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Techkon SpectroDens Manual

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Summary of Contents for Techkon SpectroDens

  • Page 1 TECHKON Manual Spectro-Densitometer SpectroDens Software SpectroDens Connect...
  • Page 2 Programs may only be copied for back-up purposes. TECHKON can not be held liable for any damages that may occur by the use of TECHKON products. The TECHKON team takes great care in producing this manual. Nevertheless, we can not fully guarantee the complete absence of errors.
  • Page 3 You will be fascinated that after only ten minutes you will know how to work with SpectroDens. The second chapter will show you detailed insight into the measure- ment functions and chapter 3 is about the Windows software SpectroDens Connect, which is part of the package.

  • Page 4: Table Of Contents

    1.5 Care and maintenance ..............19 Chapter 2: Description of measurement functions 2.1 Measurement functions of SpectroDens Basic ......26 2.2 Additional functions of SpectroDens Advanced ...... 33 2.3 Additional functions of SpectroDens Premium ......44 2.4 Storage of measurement values ........... 55 2.5 Gray Guide function (US-version only) ........

  • Page 5: Chapter 1: How To Use Techkon Spectrodens

    SpectroDens is an all-purpose, modern measurement device. Whether it be in pre- print for verifying proofs, for ongoing quality control at the printing press, during delivery inspection of paper and print products or in a color lab, SpectroDens is exceptionally suitable, whatever the application is. Thanks to the individually adjustable display functions, you can quickly set up the device for your particular job.
  • Page 6 • Absolute white standard integrated and protected in charging console • Rechargeable, high-capacity batteries with quick recharge power management on practical charging console for up to 10.000 measurements per battery charge Page 6 Manual TECHKON SpectroDens Chapter 1 – How to use SpectroDens...

  • Page 7: Manual Techkon Spectrodens Chapter 1 – How To Use Spectrodens

    Three different performance packages SpectroDens is available in three types of performance packages: The model Basic with the essential density functions, the Advanced version which adds extended densitometry functions, colorimetry and a color library and as the flagship model the comprehensive Premium device. The devices can be upgraded by post-purchase to higher performance levels by program upload using the software SpectroDens Connect.

  • Page 8: Packing List

    • Exchangeable aperture with UV-Cut filter for measuring fluorescending samples • Print Control Strip TECHKON TCS (the Digital Print Control Strips TECHKON TCS can be downloaded free of charge at http://www.techkon.com • Device upgrades for the Basic- or Advanced-models to higher functionality •...

  • Page 9: Design Of Spectrodens

    1.3 Design of SpectroDens SpectroDens is a solidly designed measurement device which is very functional and easy to use. It is compact in size; the buttons can be reached with the right index fin- ger when the device is held with the right hand. The LCD display is inclined towards the user, so the display information can be read clearly.
  • Page 10 The above image shows how to connect the plug of the AC adapter with the charging console.The AC adapter can be used universally for 100 – 240 V and 47 – 63 Hz. Use only the original TECHKON SpectroDens AC adapter. The use of other power sources is hazardous! There are three adapter plugs for different countries.

  • Page 11: Working With Spectrodens

    If no button is pressed within five minutes, the device will switch off automatically. Switching it on again with the green measurement button will show on the display the last measurement done. There is no button to turn SpectroDens off. Since hardware-version 2 the display is provided with backlight which turns on auto- matically when the device is started.
  • Page 12 How to measure After switching on SpectroDens, it is instantly ready to measure. Just position the measurement aperture on top of the measurement sample and press shortly with the index finger the green measurement button. Within one second the resulting measurement value will appear on the display of the device.
  • Page 13 “soft keys” might be shaded in appearance and can not be selected, because they are only active in a higher performance package (Advanced or Premium) of SpectroDens. Pressing the red, round Escape button will always bring you one step back in the menu or will close a menu window.
  • Page 14 We recommend to deactivate this function and instead to intentionally perform calibra- tions with the calibration function. This way you always know that a calibration is per- formed properly. Page 14 Manual TECHKON SpectroDens Chapter 1 – How to use SpectroDens...
  • Page 15 Attention! The device is correctly adjusted by the factory and changes of these settings should be made only in special cases (see page 23/24: Setting of the Density adjustment (SLOPE). Manual TECHKON SpectroDens Chapter 1 – How to use SpectroDens Page 15...
  • Page 16 11. CIE L*a*b* p. 41 25. Media Wedge p. 53 12. CIE Color Circle p. 43 Gray Guide function p. 58 (US-version only) 13. CIE XYZ p. 43 Page 16 Manual TECHKON SpectroDens Chapter 1 – How to use SpectroDens...
  • Page 17 DIN 16535 NB (= NarrowBand) can be usually are referred to the white value of demanded. the paper printed on. Colorimetric measure- ments refer to an absolute white reference Manual TECHKON SpectroDens Chapter 1 – How to use SpectroDens Page 17...
  • Page 18 (white, gray or black). When the paper sample is printed on both sides, it is recommended to use a black backing material in order to avoid misreadings due to color shining through the back of the opaque paper. Page 18 Manual TECHKON SpectroDens Chapter 1 – How to use SpectroDens...

  • Page 19: Care And Maintenance

    1.5 Care and maintenance SpectroDens is a highly-precise optical instrument. It is designed to work in harsh, industrial environments. However, it should be handled with care. Avoid mechanical shocks, heat, dusty or humid environments! Keep it always at a safe place, for example in the carrying case.
  • Page 20 Do not press the screws too tight in order to avoid damaging the threads. Page 20 Manual TECHKON SpectroDens Chapter 1 – How to use SpectroDens...
  • Page 21 – depending how it was used – it will loose its capacity and it will make sense to replace it. Only use original TECHKON SpectroDens replacement batteries. The use of other batteries is hazardous! For opening the battery case you will need a Philips screwdriver type 1.
  • Page 22 TORX T6. Replace- ment of the lamp requires a clean workspace, a few technical skills and 15 minutes of time. Of course, the lamp can be exchanged in the TECHKON service center as well. 1. Turn the device upside down and place a soft cloth underneath to avoid any scratches.
  • Page 23 Setting of the Density adjustment (SLOPE) With the SLOPE correction values it is possible to adjust SpectroDens to the density values of other devices. Activate the “soft key” with the tool icon and select the menu item Density adjustment (SLOPE).
  • Page 24 The SLOPE correction values are shown. A reset of the SLOPE correction values is done by activating the menu item Reset SLOPE coefficients. You reset the device back to its original factory settings. Page 24 Manual TECHKON SpectroDens Chapter 1 – How to use SpectroDens...
  • Page 25 How to unplug the battery is described on page 21. Warranty The warranty for TECHKON products is 24 months starting with the date of pur- chase. The invoice is the certificate of warranty. The warranty is invalid if the damage is caused by inadequate use of the device.

  • Page 26: Chapter 2: Description Of Measurement Functions

    2.1 Measurement functions of SpectroDens Basic Automatic Density SpectroDens Basic comprises all functions related to density measurement. A very practical feature is the Automatic Density mode. By a push of the green measure- ment button the relevant measurement values are displayed. Depending on the type of measurement patch this can be: •...
  • Page 27 M = 40 % and Y = 40 %. The value for Black indicates how dark the gray color is. The higher the value for Black (= K) the darker the sample. Manual TECHKON SpectroDens Chapter 2 – Measurement functions Page 27...
  • Page 28 The tolerances define the lower and upper limits around the reference values. In this example for Yellow: 1,45 + 0,06 = 1,51 1,45 - 0,06 = 1,39 Page 28 Manual TECHKON SpectroDens Chapter 2 – Measurement functions...

  • Page 29: Densities Cmyk

    The function Densities CMYK is especially suitable for the measurement of multicolored composed CMYK colors, e.g. in logos, to find out the reason for possible color shifts. Patch for sample measurement Manual TECHKON SpectroDens Chapter 2 – Measurement functions Page 29...

  • Page 30: Dot Area

    3 seconds until the density value is framed. Now an unlimited number of %-measurements can be made. Deactivating is done by keeping the Enter button pressed again. Page 30 Manual TECHKON SpectroDens Chapter 2 – Measurement functions...

  • Page 31: Dot Gain/Contrast

    Dot Gain Setup. Up to three percentage values can be edited. The TECHKON TCS print control strips in- clude two different %-patches; 40 % and 80 %. Manual TECHKON SpectroDens Chapter 2 – Measurement functions Page 31...

  • Page 32: Trapping

    Typical values for standardized print with Paper Class 1 (glossy, coated) are C+M > 60 %, M+Y > 72 % and C+Y > 85 %. The SpectroDens models of the Advanced- and Premium-class offer extended trapping calculation according to Professor Ritz and Felix Brunner, which ensure a better comparison between C+M, M+Y and C+Y measurements.

  • Page 33: Additional Functions Of Spectrodens Advanced

    The double arrow in the upper left corner indicates that the next patch to be measured will be a 90 %-patch. Now all other pre-set %-patches can be mea- sured on the measurement wedge. 1. 2..Manual TECHKON SpectroDens Chapter 2 – Measurement functions Page 33...

  • Page 34: Printing Plate

    Special plate measuring instruments working with video analysis have been developed for this application; for example TECHKON SpectroPlate. Compared to densitometers and colorimeters they offer big advantages. Nevertheless it is basically possible to make measurements with a densitometer on a printing plate.
  • Page 35 %-measurements can be easily made. It is not necessary to measure the solid density again, because it is already saved, which is indicated by the frame around the value. 1. 2. 3. Manual TECHKON SpectroDens Chapter 2 – Measurement functions Page 35...

  • Page 36: Slur And Doubling

    After the measurement of the horizontal lined patch the dot area of the patch is calcu- lated and stored (see the following figure). Y BAL Page 36 Manual TECHKON SpectroDens Chapter 2 – Measurement functions...
  • Page 37 Values up around 5 % still are acceptable. %-values higher than 10 % indicate significant geometrical errors in print due to slur or doubling effects. There are no standard values for the maximum allowable %-factor. Manual TECHKON SpectroDens Chapter 2 – Measurement functions Page 37...

  • Page 38: Density Graph

    Cyan, Magenta, Yellow and Black. Thanks to the spectral measurement of SpectroDens, a virtual spectral density characteristic for any spot color can be ob- tained. The great advantage is that the process control of spot colors can now be as easily achieved as known from the four process colors.

  • Page 39: Expresso Mini

    Advanced functions for the fast and comprehensive control of the printing quality during the printing pro- cess features the software TECHKON ExPresso 3.0 in connection with the automatic measurement system TECHKON SpectroDrive.
  • Page 40 The reference line is always the refer- ence value and the corresponding tolerance. The figure describes the situation inside and outside of the tolerance and the situation outside of the graphic space. Page 40 Manual TECHKON SpectroDens Chapter 2 – Measurement functions...

  • Page 41: Cie L*A*B

    CIE L*a*b* The previously described measurement functions all were based on densitometry. Thanks to the spectral performance of SpectroDens it is possible to calculate and display colorimetric values as well. Measurements in colorimetry modes have the advantage of an absolute description of color based on characteristic values.
  • Page 42 In colorimetry the white reference is absolute in contrary to densitometry where the white is usually referenced to paper white. Before making colorimetric measurements, an absolute white calibration has to be carried out by placing SpectroDens on the charging console and calibrating on the round, white ceramic standard.

  • Page 43: Cie Color Circle

    1 (total remission of the emitted light). The remission curve is the most exact and total description of a color; however the values are not very practical to use. Manual TECHKON SpectroDens Chapter 2 – Measurement functions Page 43...

  • Page 44: Additional Functions Of Spectrodens Premium

    When the ∆L*a*b*-values are marked with checkmarks, the paper white is in accordance with the ISO-standards. Page 44 Manual TECHKON SpectroDens Chapter 2 – Measurement functions...
  • Page 45 If this is not the case, another set of print ink must be used. Manual TECHKON SpectroDens Chapter 2 – Measurement functions Page 45...
  • Page 46 But to avoid that the gray balance is distur- bed too much, the spread limits the permit- ted difference between the highest and the lowest tonal value to 5 %. Page 46 Manual TECHKON SpectroDens Chapter 2 – Measurement functions...
  • Page 47 But it is recommended, not to exceed a ∆E*- value of 10 in the secondary colors, which corresponds with the sum of the permitted ∆E*-deviations of the primary colors. Manual TECHKON SpectroDens Chapter 2 – Measurement functions Page 47...

  • Page 48: Inkcheck (Colorguide)

    If they can not be found in the device mem- ory, they can be uploaded with the Windows software SpectroDens Connect. After selecting the right color book, load it in the reference memory. Page 48 Manual TECHKON SpectroDens Chapter 2 – Measurement functions...
  • Page 49 Please note that the density values are ob- tained without the polarizing filter activated and therefore are lower as values obtained with polarizing filter. Please ensure that the right measurement conditions are set. Manual TECHKON SpectroDens Chapter 2 – Measurement functions Page 49...

  • Page 50: Cie L*C*H* Ab

    The Premium-version of SpectroDens enables the display of additional color spaces, which might be used mainly in industries outside printing: CIE L*u*v*, CIE L*C*h* uv, CIE xyY und DIN Lab99.

  • Page 51: Metamerism-Index

    As a result the color distances in ∆E* a*b* for illuminant conditions A, C and D50 are shown. Identical color impression under light condition I: Color deviation under light condition 2 caused by metamerism: Manual TECHKON SpectroDens Chapter 2 – Measurement functions Page 51...

  • Page 52: Whiteness/Yellowness

    Whiteness/Yellowness Whiteness- and Yellowness-indices are quality parameters important for the paper industry. SpectroDens Premium will display the whiteness index according to CIE and the yellowness index according to American standard ASTM D 1925. The values mean the following: Whiteness index: Values are usually between 90 and 120 for “white”...

  • Page 53: Media Wedge

    In connection with the Windows software SpectroDens Connect there is a plug-in module available which allows analyzing the measured data in detail and gives the possi- bility to print a report (see chapter 3.10). Manual TECHKON SpectroDens Chapter 2 – Measurement functions Page 53...
  • Page 54 After the last single measurement has been taken, the resulting average value will be displayed and the procedure can start again from the beginning. Activating the menu item Stop Average measurement you quit this measurement mode. Page 54 Manual TECHKON SpectroDens Chapter 2 – Measurement functions...

  • Page 55: Storage Of Measurement Values

    2.4 Storage of measurement values The versions SpectroDens Advanced and Premium have included a Color library. This is a digital memory for storing color values, which can be compared or ex- changed with the Windows software SpectroDens Connect. There are three different sections where color values can be stored: •...
  • Page 56 250 samples can be stored before the first sample will be overwritten by a new measurement. The pop-up window opens by pressing the Enter button with the device in sample mode. Page 56 Manual TECHKON SpectroDens Chapter 2 – Measurement functions...
  • Page 57 A color book is a folder which can hold up to 100 single color values. An example are the HKS ® spot color collections which are included in SpectroDens with the software package SpectroDens Connect. New color books can easily be edited and transferred into the device.

  • Page 58: Gray Guide Function (Us-Version Only)

    2.4 Gray Guide function (US-version only) The measurement function Gray Guide which is only part of the US-version of SpectroDens Advanced and Premium supports the G7™ calibration of presses and proofs developed by the IDEAlliance (International Digital Enterprise Alliance). The Gray Guide mode can be selected in the...
  • Page 59 The recognized color and L*a*b* value of the measurement are displayed as well. The selected paper type and backing type are always indicated. Manual TECHKON SpectroDens Chapter 2 – Measurement functions Page 59...
  • Page 60 The measured value is compared with the ISO reference and the difference is displayed as ∆E*. If paper white or any other undefined patch is measured then all four densities are displayed simultaneously. Page 60 Manual TECHKON SpectroDens Chapter 2 – Measurement functions...
  • Page 61 HR stands for Highlight Range. As soon as the value is close to the HC_cmy “neutral density” target it is recognized and displayed. HC stands for Highlight Contrast. Manual TECHKON SpectroDens Chapter 2 – Measurement functions Page 61...
  • Page 62 The HR_k is detected automatically as well. The arrows show the recommended density adjustment. The detection of HC_k works in the same way. If the measured value matches to the target value no adjustments are necessary. Page 62 Manual TECHKON SpectroDens Chapter 2 – Measurement functions...
  • Page 63 1. Indicator for neutral density “ND CMY” 2. Direction of adjustment (+) 3. Recommended adjustment 4. Detected patch type 5. Target value 6. ISO paper type and type of backing Manual TECHKON SpectroDens Chapter 2 – Measurement functions Page 63...

  • Page 64: Chapter 3: How To Use The Windows Software Spectrodens Connect

    Microsoft Excel. • When using SpectroDens Basic the device has to be connected via the USB cable to the PC when working with SpectroDens Connect. When performing a measure- ment with the device, the value will be displayed immediately on the computer screen.

  • Page 65: Overview

    After launching SpectroDens Connect it is 4. The window “Color books” displays the pre-set to display the module “Compare color books which are stored in the color colors”. library of the device. Per Drag-and-Drop Manual TECHKON SpectroDens Chapter 3 – Windows software Page 65...

  • Page 66: Software Module "Spectrodens Settings

    New device software can be uploaded into the device. There are two different types of files to upload: • Device update: loads the new version of device software • Device upgrade: upgrades to SpectroDens Advanced or Premium (has to be purchased, also see chapter 3.5) Device screenshot: This shows the device display on the computer screen.

  • Page 67: Device Update And Device Upgrade

    3.5 Device update and device upgrade By the application of this module SpectroDens can be loaded with a new internal firmware which is selected by Device update or SpectroDens can be expanded in functionality by Device upgrade. The Basic model can be extended via data upload to Advanced- or Premium- functionality without the need to send the instrument to the TECHKON service center.

  • Page 68: Software Module "Export

    Excel, Word or other programs which can handle color data, e.g. a RIP calibration software. SpectroDens works like the keyboard: Pressing the measurement button will place the measurement value automatically at the location where the cursor is. 1. Here is defined, which data will be trans- 2.

  • Page 69: Optional Software Module "Spectrocheck

    TECHKON SpectroCheck (optionally available) is a color reference used to check the measuring accuracy of the SpectroDens advice. Connect SpectroDens and SpectroCheck via the USB cable with the computer. The program module “SpectroCheck” will now lead you step by step through the check- ing procedure of the measurement device.

  • Page 70: Optional Software Module "Colorcatcher

    3.8 Optional software module “ColorCatcher” The program module “ColorCatcher” is available in the models SpectroDens Advanced and Premium. Based on a L*a*b*-measurement and referring to selected ICC profiles this program module displays the conversion into the color models L*C*h*, RGB and CMYK. Furthermore an automatic search for the closest matching color of a pre-set or self created color book is carried out.

  • Page 71: Optional Software Module "Photolab

    3.9 Optional software module “PhotoLab” TECHKON PhotoLab is an optionally available program module for evaluating and displaying L*a*b* color data graphically. Color differences between sample and refer- ence colors can be analyzed. It works with a hardware protection key (dongle), which has to be plugged into an USB-port before launching SpectroDens Connect.
  • Page 72 5. Enlarged view of the tolerance circle 6. Display of the color components ∆L*, ∆a* and ∆b*. Page 72 Manual TECHKON SpectroDens Chapter 3 – Windows software...
  • Page 73 The number of measurements which result in the calcula- tion of the average value is defined in this window.. Manual TECHKON SpectroDens Chapter 3 – Windows software Page 73...

  • Page 74: Optional Software Module "Media Wedge

    Measurements can be made remotely a detailed report of the measurement values without a connection to the PC. When the can be printed out. device gets connected later, the measured data will be uploaded. Page 74 Manual TECHKON SpectroDens Chapter 3 – Windows software...
  • Page 75 1. After the import of the media wedge a short protocol will be generated and can be printed on a self-adhesive label with a Dymo label printer. 2. The software supports also the Ugra/Fogra media wedge in version 3.0. Manual TECHKON SpectroDens Chapter 3 – Windows software Page 75...

  • Page 76: Technical Specifications

    Specifications can be subject to change without notice. Density measurement range Specifications valid for standard device with 3 mm aperture. 0,00 D – 2,50 D All mentioned trademarks and copyrights are recognized. SpectroPlate, SpectroDens, SpectroDrive, SpectroCheck, InkCheck and TECHKON are registered trademarks of TECHKON GmbH.

  • Page 77: Serial Number

    It can be cleaned with clean, compressed air and an optics brush. We recommend a functionality check-up every 24 months at the TECHKON service center, which includes the issue of a new Manufacturer certificate. Warranty: The warranty for TECHKON products is 24 months starting with the date of purchase.
  • Page 78 Calibration: The integrated spectral sensor is calibrated by a white calibra- tion. After performing a white calibration with the supplied absolute white standard integrated in the charging console, the device is long term stable. We recommend to make a white calibration before every measurement series, to ensure the device is calibrated correctly.

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