Close up of inkjet droplets showing misplacement and coalescence
Global Graphics has launched software to improve the print quality of high-speed inkjet presses.
The Multi-Level Digital Screening engine was developed in response to requests from printer vendors for a cost-effective way to address the challenge of meeting the conflicting demands of higher speeds and higher quality on coated and non-porous stocks.
‘Equipment vendors are struggling to get the quality media buyers want,’ said chief technology officer Martin Bailey. ‘It’s a particular problem for high quality graphics on coated paper and conversely for labels on lower cost and quality stocks.
‘The faster the press the harder it is to deliver drops in the right place as there is more turbulence and it’s harder to get the timing right. I’ve no idea if it’s physically possible to fix in the hardware but I do know it would be ridiculously expensive, so much so that no one could afford it. Therefore, software is the answer.’
Mr Bailey said that since introducing the concept, the company had been approached by ‘virtually everyone in the market’ as they had been battling with the issue. The company expects products using its software to be shown at drupa but was unable to reveal further details at the time of announcing the product. The Multi-Level Digital Screening engine can be used post-RIP and supports the company’s Harlequin RIP and others.
‘In fact, the vendors we’ve been working with longest and whose products using the software are about the exit beta testing are not Harlequin users,’ concluded My Bailey.
