Precision Color
Evaluation
There's only one way to manage color effectively, meet customer
expectations, and maximize job profitability! That is: Objective
Color Measurement. In other words, densitometry. Essentially this
is a matter of reading a colorbar for solid ink, dot gain, or
other density-derived characteristics. However, the limited trim
areas of a short cutoff press require use of narrow 1/16" (1.6mm)
bars for color control. No other device on the market can do
this.
Overview of Basic
Operation
Setting up a press is logical and uncomplicated. After keying in
job parameters (type of press/sheet size/colorbar structure),
position the colorbar between two horizontal scribelines and
against the side guide. The vacuum hold-down secures sheet
placement and the SDT does the rest.
A typical scan takes only 10 seconds. As the SDT scanning head
travels across the press sheet, it strokes the colorbar
VERTICALLY to determine bar position and skew. On the scanning
head's return trip, having detected the skew of the colorbar, the
head scans right down the middle of the bar for accurate
densitometric readings.
SDT
Scanner
The SDT has an accurately flat, rugged platen with vacuum
hold-down. The design supports the bridge and measuring probe
head. Unique pass-through feature allows the entire press sheet
to slide freely under the bridge, enabling scans of centrally
located colorbars and bars at the bottom of the sheet.
SDT Intelligent
Analysis
Sampling a few sheets during the run provides an immediate
comparison of performance to specifications. And by charting
long-term trends, the SDT becomes an essential quality assurance
tool.
Statistical analysis of the entire job file is performed by SCP
software that comes with the system. Color-coded graphical
displays show X-bar and range data for each scan. A frequency
histogram generated from readings charts the
distribution.
Flexible Modular
Design
The SDT Scanning Densitometer system includes all the components
needed for effective color management. Its modular design allows
for the convenient placement of the components according to the
layout of your pressroom.
Optional Closed-Loop for
Automatic Press Key Controls
The CLM Closed-Loop Module, in conjunction with the Tobias’
Scanning Densitometer, allows for off-line closed-loop control of
most automated press consoles. Click here for more
information.
Features
Reads most standard colorbars as well as custom-made colorbars
and gray balance bars
Built-in certified calibration plaque for automatic calibration
to Standard T-Ref or Status "E" values
Customer can assign ink density "target values" from either
house densities or customer "OK"
Allows for multiple unit networking capability
Supports "closed loop operation" with most automatic press
consoles
Generates complete sets of reports for quality control
departments
Measures colorbars as narrow in height as 1/16" (1.6mm) using
patented "Seek & Find" software program
Scans colorbars in less than 10 seconds
One SDT can serve multiple presses simultaneously
Vacuum hold down and rugged construction built for the
pressroom