i1 Pro Density Readings

[Cris]

I hope this does not sound like a silly question but my company just got an i0 table and an i1 Pro that attaches to it. I have been trying to figure out how to read the density of ink blocks on press sheets and can not seem to find the option in any of the software. We have the Eye-One and ColorPort programs. We are using FlexoProof by GMG and I called them and they said I can't read densities with their software. In addition, I contacted X-Rite and they responded by sending me a link in an email that doesn't answer my question but is a link to more of their equipment. So much for a straight answer or customer service. Does anyone have any ideas how I can read densities with the i1? From what I've been able to find it looks like I will have to put in to buy more software just to read density patches which honestly seems silly because density readings should be a basic and easily accessible function of the i1. I'm becoming more frustrated because we were told that everything that we needed to read like density, dot gain, Lab, Delta Es and so on the i1 can do but I'm suspecting it takes different software for each function. Any help would be appreciated.

[meddington]

MeasureTool (Part of the ProfileMaker Package) will yield density readings, but only if you have a dongle. Dot area/gain data isn't available in MeasureTool from spot readings, but can be accessed from chart measurements, provided you measure with spectral data. Note that these are apparently based on DIN filtration rather than Status T. Density reported from text files is paper relative (paper density subtracted out), while spot measurements can be either relative or absolute.

There are other solutions, but for quick spot measurements, the one I recommend in BabelColor's CT&A, which allows for i1 spot measurement of density (various status density, dot area/gain, apparent trap print contrast, hue error/grayness, and a host of other analysis tools, for only $75.

[Cris]

Thanks meddington. That definitely helps me get on the right path towards finding an inexpensive solution. Have you ever used CT&A? Is it as reliable as other solutions that you can think of? What were your other solutions if you don't mind me asking?

[meddington]

Thanks meddington. That definitely helps me get on the right path towards finding an inexpensive solution. Have you ever used CT&A? Is it as reliable as other solutions that you can think of? What were your other solutions if you don't mind me asking?

I use CT&A quite frequently for quick measurements or density/dotgain, CIELab/spectral and ambient light measurement. Fantastic tool for the price. Other solutions are more full featured...like products from PressSign, MellowColour, ColorMetrix, SpotOn!, etc and oriented towards process control and trending. Depends on what your needs are.

BTW, you can save out density measurements from Colorport, just not geared for spot measurement.

[Cris]

Thanks again for all the info meddington. I have not heard of a couple of those solutions. As many years as I've been in printing I've only seen a couple of programs used in the different plants or shops I've been to.

[AdamZx3]

Cris Try GMGs RapidCheck software. The free version will read out your densities as well as TVI etc...

GMG RapidCheck

[Cris]

Thanks AdamZx3. I went to the link you gve me, put in my info and it will not allow me to download it. I get the message:
After submitting, you will be redirected to the download link.
GMGColor - Products - Contact form RapidCheck GO!
###LLL:danke_ok_website###
I can't click on it and it never redirects me. Do you have a solution or should I do something else? Nothing comes up on my web browser that a wondow was blocked.
It's strange that I have told GMG that I needed a program to read densities and they said they had nothing to read densities. I also feel foolish I never found it on their website. I did search for density reading and software but it never came up.

[cmcfarling]

If the patches you are trying to read are part of a target configured in ColorPort, you can use that app to read density. From the Measure Tab click the italic I (info) button in the Measurement Status section to bring up the Info window. There you can display Lab, colorimetric, spectral and density.

When you save the data, if you choose the CSV option, you can include density info, with or without paper included and your choice of Status A, E or T

[AdamZx3]

Thanks AdamZx3. I went to the link you gve me, put in my info and it will not allow me to download it. I get the message:
After submitting, you will be redirected to the download link.
GMGColor - Products - Contact form RapidCheck GO!
###LLL:danke_ok_website###
I can't click on it and it never redirects me. Do you have a solution or should I do something else? Nothing comes up on my web browser that a wondow was blocked.
It's strange that I have told GMG that I needed a program to read densities and they said they had nothing to read densities. I also feel foolish I never found it on their website. I did search for density reading and software but it never came up.

Yea don't feel bad I never knew it existed either Pretty handy app through, it even gives you TVI spread, Delta E for TVI and paper color (based on specified standard)gray balance, and even shows the NPDC if your using gracol G7.

I can zip it up for you and send it over tomorrow at work, just pm me your email address.

Now that cmcfarling mentioned it, colorport will give densities as well. Both programs use a target strip, but I believe you can make your own strip in Colorport & RapidCheck with just solids.

[Cris]

cmfarling - I haven't configured a target in ColorPort for the patches but that is a great idea, thanks. I will have to go through the help guide and see how to do it.

AdamZx3 - my email is cguy@marktrece.com
I appreciate that you are willing to do that for me. I wrote GMG but I don't know when they will get back to me. Your sending it is immediate gratification and who doesn't like that? : )