Chapter 1
How to use TECHKON SpectroPlate
1.1 Product description
TECHKON SpectroPlate – printing plate measurement right on the spot !
Today in the age of Computer-to-Plate it is obvious: Without quality control in prepress,
there is no guarantee for quality in print. Thus the measurement of the right
dot transfer on offset printing plates is a key segment of comprehensive process
control in the printing industry.
However, measurement is only useful if the appropriate measurement technology
is applied. Some years ago using densitometers on printing plates was common
practice. But densitometers are designed for measuring on printed papers leading
to limits when reading on plates. At present, plate measurement devices based on
microscopic image capture and processing are the established standard.
SpectroPlate unifies all advantages of this modern measurement technology in
a compact, hand-held instrument. This product series and all other TECHKON
products are the result of many years of expertise in designing and manufacturing
high-quality measurement devices for the printing industry. Our four TECHKON
guidelines for perfect measurement technology are consequently applied:
1. Easy and quick operation
2. High measurement accuracy
3. Robust engineering and reliability
4. Ergonomic and functional design
The measurement accuracy of a plate measuring device is determined by the quality
of the optical system and the performance of the image processing algorithms.
SpectroPlate meets the highest standards in this respect. The sample is illuminated
uniformly with spectral broadband light. The microscopic image is captured by a
precision optical lens system and a high resolution CMOS color matrix sensor with
high dynamic range. The processing of the detailed color image is performed by a
powerful graphic signal processor and sophisticated imaging algorithms. All relevant
quality parameters for correctly manufactured printing plates are shown on the
LCD display.