Black Settings in Profilemaker

[Prepper]

We are preparing to do a new press profiling run and I wanted to ask:

What do you recommend for the black settings in Profilemaker and why?

We use a high amount of GCR, MaxK, and I've had the black settings at the following in the past:
Black Start 0%
Black Width 100%
Black Max 100%

I ask because I've seen various amounts of each recommended and just wondered what you'd think about these settings considering I'm using MaxK?

Thanks,
Terry

 

[meddington]

Optimal GCR level can depend on the content of the file and how the press operators run their press. MaxK can work very well, but might not be appropriate for say, flesh tones, particularly if the press operator likes to crank black density for text or shadow depth. There's not really one answer to what settings are ideal for all situations and different software will yield different results.

 

[Mike Strickler]

Black Settings in Profilemaker

Hi. As Mike said, it all depends on the intended output. The settings you mentioned would be more appropriate for an inkjet printer with gray inks, where there's little danger of peppered highlights and flesh tones. As a starting point for press try a K start of 25-30%, GCR level 2 or 3, and black width 100.

The more important question might be why you need to profile your press.

 

[kennylzf]

What is the Black Width ?

thanks!
kenny