Spectraproof Softproof

Softproofing with SpectraProof

The Starting Point

It is common practice in the printing industry to produce a proof before printing, i.e. before the actual production of the printed matter on the press.
The current state of the art is to use a suitable inkjet printer and special software (proof rip) for this purpose. This simulates the final print result on paper when printed on this inkjet printer. In digital printing, this is usually done on the press itself.

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

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

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

Today, the decision-makers who need to view and evaluate such proofs are often spread across the globe and may well be working from their home offices. Multiple copies then have to be produced and distributed by post. This means further loss of time and environmental impact (ecological fingerprint).

Checking on 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 colour over time.
Fading and colour shifts make them unusable for review and, if in doubt, they have to be recreated.

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

The Softproof Solution

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

Softproof Advantages

Colour changes, substrates, printing processes and new designs can be tried out immediately without any material costs or loss of time.

In addition, it enables instant assessment and discussion by decision-makers in a decentralised, real-time and simultaneous manner, without stopping production.

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

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

Key features of SpectraProof

• SpectraProof technology include direct simulation of printing processes, substrates and finishes on the screen
• real-time availability without requiring intervention during production
• near-perfect representation of the end result
• unsurpassed flexibility and sustainability
• user-friendly simplicity, resource-savingenvironmental friendliness, and flexibilityin all technical parameters.
• SpectraProof Software includes a measuring tool, calibration and control functions for the monitor and ambient light (light hood)
• SpectraProof includes a measuring tool, calibration and control functions for the monitor and ambient light (light hood), as well as functionality to verify viewing conditions (monitor, light, and job parameters)
• Additionally, it includes functions for placing an order and documenting comments and viewing conditions to provide a comprehensive solution
• The combination of traditional ICC-based colour management, spectral colour mathematics, and photorealistic image compositing is unique.

Conclusion

The presented technology and combination of components impress with their simplicity, flexibility, and modularity. The soft proof system is a unit in itself and offers “close loop” control mechanisms through simple measurement and control.

Our technology enables the clear and efficient representation of any printing process and finishing method with almost photo-realistic visuals and high color accuracy. Additionally, our process offers ecological benefits, time efficiency, and worldwide accessibility.features of our process.