Kodak Matchprint problems

[JMP]

We have a Prinergy Evo workflow from which we send ripped files to a Kodak Matchprint proofer (Epson 4800). Our main problem is that the colors are too good compared with the material printed in our presses. The other problem is that black colors are not black, they have a blue tone. Color management in the Evo server is not used. The guys who sold the equipment don´t seem to have a clue about how to solve this. I wonder are there some basic settings in matchprint that will solve this, which profiles have to be used where?

 

[dherder]

Kodak Matchprint problems

There are a number of things that you can do to get a better match to what you are seeing on press. What is likely happening in this situation:

• Since you are not color matching on the Evo server, I am assuming that you have hotfolder color management enabled via "Open Connectivity" of the MPI system. What is the current setting in the "ICC Settings" tab of the Process Settings dialog of your hotfolder? If this simulation target is different from the color space that your refined files are going to, then it is likely that you are proofing a different target than what your press color space is targetting.
  
• To fix this, ensure that when you refine your files, they should be in the same color space as what you are aiming your proofer to. Now, you can do this a number of ways. The increasing trend is to target a common industry standard or specification like GRACoL, SWOP, or FOGRA for example. Ensure that if you are going to do this, that your press conditions match the specification fairly closely (media type, screening, etc). If you don't want to target a spec and opt for a "House Standard" press condition to target your proofer to, then you must fingerprint your press and create a source ICC profile (or DeviceLink) that you can use in the MPI system to match your press color space.
  
  Hope that helps,
  dave

 

[gordo]

You might find some helpful tips here:

Quality In Print: Press and proof alignment

and here:

Quality In Print: Aligning proof and presswork

best, gordo