Inkjet Printing Software

Printheads, Images & Colour

COURSE FOCUS

For any digital imaging technology, software is fundamental as the printed image is defined by data, rather than by a physical object like a roller or screen. Inkjet printing software accepts design image files as its input and needs to transform this into data understood by the printheads as an instruction either to fire, or not to fire, a nozzle actuator at a given time. This complex task requires image handling and colour management to ensure consistent colour, especially for advanced decorative applications. The printing software also needs to split the data into suitable channels directed to each printhead in the system. It also needs to handle extremely high data rates to drive today's high resolution, high speed printheads, especially in single pass printing applications with multiple colours and large image sizes.

This course gives an in-depth look at the fundamental aspects of digital imaging applications and the software functions needed for this, presented by leading companies in the field.

COURSE OUTLINE

SESSION 1

Selecting and driving inkjet printheads
David Heath, Meteor Inkjet

  • Printhead selection based on application

  • Fundamentals of printhead driver hardware and software

  • Hardware requirements for datapath

  • Data throughput

  • Scanning and single pass applications

  • Practical examples

Session 2

Image and colour management
Gerrit Andre, ColorGate

  • Building a robust colour management workflow for digital printing

    • Colour management basics

    • ICC profiles and how they work

    • Colour measurement

    • Colour models, rendering intents, spot colours

    • Differences of the colour workflow between traditional and digital printing

    • Impact of the different input settings

  • Pros and cons of different file types

    • PDF subsets (PDF/X, PDF/VT, upcoming PDF 2.0)

    • What kind of information can be communicated with the different file types?

  • Accurate spot colour communication

    • Spot colour reproduction in digital printing

    • How spot colours can be defined

    • Communication of spot colour definitions

    • Current and future standards: CxF4 and PDF 2.0

SEssion 3

Software for decorative applications
Gerard Buch, Inèdit Software

  • What to consider when preparing a file for digital print:

    • Editing, designing and repeating

    • Layer separations - channel workflows, why separate for digital? Colour control or colour variations?

    • What are the benefits over an image manipulation workflow when you’re colour critical?

    • Linearisation, profiling and soft proofing - checking and rechecking your colour match

    • Printing - with your RIP

    • Managing your digital print - how to monitor the variables

    • Image handling and colour management

    • Why image & non-specialised workflows are not ideal for high-end decorative printing 

COURSE LEADERS

David Heath, Technical Sales Manager
Meteor Inkjet, UK

David has been involved with digital printing for over a decade, supporting and bringing to market a variety of industrial solutions including large web, ceramics, direct to textile and ink delivery systems. Joining TTP in 2014, David soon moved to TTP Meteor, now Meteor Inkjet Ltd. Meteor Inkjet is the leading independent specialist in industrial inkjet printhead driving solutions. Collaborating with all major printhead manufacturers, Meteor supplies production ready electronics and software used by printer OEMs and print system builders world-wide. Meteor Inkjet has its headquarters just outside of Cambridge, UK and is a wholly owned subsidiary of Global Graphics (Euronext: GLOG). Prior to Meteor Inkjet, David began his career in the RAF as a Ground Radio Electrician working on advanced radar systems, infrastructure and communications. 


Gerard Buch, Technical Sales Manager
Inèdit Software, Spain

Gerard Buch joined Inèdit Software in 2014 in the technical department. Gradually, his curiosity led him to become an expert in colour management and workflows in digital textile printing. Over the last few years, he has focused on customer training, creating and installing complete workflows for the best management of each company. Currently, he has redirected his career by joining the commercial department of Inèdit Software, from where he can advise companies to obtain the best results with the appropriate tools available in the sector.

Gerrit Andre, Trainer and Product Specialist
ColorGATE, Germany

Gerrit has joined ColorGATE in 2007 and has initially served in the technical service team. Since 2012 he is a member of the business development team and performs pre-sale services and consultancy. As a FOGRA certified Digital Printing Expert he acts as a consultant and trainer for workflow and colour management requirements of partners and customers for commercial and industrial digital printing applications.

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