Matching offset fingerprinted CMYK proofs to digital HP30K press

[nikleon71]

I am not sure yet have to ask, so if i lower the Tac before the DFE (in the file) the correct setting in the DFE is NO conversion from CMYK to CMYk i get it right?

 

[Magnus]

I am not sure yet have to ask, so if i lower the Tac before the DFE (in the file) the correct setting in the DFE is NO conversion from CMYK to CMYk i get it right?

What you should do depends on the outcome you're aiming for.

In my opinion, there are only two ways to apply accurate color management to a CMYK press (whether digital or analog):

A. Convert the artwork to the press-specific CMYK profile (either before the DFE or within the DFE workflow).
B. Calibrate the press to match a CMYK color profile/standard by adjusting TVI and densities to align accurately with the CMYK profile/standard, or use the G7 method.

If you're not following one of these approaches, you're not technically operating within a color-managed print workflow.

You can adjust TAC and GCR to suit your needs in either of these methods.

Simply reducing the TAC in the PDF won’t achieve much if you’re unsure of how the file is being processed by the DFE or RIP. Any CMYK conversion in the DFE will most likely change the TAC of the incoming image.

 

[nikleon71]

What you should do depends on the outcome you're aiming for.

In my opinion, there are only two ways to apply accurate color management to a CMYK press (whether digital or analog):

A. Convert the artwork to the press-specific CMYK profile (either before the DFE or within the DFE workflow).
B. Calibrate the press to match a CMYK color profile/standard by adjusting TVI and densities to align accurately with the CMYK profile/standard, or use the G7 method.

If you're not following one of these approaches, you're not technically operating within a color-managed print workflow.

You can adjust TAC and GCR to suit your needs in either of these methods.

Simply reducing the TAC in the PDF won’t achieve much if you’re unsure of how the file is being processed by the DFE or RIP. Any CMYK conversion in the DFE will most likely change the TAC of the incoming image.

This was very detailed thank you, You know if i can use the Eye1 pro spectro to measure the Tac in the final print? I dont have access to the DFE yet and this is the only way to find out if the re is a differnce with the file i send .
Regards

 

[Magnus]

You know if i can use the Eye1 pro spectro to measure the Tac in the final print?

No, it's not possible to measure the TAC in the final print with any instrument.

 

[maks]

@Magnus i have same concern with my digital press. indigo 15k. i did color strategy using offset profile input and hp press profile output - there is still visible color matching issue. will this mean i will apply device link to my file pdf before sending it to my indigo press with the mentioned color strategy? thanks

 

[maks]

@Magnus am i in the right direction? i have an indigo 15K and i have the color strategy in place. but for further color accuracy, am i supposed to convert my artwork using device link to my press specific profile. i am into packaging so i will not have the consistent result of c2s substrate but rather greyback boards. please comment. thanks

 

[Magnus]

@Magnus i have same concern with my digital press. indigo 15k. i did color strategy using offset profile input and hp press profile output - there is still visible color matching issue. will this mean i will apply device link to my file pdf before sending it to my indigo press with the mentioned color strategy? thanks

It's difficult to provide effective advice without the full context. Even one simple checkbox or setting might alter the outcome. While "using offset profile input and HP press profile output" sounds correct, it doesn't clarify how the conversion is performed or whether the "HP press profile" accurately reflects the current characteristics of the press.

My best recommendation is to build a solid understanding of the fundamentals of color management in print—whether through reading or trial and error. Once you grasp the underlying variables, you'll be better equipped to make informed decisions and configure any press or RIP environment accordingly. There are many paths to the same goal, and countless software solutions may use different terminology for similar functions.