Whow!
Thanks for the quick reply. My boss has incur raged me to do it myself. We have a Dart T6000, Running rampage 11.1 After reading the installation over & over to get somewhat familiar with this first I need the micro spot sizes that the plate setter will image. Where do I get that info? I have a 6 month trial code, not entered yet!
The spot sizes are available from Fuji. They are:
4000 dpi = 6.35 microns
2540 dpi = 10 microns
2438 dpi = 10.42 microns
2400 dpi = 10.58 microns
2000 dpi = 12.7 microns
1200 dpi = 21.7 microns
The important thing though is the dot sizes of the FM screen you'll be using:
I believe that Rampage uses Segundo screening which looks like this:
I do not know the naming conventions to determine the Segundo dot size (maybe you could enlighten me) - you'll need to find the equivalent of a 20-or 25 micron dot or close to 300-400 lpi equivalent.
From then on the process is basically:
1) Have a target tonality (typically your existing AM work) - dot gains or tone responses through the tone scale
2) Run uncalibrated FM plates to target AM densities
3) Measure FM tonal response (there will be more dot gain)
4) Use FM tonal response to build tone compensation curves that will be used when imaging FM plates
5) Run a confirmation form on press
6) If required, make adjustments to Y curve to restore gray balance
The basics of building a plate curve is covered here:
Quality In Print: Printing at DMaxx - part 3 of 5
and here:
Quality In Print: Printing at DMaxx - part 4 of 5
Make sure you get buy-in from the pressroom. Make sure they understand why you want to change things. You might also contact your ink vendor to confirm that the series of inks you are using are compatible with FM - although Segundo should be more forgiving since it is very similar to an AM dot lithographically.
best, gordo
