Agfa SolidTune Optimizes Ink Usage for Packaging Printing

prwhite

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Agfa has announced SolidTune, a prepress software solution for printing offset packaging that reduces the amount of ink needed by an average of 3%, with improved image quality. Built on the key elements of InkTune & PressTune, SolidTune is part of Agfa’s ECO3 program.

During the last stage of the rendering process, SolidTune applies a unique algorithm to the solids & text after screening, and prior to plate imaging—ensuring the edges of solids are preserved to keep the print clean & crisp.
SolidTune Benefits:
  • Faster drying,
  • Improved ink distribution,
  • Reduced problems with ink offsetting from one impression to the next,
  • Less force on the substrate from the ink system—prevents plucking or picking of fibers from the top paper layer,
  • Creates a 1-bit file for offset packaging printing, where spot colors are often printed as solids.
SolidTune is available on license in Apogee & Amfortis prepress workflows, and can be used with any screening technology, including Agfa SPIR@L.
 
Looks like it simply applies a reverse FM dot to solids.

Assuming that it's some form of solid screening (the linked article isn't very clear) - the notion of punching holes in solids to reduce ink usage is an old one. Here is an article I published on the topic in 2009: Ink savings using solid screening

It's a technique most often used in newspaper work where they simply screen all solids to around 97%. Dot spread fills the holes in during printing so the screened solids look solid.
Before purchasing such a vendor's proprietary solution one should evaluate the cost of the solution vs the cost of the potential volume of ink saved to see if there's any real value.
 
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The notion of punching holes in solids to reduce ink usage is an old one. Here is an article I published on the topic in 2009: Ink savings using solid screening

It's a technique most often used in newspaper work where they simply screen all solids to around 97%. Dot spread fills the holes in during printing so the screened solids look solid.
Before purchasing such a vendor's proprietary solution one should evaluate the cost of the solution vs the cost of the potential volume of ink saved to see if there's any real value.
Agreed.
 
Not to put too fine a point on it...
Ink savings is highly image content dependent - and images can vary quite a bit. Also, in my experience most printers do not know how much ink they are consume on a per run basis so calculating savings, and therefore value, can be a challenge.
IMHO going with an FM type solution (yes even with flexo) would provide, among other benefits, a more reliable and effective way of reducing ink consumption.
 

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