X-Rite develops sensor for iPQ-Spectral

iPQ-Center from BST eltromat is a modular system, whose individual components can be combined to create customized options for a host of different monitoring tasks in printing processes. The new sensor is also fully compatible with handheld measuring devices from X-Rite.

As a result, printers obtain comparable results off-line and in-line when performing spectral color measurement with both X-Rite handheld devices and iPQ-Spectral. This provides customers with complete flexibility and uncompromising reliability in color management. By continuously generating absolute measurement data, in-line spectral color measurement assists printers in complying with given color standards, even at very high web speeds of up to 1,000m/min and web widths of up to 2.5m.

In flexo and gravure printing, among other applications, the X-Rite sensor specially developed for iPQ-Spectral, which was also developed in cooperation with X-Rite, detects the spectral color data in real time, displaying them as L*a*b* values. The machine operators get direct feedback on the quality and validity of the measurements on their control terminals. As the system promptly detects any color deviations, both in solid and half-tone colors, the machine operators can quickly eliminate their causes. The same applies to deviations in color density and dot gain. In short: this largely automated system for color management and control puts printers in a position to optimize their process and avoid or minimize paper waste. At the same time, they can provide their customers with complete color quality documentation.

Dr Christopher Kauczor, the responsible product manager at BST eltromat International, said: ‘More than ever before, brand owners, in particular, expect their packaging producers to exploit all the available technical options in order to achieve given color values. iPQ-Spectral is the only in-line spectral color measurement system working to the XRGA standard with a sensor from X-Rite, the market leader in color measurement and control solutions for printing. Thanks to our cooperation with that company, we can give our customers maximum reliability in color management and control in web printing, together with the greatest possible efficiency.’