HP IndiChrome User Manual

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Page 1

HP IndiChrome Ink Mixing System

User guide

Page 2

HP IndiChrome Ink Mixing System

User guide

Page 3

Reproduction, adaptation, or translation without prior written permission is prohibited, except as allowed under the copyright laws.

The information contained herein is subject to change without notice.

The only warranties for HP products and services are set forth in the express warranty statements accompanying such products and services. Nothing herein should be construed as constituting an additional warranty. HP shall not be liable for technical or editorial errors or omissions contained herein.

directions provided by HP in this and other publications. All high voltage power supplies and laser sources are located behind protective covers. Warning labels are attached to each protective cover. Do not remove covers.

Part Number : CA294-02222 First Edition: December 2006

HP, HP Indigo Press, HP Indigo Press RIP, and HP ElectroInk are trademarks or registered trademarks of HP.

Adobe® PostScript® is a trademark of Adobe Systems Incorporated.

MS Windows® and Windows® are U.S. registered trademarks of Microsoft Corp.

All other products or name brands are trademarks of their respective holders.

The HP Indigo press is a Class 1 Laser Product containing high voltage power supplies and laser light sources. There is no danger to persons or equipment when the system is operated in accordance with the

Printed in Israel.

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1 Introduction

User guide introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

User guide structure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Conventions used in this guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

System requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Hardware configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Consumables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Important system information and limitations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

2 Safety and environment considerations

General warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Warning signs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Preventing eye irritation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Electrical safety precautions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Emergency power cutoff . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Flammable liquids and fumes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Handling and storing imaging oil and inks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Waste disposal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

3 Getting started

Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

Detailed Automatic Workflow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

Starting the ink mixing system (IMS) software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

HP IndiChrome Wizard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

Toolbar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

Exiting the IMS software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

4 General procedures

Calibrating the electronic scale . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

Calibrating the spectrophotometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

Performing a full calibration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

Performing the daily calibration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

Draining the water from the dispensing unit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

Adjusting the dispensing unit for the press . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

Measuring a color . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

Selecting a PANTONE

Save the Ink Definition file . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

Saving the color’s workspace . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44

Transferring the ink definition file to the press . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46

All HP Indigo presses except for Indigo Sun computer-based presses . . . . 46

Indigo Sun computer-based presses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46

Preparing the basic inks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47

Dispensing the ingredients . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48

Sealing the can . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50

Shaking the can . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51

Visually comparing the printed color . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53

Adjusting the ink mix from the printed output . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53

Accurate match. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54

color . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

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Match can be improved by a fix can . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55

Fix can would add too much ink to the ink tank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55

Improvement possible by changing optical density . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56

Undoing and redoing a measurement. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57

Changing the optical density (OD) spec value . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57

Improving visual match by changing illuminant. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58

Comparing different ink mix results. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60

Changing the ink on the press . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61

5 Additional IMS procedures

Ready Mix colors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64

Detailed Ready Mix Workflow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67

Continuing work on a previously defined mix color . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68

Manual color mixing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69

Detailed Manual Workflow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70

Mixing a custom color . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71

Using L* a* b* target values . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71

Measuring the color directly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72

Excluding a basic color from the ink mix . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73

Adding a new substrate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74

Importing .mix files (including previous-version ink mix files) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76

Exporting and deleting ink workspace files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77

Printing the color workspace details . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77

Setting and displaying specific ink mix parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78

Color matching parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78

HP Indigo press selection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79

Ink print thickness. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79

Color information summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80

Increase/decrease view of 2D color space . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80

Zoom into 2D color space . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81

Zoom by changing axes values . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81

View the 3D color space . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82

4 Contents

6 Customizing the look of the HP IndiChrome window

Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84

HP IndiChrome window customization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85

Changing the ink mix details panel background color . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85

Changing the 2D color space panel background color . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86

Changing the color name font . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86

Displaying the 2D color space background bitmap . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87

Saving and loading the HP IndiChrome window customization . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87

Saving the customization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87

Loading a customization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88

Viewing and hiding the Toolbar and Status bar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88

7 Help

Online help . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90

Useful links . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90

Program updates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90

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Appendix A Special options, basic concepts, and spare parts (all presses)

Special options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94

Setting the mix precision . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94

Window menu item usage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95

How to use the IMS graphic window . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95

Decreasing ink thickness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95

Using an old mix file for a new ink . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95

Basic concepts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96

Color space . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96

DE*94 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96

Color gamut . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97

System file types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97

Spare parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98

Can shaker . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98

Dispensing unit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99

Miscellaneous. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100

Appendix B Service and support

Index

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6 Contents

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Introduction

This chapter contains the following sections:

User guide introduction

User guide structure

Conventions used in this guide

System requirements

Hardware configuration

Consumables

Important system information and limitations

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User guide introduction

It is often desirable to print with spot color inks in addition to the Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Black (CMYK) process colors. The HP Indigo presses enable you to use such special inks. The HP IndiChrome ink mixing system (IMS) gives you the capability of preparing the special ink you require by mixing inks from a set of basic inks. Because the inks are specially tailored to customer requirements, the inks are referred to as custom inks.

This user guide is suitable for the following HP Indigo presses and Indigo presses:

HP Indigo presses HP Indigo press 5000

Indigo presses UltraStream

User guide structure

This user guide is divided into the following chapters and appendices:

1. Introduction. Briefly describes the purpose of the HP IndiChrome ink mixing

system, explains the conventions used in this guide, lists the system requirements

and hardware configuration, lists the consumables that you can order from HP Indigo,

and gives relevant operating information.

2. Safety and environment considerations. Describes the safety precautions you

should take when operating the system.

3. Getting started. Shows you how to determine the workflow for ink mixing and how

to start and quit the HP IndiChrome ink mixing system software.

4. General procedures. Describes the procedures that are performed during the

various ink preparation steps: how to calibrate the electronic scale and

spectrophotometer, measure sample colors, adjust the air pressure of the dispensing

unit, prepare basic inks, dispense ingredients, and seal and shake cans.

5. Additional IMS procedures. Describes additional procedures and capabilities of

the HP IndiChrome ink mixing system software: including using Ready Mix colors,

continuing work on a previously defined mix color, manual color mixing, importing .mix

files, adjusting the view of the 2D color space and viewing the 3D color space.

Appendix A. Special options, basic concepts, and spare parts (all presses).

Explains special options and basic ink mixing concepts. A spare parts list is also

included.

Series 3000/4000/5000 and Indigo UltraStream-based

HP Indigo press 3050 HP Indigo press 3000 HP Indigo press w3200 HP Indigo press ws4000 HP Indigo press ws4050

Publisher 4000

Series 1000/2000 and Indigo TurboStream-based

HP Indigo press 1000 HP Indigo press ws2000 HP Indigo press s2000

TurboStream Platinum Omnius WebStream Omnius MultiStream

Indigo Sun computer-based

E-Print 1000 Omnius Omnius CardPress

8 Chapter 1 Introduction

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Appendix B. Service and support. Provides contact details for obtaining service

and support.

Conventions used in this guide

This guide uses the following documentation conventions:

Keyboard keys to press appear in all uppercase, for example: Press the SHIFT key.

Menu options appear in bold type, for example: From the File menu, click New.

Options in dialog boxes appear in bold type, for example: After selecting the options in

the Print dialog box, click OK.

References to other sections in the guide appear in quotes, for example: See

“Installation” on page 37.

Screen messages are displayed in a different font, for example: The Installation

Completed message appears.

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Conventions used in this guide 9

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Window sections

Often, a window is divided into sections. Each section has a name displayed at its top border. A section may contain fields.

Section

Section name

Fields within a section are referred to by first the section name, and then the field name, separated by a slash (/). They appear in bold type. For example: enter a value in the

Target / L* field.

System requirements

HP IndiChrome ink mixing system software version 5.5.

HP Indigo press software version:

• For Indigo Sun computer-based presses, software version 4.0 or preferably 4.1.

• For Series 1000/2000 presses and TurboStream-based presses, software version

2.0 or higher.

• For Series 3000/4000/5000 presses and UltraStream-based presses, software version 3.5 or higher.

• For HP Indigo press 5000, software version 7.0

Pentium® 133 MHz, or faster, computer; at least 16 MB RAM; Windows 95 or higher; at least 5 MB free disk space; one free serial port; at least 16 bit or 64 K colors.

Operational Local Area Network (LAN): your computer and the HP Indigo press computer must be nodes on the LAN.

This requirement is optional for Series 3000/4000/5000 presses, UltraStream-based presses, Series 1000/2000 presses, and TurboStream-based presses.

Field

10 Chapter 1 Introduction

Compressed air (optional). The pressure/flow rate must be at least 4 bar/0.1 liter per second, but no more than 10 bar.

The air tank must be equipped with an attached air hose. The end of the air hose should have an attached female quick connector. The matching male quick connector should have the standard 6.35 mm (0.25 inch) BSP thread. The male connector is connected to the dispensing unit.

Work area that includes at least 2 by 0.7 m (6.56 by 2.3 ft) of tabletop space and at least 0.7 by 1 m (2.3 by 3.28 ft) of floor space.

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For Series 3000/4000/5000 and UltraStream-based presses, adequate space for the BID washer. BID washer dimensions are: width = 1.1 m (3.6 ft) depth = 0.7 m (2.3 ft) height = 1.2 m (3.94 ft)

Voltage: European kit: 235 VAC ±17 / 50 Hz USA kit: 118 VAC ±8 / 60 Hz Japanese kit: 103 VAC ±6 / 60 Hz, 115 VAC ±6 / 50 Hz

Hardware configuration

The HP IndiChrome ink mixing system contains the following hardware components:

Spectrophotometer

The spectrophotometer measures colors. It is connected to a serial port on the computer.

Second plug

AC/DC adapter cord jack

AC/DC adapter

Serial port adapter

Main connector

Spectrophotometer

Spectrophotometer components

Crimper

The crimper seals the receiving can with a valve.

Lever

Power cord

Calibration reference base

Series 3000/4000/5000 and UltraStream-based level

Series 1000/2000, TurboStream-based, and Sun computer-based level

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Allen screw

Ink can

Crimper

Round can base

Crimper

Hardware configuration 11

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Dispensing unit

The dispensing unit dispenses basic inks into a receiving can.

Dispensing unit

Coarse button

Fine button

Dispensing unit

Shaker

The shaker thoroughly mixes the prepared custom ink can.

Safety cover

Timer knob

Shaker

Plate adjusting handle

Upper plate

Shaker plates

12 Chapter 1 Introduction

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Air compressor

The air compressor is used for operating the dispensing unit.

Air inlet

Air filter

On/off switch

European air compressor

Air inlet

Air filter

On/off switch

Outlet pressure gauge

Air valve

Outlet pressure knob

Air outlet

Outlet pressure gauge

Air valve

Outlet pressure knob

Air outlet

USA / Japanese air compressor

Note The label on the on/off switch shows 250VAC. This value refers to the switch only and indicates

the upper limit of the supplied voltage.

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Consumables

The following is a list of consumables that you can order from HP Indigo as the need arises.

For Series 1000/2000 presses, Indigo TurboStream-based presses, and Indigo Sun computer-based presses

Item Code Catalogue number Contents

HP ElectroInk:

Yellow Y MPS-2134-42 10 cans

Magenta M MPS-2133-42 10 cans

Cyan C MPS-2132-42 10 cans

Black K MPS-2131-42 10 cans

Orange 003 O MPS-2401-42 10 cans

Violet 065 V MPS-2465-42 10 cans

Bright Yellow 060 BY MPS-2460-42 10 cans

Blue 013 B MPS-2403-42 10 cans

Green 011 G MPS-2428-42 10 cans

Rhodamine 050 Rh MPS-2450-42 10 cans

Transparent 025 T MPS-2425-42 10 cans

Startup kit MKT-0510-41 Mixed cans (2) - MKT-0511-41

Empty cans (1) - MKT-0512-41

Mixed cans X MKT-0511-41 10 cans (O, V, BY, B, G, Rh, T, and

three empty cans)

Empty cans E MKT-0512-41 10 cans

14 Chapter 1 Introduction

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For Series 5000 presses

Item Code Catalogue number Contents

Filter (for external filter kit) MFL-1901-01

HP ElectroInk:

Yellow Y Q4015A 10 cans

Magenta M Q4014A 10 cans

Cyan C Q4013A 10 cans

Black K Q4012A 10 cans

Orange 070 O Q4003A 10 cans

Violet 071 V Q4004A 10 cans

Bright Yellow 074 BY Q4007A 10 cans

Reflex Blue 075 RB Q4008A 10 cans

Green 072 G Q4005A 10 cans

Rhodamine 073 Rh Q4006A 10 cans

Transparent 076 T Q4009A 10 cans

Startup kit MKT-0510-51 Mixed cans (2) - MKT-0511-51

Empty cans (1) - MKT-0512-51

Mixed cans X MKT-0511-51 10 cans (O, V, BY, RB, G, Rh, T,

and three empty cans)

Empty cans E MKT-0512-51 10 cans

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Consumables 15

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For Series 3000/4000 presses and Indigo UltraStream-based presses

Item Code Catalogue number Contents

Filter (for external filter kit) MFL-1901-01

HP ElectroInk:

Yellow Y MPS-3134-43 10 cans

Magenta M MPS-3133-43 10 cans

Cyan C MPS-3132-43 10 cans

Black K MPS-3131-43 10 cans

Orange 070 O MPS-3135-43 10 cans

Violet 071 V MPS-3136-43 10 cans

Bright Yellow 074 BY MPS-3123-43 10 cans

Reflex Blue 075 RB MPS-3124-43 10 cans

Green 072 G MPS-3121-43 10 cans

Rhodamine 073 Rh MPS-3122-43 10 cans

Transparent 076 T MPS-3125-43 10 cans

Startup kit MKT-0510-51 Mixed cans (2) - MKT-0511-51

Empty cans (1) - MKT-0512-51

Mixed cans X MKT-0511-51 10 cans (O, V, BY, RB, G, Rh, T,

and three empty cans)

Empty cans E MKT-0512-51 10 cans

16 Chapter 1 Introduction

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Important system information and limitations

The following procedures take some time to accomplish:

• Cleaning and preparing the ink tank may take between 40 and 60 minutes. You can save 20 minutes on the Series 3000/4000/5000 or UltraStream-based press if you use a replacement BID, ink pump, and ink tank.

• Ink formulation may take between 30 minutes (for one step) and 100 minutes (for three to four steps).

Color accuracy:

• Gamut: In some cases, the target color may be outside the gamut of the HP IndiChrome ink mixing system. This situation is characterized by having the predicted best mix color differ from the target by a ∆E*

situation, the software guides you to achieve the mix that best resembles the target color, regardless of what the predicted ∆E*

• Gloss: When the gloss of the target color sample is substantially different from the printed color, it may be difficult to visually compare the two colors. For a glossier target you can overcoat or laminate the printed sample with a glossy substance before the comparison. You can even manually apply some imaging oil onto the surface of the color to get the required temporary increase of the gloss or laminate the sample with a transparent glossy scotch tape.

• Grey shades: In Sun computer-based presses with off-line densitometers, the LUT of the custom color is the same as the LUT of Black. Therefore, the color shades may not appear as linear as they should be.

• Double print: The HP IndiChrome ink mixing system software may suggest that you formulate the ink for double printing. This occurs when the best mix color in single print is not bright enough. If you print the separation of such ink twice, the solid color effect is accurate but the color shades are not. Therefore, double print should be used for printing solids only. If you double print shades, they are not linear.

• Hot lamination: The printed colors may change during hot lamination, which may be required when preparing PVC cards.

Mixing procedure:

• Ineffective mix: Some of the fix corrections may not improve the color. This reflects the statistical nature of the corrective algorithm. In such cases, you may still expect improvement of the color in successive corrections.

• Inaccurate mix: The color of the actual mix usually differs from the target color more than the software prediction shows. This is mainly because of minute contamination in the ink tank, inaccurate dispensing of the basic inks into the mix can, and specific characteristics of the substrate in the print run. This is especially true with colors that are outside the gamut.

• Precision in color adjustment: During the ink formulation stage, you are instructed to correct the color by printing again with a modified optical density (OD) value. Because of the limited precision of the color adjustment procedure, this instruction may be repeated until the OD, as read by the spectrophotometer, is as required.

• Resending the ink parameter file: Do not send the ink parameter file to the press more than once. If for some reason this has been done, you should use a first can for recalibrating the ink density sensor.

is.

of more than zero. In this

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Important system information and limitations 17

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Resources:

• Initial ink amount: The amount of concentrated ink in the ink tank dispersion is equivalent to almost one can. In order to print the job, you should prepare and install at least one additional can. The weight of the ink in the can may be as small as required for the print run. You must prepare at least one can of ink even if the printing job consumes much less.

• Getting acquainted: To correctly operate the ink mixing system and take advantage of its full range of features, experience and familiarity with the system is essential.

The following phenomena are caused by using Rhodamine ink:

• It causes the color of the squeegee (in Series 1000/2000, TurboStream-based, and Sun computer-based presses) and the color of the developer (in Series 3000/4000/5000 and UltraStream-based presses) to change to yellow. However, no deterioration of any other characteristics of the squeegee or developer is expected.

• It causes an excess of particle residue to be found in the separator clean liquid and on the blanket background.

Under normal circumstances, no degradation of print quality or machine reliability is expected. When printing more than 1,000 pages with Rhodamine as one of the separations or when printing with an ink mix containing a large percentage of Rhodamine, slight contamination of other inks may occur. The expected color shift will not be larger than ∆E*

= 1.5.

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Safety and environment

considerations

This chapter contains the following sections:

General warning

Warning signs

Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)

Preventing eye irritation

Electrical safety precautions

Emergency power cutoff

Flammable liquids and fumes

Handling and storing imaging oil and inks

Waste disposal

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General warning

WARNING! The HP IndiChrome ink mixing system should be operated only by personnel who have been

trained by an HP Indigo customer engineer. Operators should read and understand all operating safety procedures presented here before attempting to use the system. Service and repairs should be referred to an authorized customer engineer. Do not allow untrained personnel to operate the HP IndiChrome ink mixing system. Follow the procedures properly at all times.

WARNING! If you have any questions regarding safe operation of the ink mixing system, cease operation

and contact HP Indigo.

Warning signs

Warning signs that clearly emphasize the dangers involved in operating and maintaining the HP IndiChrome ink mixing system should be posted at the site.

The following texts are recommended:

To be operated by certified operators only.

Do not wear ties or other loose clothing or loose jewelry when operating and maintaining the unit.

No smoking, open flames, or sources of ignition allowed!

Verify that the room is properly ventilated at all times.

Keep hands away from moving machine parts.

Ink and imaging oil are irritating to eyes and skin. Use rubber gloves.

Read and understand the MSDS sheets for the consumables used with the machine.

Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)

Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) are supplied for different HP ElectroInk colors and the imaging oil.

You should keep the MSDS sheets that are supplied with the unit readily available in the work area. These should be kept in a plastic folder for protection. The MSDS sheets should be read, understood, and consulted for a full understanding of the consumables being used with the machine.

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Preventing eye irritation

The HP IndiChrome ink mixing system uses inks and imaging oil that may irritate the skin and eyes. In extreme cases of exposure, these substances may cause blindness.

As a precaution:

Wear protective eye covering. This is of particular importance during the custom ink preparation.

Install eye wash stations within 7.6 m (25 ft) of areas where the ink and imaging oil are handled, dispensed, or stored.

Provide eye wash liquid at the eye wash stations (available from most safety supply companies) to comply with ANSI standard Z358.1-1990.

Electrical safety precautions

The shaker must be properly grounded at all times. Before operating the unit, ensure that it is grounded in conformance with applicable electrical code standards for your country/region. Do not operate the shaker if it is not properly grounded. If in doubt, check with a licensed electrician or with your local HP Indigo office.

We recommend that you perform a weekly check of grounding cables.

Emergency power cutoff

Use one of the following methods to cut off power to the shaker in an emergency:

Pull the electric plug out of the wall.

Turn the timer to zero.

Flammable liquids and fumes

The HP IndiChrome ink mixing system uses flammable imaging oil. The following safety procedures should be used when working with this substance:

Operate the unit in a well-ventilated room.

Do not smoke or introduce external sources of ignition such as pilot lights, open flames, stoves, heaters, or halogen lights.

Avoid creating sparks (static, electrical, or mechanical) or introducing any spark-producing equipment within 7.6 m (25 ft) of the system.

Clean up spills immediately after they occur and dispose of soaked cleaning materials promptly in a covered waste bin.

Preventing eye irritation 21

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Handling and storing imaging oil and inks

To avoid fire or explosion, store imaging oil and inks in a fireproof cabinet or in a special combustible-liquids storage room. Only trained personnel should handle imaging oil and inks. Refer to your local combustible material handling regulations.

When handling imaging oil and inks, wear safety glasses with side shields, long-sleeved overalls, and protective gloves as indicated on the Material Safety Data Sheets.

Do not drink or otherwise ingest imaging oil or inks.

Waste disposal

During the operation of the HP IndiChrome ink mixing system, you use consumables that should be disposed of properly. Consult your local authorities to determine the correct manner in which to dispose of the following wastes:

imaging oil and ink

spent ink cans

empty imaging oil containers

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Getting started

This chapter contains the following sections:

Overview

Detailed Automatic Workflow

Starting the ink mixing system (IMS) software

HP IndiChrome Wizard

To ol ba r

Exiting the IMS software

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Overview

The HP IndiChrome Ink Mixing System (IMS) provides the following methods of determining the ink weights required for producing a required color:

Automatic

Manual

Ready Mix

The Automatic method flow chart is displayed below.

INK FORMULATION

Prepare and test

first can

PRODUCTION

Prepare additional

cans

Prepare the RIP

for the digital print

Improve color by

changing OD

Change OD

spec value

Is color OK?

Improve color

with fix can

Prepare and test

fix can

Yes

Improve color with

new first can

Prepare and test

new first can

Ink formulation and production flow chart

In the Automatic method, you use the HP IndiChrome Ink Mixing System to prepare a custom ink as follows:

1 Ink formulation:

a Determine (through measurement or PANTONE

color selection) the target color.

b Set the color match parameters (for example, substrate glossiness and type).

c Send the ink definition file to the HP Indigo press.

d Prepare and test a first can.

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e If you are satisfied with the color, proceed to step 2 (Production).

If you are not satisfied with the color, the HP IndiChrome Ink Mixing System will recommend improving the color in one of the following ways:

- If the color in the ink tank can be improved by adding a slightly different custom ink, prepare and test a fix can.

- If the color in the tank cannot be improved by a fix can, prepare and test a new first can.

- Changing the optical density at the press.

The HP IndiChrome Ink Mixing System repeats this step until you are satisfied with the color.

2 Production: Prepare additional cans, prepare the press for printing with the custom

ink, and prepare the RIP (if necessary) to accept a print file with special colors.

In the Manual method, the HP IndiChrome Ink Mixing System does not determination the ink weights. Thus the only possibility for correcting a color is through a fix can where the ink weights used in the fix can is determined by the person preparing the color.

Note Once the Manual method is entered, there is no return to the Automatic (or Ready Mix) method.

In the Ready Mix method, the work in determining specific colors accurately has already been done. Prepare a first can to calibrate the press and prepare additional cans for production.

Note If you are not satisfied with the results of a Ready Mix color, you can change (fix) the color using

the Manual method.

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Detailed Automatic Workflow

Note The detailed workflows for the Ready Mix and Manual methods are found on pages 67 and 70

respectively.

Reference the detailed flowchart only after reading the detailed instructions in this user guide at least once.

INK FORMULATION PRODUCTION

Prepare additional cans

Prepare the first can

Determine the target color and substrat e type

Set the IMS color mixi ng parameters

Send/save the ink definition file to the pr ess

Mix the ink

Prepare the basic inks Dispense the ingredients Seal and shake the can

Prepare the press for test printing

Transfer the ink definition file Clean the ink system Assign ink parameters to the target ink tank Add imaging oil Add ink Perform flush Calibrate the ink density sensor

Specify the can capacity

Dispense the ingredients

Seal and shake the can

Prepare the press for printing with the custom ink

Clean the ink system

Assign ink parameters to the t arget ink

tank

Change the OD spec value

Calibrate the ink density sensor

Perform color adjustment

Print and compare the printed color to the expecte d color Perform color adjustment Select the sample print for comparison Visually inspect the printed color

colors match?

Spectrophotometric compari son of the printed color

colors match?

Improve color

by changing OD

Change the OD

spec value

Prepare a fix can

Yes

Improve color

Mix the ink

Prepare the basic inks Dispense the ingredients Seal and shake the can

Prepare the press for test printing

Add ink Perform flush

Conclude ink formulation

with fix can

Prepare the RIP for the digital print

Save the used custom ink

Improve color with

new first can

Prepare a new first can

Mix the ink

Prepare the basic inks Dispense the ingredients Seal and shake the can

Prepare the press for test printing

Remove the previous ink Add imaging oil Add ink Perform flush Calibrate the ink density sensor

Detailed Automatic ink formulation and production flow chart

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Starting the ink mixing system (IMS) software

To start the IMS software, double-click the Indimix V5.5 icon.

The following window appears:

hp IndiChrome window

The hp IndiChrome Wizard window is open when the IMS software starts.

Note If the X-Rite densitometer is not connected properly, a message appears informing you to

connect the densitometer, and restart the IMS software.

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HP IndiChrome Wizard

The hp IndiChrome Wizard window provides access to the ink mixing procedure options of the IMS software. It is especially useful when learning the MS software and to ensure that the correct method is used for each ink mixing option.

hp IndiChrome Wizard window

The hp IndiChrome Wizard window opens when IMS software starts.

Toolbar

To open the hp IndiChrome Wizard window at other times, click the button.

The following ink mixing procedures are available:

Choosing a PANTONE® color (see page 37)

Ready Mix Colors (see page 64)

My Colors (see page 68)

Manual Color Mixing (see page 69)

Custom Color (see page 71)

The following buttons are available on the IMS Toolbar:

IMS Toolbar Buttons

Button Meaning Details

Open the hp IndiChrome wizard See "HP IndiChrome Wizard" on page 28.

28 Chapter 3 Getting started

Start a new color See "Measuring the color directly" on page 72.

Load a Ready Mix color See "Ready Mix colors" on page 64.

Choose a PANTONE

color See "Selecting a PANTONE® color" on page 37.

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Button Meaning Details

Access the color environments previously defined

Save the color environment See "Saving the color’s workspace" on page 44.

Print the 2D color environment See "Printing the color workspace details" on

Set the color matching parameters

Set the thickness of the ink layer

Display a summary of the color information

Save the ink definition file See "Save the Ink Definition file" on page 43.

Checks for better results with different illuminants

See "Continuing work on a previously defined mix color" on page 68.

page 77.

See "Color matching parameters" on page 78.

See "Ink print thickness" on page 79.

See "Color information summary" on page 80.

See "Improving visual match by changing illuminant" on page 58.

Set the axis range displayed in the 2D color space

Show/Hide the ink mix details panel

Display the 3D color space See "View the 3D color space" on page 82.

Display the help topics See "Online help" on page 90.

Program update See "Program updates" on page 90.

See "Zoom by changing axes values" on page

81.

See "Increase/decrease view of 2D color space" on page 80.

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Exiting the IMS software

To exit the IMS software, do the following steps:

1 On the File menu, click Exit. The Are you sure message appears.

Are you sure message

2 Click Yes.

If you changed any of the parameters affecting an ink mix, the following message appears for each affected workspace:

Save changes message (example)

To save the changes, click Ye s , and click Save in the Save My Colors window.

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General procedures

This chapter contains the following sections:

Calibrating the electronic scale

Calibrating the spectrophotometer

Draining the water from the dispensing unit

Adjusting the dispensing unit for the press

Measuring a color

Selecting a PANTONE® color

Transferring the ink definition file to the press

Preparing the basic inks

Dispensing the ingredients

Sealing the can

Shaking the can

Visually comparing the printed color

Adjusting the ink mix from the printed output

Undoing and redoing a measurement

Changing the optical density (OD) spec value

Comparing different ink mix results

Changing the ink on the press

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Calibrating the electronic scale

Calibrate the electronic scale once a day.

1 Connect the scale to a power source, and press the On button. Allow a one-minute

warm up period.

Note Do not put the adjusting weight on the scale.

Adjusting weight

Weighing pan

LCD display

Adjusting weight and scale

2 Press and hold the Cal/Mode button until the exact size (500.0) of the adjusting

weight appears flashing on the LCD display.

Note It may take up to two seconds for the scale to show results.

3 Press the Off button. The message CAL 0 appears on the display.

4 Place the adjusting weight in the center of the weighing pan. After a short while, the

message CAL F appears on the display for a short time.

The exact weight of the adjusting weight (that is, 500.0) should appear on the display shortly afterwards.

If an adjusting error occurs or the wrong adjusting weight is used, the message CAL E appears on the display. In this case, repeat this calibration procedure.

Cal/Mode button

On button

Off button

5 Put the 500 g adjusting weight in a safe place.

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Calibrating the spectrophotometer

Performing a full calibration

Before using the spectrophotometer for the first time, and once a month thereafter, perform a full calibration as follows:

1 From the Utilities menu, click Calibrate Spectrophotometer, and Full Calibration.

2 Follow the instructions in the series of message windows that appear, clicking OK

after each message window.

Note For the Black Calibration test, make sure that you measure the dark area until the four vibrating

measurements end completely. This takes approximately 15 seconds.

If the Black calibration successful and the White calibration successful messages appear on the screen, the full calibration was successful. If not, repeat this procedure one more time before calling the customer engineer.

Performing the daily calibration

Calibrate the spectrophotometer once a day.

1 From the Utilities menu, click Calibrate Spectrophotometer, and Frequent

Calibration.

2 Follow the instructions in the window that appears.

Note For the White Calibration test, make sure that you measure the white reference area until the

single vibrating measurement ends completely. This takes approximately two seconds.

If the Calibration successful message appears on the screen, the daily calibration was successful. If not, repeat this procedure one more time before calling the customer engineer.

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Draining the water from the dispensing unit

The dispensing unit removes water from the compressed air as it enters the unit. The water should be drained at the end of each work day.

To drain the water from the dispensing unit, do the following:

1 Close the compressed air valve on the air compressor or compressed air pipe

(whichever you are using).

Transparent safety door

Draining the dispensing unit

Dispensing unit

Coarse button

Water drainage tube

Water container

2 Close the transparent safety door.

3 Press and hold the Coarse button until all the excess air goes out of the dispenser.

4 Release the Coarse button. The water drains into the water container.

5 Empty the water container.

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Adjusting the dispensing unit for the press

The Series 3000/4000/5000 and UltraStream-based presses use ink cans that are taller than those used by the Series 1000/2000, TurboStream-based, and Sun computer-based presses. Consequently, the dispensing unit must be adjusted to the height of the ink cans used by the press for which you are preparing custom ink.

The dispensing unit can accommodate two nozzles: a short one for the Series 3000/4000/5000 and UltraStream-based presses and a long one for the Series 1000/2000, TurboStream-based, and Sun computer-based presses. The nozzle is screwed onto the top can holder.

Long nozzle

Short nozzle

Ring holder

Weighing pan

Can holder (top)

Nozzle

Nozzle storage hole

Spacer ring (Series 1000/2000, TurboStream-based, and Sun computer-based only)

Adjusting the dispensing unit

When dispensing to an empty Series 3000/4000/5000 or UltraStream-based ink can, place it directly on the weighing pan. When dispensing to an empty Series 1000/2000, TurboStream-based, or Sun computer-based ink can, place it on a spacer ring on the electronic scale weighing pan.

Note The nozzle that is not in use can be stored in the nozzle storage hole. Adapter rings (used when

shaking cans) that are not being used can be stored on the ring holder.

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Measuring a color

The spectrophotometer samples color data from any clean, dry surface that is reasonably flat and smooth. The target eye should be able to rest flat and steady on the sample area. Because the opening is just 6 mm (0.24 inch) in diameter, it can rest sufficiently flat on many curved surfaces.

As a general rule, surfaces with bulky, rough, or loose-weave textures do not provide good results.

Head

Shoe

Spectrophotometer

To measure a color:

1 Clear the sample surface of any dirt, dust, or moisture.

Tar g e t e y e

White reference area

Calibration reference base

2 Place the spectrophotometer shoe directly on the surface, aligning the target eye

opening over a continuous patch of the desired color.

3 Press the spectrophotometer head down onto the shoe, and hold it closed.

4 Hold the head down until the spectrophotometer stops vibrating. Make sure that you

hold the spectrophotometer still for the entire measurement. Any movement affects the reading accuracy.

5 Raise the spectrophotometer off the sample area, and carefully return it to its base.

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Selecting a PANTONE® color

Instead of measuring a color using the spectrophotometer, you can select the PANTONE color from a color list (if you know its name). The colors in the list are exactly the same as those found in the PA NT ON E or metallic colors.

To select the PANTONE

1 From the hp Indichrome Wizard window, select Choose a PANTONE

Apply. The PANTONE

Alternatively, click the button or from the Edit menu, click PANTONE Simulations.

color, perform the following steps:

Color Formula Guide. The list does not contain fluorescent

color and click

Color Simulations window appears.

Color

PAN TO NE

Color Simulations window

Note If an "(R)" (the letter R within parentheses) appears next to the PANTONE® color name, the

color is available as a Ready Mix color (see "Ready Mix colors" on page 64).

2 If your PA NTO N E

Color Formula Guide is dated year 2000 or later, select the IMS 5.2 compatible color option. Otherwise, select the IMS 4.1 compatible color option.

3 Type the PANTONE

color name in the PANTONE field, or scroll and select the color

from the list.

4 Select the Coated, Uncoated, or Matte option. Choose whichever type most closely

matches the substrate.

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Note "Uncoated" is for substrates similar in gloss to copy paper. Matte can be used for substrates like

PVC.

If you use a 75° glossmeter, you can determine the gloss level as follows:

• above 50 percent gloss, click Glossy

• 15 to 50 percent gloss, click Matte

• below 15 percent gloss, click Uncoated.

5 Click Apply. If Uncoated was selected, the following message is displayed:

Very Matte Warning message

If the Configure Color Matching Parameters window appears, continue with step 8.

6 If the ink mix only matches the target color under specific lighting conditions, the

Warning! Metameric window appears.

Warning! Metamerism window

Two colors are considered metameric if under a specified illuminant, they appear equivalent to the average eye. Under a different illuminant, the colors may vary.

Select the relevant illuminant, and click Apply:

• Outdoor lighting

• Indoor lighting

• Other illuminant

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A selection of Outdoor lighting or Indoor lighting is matched in the Illuminant section of the Configure Color Matching Parameters window (see step 8).

Note The level of metamerism is defined as the absolute difference between the following:

• The difference between the target and custom colors under "warm” light, such as an incandescent light.

• The difference between the target and custom colors under “cold” light, such as D

If the level of metamerism is greater than the mix precision, the Metamerism warning window appears. (See ‘Setting the mix precision’ on page 94 for an explanation of mix precision.)

7 If the target color is out-of-gamut at the regular thickness of the ink layer, the Increase

Thickness window appears. You can improve the color match by printing with a greater ink thickness.

Increase Thickness window

Select the relevant ink thickness as follows, and click OK:

• Regular thickness refers to a single print of the custom color separation.

• Double print means that the custom color is required to be printed twice. The color adjustment runs in single print mode, and the optical density (OD) spec reflects this.

• Increase thickness refers to a single print with the ink thicknesses (minimum and maximum) increased (the OD values are increased by 0.1).

The Configure Color Matching Parameters window appears.

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Configure Color Matching Parameters window

8 In the Illuminant section, select the type of lighting conditions that your customers use

to check their printed output.

9 In the Observer section, select the spectrophotometer's angle of measurement. The

default is 10°.

Note The practical difference between 10° and 2° is insignificant.

10 In the Color Difference section, select the parameter to be used to indicate the color

difference between the best or actual mix and the target color. See "∆E* 96 for an in-depth explanation of ∆E*

11 The Level of Gloss parameter contents matches the choice made in step 4. Select a

different value only if necessary.

12 Click the Substrates drop-down list. If the substrate is white, click Default substrate. If

the substrate is other than white, do one of the following:

• Select the substrate from the list that most closely matches your substrate.

• Add a new substrate (refer to "Adding a new substrate" on page 74).

" on page

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13 Select the type of press on which this color will be installed.

If the press is one of the following, select the operating system of the press:

• Series 3000/4000

• Series 1000/2000

• Indigo TurboStream-based

HP Indigo Press section with Press Windows Version displayed

14 Click Apply. The Save Workspace message displays.

Save workspace dialog box

15 Click Yes. The Save My Colors window displays.

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Save My Colors window

The Save My Colors window provides a file name for the workspace of the mix color. This name is the combination of the PANTONE

color name, the coating of the

substrate, and the press type.

You can edit the default file name. For example, if the mix color is to be printed using a double print, edit the file name to indicate this requirement. This will ensure that the name of the ink file will indicate to the operator that a double print is required.

16 Click Save.

Note For details on the Export File and Delete File procedures available from the Save My Colors

window, see "Exporting and deleting ink workspace files" on page -77.

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Save the Ink Definition file

The HP Indigo press contains a separate ink definition file for each ink that is used. You must save the ink definition file of the new custom ink to a network drive or to a disk so that it is accessible by the HP Indigo press computer.

1 From the Utilities menu, click Save Ink Definition File; or click the button. The

Save Ink Definition File window appears.

Save Ink Definition File window

The Save Ink Definitions File window provides a file name for the ink definition file. This name is the combination of the PANTONE can edit the default file name.

Note The My Colors default location is C:\Program Files\IMS. This location can be opened by clicking

on Utilities, and Open Ink Definition File Folder.

2 Click Save. The following message appears:

Ink Definition File Created message

Note The filter color, mentioned in the message, is the filter with which the in-line densitometer

measures the custom color. If your press uses an off-line densitometer, the preferred filter color appears in the Color Adjustment window.

color name and the press type. You

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3 Click OK. The following message appears:

Check imaging oil conductivity message

4 Click OK.

If the color is to be double printed, the following message appears:

Remember to double print message

Click OK.

Note Saving the ink definition file changes the color’s workspace. Stopping work on this color at this

time will generate a message to save changes to the color.

Saving the color’s workspace

1 From the File menu, click Save; or click the button. The Save My Colors window

displays.

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Save My Colors window

2 Click Save. If the workspace was already saved under that file name, the following

message is displayed:

File Already Exists window

To continue with saving the workspace, click Yes.

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Transferring the ink definition file to the press

All HP Indigo presses except for Indigo Sun computer-based presses

1 (On the press) From the Options menu, click Ink List. The Ink List window appears.

2 Click Import. The Import ink definition window appears.

3 Select the network directory in which you saved the ink definition file on the IMS

computer.

If you saved the ink definition file to a disk and you want to load the file from that disk, insert the disk into the press computer, and in this step select 3¾ Floppy (A:).

Note To see only the ink definition files, select On-Site Mixing (*.osm) in the Files of type field.

4 Select the ink definition file. The file must have the .osm extension.

5 Click Open.

6 Click Close.

Indigo Sun computer-based presses

1 Login (User Mode) as Supervisor to access the necessary options.

2 From the Config menu, click Colors Data Base. The Colors Data Base window

appears.

3 Click OnSite DB.

4 Click Read.

Note If the ink name that you sent from the IMS software already exists in any of the databases on

the press, the software automatically appends a number (1, 2, 3, and so on) to the ink name.

5 Select the ink definition file from the OnSite DB list, and click Add to Local Colors

DB. The selected file is added to the Local Colors DB list.

6 Click Quit to close the Color Data Base window.

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Preparing the basic inks

1 Look at the Ingredients list to see which basic inks are needed for the target color

that you want to print.

Ingredients list

2 Place at least one can of each basic ink into the shaker. There should be no more

than four cans in the shaker.

Note The only cans that need shaking are those that have not been shaken in the past 24 hours.

Note If a basic ink can has been used previously, some imaging oil may spill out of the can during

shaking. To prevent this, wipe the bottom of the can with a tissue and cover the hole at the bottom of the can with adhesive tape.

3 Operate the shaker to ensure that each basic ink is of uniform concentration.

See “Shaking the can” on page 51 for a detailed description of how to operate the shaker.

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Dispensing the ingredients

Note For a first can, new first can, and additional cans, use the weights shown in Best Mix (g). For

a fix can, use the weights shown in +Fix (g).

Best Mix (g) and +Fix (g) lists

1 Verify that the appropriate nozzle is installed in the dispensing unit and that the

spacer ring is used if necessary. See “Adjusting the dispensing unit for the press” on page 35 for details.

2 Before dispensing any ink, place an empty receiving can or fix bottle on the weighing

pan of the electronic scale in the dispensing unit.

WARNING! Verify that the diaphragm is at the bottom (closed) end of the new empty receiving can by gently

pushing down on it with the rounded end of a spatula.

Note A fix bottle is sometimes used instead of an empty receiving can when preparing a fix can.

3 Open the transparent safety door of the dispensing unit, and insert the first or next

ingredient can listed in the Ingredients list. Close the safety door.

4 Press the red Tare button on the scale’s base to set the scale to zero. Do this each

time before dispensing ink from the different ingredient cans.

5 Dispense the quantity of ink specified in the weight fields (Best Mix (g) or +Fix (g))

for the ingredient can that you inserted in the dispensing unit.

Transparent safety door

Weighing pan

Tare button

Dispensing unit

Coarse button

Fine button

Electronic scale

Dispensing unit

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To dispense the ink quickly and accurately, do the following:

a For rapid dispensing, press the Coarse and Fine buttons.

Release the Coarse button (but not the Fine button) 5 to 10 g before the desired weight.

b To dispense the last few grams incrementally, press the Coarse button in short

spurts while still pressing the Fine button.

Note The dispensing of transparent ink should be accurate to 3 g. All other inks should be accurate

to 0.4 g. If the amount added was more than required, you may remove the excess ink from the receiving can or fix bottle with the spatula or a clean stick.

If the amount of ink to dispense is very small (2 g or less), the following alternate dispensing method may be used:

a Dispense some ink into an empty ink can cover.

b Using a clean spatula, take small amounts of ink from the can cover and put them

into the receiving can until the required amount of ink is reached.

CAUTION Beware of sudden ink spills.

6 (Optional) Click the box in the check list that corresponds to the ingredient that you

have finished adding to the receiving can.

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Ingredients list

7 If you are dispensing into a receiving can, repeat steps 2 through 5 for all the other

ingredients (but not the imaging agent) listed in the Ingredients list in the order they appear in the list.

If you are dispensing into a fix bottle, repeat steps 2 through 5 for all the other ingredients (but not the imaging oil or the imaging agent) listed in the Ingredients list in the order they appear in the list.

8 If you are dispensing into a receiving can, remove it from the dispenser.

If you are dispensing into a fix bottle, leave it in the dispenser.

9 For a first can and a new first can, add to the receiving can the amount of imaging

agent as shown next to the Ingredients / Imaging Agent field.

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Sealing the can

1 If the crimper is set to the Series 3000/4000/5000 and UltraStream-based level and

Spacer ring

you are sealing a Series 1000/2000, TurboStream-based, or Sun computer-based can, place the spacer ring on the round can base.

Series 3000/4000/5000 and UltraStream-based level

Spacer ring

Round can base

2 Raise the crimper lever all the way up.

3 Put a valve on top of the prepared ink can.

Valve

Ink can

Valve and prepared ink can

4 Push the round can base down, and carefully insert the can into the can crimper.

Make sure that the top of the can enters the crimper completely and that the can is centered and flat on the round can base (or spacer ring if it is used) and not tilted.

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Crimper

5 Seal the can by pulling the crimper lever down as far as possible.

6 Raise the crimper lever, and remove the can.

Shaking the can

Crimper

Lever

Ink can

Safety cover

Timer knob

Shaker with safety cover open

To use the shaker, perform the following steps:

1 Open the safety cover.

2 To allow easy insertion of cans into the shaker, manually rotate the shaker plates until

they are horizontal.

3 Rotate the plate adjusting handle counterclockwise to raise the upper plate.

4 Place an adapter ring on the valve side of the can, and insert the can into the shaker

with the valve facing up.

Plate adjusting handle

Upper plate

Shaker plates

Note You may insert up to four cans in the shaker. Position the cans in the central area of the shaker

plates.

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Adapter ring

Valve

Ink can

5 Rotate the plate adjusting handle clockwise to lower the upper plate until it touches

the loosest can.

Rotate the plate adjusting handle clockwise 1 to 1.5 more turns.

6 Close the safety cover.

7 Rotate the timer knob to the number of minutes required: three minutes for first and fix

cans or four minutes for additional cans.

Note Rotating the timer knob operates the shaker. You can stop the shaker by rotating the timer knob

back to 0.

8 When the shaking stops, open the safety cover, raise the upper plate, and remove the

cans.

9 For additional cans, shake the cans a second time by reinserting the cans with the

valves facing down, and repeating steps 5 through 8.

Note Adapter rings that are not being used can be stored on the ring holder on the dispenser.

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Visually comparing the printed color

Use a light box to compare the printed sample color to the target color. The light standard should be identical to the standard that you chose in "Selecting a PANTONE

8) on page 40.

If you are satisfied with the color match, you can select Additional Cans on the hp IndiChrome window, which supplies the ink weights for 500 g cans.

If you are not satisfied with the color match or if you want to determine the spectrophotometric results of the print, proceed to the next section “Adjusting the ink mix from the printed output.”

Adjusting the ink mix from the printed output

1 With the IMS software running, measure the printed color with a spectrophotometer.

The Spectral Measurement window appears.

color" (step

Spectral Measurement window

2 Verify that the Actual Mixture of Inks option is selected. If not, select it.

Note If the Target Color option is selected and the Actual Mixture of Inks option is unavailable (grayed

out), do the following: a Click Cancel. b Perform the procedure in ‘Save the Ink Definition file’ on page 43. c Restart this procedure (“Adjusting the ink mix from the printed output”).

3 Click Apply. A message appears which reports one of the following color comparison

results:

• Accurate match

• Match can be improved by a fix can

• Fix can would add too much ink to the ink tank

• Improvement possible by changing optical density

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Accurate match

The following message appears:

Accurate color match report

Close the message and the Additional Cans window appears.

Note An accurate color match report can be followed by a fix can improvement message (see page

55).

Note When the difference between the colors is less than1.0, the Additional cans window appears

without a preliminary accurate color match report.

Additional cans window

The choice is as follows:

Select Stop improving the formulation . . . and click Apply – at this stage, you can now create cans of required ink color. (In the software, the Weight changes to Additional cans and Best Mix displays the ink weights required for creating the additional cans.)

Select Continue improving the formulation and click Apply – try to improve the color match by changing the optical density value on the press. The change optical density message appears (see page 56).

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Match can be improved by a fix can

The following message appears:

Fix can improvement possible report

Close the message and prepare and install the fix can. Print a new sample page and start the comparison again from ‘Adjusting the ink mix from the printed output’ on page 53.

Note If the fix can requires less than 25 grams of ink, you can use a test tube provided with the IMS

software to mix the required ink quantity with imaging oil, and pour the mix into the ink tank. This will save you from using of a full ink can.

Fix can would add too much ink to the ink tank

The following message appears:

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Compromise window

The calculated ink weights needed to correct printed color would add to much ink to the ink tank. The choice is as follows:

Select Make a compromise correction . . . and click OK – create a compromise fix can that won’t put too much ink in the ink tank. (The software displays the ink weights for the "compromise" fix can.) Prepare and install the fix can. Print a new sample page and start the comparison again from ‘Adjusting the ink mix from the printed output’ on page 53.

Select Mix a new First Can . . . and click OK – instead of trying to "fix" the ink mix, you can create a new "first" can. (The software displays the ink weight for the new "first" can.) Prepare and install the new first can. Print a new sample page and start the comparison again from ‘Adjusting the ink mix from the printed output’ on page 53.

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Improvement possible by changing optical density

The following message appears:

Undo Measurement window

The choice is as follows:

Select To make the improvement . . . and click Apply – change (on the press) the optical density spec value for the ink to the value given in the Undo Measurement window (see Changing the optical density (OD) spec value on page 57) and print another sample page. Measure the color again. (The software resets the ink weights to the values they had before the measurement.)

Select Let the software try to mathematically account for the error in optical density and click Apply – the software displays fix can ink weights. Prepare and install the fix can. Print a new sample page and start the comparison again from ‘Adjusting the ink mix from the printed output’ on page 53.

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Undoing and redoing a measurement

Measuring the color of a sample that you printed on the HP Indigo press causes many field values to change. For example, the actual mix and best mix values change.

If you want to undo all the changes associated with such a color measurement, perform one of the following:

●

From the Edit menu, click Undo the Last Actual Mix.

●

Click Undo.

If you want to reapply all the changes undone by the Undo command, perform one of the following:

●

From the Edit menu, click Redo the Last Actual Mix.

●

Click Redo.

Changing the optical density (OD) spec value

Perform this procedure if Undo Measurement window displays (described on page 56) and you want to improve the color by changing the optical density spec value on the press.

1 From the Consumables menu, click Install Ink. The Ink Installation Manager window

appears.

2 Click Custom Auto Color Adjust, and click Next.

3 Click Setup.

4 Type the optical density value (as indicated in the Undo Measurement window) for the

custom ink.

5 Click OK.

6 Click Print.

If you use an off-line densitometer, make sure that you measure the optical density (OD) with the optical filter specified in the Manual Color Adjustment window.

7 Record the Measured/OD of 100% value from the Custom Auto Color Adjustment

window.

Note The measured OD value is very important for future printing. Record the value in a safe place.

8 Click Finish.

9 Return to ‘Adjusting the ink mix from the printed output’ on page 53, and continue

from there.

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Improving visual match by changing illuminant

Note Save the color mix workspace before applying this procedure.

If you feel the visible match needs improvement, click and the Which color to add window opens.

Which Color to Add window

Select the color that you believe will give the best improvement. The IMS system checks all the color results against different illuminants and if possible will recommend a more appropriate illuminant for the viewing environment.

If the following message appears, click OK and the system will continue the check against another illuminant.

No spectral information for target message

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If a more appropriate illuminant is found the Change Illuminant window opens.

Change Illuminant window

The recommendation is to change the current illuminant and the default illuminant. Click Apply.

If no appropriate illuminant change is found, the following message appears:

No illuminant gives requested correction message

Click OK.

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Comparing different ink mix results

After each measurement, the result location is added to the 2D color space and the fix weights are available to change the resultant color. Each subsequent measurement is labeled by number.

To compare different ink mix results, do the following steps:

1 Right-click on one of the measurement results required for the comparison, and select

Properties from the pop-up menu: The Actual Mix window for that measurement

result appears.

The Actual Mix window displays the following details:

• The name linked to the measurement

• The ingredients of the mix as a percentage

• The optical density

• The change from the target color (∆E* measurement (∆L*, ∆a*, ∆b*)

Note It may be required to zoom into the 2D color space to correctly differentiate and select the

different mix results. (See "Zoom into 2D color space" on page 81.)

2 Repeat step 1 for the other measurement results.

) and the difference from the previous

Measurement comparison example

3 Close the Actual Mix windows at the end of the comparison.

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Changing the ink on the press

For information on the procedures necessary for changing inks on the press, refer to the following manuals

Printer Manual Part number

HP Indigo press 1000 HP Indigo press 1000 user guide MNU-1650-51

HP Indigo press 1050 HP Indigo press 1050 user guide CA194-00230

HP Indigo press s2000 HP Indigo press s2000 user guide CA194-00070

HP Indigo press ws2000 HP Indigo press ws2000 user guide MNU-1651-51

HP Indigo press series 3000 HP Indigo press series 4000

Ink Replacement Kit user guide

UltraStream 2000

HP Indigo press 5000

HP Indigo press 5500 Upgraded HP Indigo press 5000 HP Indigo press 4050 value pack HP Indigo press ws4500

a. See the last row of the table for exceptions. b. These manuals are included in the HP IndiChrome Ink Mixing System.

Ink Replacement Kit for the HP Indigo press 5000 user guide

On-Press Fast Ink Replacement for HP Indigo press 5500, upgraded HP Indigo press 5000, HP Indigo ws4050 value pack and HP Indigo ws4500 user guide

CA293-02280

CA294-02612

CA293-03240

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Additional IMS procedures

This chapter contains the following sections:

Ready Mix colors

Detailed Ready Mix Workflow

Continuing work on a previously defined mix color

Manual color mixing

Detailed Manual Workflow

Mixing a custom color

Excluding a basic color from the ink mix

Adding a new substrate

Importing .mix files (including previous-version ink mix files)

Exporting and deleting ink workspace files

Printing the color workspace details

Setting and displaying specific ink mix parameters

Increase/decrease view of 2D color space

Zoom into 2D color space

Zoom by changing axes values

View the 3D color space

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Ready Mix colors

Ready Mix colors are a list of commonly required colors. The HP IndiChrome ink mixing system provides the ink weights for these colors directly without the need for test prints and remeasurement.

To use a Ready Mix color, prepare a first can for calibration on the press and as many additional cans as required for print use.

Note The ink definition file for each Ready Mix color is located in the Ready Mix folder in

C:\Program Files\IMS

To obtain the ink weights for a Ready Mix color, perform the following steps:

1 From the hp Indichrome Wizard window, select Ready Mix Colors and click Apply.

The Ready Mix window appears.

Alternatively, click the button.

Ready Mix window

Pay attention to the limitations and recommendations on this window.

2 Click Continue. The Load Ready Mix Colors window appears.

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Load Ready Mix Colors window

Note In the Load Ready Mix Colors window, the following abbreviations are used:

R – Ready Mix color C – Coated paper D – Double Print required.

3 Select the Ready Mix Color from the list and click Load.

The color appears on the color space and ink weight information is displayed under the Ready Mix Color button.

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Ready Mix Colors data example

4 Click First Can to display the ink weights for the first can and click Additional Cans

to display the ink weights for the print cans.

Note The Ready Mix workspace cannot be saved. If required, Ready Mix workspaces can be moved

to manual color mixing. (See "Manual color mixing" on page 69.)

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Detailed Ready Mix Workflow

INK FORMULATION PRODUCTION

Prepare the first can

Determine the target color and substrate type

Check default IMS color mixing parameters against needs

Send the ink definition file to the press

Mix the ink

Prepare the basic inks Dispense the ingredients Seal and shake the can

Prepare the press for test printing

Transfer the ink defi nition file Clean the ink system Assign ink parameters to the target ink tank Add imaging oil Add ink Perform flush Calibrate the ink density sensor

Perform color adjustment and visually inspect the printed color

Click on Additional cans

Prepare additional cans

Specify the can capacity

Dispense the ingredients

Seal and shake the can

Prepare the press for printing with the custom ink

Clean the ink system

Assign ink parameters to the target ink

tank

Change the OD spec value

Calibrate the ink density sensor

Perform color adjustment

Prepare the RIP for the digital print

Save the used custom ink

Detailed Ready Mix ink formulation method and production flow chart

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Continuing work on a previously defined mix color

To continue working on a previously defined color, load the workspace of the color from "My Colors".

To load a previously defined color, perform the following steps:

1 From the hp Indichrome Wizard window, select My Colors and click Apply. The Load

My Colors window appears.

Alternatively, click the button or from the File menu, click Open.

Load My Colors window

2 Select the required mix color from the list and click Load. The mix color’s workspace

loads and the details are displayed.

The color is available for further work.

Note For details on the Export File and Delete File procedures available from the Load My Colors

window, see "Exporting and deleting ink workspace files" on page 77.

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Manual color mixing

At any point in the color matching process, the procedure of varying the color through automatically determined fix can ink weights can be stopped and further changes can be made manually – the fix can ink weights can be entered manually.

In addition, to work with an ink mix where only the mix weights are supplied requires entering manual color mixing.

Note Once the manual process is entered, return to the automatic process for that color is not

available.

To enter manual color mixing, select Manual Color Mixing (on the hp Indichrome Wizard window or the Ink mix details panel).

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Detailed Manual Workflow

INK FORMULATION PRODUCTION

Prepare the first can

Determine the target color and substrate type

Set IMS color mixing parameters

Send/save the ink definition file to the press

Mix the ink

Prepare the basic inks Dispense the ingredients Seal and shake the can

Prepare the press for test printing

Transfer the ink definition file Clean the ink system Assign ink parameters to the target ink tank Add imaging oil Add ink Perform flush Calibrate the ink density sensor

Print and compare the printed color to the expected color Perform color adjustment Select the sample print for comparison Visually inspect the printed color

colors match?

Prepare additional cans

Specify the can capacity

Dispense the ingredients

Seal and shake the can

Prepare the press for printing with the custom ink

Clean the ink system

Assign ink parameters to the target ink

tank

Change the OD spec value

Calibrate the ink density sensor

Perform color adjustment

Prepare the RIP for the digital print

Save the used custom ink

Conclude

Yes

ink formulation

Spectrophotometric comparison of the printed color

colors match?

No. Improve color

with fix can

Yes

Prepare a fix can

Mix the ink

Prepare the basic inks Dispense the ingredients Seal and shake the can

Prepare the press for test printing

Add ink Perform flush

Detailed Manual ink formulation method and production flow chart

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Mixing a custom color

The custom color option provides two methods for entering the target color information when the PANTONE

Entering L*, a*, b* target values

Measuring the color spectrum directly from a printed page.

color is unknown:

Using L* a* b* target values

To obtain the ink weights for a custom color, perform the following steps:

1 From the hp Indichrome Wizard window, select Custom Color and click Apply. The

Create Custom Color window appears.

Create Custom Color window

2 Select the paper type.

3 Enter the L* a* b* target values and click Apply. The Configure Color Matching

Parameters window appears.

4 Continue with Selecting a PANTONE

color (step 8) on page 40.

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Measuring the color directly

1 From the hp Indichrome Wizard window, select Custom Color and click Apply. The

Create Custom Color window appears.

Alternatively, click the button, or from the File menu, click New.

2 Measure the target color directly using the X-Rite spectrophotometer. The Spectral

Measurement window appears.

Spectral Measurement window

3 Ensure that Targe t C olor is selected.

4 Click Apply. The Configure Color Matching Parameters window appears.

5 Continue with Selecting a PANTONE

color (step 8) on page 40.

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Excluding a basic color from the ink mix

Note Excluding a basic color only works in automatic color mixing procedures.

The basic colors, which are available for mixing new colors, are displayed with colored flags on the 2D color space.

To make a basic color unavailable for the ink mix, do the following steps:

1 Right-click on the basic color and select Properties from the pop-up menu. The Edit

Basic Ink window appears.

Edit Basic Ink window

2 Clear the Active check box and click Apply.

The inactive color’s flag is changed to gray, and the color, if present in the ink mix, is removed from the ink mix.

To restore the availability of a basic color, do the following steps:

1 Right-click on the basic color and select Properties from the pop-up menu. The Edit

Basic Ink window appears.

2 Set the Active check box and click Apply.

The color’s flag is restored to its color and the color is now available for the ink mix.

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Adding a new substrate

When selecting the substrate in the Configure Color Matching Parameters window (see page 40 or page 78), if none of the substrates match the substrate for the print job, a new substrate can be defined.

To define a new substrate, do the following steps:

1 Select Add new substrate from the Substrate list on the Configure Color Matching

Parameters window.

Substrate list

The Create New Substrate window appears.

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Create New Substrate window

2 Click the Browse button ( ). The Save As window appears.

3 Type a filename (preferably a name that refers to the substrate name). Do not type a

file extension; the software attaches the relevant file extension.

4 Click Save. The measure spectrum now message appears.

Measure spectrum now message

5 Click OK.

6 Measure the color of the substrate with the spectrophotometer. The SPECTRUM

RECEIVED message appears in the window below the Glossy Substrate Filename field.

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Spectrum Received message

7 Click Apply. The new substrate (matching the substrate filename) is now available for

selection in the Substrate list of the Configure Color Matching Parameters window.

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Importing .mix files (including previous-version ink mix files)

A .mix file is an ink mix workspace.

To import .mix files made for an HP Indigo press based on series 1000 or 2000, do the following steps:

1 From the File menu, click Import > Import series 1000/2000 mix files. The Select

OS Type window appears.

Select OS Type window

2 Click XP or NT as applicable for the press.

3 Locate and select the .mix files to be imported and click Open. The message opens

reporting on the number of files successfully imported and advising that the ink definition files should be re-created.

Imported successfully and recreate ink files message

4 Click OK.

To import .mix files made for a different HP Indigo press, do the following steps:

1 From the File menu, click Import > Import other press types mix files.

2 Locate and select the .mix files to be imported and click Open. The message opens

reporting on the number of files successfully imported and advising that the ink definition files should be re-created.

3 Click OK.

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Exporting and deleting ink workspace files

Ink mix workspaces can be exported for use on other computers running the HP IndiChrome ink mixing system.

Exporting and deleting of ink workspace files can be performed whenever the Load My Colors or Save My Colors windows are open.

For example, to open the Load My Colors window, select (or from the File menu, click

Open).

Load My Colors window

Select the required mix workspace name and click Export File or Delete File as required.

Printing the color workspace details

To print the color workspace details, perform the following steps:

1 From the File menu, click Print. A standard Print window appears.

Alternatively, click the button.

2 Click Print. The print-out contains the details as seen on your screen.

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Setting and displaying specific ink mix parameters

Color matching parameters

Click the button. The Configure Color Matching Parameters window appears.

Configure Color Matching Parameters window

Options relating to the following color matching parameters can be set from this window:

Illuminant

Observer

Color difference

Substrate

HP Indigo Press

For information on these options, refer to page 40.

To accept any changes to the color matching parameters, click Apply.

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HP Indigo press selection

In addition to selecting the press through the Configure Color Matching Parameters window, selecting and holding Printing Press Type from the Options menu displays the following menu.

Printing Press Type menu item

1 Select the required press from the menu – the file structure of the Ink definition file is

altered as necessary.

Note Changing to Series 1000/2000, Indigo TurboStream-Based, or Indigo Sun Computer-Based

from one of the other presses causes the ink mixing system to discard the ink mix information for the current color.

2 Save the current workspace.

Ink print thickness

Click the button. The Ink Layer Thickness window appears.

Ink Layer Thickness window

The following thickness options can be set from this window:

Regular

Double

Increase thickness

Decrease thickness

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To accept any changes to the ink layer thickness parameter, click Apply.

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Color information summary

Click the button. The Summary window appears.

Alternatively, from the View menu, click Summary.

Summary window

The Summary window displays the settings of the Color Matching parameters.

Close the window to continue work.

Increase/decrease view of 2D color space

To increase the size of the 2D color space panel on your monitor, click . This hides the color mixing information panel and allows the 2D color space panel to expand to the full width of the window.

Click again to display the color mixing panel and reduce the 2D color space panel to its previous size.

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Zoom into 2D color space

Click and drag the cursor across the relevant section of the 2D color space. When the mouse button is released, the 2D color space automatically resizes to display only the drag area.

Original View Zoom Result

Zoom into 2D color space

The axis values automatically change to show the reduced area of the 2D color space.

To return to the default view of the 2D color space, right click in the 2D color space panel and select Restore Default Scale from the pop-up menu.

Zoom by changing axes values

To change the scale used in the 2D color space panel (and therefore change the portion of the 2D color space displayed), perform the following steps:

1 Click . The Scale window appears.

Alternatively, from the View menu, click Scale.

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Scale window

2 Change the values in Axis Scale fields.

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3 Click OK. The new axis values appear on the 2D color space panel and the view of

the color space is altered accordingly.

Note The size of the panel remains the same.

To return the axis values and the view of the 2D color space back to the default, perform the following steps:

1 Click . The Scale window appears.

2 Click Restore Default.

3 Click OK.

View the 3D color space

The normal display of the ink color is done on a two-dimensional (2D) representation of the CIE L*a*b* color space.

To display a 3D representation of the color space, perform the following steps:

1 Click in the 2D space

2 Click the button.

3D color space window

To rotate on an axis of the 3D color space, move the cursor left or right.

To change the axis used for rotation, press Tab.

To zoom in on the 3D color space, hold right-click and move the cursor to the left (to zoom out) or to the right (to zoom in).

To move the 3D color space within its panel, CTRL-click and drag the cursor across the color space.

Spheres (for example, ) are basic inks, cone-shaped objects (for example, ) are mix inks.

To close the 3D color space window, select Close from the File menu.

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Customizing the look of the

HP IndiChrome window

This chapter contains the following sections:

Introduction

HP IndiChrome window customization

Saving and loading the HP IndiChrome window customization

Viewing and hiding the Toolbar and Status bar

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Introduction

The submenu of the View menu’s Configuration menu option provides the means for changing the look of the hp IndiChrome window.

Note The HP IndiChrome window always opens with the default look.

Bit map

Ink mix details background

2D color space background

Color name font

HP IndiChrome window (customizable elements)

The HP IndiChrome window has the following customizable elements:

Ink mix details back ground color

2D color space background color (not specifically visible in the above figure)

Color name font

Visibility of the background bitmap

In addition, custimization sets can be saved and then loaded as preferred.

All these customization options are available from the Configuration submenu of the View menu.

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HP IndiChrome window customization

Changing the ink mix details panel background color

1 From the Configuration submenu of the View menu, select Change Framework

Background Color. The Color window appears.

Color window

2 Select one of the default colors and click OK.

Alternatively, click Define Custom Colors. The Color window expands to allow for custom color selection.

Color window (expanded)

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Click on the custom color or enter the HSL or RGB values. Click Add to Custom Colors. The custom color appears in a Custom color rectangles. Select the required rectangle and click OK.

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Changing the 2D color space panel background color

1 From the Configuration submenu of the View menu, select Change Axis

Background Color. The Color window appears.

Color window

2 Refer to step 2 on page 85 for details on using the Color window.

Note The default background color for the 2D color space panel is white.

Changing the color name font

1 From the Configuration submenu of the View menu, select Change Colors Font.

The Font window appears.

Font window

2 Select the font details you want for the color name display and click OK.

Note The default font for the color name in the 2D color space panel is 12-pt Futura Regular.

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Displaying the 2D color space background bitmap

The background bitmap displays behind the axis of the 2D color space panel when the Show Bitmap Background menu item (on the Configuration submenu of the View menu) is selected.

Saving and loading the HP IndiChrome window customization

Different customizations of the HP IndiChrome window can be saved and loaded as required.

Note The HP IndiChrome window always opens with the default look.

Saving the customization

1 From the Configuration submenu of the View menu, select Save Configuration.

The Save View Configuration window appears.

Save View Configuration window

2 Type in a File name and Click Save.

Note You can set the custom configuration as default by choosing View, Configuration, Set Current

Settings as Default. You can return to the original settings by choosing View, Configuration, Restore Original Settings.

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Loading a customization

1 From the Configuration submenu of the View menu, select Load Configuration.

The Load View Configuration window appears.

Load View Configuration window

2 Select a configuration file and click Open.

Viewing and hiding the Toolbar and Status bar

To view or hide either the Tool bar or the Status bar, select (respectively) Toolbar or Status Bar from the View menu.

HP IndiChrome window (Toolbar and Status bar)

Toolbar

Status bar

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Help

This chapter contains the following sections:

Online help

Useful links

Program updates

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Online help

To access the on-line help, select Help Topics from the Help menu. The Help Topics window appears.

Alternatively, click the button.

Help Topics window

This is a standard Windows Help Topics window, and after an initial standard database creation step the help topics can be searched.

Useful links

The HP IndiChrome comes with a HTML page of useful links. To access this page, select

Useful Links from the Help menu.

Program updates

To access the web page for program updates, click the button.

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Special options, basic

concepts, and spare parts (all presses)

This appendix contains the following sections:

Special options

Basic concepts

Spare parts

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Special options

Setting the mix precision

Mix precision is a parameter that refers to the color difference (∆E*94) between the color of the printed sample (actual mix) and the target color and to the difference between ∆E*

of the actual mix and the best mix.

The main impact of the mix precision is on the type of messages you receive from the software. If the ∆E* and the best mix, is less than the mix precision, you receive messages such as:

The Actual Mix is only xx units away from the target color. An accurate formulation has been achieved.

With these messages, the software is merely suggesting that you complete the ink formulation stage; they are not imperative instructions. You may decide to continue trying to achieve a better match to the target color.

In addition, mix precision determines the degree of metamerism that brings up the Metamerism window.

The default value of the mix precision is 1. You can set the mix precision value to the maximum accepted ∆E*

Note See “∆E*94” on page 96 for an in-depth explanation of ∆E*94.

of the actual mix, or if the difference between ∆E*94 of the actual mix

value.

To set the mix precision, perform the following steps:

1 From the Options menu, click Advanced. The Advanced Options window appears.

Figure A-1. Advanced Options window

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2 Type a value in the Precision of mix (∆E*

Note The value for the ∆E*94 can have values between 0.2 and 5, but setting a value less than 1

could take you longer to reach the required color.

3 From the File menu, click Save to update the ink mix file.

units) field, and click OK.

Window menu item usage

You can use the IMS Window menu item to view several mix files at one time. (See “System file types” on page 97 for a description of mix files.) This enables you to compare the ink formulation and ∆E*

values for two or more different colors.

How to use the IMS graphic window

The graphic display is an a*-b* plot (see “Color space” on page 96).

The target color is represented by a plus. The outlined plus represents the desired target. The solid plus represents the best mix, which is the best achievable approximation to the desired target. Often, the outlined and solid pluses lie one on top of the other, implying that the target can be achieved precisely.

The actual mixes are represented by circles. An outlined circle represents the actual mix that is currently in the ink tank. A solid circle represents a previous actual mix.

To view the formulation of the best mix or of an actual mix, right-click on the plus or circle on the a*-b* plot.

To zoom in on a region, click and drag the mouse on that region. To restore the default scale, right-click on the graphic display and select Restore Default Scale.

Decreasing ink thickness

If the print quality of the sample print (compared to the target color) is poor, the thickness of the ink layer may be too large. You can decrease the ink layer thickness as follows:

1 Click Edit>Ink Layer Thickness or . The Ink Layer Thickness window appears.

2 Select Decrease thickness, and click OK.

Using an old mix file for a new ink

When you open the IMS software, a new mix file opens. If one of the previously saved mix files includes colors that are similar to the color you want to prepare, import that mix file. From the File menu, click Import. IMS uses any relevant mixes from the old file to add accuracy to the initial formulation of the new ink.

See “System file types” on page 97 for a description of mix files.

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Basic concepts

Color space

Every color can be represented by the CIELab coordinates: L*, a*, and b*.

The lightness, L*, indicates whether a color is light, such as Yellow, or dark, such as Dark Blue. An L* value close to 100 indicates a very light color, whereas a value close to zero indicates a very dark color.

The coordinate a* indicates the green or red content of a color. A negative value of a* indicates a green color, whereas a positive value indicates a red color. Most colors used in printing have values of a* between -80 and 80.

The coordinate b* indicates the blue or yellow content of a color. A negative value of b* indicates a blue color, whereas a positive value indicates a yellow color. Most colors used in printing have values of b* between -80 and 120.

The three coordinates L*, a*, and b* form a color space, which is a three-dimensional space where every color is represented by a point in the space.

The chroma C* is a measure of the brightness of a color. Colors with large C* values are referred to as bright (saturated) colors, whereas colors with small C* values are referred to as dull colors.

C* is defined as:

∗

a∗()2b∗()

∆E*

As a default, the HP IndiChrome ink mixing system uses ∆E*94 to quantify differences between colors. If the value of ∆E* the value of ∆E*

The CIE 1994 Color Difference Model defines ∆E* CIELab ∆E*. The ∆E* of saturated colors. Furthermore, ∆E* perception of the difference between two colors is a direct function of ∆E* dependant upon L*a*b*.

In the IMS software, ∆E* best mix and the target color. The ∆E*

The ∆E* color difference is defined by:

is large, the two colors being compared are not similar.

color difference improves upon the CIELab ∆E* for color matching

and ∆E* refer to the color difference between the actual mix or

⎛

2**

⎜

+∆≡∆

⎜ ⎝

∆

baLE ∆+∆+∆≡∆

where:

***

LLL −≡∆

target

is small, the two colors being compared are similar. If

as a replacement of the more familiar

is more uniform than ∆E* in the sense that the

color difference is defined by:

2*2*2**

⎞

⎛

⎟

⎜ ⎟ ⎠

aaa −≡∆

***

target

⎜

⎝

∆

015.01045.01

⎞ ⎟

⎟

targettarget

⎠

***

bbb −≡∆

target

and not

***

CCC −≡∆

target

L*, a*, and b* are the color coordinates of either best mix or actual mix.

96 Chapter A Special options, basic concepts, and spare parts (all presses)

2*2*2**

CbaH ∆−∆+∆≡∆

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places greater weight on variations in lightness and hue and less weight on

∆E*

variations in saturation. For unsaturated colors, such as neutral greys, ∆E* equivalent to ∆E*.

is roughly

The use of ∆E*

affects ink mixing results for saturated, out-of-gamut colors. These

colors are so bright that a precise match is not possible. For these colors, it is impossible to simultaneously match the lightness, hue, and saturation. Since the lightness and hue are visually more important than the saturation, these two quantities should be matched as closely as possible. The use of ∆E*

ensures that the color you mix has roughly the

same lightness and hue as the target color at the expense of the saturation. ∆E*

is more uniform than ∆E*. For example, for ∆E*, a color difference of three units

between the target and the mixed color may be satisfactory for saturated colors, but unsatisfactory for neutral colors, for which one unit may be the maximum acceptable difference. This problem of uniformity is corrected by ∆E*

. A single criterion for ∆E*94

may be used for the entire color space. For example, a color difference of one unit may be the maximum acceptable difference for the matching of both saturated and neutral colors.

Color gamut

The gamut of a printing device is the subspace of the color space that contains all the colors that may be printed by the device. When a target color is found in the gamut of the ink mixing system, the predicted ∆E* When the target color is outside the gamut, IMS computes the best mix with the smallest possible ∆E* mixing system gamut. The ∆E*

. In this case, the color of the best mix is inside the envelope of the ink

the color distance of the target color from the gamut of the ink mixing system.

of the best mix versus the target color is zero.

value of the predicted best mix is therefore a measure of

System file types

The IMS software creates and uses the following types of files:

*.mix

This file contains the IMS screen information (environment). All of the information seen on the IMS window is contained in the mix file. You should save a mix file for each ink that you mix.

*.gls *.mtt *.pvc

These files contain the spectrums of given substrates. They are the library of substrates that you add and use.

These files are used and/or created when choosing the substrate type.

Ink definition files (see “Transferring the ink definition file to the press” on page 46):

• For a Sun computer-based press, the ink definition file is sent directly to the HP Indigo press.

• For all other types of presses, the ink definition file is saved on a network disk drive with the .osm extension.

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Spare parts

Can shaker

Back pad

Interlock

Motor, motor belt, and timer (inside)

Timer knob

Base pads

Figure A-2. Can shaker

Description Catalog number

Back pad MJX-1058-01

Front pad and adhesive strip

Safety cover

Upper plate pad

Lower plate pad

Base pad MJX-0971-01

Can adapter rings (6) MJX-0912-01

Front pad and adhesive strip MJX-0946-01

MJX-1234-01

Timer knob MKN-0016-01

Upper and lower plate pad MJX-1113-01

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Dispensing unit

Air release valve

Can holder (top)

Nozzles (short and long)

Transparent safety door

Interlock

Can

Air tube

holder (bottom)

Electronic

Spacer ring

scale

Water tube

Figure A-3. Dispensing unit

Description Catalog number

Air compressor 115 VAC (USA) MFN-0204-10

Air compressor 230 VAC (Europe) MFN-0205-01

Air compressor 100 VAC (Japan) MFN-0206-01

Air and water tube (2 m) MJX-1212-01

Electronic scale kit MJX-1146-51

Nozzle, long MJX-1596-51

Nozzle, short MPX-9053-52

Spacer ring MJX-1595-01

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HP IndiChrome User Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual

Contents

Introduction

User guide introduction

User guide structure

Conventions used in this guide

System requirements

Hardware configuration

Consumables

Important system information and limitations

General warning

Warning signs

Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)

Preventing eye irritation

Electrical safety precautions

Emergency power cutoff

Flammable liquids and fumes

Handling and storing imaging oil and inks

Waste disposal

Getting started

Overview

Detailed Automatic Workflow

Starting the ink mixing system (IMS) software

HP IndiChrome Wizard

Toolbar

Exiting the IMS software

General procedures

Calibrating the electronic scale

Calibrating the spectrophotometer

Performing a full calibration

Performing the daily calibration

Draining the water from the dispensing unit

Adjusting the dispensing unit for the press

Measuring a color

Selecting a PANTONE® color

Save the Ink Definition file

Saving the color’s workspace

Transferring the ink definition file to the press

All HP Indigo presses except for Indigo Sun computer-based presses

Indigo Sun computer-based presses

Preparing the basic inks

Dispensing the ingredients

Sealing the can

Shaking the can

Visually comparing the printed color

Adjusting the ink mix from the printed output

Accurate match

Match can be improved by a fix can

Fix can would add too much ink to the ink tank

Improvement possible by changing optical density

Undoing and redoing a measurement

Changing the optical density (OD) spec value

Improving visual match by changing illuminant

Comparing different ink mix results

Changing the ink on the press

Additional IMS procedures

Ready Mix colors

Detailed Ready Mix Workflow

Continuing work on a previously defined mix color

Manual color mixing

Detailed Manual Workflow

Mixing a custom color

Using L* a* b* target values

Measuring the color directly

Excluding a basic color from the ink mix

Adding a new substrate

Importing .mix files (including previous-version ink mix files)

Exporting and deleting ink workspace files

Printing the color workspace details

Setting and displaying specific ink mix parameters

Color matching parameters

HP Indigo press selection

Ink print thickness

Color information summary

Increase/decrease view of 2D color space

Zoom into 2D color space

Zoom by changing axes values