Gordon, Thanks for responding. A PDF of the proposed plate is attached.
Regards
Roger
I am not that familiar with Nilpeter presses so I'll just comment on some of the things that I think help make for an effective test form as well as some concerns about the one that you are considering.
Target elements should include:
> Step wedges - they are included in your form but appear to be aligned across the sheet. Instead, they should be aligned in line with the direction of sheet travel through the press. They should include K, C, M, Y, CMY brown balance and CMY grey balance to reveal any non-linearities in overprints.
> Vignettes - your test form doesn't have them. They are useful for evaluating your screening (again K, C, M, Y, CMY brown balance and CMY grey balance)
> Solid K, C, M, Y bars that go across the width of the sheet as well as around the cylinder to check the evenness of solid ink laydown across the sheet.
> An IT8 or other target that would allow you to characterize the press color and build profiles to further examine the print condition as well as drive proofers.
> Larger of the RGB and solid CMY overprints to reveal any mottling.
> If you include images, some of them should be industry standard images so that you can refer back to some reference standard. You could include your own separations as well. Make sure that the images are ignored by the press operator when the test is run. I.e. the press operator should be running to the numbers and not trying to make pretty pictures. No proof at the press.
About your test form
> Your test form appears to be 4/C but has targets for Reflex Blue and Red 485 printed in process. I don't think those extra colors provide any useful information - they just take up space.
> The black and 2/C Helvetica/Times Roman type targets aren't providing much info - other than maybe how small your type can be and still be legible (In which case I'd add 2pt, 1pt, and 1/2pt type). I'd dispense with the 2/C one and just have the black.
> You might consider putting in an overall 3/C 30% grey background to help even out ink usage.
> I don't understand the purpose of the large 3/C overprinting hexagons
> I don't understand the purpose of the large 5-90% reading cyan step wedge.
And as markf posted - you should be using inks that conform to ISO 12647-2.
good luck - gordon p
