Global Graphics Software pushes inkjet boundaries

A set of new software screens that add the ‘final polish’ to output produced on inkjet printers is now available from Global Graphics Software. Advanced Inkjet Screens - which can be added to inkjet machines already on the market or to those still on the drawing board - smooth out imperfections caused by the physics of jetting ink onto substrate.

There are two variants: the Pearl screen produces a very natural effect on more or less absorbent substrates, whereas the Mirror screen is for non-absorbent and poorly-wetting surfaces such as tin cans and flexible packaging, and also areas of dense metallic ink. “Most printing software assumes that a press can print a perfect grid of dots,” said product manager Tom Mooney. “In practice on an inkjet press there are often variables that lead to changes in the size, shape or position of each drop. Even though these individual drops are very small, the result is that they coalesce, creating artefacts and errors that are often visible at the intended viewing distance in the finished print. “By measuring the characteristics of the drop generation and interaction with the substrate, it is possible to fine-tune the halftone dot shapes and placement within the screening definition to mitigate unwanted variables. The result is print that is visually largely error-free, because the optimized screen compensates for and masks the effect of errors in the print process.” “They are particularly effective where inkjet output will be sold as part of a brand’s marketing, such as packaging, where our Advanced Inkjet Screens allow converters and label printers wanting to use cheaper stocks or the same stocks as for flexo, to produce sellable product.”