Heidelberg Unveils Prinect Hybrid Screening |
 |
| 23-02-2006 |
|
- All FM, AM and new hybrid screening methods from Heidelberg are now integrated in the Prinect workflow
- Compatible with all Heidelberg platesetters
Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG (Heidelberg) will present its new Prinect Hybrid Screening method at Ipex 2006, which will be staged in Birmingham from April 4-11, 2006. This new screening method combines the benefits of amplitude-modulated (AM) and frequency-modulated (FM) screening technologies. It enables higher screen resolutions and finer reproduction of detail in print, all of which enhances the overall print image quality. Prinect Hybrid Screening is available for the Suprasetter family of thermal imagesetters, the Prosetter series with violet technology, and the Topsetter. Depending on the CtP platesetter technology and plate type used, screen resolutions of up to 400 lines per inch (160 lines per centimeter) are possible.
Prinect Hybrid Screening defines the smallest dot for highlight areas and the smallest dot for shadows and does not allow the dot size to fall below these values. Unlike stochastic FM technology, the dot follows the angle of the AM screen. This produces a smooth transition between tonal values. In contrast to other hybrid methods, Prinect Hybrid Screening uses sophisti- cated dot distribution at the relevant angle to enhance detail and eliminate moiré. Prinect Hybrid Screening uses Heidelberg’s own Irrational Screening (IS) technology in the tonal range reproduced with AM technology. This eliminates undesirable moiré and delivers smooth results for difficult skin tones. For black/white reproductions, the black separation has been set to a better angle.
The new screening method does not necessitate any major adjustments to the process flow. The user can increase the resolution step by step as required, taking the usual screen rulings as his starting point.
FM and AM screens enhanced and integrated in the Prinect workflow
Heidelberg has also enhanced its Satin Screening FM screen technology and integrated it into the Prinect workflow as Prinect Stochastic Screening. Prinect Stochastic Screening enables smoother tints while retaining all the advantages of stochastic screening, i.e. elimination of moiré during compo- site printing of process colors, ink savings over conventional screening, and color stability.
The new screening methods can be ordered with the new Version 6 of Prinect MetaDimension RIP technology (see relevant press release). The autotypical screens are now grouped under the product name Prinect AM Screening. As before, they are included in the scope of delivery of Prinect MetaDimension.
With these products, Heidelberg is offering a wide selection of screening systems for all manner of print applications. Moreover, the screening methods can be combined with other tools and services from the Prinect family to further enhance the print quality. For example the Prinect Calibration Manager that comes with Prinect MetaDimension enables finely-tuned process calibration for all screen resolutions and a wide range of printing materials. Prinect Color Solutions products also ensure reliable color management from prepress to press.
Image:
The graphic shows the distribution of screen dots in Prinect Hybrid Screening.
|
|
|
|
|
|