Calibration software from the likes of Bodoni and Alwan is used to set up presses with increasing frequency, and whereas previously users would have to create text files or manually enter the data for plate curves, the ability to supply this automatically saves time and ensures consistency.

The calibration data is fed into the system in a PostScript file, although not as executable code, through a new API in the Harlequin system which was launched last month.

Global Graphics chief technology officer Martin Bailey said that before the API had been developed customers would have had to use third party tools to automate the process. "In the last few years the industry as a whole has moved more towards closed loop colour control," he said. "We hadn't been focussing as much as we could on the automation aspects, but with this release we went out and asked vendors to work together and feed back and so we added this API that anyone can write to."

The launch coincides with version 4.6 of Bodoni's software which offers colour measurement and control for up to six-colour printing and features patent pending 4CX technology which is a more efficient way of creating grey balance. Bruce Coates of Bodoni said: "It's very difficult to make a neutral grey working within the Fogra standard. We apply a proprietary calculation based on the hue, in order to get it right."

The process uses a single control strip that makes measurement and calibration quick on both litho and digital presses.

Bailey added: "Delivering data automatically into the RIP is far easier and faster than older manual methods, and eliminates the potential of a transcription error. It's therefore much more likely to be used regularly and will improve print quality and consistency as a result."
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