Do I need a color bar to control color on a press? - Ask A Print Expert, Sponsored by InfoPrint Solutions

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Ray Prince

Do I need a color bar to control color on a press?
September 23, 2008

Question: Do I need a color bar to control color on a press?

Answer: If you are doing process color or have work where you want color consistency, then a bar is necessary. Your eye is only so good but a spectrodensitometer is quite accurate. The decision should be made based on the customer needs. Many printers run by just eye control.

Readers, please e-mail your questions to Ray.

Posted by Ray Prince on September 23, 2008 | Comments (4)

September 24, 2008
In response to: Do I need a color bar to control color on a press?
Fred Buck commented:

Color bars are quite necessary. The densitometer can read subtle variations in density that are difficult to see in certain colors. They also make it a lot easier to balance the sheet, keeping the color consistent from one side to the other.

October 1, 2008
In response to: Do I need a color bar to control color on a press?
Rich Mattei commented:

Besides ink and water balance, ink film is the only true control that a pressman has—providing roller settings and pressures are to specification. Color bars are the only practical means to measuring ink film, which is critical to color control, trapping and drying.

October 8, 2008
In response to: Do I need a color bar to control color on a press?
John Davies commented:

Colour bars are a must for good density control. Add on some closed-loop control system and ink key presets, and your off to the races!