Operating Manual

24.3.3 Concentration grades on white and black substrates
For optimum determination of the optical data of an ink, we recommend preparing around six
(a minimum of four) different concentration grades on white and black substrate. As the color
differences are more pronounced in the lower concentration range (more transparent white,
less ink), it makes sense to carry out a finer gradation in this area (e.g. a kind of geometrical
progression).
The size of the intervals between the remission curves of individual concentration grades on
the same substrate should be approximately similar. This is best achieved by doubling the concentrations.
We recommend the following concentration grades (all data relate to the percentage weights of
the ink in a mixture of ink and transparent white):
Number of grades Grade 1 Grade 2 Grade 3 Grade 4 Grade 5 Grade 6 Grade 7 Grade 8
6 2% 4% 8% 16% 32% 64% – –
7 2% 4% 8% 16% 32% 64% 100% –
8 1% 2% 4% 8% 16% 32% 64% 100%
For concentrated colors the higher concentration grades give no additional information. In that
case 1% and 2% grades for example are much more useful for calculating the optical data.
a. Inks with virtually no scattering (so-called transparent inks)
It is sufficient to produce all recommended grades on white substrate. This applies to most
applications in offset printing.
For setting measuring mode On white (transparent) (
assortment»).
see Section 14.4.2 «Preparing an
b. Inks with scattering and absorption in the same order of magnitude (so-called translucent
and opaque inks)
In this case, all recommended grades on white and on black substrate should be made available
to the program. This applies to most applications in flexo-, gravure and screen printing.
For setting measuring mode On white and black (transparent) (
an assortment»).
see Section 14.4.2 «Preparing
24 • Application notes 183