How to Save Money on proofs by using softproof technology

In the printing industry, it is standard practice to produce a proof prior to the actual production of the printed matter on the press.
The current state of the art is to use a dedicated inkjet printer and special software (proof rip). When printing on this inkjet printer, the final print result is simulated on paper. In digital printing, this is usually done on the press itself.

Finishing processes such as hot foil stamping, foiling, varnishing and priming are usually impossible or very difficult to reproduce manually. Many substrates are very difficult to reproduce. Both are further limitations of current methods.

Since different printing processes, substrates, design variants and color combinations are often tested before a decision is made, such test prints are often made several times.

It also happens that doubts about the correctness of the coloring arise during production. In this case, production is usually stopped to produce a control proof. This results in considerable cost, labor and time loss.

Today, the decision-makers who need to view and evaluate such proofs are often located around the world, working from their home offices. Multiple proofs must then be produced and distributed by mail. This means further loss of time and environmental impact (ecological fingerprint).

Checking the printed paper (proof) also requires the purchase of a standard light device (standard light box or standard light lamp) to ensure that all participants view the proofs under the same lighting conditions. These are usually very large, so there is no room for them on a desk or in a home office.

In addition, all printed copies change color over time.
Due to fading and color shifts, they are no longer usable for appraisals and have to be recreated in case of doubt.

All of these processes are time consuming and expensive. In some cases, production on a digital press must be stopped or interrupted to produce the proof. The cost, loss of time and environmental impact are significant.

The solution:

A solution that works at the touch of a button and allows on-screen simulation – in real time – is a significant improvement to the entire process.
This solution eliminates all of the above disadvantages.

Advantages:
Color changes, substrates, printing processes, and new designs can be tried out immediately without wasting material or time.

In addition, it allows for immediate review and discussion by decision-makers in a decentralized, timely and collaborative manner, without stopping production.

With our Spectraproof solution, substrates can also be simulated via a photo-realistic display. This is an important innovation for optimal and realistic simulation on original substrates.

In addition, the use of a standard light hood and measuring device enables continuous quality control and ensures the same viewing conditions at all locations.

Essential features of a softproof with SpectraProof:

• Simulation of printing processes, substrates and finishing directly on the screen.
• Real-time availability without the need for production intervention
• Near perfect representation of the final result
• Unmatched flexibility and sustainability
• Ease of use
• Environmentally friendly (saving resources)
• Flexibility in all technical parameters
• The solution includes a measurement device and functions for calibration and control of
• and ambient light (light hood).
• In addition, the solution provides functionality to validate
• viewing conditions (monitor, light, job parameters)
• Job approval and documentation of comments and viewing conditions complete the solution.
• and viewing conditions complete the solution.
• The combination of traditional ICC-based color management
• spectral color mathematics and photorealistic image composition is unique.
• Conclusion:
• The technology and combination of components presented here is impressive in its simplicity, flexibility and modularity. The soft proofing system is an entity in itself and offers “close loop” control mechanisms through simple measurement and regulation.

With this technology, any printing process and finishing method can be easily and quickly reproduced with near-photo-realism and high precision in terms of color accuracy. Ecological benefits, time savings and immediate, worldwide availability also distinguish our process.

For many prepress and printing companies and their customers, a softproof will complement and enrich the classic hardcopy proof. And there is a lot of potential to save time and money by using a softproof where a hardcopy proof is not needed.