface and real-time color previews empower print providers to make informed decisions, resulting in efficient workflows and superior color outcomes for wallcoverings.
The PrintFactory Wallpaper Sequencer is a specialized tiling tool exclusively available in the PrintFactory ecosystem, designed to simplify and enhance the process of creating wallpaper panels. Prior to utilizing the Wallpaper Sequencer, users prepare items in PrintFactory’s Editor, where they could establish variable placeholders for elements like text, quick response/barcode images, and templates for thumbnails on wallpaper roll labels. PrintFactory’s Editor facilitates the creation of labels defining top and bottom sides, cutting lines, headers, footers, and other intricate details using a variety of variables and templates.
To set up the Wallpaper Sequencer, users create a new queue, define settings such as queue name, hot folder, and tiling specifications, and add the previously created sequencer items. The queue is optimized for precise tile positioning, allowing users to print multiple copies of wallpaper efficiently. Media settings—including color bars and bleed considerations—are configured to ensure accurate sizing and tiling. The final queue is established with correct output conditions. Running a job involves placing an image file in the hot folder, triggering automated processing based on queue settings.
Users can monitor job progress in the RIP’s preview window and inspect the output using the Inspector tool, which displays a comprehensive preview of the wallpaper, including labels, marks, and relevant details. The Wallpaper Sequencer streamlines the printing process, enabling quick and easy production of multiple wallpapers with consistent quality.
SAi
SAi Flexi software includes Color Profiling, which helps users create custom profiles for any wallcovering media. With the use of a spectrophotometer to read color swatches, Flexi creates profiles for any application. You can set ink limit, which helps the user to not over or undersaturate material and scan a linearization table that allows for controlling ink usage while still getting excellent color for a print.
X-Rite Inc.
X-Rite offers connected tools to help define, implement, and monitor print quality throughout the supply chain.
The i1Publish Pro 3 Plus is a versatile calibration and profiling solution designed to support an extensive range of substrates used in digital and industrial printing, including textiles, plastics, thin films, and paper. By generating ICC profiles for all critical production equipment—from displays to inkjet proofers to final output print systems—the i1Publish Pro 3 Plus facilitates seamless color matching from proof to production.
Keeping Color Accurate
RIPS, specialized color management solutions, spectrophotometers, and more are all tools that achieve consistent, accurate color. These are helpful for any job, but especially wallcoverings. As they are often considered color critical due to brand requirements or simply the preference of the end customer.
May24, Digital Output
