Standard ink densities?

[Freeman A.Gain]

Wow, and our bosses wonder why we sometimes chase colour to match previously printed jobs or supplied samples! Everyone has there own set of "standard" densities. We also have our standards as well;
For coated stocks
C- 1.45
M- 1.35
Y- 0.90
K- 1.65

For uncoated
C- 1.25
M- 1.15
Y- 0.85
K- 1.45

Now having said this, we print with Hybrid inks were the cyan has more of a mag. hue to it, thus the lower values in magenta. We can run a stronger colour on uncoated stocks because no fear of set off.
Its good to see all of the different opinions though.

[otherthoughts]

Gordo,

Clarifying, illuminating and bridging so many terms and relationships regarding ink densities and tone reproduction within the confines of just a single page post. Pretty darn concise, if you ask me!

I once worked with a guy who was able to explain in just a single sentence, what would require me several minutes to explain. That guy was great to work with.

Well done Gordo
Otherthoughts

[Lukas Engqvist]

Note that adjusting transfer curves will affect dot gain. Fo this reason many start by measuring the LAB values of 100% as a first step, to find the target density. Second "linearise" to acheive the desired TVI. Normally you will see that you will have the desired contrast then, but if not it is a matter of compromising the two. Changing the Density will mean redoing the TVI curve, as density will affect dot gain.

(and I agree that Gordo's post was clear )

[rising]

The values you have mentioned are what we use for coated paper.
Does anyone have the values for uncoated paper??
We use
C-110
M-110
Y-95
K-130

Hi,

As per ISO 12647 - 3 for Uncoated (newsprint 40 - 52 g/m2)

C - 0.90
M - 0.90
Y - 0.90
Bk - 1.10
for all color deviation is + / - 0.10 (using a Black Backing)
for Measuring conditions pls have a look at below URL
* be aware its not free for non - members
Revision of ISO 12647-3

[PUNEETRAZDAN]

Dose any body know what is L 39 print standards

[prasadhh]

Hai larry,
Me too accept ur words with small suggestion.

" To be on the safe side, you may want to cross check whether the same density values can also be applied when you change any of your materials (ink, paper weight, etc.)."


Thing I wish to say is, you can check with different material like paper , fount, water, ipa etc but not with different Ink... Because density values vary with each brand ink (even process color too).

[abccolor]

I just uploaded a Typical Densities Chart

[gordo]

I just uploaded a Typical Densities Chart

Note that the densities you posted are based on instruments set to Status "E" polarized
In N. America instruments are set to Status "T" unpolarized hence the values will be different (esp. the Yellow)
It's important to ensure that hand held and at-press automated instruments are set to the same Status. I've seen very many situations where hand helds are set to Status T while at-press instruments are set to Status E with resulting miscommunication and confusion. Or shops in N. America using instruments set to status T targeting Status E values (and vice versa) with much gnashing of teeth.

best, gordo

my print blog here: Quality In Print current topic: Naming image files

[meddington]

I've seen very many situations where hand helds are set to Status T while at-press instruments are set to Status E with resulting miscommunication and confusion. Or shops in N. America using instruments set to status T targeting Status E values (and vice versa) with much gnashing of teeth.

Or say, an Indigo whose internal densitometer is set to Status G
:P

[abccolor]

Thanks for that info Gordo, you are the man! Now, can I easily obtain the same information for North America, Status "T" unploarized? I see a few different sets of numbers in this thread, but are these based on what people have 'found' to work in their environment, or industry standards?