Print Control Strip with Multiple Gray Fields for Ink Metering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current print control strips used in multicolor printing operations lack sufficient gray measuring fields, making it impossible to achieve optimal color control, and are prone to errors due to limited measurement points, which affects the accuracy of ink metering in offset printing presses.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating multiple gray measuring fields associated with each ink zone on the print control strip, arranged in two or more rows, to provide redundant measurements that can be used for accurate ink metering and error detection, with the option to select specific gray levels based on the print job requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple gray measuring fields are added to each ink zone, then measurement precision and reliability improve, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The print control strip is segmented into multiple measuring fields (solid-tone fields, halftone fields, screen fields, and gray measuring fields) distributed across different ink zones. Each ink zone contains multiple gray measuring fields at different positions, allowing segmented measurement of ink distribution across the printing width.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from single-point measurement to multi-dimensional measurement by arranging gray measuring fields in multiple rows and columns across the print control strip. This spatial distribution enables measurement of ink metering across different zones of the ink fountain, adding dimensional coverage to the measurement process.
2Reliability
If multiple gray measuring fields are used for each ink zone, then reliability of ink control improves, but loss of time in measurement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The print control strip with multiple measuring fields is prepared in advance on the printing material before the actual printing measurement takes place. This preliminary preparation allows the color measuring device to perform multiple measurements simultaneously or in rapid sequence, reducing the time penalty of increased measurement points.
Solution Approach 2:
The color measuring device measures the gray values at multiple fields and provides feedback to the ink metering device. This feedback mechanism allows real-time or near-real-time adjustment of ink metering based on measurements from multiple gray fields, improving reliability without significant time loss due to automated processing.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This configuration enhances the accuracy and reliability of ink metering by providing multiple gray values for each ink zone, allowing for precise color control and error detection, even in complex print jobs, and reduces the impact of printing issues like ghosting and powder accumulation.
Implementation Method 1
color measuring devices have been developed, which measure the printed products in colorimetric or densitometric terms
Implementation Method 2
measure the printed products in colorimetric or densitometric terms
Data Source
AI summary
A print control strip to be applied to printing material during a multicolor printing process, includes multiple measuring fields associated with one ink zone on the printing material. The measuring fields, which are associated with one ink zone, include at least two gray measuring fields. A method of measuring measuring fields in print control strips on printing material with a measuring device and a control unit connected thereto, and a method of controlling metering of ink in offset printing presses including at least one ink metering device in each printing unit and a control unit, are also provided.