Esko has updated its Print Control Wizard software.
Robert Bruce, product manager for RIP and Screening with Esko, says, “Print Control Wizard software was developed in response to industry calls to simplify the implementation of screens and dot gain curves. So, we wanted to build on our immediate success with this new version.
“That’s why we’ve added integrated colour management tools and introduced a new implementation process. For example, global standards call for three press trials to implement a flexo project. This ranges from optimisation with single screen testing, through characterisation with colour management and fingerprint for dot gain. However, Print Control Wizard 20.0 users can now go straight to fingerprinting. This offers a significant reduction in cost, and therefore, press time too.”
New efficiency-driving features, include:
Test chart layout. The number of press trials required to create screens and curves to implement flexo projects has reduced from two to one. This brings faster analysis of a new print condition and significant efficiency gains. The wizard now includes a four-colour test chart and allows users to produce fingerprint charts. A fast scan mode for minimum dot calibration reduces the time spent on each job.
Interface. The new Colour Engine Pilot interface features a new screens and curves view. It enables users to access all Esko screening assets in one application.
Platemaking wizard. This offers a central storage location for Esko CDI set up. It uses built-in guides to help set up the CDI plate imager, which aids optimal performance in quick time.
Reporting. New fully-automated and customisable fingerprint reports with just one touch of a button.
Crystal screens for UV Flexo. This module uses the same process-driven user interface for flexible packaging and UV Flexo. It delivers simplified Print Control Wizard functionality and custom screens for UV Flexo. It offers support for Pixel+ and non-Pixel+ CDIs.
White Ink optimisation. For flexible packaging, it boosts the performance of the most common (and most costly) ink. It automatically controls and optimises the opacity, mottle and weight of white ink. Therefore, it improves print quality, enhances image reproduction and reduces ink consumption costs.
Crystal solution
Released last year, Print Control Wizard targets flexo plate making process and flexographic print quality via crystal screens. Esko says it offers a simplified, standardised approach to take process parameters like ink, printing press, substrate and anilox into consideration for screen and curve creation, outputting a set of crystal screens and curves used for plate exposure on a CDI Crystal XPS, resulting in the most optimal flexo print quality.
Bruce says, “Our goal was to provide flexographic experts with the tools to standardise and simplify screen and curve creation, enabling them to achieve the best quality results without additional steps and checks being added to the process,”
“After Print Control Wizard was honoured with a number of top industry awards, we have worked to develop these enhancements. We are delighted to now release this new version. We continue to support the work of print and packaging specialists across the sector.”
