Ink & Color: A Practical Guide for Printers

Ink technology has moved so quickly in the last 10 years that many of the traditional references haven't kept pace. Although there are many variables that can affect color, this book focuses on those that relate to ink chemistry and its role in achieving the best color reproduction. Printers and press operators do not need to know everything there is to know about ink; they do, however, need to understand how the wide variety of chemistry, press, substrate, and environmental factors affect their ability to achieve the color they and their customers are seeking. Written from the perspective of today's experts in the formulation and manufacture of commercial inks, Ink & Color uses non-technical terms to explain how the interaction of ink, substrates, and press chemistry determine color reproduction on press. Topics covered include: The individual components of ink, such as additives and different pigment gamuts; The impact of various press characteristics; The impact of press consumables, such as blankets and plates; The impact of the vast diversity of substrates; The impact of coating chemistries; The use of hi-fi inks such as Hexachrome and Opaltone; Color measuring and monitoring equipment such as densitometers, colorimeters, and spectrophotometers; Subjective characteristics that affect color perception. Whether used as an introduction for new press employees, a refresher for current press operators, or an overall shop reference tool, Ink & Color is the ideal resource for the printer who wants to better understand the process of reproducing perfect color on press.