PROOFING

Dotmatch - True Flexo Proofing
The move from traditional Litho and Gravure into Flexographic printing process needs to be controlled at the earliest opportunity. Files that can be printed by Litho or Gravure need to be adapted for the intricacies of the Flexo process and the ability to manage people's expectations is paramount.

Intermediate digital proofs are unable to show dot structure and shape. Litho wet proofs can only simulate dot gain, but are unable to demonstrate the potential of dot growth and bruising caused by press-pressure on the susceptible highlight dots. Designs that work for some applications must be converted properly to maximise the limitations of flexo. The only way to produce a true Flexographic proof is by using the printing press at an horrendous cost to time and productivity, or by using a printing press built specially to replicate the process.

Corniche Fine Arts have installed two flexo wet proofing presses to enable accurate interpretation of electronic files being converted from other processes. Using the same substrate, printing inks and plates, enables Corniche to accurately re-create press pressure on photopolymer printing plates, which will ultimately reflect in the final proof being synonymous with the vagaries of the printing process.