Why does the spectrophotometer ensure a higher color quality?
A spectrophotometer separates the reflected light from the test sample into spectrums. This is then used to calculate the colorimetric values L*a*b* on the one hand, and the corresponding density and tonal values on the other. Spectrophotometric color measurement systems on printing presses also fulfill a further purpose. Their color calculator uses the difference between the desired value (for example in the proof or a color sample) and the actual value on the sheet to determine the necessary changes needed in the ink zones and forwards this on to the printing press online. The number of pulls or reprints needed is entirely dependent on the difference between the desired and actual values. The goal of the color management processes is to achieve a first pull which is as close to the desired value as possible. Then only a single standard step is often needed to reach the OK sheet. For this purpose, a sample is printed according to standards and spectrally measured. The determined value
