Prepress Audits

Another essential component of RealColor includes US Ink's valuable Prepress Audits. Improving color quality and consistency often requires a close evaluation of practices in the prepress area.

The US Ink Print Quality Test Package is a vehicle used to obtain a quantitative analysis of print quality. The package contains two standard test forms supplied from industry organizations. Both forms, the NAA Digital Test Form and the SNAP Digital Test Form, are included in the package in the form of a 3.5" floppy disk.

The US Ink Print Quality Test Package analyzes the total reproduction process from data input (digitally supplied from disk) to final output (printed sheets). Furthermore, the test package offers an opportunity to identify any problems along the way. Your film output from the disk is analyzed by a properly calibrated transmission densitometer to ensure that the Imagesetter is operating within normal tolerances. We then examine the Plate Making Process. We can identify any problems with drawdown and exposure by analyzing the amount of dot gain present from film output to plates produced.

Finally, sheets printed on your press, are evaluated to determine how prepress optimization has enhanced print quality in the areas of dot gain, print contrast, hue error / grayness and apparent trap.

After the audit is completed, a comprehensive report is written outlining all major findings and recommendations. The Prepress Audit is a critical component of US Ink's RealColor program. Learn how to conduct the Print Quality Test today by calling 1-800-423-8838 or your local US Ink location. You can also email us.

[ The information provided here is general in nature and you may need to change the methods or practices discussed here to fit your particular circumstances. The information is US Ink's only based on its past experience, and it shall not be responsible for any results obtained from using this material without consulting a qualified technician experienced in the particular subject and with the particular printing conditions to be applied. ]