1. Manuals
  2. Brands
  3. Trace2O Manuals
  4. Measuring Instruments
  5. OMAS
  6. Manual

Trace2O OMAS Manual

Densitometer
Hide thumbs
Table of Contents

Advertisement

Quick Links

Download this manual
OMAS
Densitometer
COLOR REFLECTION DENSITOMETER
OPERATION MANUAL
(Model R710, R720, R730)

Advertisement

Table of Contents
loading
Need help?

Need help?

Do you have a question about the OMAS and is the answer not in the manual?

Questions and answers

Subscribe to Our Youtube Channel

Related Manuals for Trace2O OMAS

Summary of Contents for Trace2O OMAS

  • Page 1 OMAS Densitometer COLOR REFLECTION DENSITOMETER OPERATION MANUAL (Model R710, R720, R730)

  • Page 2: Table Of Contents

    TABLE OF CONTENTS GETTING STARTED ............... Packing List ..............5 Features ................6 Precautions ..............9 Measurement Shoe / Power On ........10 Charging Battery............. 11 LCD Contrast Adjustment ..........13 GENERAL OPERATION............Function Keys ..............15 Measurement Modes .............18 System Setup ..............21 How to Take a Measurement .........25 Guide to Measurement Functions .........
  • Page 3 APPENDIX ................Specifications ..............86 Application Notes ............87 Density/Density Difference ........Dot Area/Dot Gain ..........89 Ink-Trap ..............90 Print Contrast ............Hue Error ..............93 Grayness ..............94 Typical Densitometer Values ........95...
  • Page 4 TABLE OF CONTENTS  PACKING LIST  FEATURES  PRECAUTIONS  MEASUREMENT SHOE / POWER ON  CHARGING BATTERY  LCD CONTRAST ADJUSTMENT...

  • Page 5: Packing List

    PACKING LIST Before operating this instrument, please inspect for damage and check the packing list below to ensure that all parts are included in this package. If there is a sign of damage due to shipping, please contact the shipper immediately. Item # Part No.

  • Page 6: Features

    FEATURES (Top View) 1. Large graphic LCD display with contrast adjustment. 2. Menu key: Main selection for all measurement functions. 3. Cable harness attachment (Ihara Part No. 413-001). 4. Help key: Help selection for all measurements. 5. Aperture target (3.0 mm or 1.7 mm).
  • Page 7 FEATURES (Bottom View) 6. Shoe lock. 7. Battery compartment. 8. Interchangeable aperture attachment.
  • Page 8 FEATURES (Rear View) 9. LCD contrast adjustment. 10. Configurable RS-232C communication port. 11. AC adapter receptacle. 12. Charge status indicator: Green light indicates the battery is fully charged. Orange light indicates the battery is charging. 13. On/Off switch.

  • Page 9: Precautions

    PRECAUTIONS Every reflection densitometer is manufactured with the highest quality of workmanship. To assure long-lasting operation with this instrument, please read the following information carefully.  Before operating this instrument for the first time, charge the instrument for approximately 1.5 hours. The unit is operable while it is charging.

  • Page 10: Measurement Shoe / Power On

    MEASUREMENT SHOE / POWER ON Lock/unlock shoe 1. Locate the shoe lock on the underside of the measurement shoe. 2. To unlock: Gently slide the shoe lock forward to release the measure- ment shoe. To lock: Close the measurement shoe and gently slide the shoe lock backward.

  • Page 11: Charging Battery

    CHARGING BATTERY Every densitometer is equipped with a built-in charging system. Please give special attention to the following details. Incorrect procedure may permanently damage this instrument. Charging Sequence 1. Make sure the unit is turned off prior connecting to the AC adapter.
  • Page 12 CHARGING BATTERY  Note: • Use the AC adapter that came with the instrument; all others may result in damage to the instrument. Make sure the AC adapter you use is center-negative. • It takes approximately 1.5 hours to fully charge the unit.

  • Page 13: Lcd Contrast Adjustment

    LCD CONTRAST ADJUSTMENT It is possible to adjust the contrast of the liquid crystal display (LCD) by turning the adjustment screw in the left rear of the instrument (see diagram below). The contrast of the LCD is adjusted at the factory. However, contrast may change, depending on the ambient temperature.

  • Page 14: General Operation

    GENERAL OPERATION  FUNCTION KEYS  MEASUREMENT MODES  SYSTEM SETUP  HOW TO TAKE A MEASUREMENT  GUIDE TO MEASUREMENT FUNCTIONS...

  • Page 15: Function Keys

    FUNCTION KEYS MENU KEY Opens the Function Menu. Each time you wish to select a new function, press the MENU key to open the Function Menu to begin selection. FUNCTION KEYS The function of the three variable function keys is indicated to the left of each key on the LCD.
  • Page 16 FUNCTION KEYS PAPER SOLID Prompts you to Prompts you to measure paper or enter measure solid or enter paper values manually. solid values manually. NEXT PREV CYLND CYLND Proceed to the next Return to the previous cylinder. cylinder. NEXT PREV PAGE PAGE Proceed to the next...
  • Page 17 FUNCTION KEYS SETUP ENTER Opens up the setup Select highlighted item. options menu of the function displayed. EDIT NEXT Select item to revise Proceed to next item. value. START Begins battery refresh Prompts you to measure process. reference target or enter values manually.

  • Page 18: Measurement Modes

    MEASUREMENT MODES  DENSITY (R710, R720, R730) Measures the change in ink film thickness.  DENSITY DIFFERENCE (R710, R720, R730) Measures the change in ink film thickness with reference to a measurement standard.  DOT AREA (R720, R730) Measures the dot area on a halftone patch. ...
  • Page 19 MEASUREMENT MODES  CONTRAST (R730) Evaluates the contrast of a specific print. It assists the operator in attaining the maximum contrast between ink laid down and dot gain at the 3/4 tone.  HUE ERROR (R730) Measures the ink consistency of a color reproduction. Also, hue error measurements are needed by the color separator to adjust to the correct color.
  • Page 20 MEASUREMENT MODES  BRIGHTNESS (R730) Evaluates the brightness of the paper. This value is equal to the blue reflectance.  DOT ANALYSIS (R730) This measurement allows the operator to measure and to plot the print characteristic curve (dot gain curve) for a press.

  • Page 21: System Setup

    SYSTEM SETUP The system setup menu allows the user to customize certain operation functions and the LCD display. 1. Press the MENU key to FUNCTION MENU open the Function INK TRAP Menu. PRINT CONTRAST HUE ERROR/GRAY ENTER CAST/BRIGHTNESS DOT ANALYSIS 2.
  • Page 22 SYSTEM SETUP You may customize the following system setup parameters: POWER OFF TIMER The auto-off timer can be preset to turn the power off at 40 seconds, 90 seconds, or 210 seconds. You may also select DISABLE to inactivate this option. The unit will then shut off only with the ON/OFF switch located on the rear of the instrument.
  • Page 23 SYSTEM SETUP SERIAL PORT The settings on the RS-232C serial communication port can be changed to support various protocols. The default settings are: RATE: 19200 BPS DATA: 8 BIT STOP: 1 BIT PARITY: NONE LANGUAGE The user has the option to set the language version of the instrument to English or Spanish.
  • Page 24 SYSTEM SETUP SECURITY Ihara densitometers have an optional security function to safeguard your investment. The densitometer will operate only with the correct user code. Please contact Ihara for more information. If you have purchased this optional security feature, please follow the following steps to set up: 1.

  • Page 25: How To Take A Measurement

    HOW TO TAKE A MEASUREMENT Steps to take a measurement: 1. Locate the power switch in the rear of the instrument and slide it to the ON position. 2. Press the MENU key to open the Function Menu. 3. Scroll down to highlight a measurement function. 4.

  • Page 26: Guide To Measurement Functions

    GUIDE TO MEASUREMENT FUNCTIONS To introduce the user to the various features of the densitometer, each measurement function section contains the following subsections:  LCD Layout Identifcation of all the indicators and variable function keys.  Measurement Mode Steps to enter into a measurement mode. ...

  • Page 27: Calibration Procedures

    CALIBRATION PROCEDURES  STANDARD CALIBRATION  QUICK CALIBRATION...

  • Page 28: Calibration

    CALIBRATION Before operating the densitometer for the first time, you must calibrate the instrument. It is recommended that calibration be performed periodically to ensure accurate measurement. Standard Calibration vs Quick Cal: A Calibration Reference Card is provided with each instrument (see page 36). You may also use other calibration cards.

  • Page 29: Standard Calibration

    STANDARD CALIBRATION To enter calibration mode: 1. Press the MENU key to FUNCTION MENU CALIBRATION open the Function Menu. DENSITY DENS DIFFERENCE ENTE DOT AREA DOT GAIN 2. Press the UP ARROW INK-TRAP PRINT CONTRAST key to scroll to CALIBRATION. 3.
  • Page 30 STANDARD CALIBRATION RA CALIBRATION REFERENCE RESPONSE: STATUS T Serial No. 70048 WHITE CYAN DATE: 1997/06/04 STEP 1: STEP 2: STEP 3: WHITE BLACK SOLID MAGENTA K 0.08 K 1.71 C 1.57 C 0.07 C 1.69 M 1.57 M 0.08 M 1.73 Y 0.99 Y 0.09 Y 1.79...
  • Page 31 STANDARD CALIBRATION 4. Once you have finished matching the value. MODE: CALIBRATION Press the ENTER key to STEP 1: record the value. WHITE VALUES ENTE K 0.08 0.07 0.08 Continue with the other 0.09 white values. 5. Press the NEXT function MODE: CALIBRATION key to advance to the STEP 1:...
  • Page 32 STANDARD CALIBRATION STEP 3: MODE: CALIBRATION STEP 3: Enter calibration values for SOLID VALUES ENTE C 1.57 the cyan, magenta, and 1.57 0.99 yellow patches (see Calibration Reference Card for solid patch values). STEP 4: Measure the white patch on the Calibration Reference Card. STEP 5: Measure the black patch on the Calibration Reference Card.

  • Page 33: Quick Cal

    QUICK CAL To enter calibration mode: 1. Press the MENU key to FUNCTION MENU open the Function Menu. CALIBRATION DENSITY DENS DIFFERENCE ENTE DOT AREA 2. Press the UP ARROW DOT GAIN INK-TRAP key to scroll to PRINT CONTRAST CALIBRATION. 3.
  • Page 34 QUICK CAL Quick Calibration may be selected if standard calibration has already been performed. Calibration Steps: STEPS 1, 2, and 3 are omitted. STEP 4: Measure the white patch on the Calibration Reference Card. STEP 5: Measure the black patch on the Calibration Reference Card. STEP 6: Measure the cyan patch on the Calibration Reference Card.

  • Page 35: Measurement Functions

    MEASUREMENT FUNCTIONS  DENSITY  DENSITY DIFFERENCE  DOT AREA  DOT GAIN  INK-TRAP  PRINT CONTRAST  HUE ERROR/GRAYNESS/ SATURATION  CAST/BRIGHTNESS  DOT ANALYSIS  AUTO-FUNCTION...

  • Page 36: Density

    DENSITY MODE: DENSITY SETU C 0.70 AD ABS AUTO A Function Indicator Current mode: DENSITY B Measurement Indicator C Auto-Detection Indicator On - allows the instrument to automatically detect paper or solid measurements. Off - allows the user to specify exactly what is being measured.
  • Page 37 DENSITY To enter density mode: 1. Press the MENU key to open the Function Menu. FUNCTION MENU CALIBRATION DENSITY DENS DIFFERENCE 2. Press the appropriate ENTER DOT AREA DOT GAIN arrow key to scroll to INK TRAP DENSITY. PRINT CONTRAST 3.
  • Page 38 DENSITY Setup Parameters: Display Format Displays measurement reading as AUTO (dominant color only), ALL (CMYK), SINGLE (selected color). Value Precision Displays 2 or 3 decimal precision. Measuring Mode Displays measurement reading as absolute (including paper) or relative (excluding paper). The default setting is in the absolute density mode. The absolute mode is recommended, since we are usually only concerned with the total visual response on a printed surface (paper included).
  • Page 39 DENSITY Example customization of setup parameters: MODE: DENSITY SETU C 0.70 1. Press the SETUP key. AD ABS AUTO 2. Press the appropriate arrow key to scroll to the setup parameter you wish to change. MODE: DENSITY DISPLAY FORMAT VALUE PRECISION MEASURING MODE ENTER 3.

  • Page 40: Density Difference

    DENSITY DIFFERENCE MODE: DENS DIFF SETUP C+0.25 1.13 AD ABS AUTO Function Indicator Current mode: DENSITY DIFFERENCE Measurement Indicator Auto-Detection Indicator (See page 42) Measurement Format (See page 42) E Display Format (See page 42) Battery Indicator G REF Function Key SETUP Function Key Reference Value Indicator...
  • Page 41 DENSITY DIFFERENCE To enter density difference mode: 1. Press the MENU key to open the Function Menu. FUNCTION MENU DENSITY DENS DIFFERENCE 2. Press the appropriate ENTE DOT AREA DOT GAIN arrow key to scroll to INK TRAP PRINT CONTRAST DENS DIFFERENCE.
  • Page 42 DENSITY DIFFERENCE Setup Parameters: Display Format (See page 44) Measuring Mode (See page 44) Reference Density difference is a comparison between the reference and the target. Therefore, the user must first enter the reference value before measuring the target. Measure reference or enter value(s) manually.
  • Page 43 DENSITY DIFFERENCE Example customization of MODE: DENS DIFF setup parameters: SETU C+0.25 1.13 1. Press the SETUP key. AD ABS AUTO 2. Press the appropriate arrow key to scroll to the setup parameter you wish to change. MODE: DENS DIFF DISPLAY FORMAT MEASURING MODE 3.

  • Page 44: Dot Area

    DOT AREA MODE: DOT AREA SETU C 85% PAPE SOLI AD AUTO N 1.00 Function Indicator Current mode: DOT AREA Measurement Indicator Auto-Detection Indicator On - allows the instrument to automatically detect paper, solid, or halftone measurements. Off - allows the user to specify exactly what is being measured.
  • Page 45 DOT AREA To enter dot area mode: 1. Press the MENU key to FUNCTION MENU open the Function Menu. CALIBRATION DENSITY DENS DIFFERENCE ENTE DOT AREA 2. Press the appropriate DOT GAIN INK TRAP arrow key to scroll to PRINT CONTRAST DOT AREA.
  • Page 46 DOT AREA Setup Parameters: N-Value The default N-value is 1. The apparent dot area being evaluated is the physical dot plus the optical dot effects on a printed surface. When N is set other than 1 (Yule-Nielson Equation), the physical dot area is evaluated, which only considers the actual dot coverage and does not include optical dot.
  • Page 47 DOT AREA Setup Parameters: Paper Measure paper or enter value(s) manually. Solid Measure solid or enter value(s) manually. Steps to enter paper or solid values manually: 1. Press the EXIT key to clear the instruction message box. 2. Press the appropriate arrow key to scroll to the item you wish to change.
  • Page 48 DOT AREA Example customization of MODE: DOT AREA SETU setup parameters: C 85% PAPE 1. Press SETUP key. SOLI AD AUTO N 1.00 2. Press the appropriate arrow key to scroll to the MODE: DOT AREA setup parameter you N VALUE DISPLAY FORMAT wish to change.

  • Page 49: Dot Gain

    DOT GAIN MODE: DOT GAIN SETU C 15% PAPE HIGHLIGHT 25% N 1.00 SOLI Function Indicator Current mode: DOT GAIN Measurement Indicator Auto-Detection Indicator (See page 50) N-Value Indicator E Battery Indicator SOLID Function Key G PAPER Function Key SETUP Function Key...
  • Page 50 DOT GAIN To enter dot gain mode: 1. Press the MENU key to open the Function Menu. FUNCTION MENU DENSITY 2. Press the appropriate DENS DIFFERENCE ENTE DOT AREA arrow key to scroll to DOT GAIN INK TRAP DOT GAIN. PRINT CONTRAST 3.
  • Page 51 DOT GAIN Setup Parameters: N-Value (See page 52) Color Bar Value Assign the highlight, midtone, and shadow values corresponding to the color bar used. The user must set the color bar values prior to the dot gain measurement. The color bar values of the highlight, midtone, and shadow should match the halftone percentages of the color bar being used.
  • Page 52 DOT GAIN Example customization of MODE: DOT GAIN setup parameters: SETUP C 15% PAPER Press SETUP key. HIGHLIGHT 25% SOLID N 1.00 Press the appropriate arrow key to scroll to the setup parameter you MODE: DOT GAIN N VALUE wish to change. COLOR BAR VALUE AUTO-DETECTION ENTE...

  • Page 53: Ink-Trap

    INK-TRAP ■ In the ink-trap function, there are two different measurement screens. Screen 1: Indicates the ink color measurement. Screen 2: Indicates the ink-trap measurement.
  • Page 54 INK-TRAP MODE: INK-TRAP SETU YELLOW Y 0.94 PAPE C 0.02 M 0.08 SOLI PREUCIL Screen 1: Ink Color Measurement A Function Indicator Current mode: INK-TRAP B Ink Color Indicator C Measurement Indicator D Auto-Detection Indicator On - allows the instrument to automatically detect paper, solid, or trap measurements.
  • Page 55 INK-TRAP MODE: INK-TRAP SETU PAPE SOLI PREUCIL Screen 2: Ink-Trap Measurement Function Indicator Current mode: INK-TRAP Trap Indicator C Measurement Indicator Auto-Detection Indicator (See page 60) E Print Sequence Indicator Trap Formula Indicator (See page 60) Battery Indicator H SOLID Function Key PAPER Function Key SETUP Function Key...
  • Page 56 INK-TRAP To enter ink-trap mode: 1. Press the MENU key to open the Function Menu. FUNCTION MENU CALIBRATION DENSITY 2. Press the appropriate DENS DIFFERENCE ENTE DOT AREA arrow key to scroll to DOT GAIN INK TRAP INK-TRAP. PRINT CONTRAST 3.
  • Page 57 INK-TRAP Setup Parameters: Trap Formula Select either Preucil (GATF), Brunner, or Newsprint trap formula. Print Sequence Select the correct ink application sequence. Sequence options: Paper (See page 53) Solid (See page 53)
  • Page 58 INK-TRAP Example customization of setup parameters: MODE: INK-TRAP SETU 1. Press SETUP key. PAPE SOLI 2. Press the appropriate AD PREUCIL arrow key to scroll to the setup parameter you wish to change. MODE: INK-TRAP TRAP FORMULA PRINT SEQUENCE ENTE 3.

  • Page 59: Print Contrast

    PRINT CONTRAST MODE: CONTRAST SETU C 37% PAPE SOLI Function Indicator Current mode: PRINT CONTRAST Measurement Indicator Auto-Detection Indicator (See page 50) Battery Indicator SOLID function key PAPER function key G SETUP function key...
  • Page 60 PRINT CONTRAST To enter print contrast mode: 1. Press the MENU key to FUNCTION MENU open the Function Menu. CALIBRATION DENSITY DENS DIFFERENCE ENTE DOT AREA 2. Press the appropriate DOT GAIN INK TRAP arrow key to scroll to PRINT CONTRAST PRINT CONTRAST.
  • Page 61 PRINT CONTRAST Setup Parameters: Auto-Detection (See page 52) Paper (See page 53) Solid (See page 53)
  • Page 62 PRINT CONTRAST Example customization of setup parameters. MODE: CONTRAST SETUP 1. Press SETUP key. C 37% 2. Press the appropriate arrow key to select ON or OFF for Auto- MODE: CONTRAST AUTO-DETECTION Detection. ENTE 3. Press the ENTER key to input selection.

  • Page 63: Hue Error/Grayness/Saturation

    HUE ERROR/GRAYNESS/SATURATION ■ In the hue error/grayness/saturation function, there are two different measurement screens. Screen 1: Indicates the measurement reading for hue error, grayness, and saturation. Screen 2: Indicates the density measurement reading for the ink.
  • Page 64 HUE ERROR/GRAYNESS/SATURATION MODE: HUE/GRAY INK: CYAN SETU HUE ERROR C 28% GRAYNESS PAPER SATURATION 0.57 NEXT Screen 1: Hue Error, Grayness, and Saturation Measurements A Function Indicator Current mode: HUE ERROR/GRAYNESS/ SATURATION B Ink Color Indicator C Measurement Indicator for: Hue Error Grayness Saturation...
  • Page 65 HUE ERROR/GRAYNESS/SATURATION MODE: HUE/GRAY INK: CYAN SETU C 0.38 PAPE 0.21 0.17 0.06 AD REL Screen 2: Ink Density Measurement Function Indicator Current mode: HUE ERROR/GRAYNESS/ SATURATION B Ink Color Indicator C Measurement Indicator for Density D Auto-Detection Indicator (See page 42) E Measurement Format: Relative - Measurement excludes paper values.
  • Page 66 HUE ERROR/GRAYNESS/SATURATION To enter hue error/ grayness/saturation mode: 1. Press the MENU key to FUNCTION MENU open the Function Menu. INK-TRAP PRINT CONTRAST HUE ERROR/GRAY CAST/BRIGHTNESS ENTER 2. Press the appropriate DOT ANALYSIS AUTO-FUNCTION arrow key to scroll to SYSTEM SETUP HUE ERROR/GRAY.
  • Page 67 HUE ERROR/GRAYNESS/SATURATION Setup Parameters: Auto-Detection Automatically detects if a measurement is that of a solid, paper, halftone, or overprint. Auto-Detection may be turned off, if the user needs to specify exactly what is being measured. Paper (See page 53)
  • Page 68 HUE ERROR/GRAYNESS/SATURATION Example customization of setup parameters: 1. Press SETUP key. MODE: HUE/GRAY SETU INK: CYAN HUE ERROR M 35% GRAYNESS PAPER 2. Press the appropriate SATURATION 0.32 arrow key to select ON or OFF for Auto-Detection. 3. Press the ENTER key to MODE: HUE/GRAY AUTO-DETECTION input selection.

  • Page 69: Cast/Brightness

    CAST/BRIGHTNESS ■ In the cast/brightness function, there are two different measurement screens. Screen 1: Indicates the cast and brightness measurements. Screen 2: Indicates the reflectance of the paper.
  • Page 70 CAST/BRIGHTNESS MODE: CAST/BRIGHT CAST Y 2% BRIGHTNESS 93% NEXT PAGE Screen 1: Cast and Brightness Measurement Function Indicator Current mode: CAST/BRIGHTNESS Measurement Indicator for: Cast Brightness Measurement Format: Absolute - Measurement includes paper values. D Battery Indicator NEXT PAGE Function Key...
  • Page 71 CAST/BRIGHTNESS MODE: CAST/BRIGHT REFLECTANCE M 90% PREV PAGE Screen 2: Reflectance Measurement Function Indicator Current mode: CAST/BRIGHTNESS Measurement Indicator for Reflectance Measurement Format: Absolute - Measurement includes paper values. D Battery Indicator PREV PAGE Function Key...
  • Page 72 CAST/BRIGHTNESS To enter cast/brightness mode: 1. Press the MENU key to FUNCTION MENU INK-TRAP open the Function Menu. PRINT CONTRAST HUE ERROR/GRAY CAST/BRIGHTNESS ENTER DOT ANALYSIS 2. Press the appropriate AUTO-FUNCTION SYSTEM SETUP arrow key to scroll to CAST/BRIGHTNESS. 3. Press the ENTER key to select the cast/brightness function.

  • Page 73: Dot Analysis

    DOT ANALYSIS Dot Analysis allows the user to record the dot gain characteristics of a printing system. It is possible to record up to 8 cylinders or colors. The dot gain measurements are recorded on a 10% graduated scale. A corresponding graph is generated to give a visual representation.
  • Page 74 DOT ANALYSIS MODE: DOT ANLYS CYLINDER(S) MEASUREMENT FILENAME ENTE SCREEN VALUE GRAPH PRINT Function Indicator Current mode: DOT ANALYSIS Menu Options for Dot Analysis Mode DOWN ARROW Function Key ENTER Function Key...
  • Page 75 DOT ANALYSIS To enter dot analysis mode: FUNCTION MENU INK-TRAP PRINT CONTRAST 1. Press the MENU key to HUE ERROR/GRAY CAST/BRIGHTNESS open the Function Menu. ENTER DOT ANALYSIS AUTO-FUNCTION SYSTEM SETUP 2. Press the appropriate arrow key to scroll to DOT ANALYSIS.
  • Page 76 DOT ANALYSIS To return to Dot Analysis Menu: Press the EXIT key to return to the Dot MODE: DOT ANLYS Analysis Menu. CYLINDER(S) MEASUREMENT FILENAME ENTE SCREEN VALUE Press the DOWN GRAPH PRINT ARROW key to scroll down to one of the following options: A.
  • Page 77 DOT ANALYSIS C. Graph CYLIN DER:1 Displays the graph of density and dot area for each NEXT DOT% cylinder. PAGE Displays the graph CYLIN of dot gain and dot DER:1 area for each cylinder. NEXT PAGE DOT% D. Print If the instrument is connected to a printer, the measurement...

  • Page 78: Auto-Function

    AUTO-FUNCTION ■ In auto-function, there are three different measurement screens. Screen 1: Indicates the density measurement. Screen 2: Indicates the dot gain measurement. Screen 3: Indicates the ink-trap measurement.
  • Page 79 AUTO-FUNCTION MODE: AUTO-FNCT SOLID DENS SETU C 0.70 K 0.57 PAPE M 0.56 Y 0.53 AD ABS ALL SOLI Screen 1: Density Measurement Function Indicator Current mode: AUTO-FNCT B Measurement Function Indicator C Measurement Indicator Auto-Detection Indicator On - allows the instrument to automatically detect paper, solid, halftone, and ink-trap measurements.
  • Page 80 AUTO-FUNCTION MODE: AUTO-FNCT SETU DOT GAIN C 15% HIGHLIGHT 25% PAPER SOLID Screen 2: Dot Gain Measurement Function Indicator Current mode: AUTO-FNCT B Measurement Function Indicator C Measurement Indicator Halftone Indicator E Auto-Detection Indicator (See page 50) N-Value Indicator G Battery Indicator SOLID Function Key PAPER Function Key J SETUP Function Key...
  • Page 81 AUTO-FUNCTION MODE: AUTO-FNCT INK-TRAP RED SETU PAPER Y 90% SOLI PREUCIL Screen 3: Ink-Trap Measurement Function Indicator Current mode: AUTO-FNCT Measurement Function Indicator C Measurement Indicator Auto-Detection Indicator (See page 60) E Print Sequence Indicator Trap Formula Indicator (See page 60) Battery Indicator SOLID Function Key PAPER Function Key...
  • Page 82 AUTO-FUNCTION To enter auto-function mode: 1. Press the MENU key to open the Function Menu. FUNCTION MENU INK-TRAP PRINT CONTRAST 2. Press the appropriate HUE ERROR/GRAY CAST/BRIGHTNESS ENTER arrow key to scroll to DOT ANALYSIS AUTO-FUNCTION AUTO-FUNCTION. SYSTEM SETUP 3. Press the ENTER key to select Auto-Function.
  • Page 83 AUTO-FUNCTION Measure one of the following: A. Density B. Dot gain C. Ink-trap 7. Measurement is displayed. A. Density MODE: AUTO-FNCT SETU SOLID DENS C 0.70 PAPER 0.57 0.56 0.53 SOLID AD ABS ALL B. Dot Gain MODE: AUTO-FNCT SETU DOT GAIN C 15% PAPER...
  • Page 84 Example customization of setup parameters: MODE: AUTO-FNCT SOLID DENS SETU C 0.70 1. Press SETUP key. PAPE 0.57 0.56 0.53 2. Press the appropriate SOLI AD ABS ALL arrow key to scroll to the setup parameter you wish to change. MODE: AUTO-FNCT 3.

  • Page 85: Appendix

    APPENDIX  SPECIFICATIONS  APPLICATION NOTES...

  • Page 86: Specifications

    SPECIFICATIONS Filter Response Status T Status E Status A Measuring Geometry (ANSI PH2.17, ISO 5/4, DIN 16536) Measuring Range Density, 0.00 D - 2.50 D Dot Area, 0%-100% Repeatability ±0.01 D or ±1% Accuracy ±0.02 D or ±2% Light Source Halogen Lamp, approximately 2856 Aperture Diameter 3.0 mm...

  • Page 87: Application Notes

    APPLICATION NOTES This section provides an overview of basic densitometry. It is especially useful for the first-time user of densitometers. References are examples only since specific requirements will vary. The following topics are discussed:  Density / Density Difference  Dot Area / Dot Gain ...

  • Page 88: Density/Density Difference

     DENSITY / DENSITY DIFFERENCE The critical function of a densitometer is to determine density, a measure of the opacity (light absorption) of an object. It is a function of the chemical nature and concentration of the ink pigment particles and the ink film thickness. By using a densitometer the user can interpret the work output systematically.

  • Page 89: Dot Area/Dot Gain

     DOT AREA / DOT GAIN The function of dot area or dot gain measurement is to evaluate the halftone dot increase in size. It is inevitable that dot gain will occur during each press run. By measuring the dot gain, one can compensate for this increase during color separation.

  • Page 90: Ink-Trap

     INK-TRAP Ink-trap measurement evaluates the ability of a printed ink film to accept another ink film. If poor trapping occurs, color shift will be apparent. Parameters that may influence the trap are ink tack, print sequence, ink film thickness, blank pressure, etc.
  • Page 91  INK-TRAP Newsprint (Hamilton) Trap Equation: log (1 + (D ) / (D )) x 100 % Trap (2 color) = log (1 + (D / (D Where: 1st ink density minus paper density 2nd ink density minus paper density 2 color overprint minus paper density is the maximum printable...

  • Page 92: Print Contrast

     RELATIVE PRINT CONTRAST Relative print contrast measurement evaluates the shadow tone to the solid. It is an indication of the print quality, whether it is "sharp" or "flat." To achieve maximum contrast, high density and "sharp" images are desired. This measurement will give a quick indication of the optimal ink feed relating to the shadow tones.

  • Page 93: Hue Error

     HUE ERROR Hue error indicates the variation of a specific ink relative to the ideal ink. Theoretically, ideal ink has a hue error of zero. Since ideal ink does not exist, it is necessary to measure the ink sample and communicate this information to the color separator.

  • Page 94: Grayness

     GRAYNESS Grayness evaluates the contamination of one color on another. The gray component is measured to check the consistency of the printed ink during a press run. If the reading is beyond the normal value, it is an indication that there may be a tack problem, trapping, or ink contamination, etc.

  • Page 95: Typical Densitometer Values

     TYPICAL DENSITOMETER VALUES DENSITY Black Cyan Magenta Yellow Tolerance Gloss Coated Paper 1.75 1.45 1.40 1.05 ±0.05 Coated Paper 1.65 1.35 1.30 0.95 ±0.05 Uncoated Paper 1.55 1.25 1.20 0.90 ±0.05 Newspaper 1.05 0.90 0.90 0.85 ±0.05 DOT GAIN 50% Midtone Gloss Coated Paper Uncoated Paper...
  • Page 96 Wagtech Court Station Rd Thatcham RG19 4HZ United Kingdom T : +44(0) 1635 872929 Fax : +44(0) 1635 873509 E : sales@trace2o.com W: www.trace2o.com...

Table of Contents