Techkon SpectroPlate Manuel utilisateur

Manual

Digital MicroScope

SpectroPlate

Software

SpectroConnect

TECHKON

TECHKON manuals, technical documentation and programs are copyrighted. Reproduction,

translation or transfer to an electronic medium – in whole or in parts – is prohibited.

TECHKON software is the intellectual property of TECHKON GmbH. Purchase of the

software grants the user a license for the use on one computer only. Programs may only be

copied for back-up purposes.

TECHKON can not be held liable for any damages that may occur by the use of TECHKON

products.

The TECHKON team takes great care in producing this manual. Nevertheless, we can not

fully guarantee the complete absence of errors. TECHKON GmbH and the authors can not

be held liable neither for any possibly incorrect statements nor their consequences.

Product that are not made by TECHKON GmbH are mentioned for information purposes

only and such statements do not represent trademark infringement. All registered trade-

marks are recognized.

TECHKON products and product names are registered internationally under several intel-

lectual patents and trademarks.

Speciﬁcations can be subject to change without notice.

Version 1.5, May 2011

You can reach us at the following address:

TECHKON GmbH

Wiesbadener Str. 27 • D-61462 Königstein/Germany

Telephone: +49 (0)6174 92 44 50 • Telefax: +49 (0)6174 92 44 99

E-mail: info@techkon.com • http://www.techkon.com

Welcome

We welcome you among the worldwide community of users of TECHKON

products. We are happy that you have selected this high-quality measurement

instrument. It will be a valuable tool for your day-to-day quality control tasks.

With this manual we invite you to learn how to use SpectroPlate.

The manual is divided into three chapters:

Chapter 1: How to use TECHKON SpectroPlate

Chapter 2: Description of measurement functions

Chapter 3: How to use the Windows software SpectroConnect

For the ﬁrst steps we recommend to read chapter I; in particular paragraph 1.4.

You will be fascinated that after only ten minutes you will know how to work with

SpectroPlate. The second chapter will show you detailed insight into the measure-

ment functions and chapter 3 is about the Windows software SpectroConnect,

which is part of the package.

Please get the device registered by using the detachable registration card, which

is the last page of this manual. That way we can keep you updated about product

news.

Please visit us as well on the internet at http://www.techkon.com.

You will ﬁnd useful information about the complete product range and new soft-

ware versions.

Do you have any suggestions for improvements or do you require information that

goes beyond the contents of this manual? We will be glad to hear from you. Your

suggestions or questions make an important contribution to the continuous optimi-

zation of our documentation and products.

Your TECHKON Team

Content

Chapter 1: How to use TECHKON SpectroPlate

1.1 Product description ....................................................................... 5

1.2 Performance packages and packing list ..................................... 8

1.3 Design of SpectroPlate .................................................................. 9

1.4 Working with SpectroPlate ......................................................... 10

1.5 Care and maintenance ................................................................... 18

Chapter 2: Description of measurement functions

2.1 Measurement functions of SpectroPlate Start ........................ 21

2.2 Additional functions of SpectroPlate Expert ........................... 22

2.3 Additional functions of SpectroPlate All-Vision ..................... 29

Chapter 3: How to use the Windows software SpectroConnect

3.1 Software description ..................................................................... 31

3.2 Installation ........................................................................................ 31

3.3 Overview .......................................................................................... 32

3.4 Software module “SpectroPlate settings” ............................... 33

3.5 Software module “Transfer curve” ............................................ 35

3.6 Software module “Export” .......................................................... 36

3.7 Software module “Digital Microscope” .................................... 37

Appendix:

Technical speciﬁcations

Manufacturer certiﬁcate

EC-Declaration of Conformity

Registration card

Manual TECHKON SpectroPlate Chapter 1 – How to use SpectroPlate Page 5

Chapter 1

How to use TECHKON SpectroPlate

1.1 Product description

TECHKON SpectroPlate – printing plate measurement right on the spot !

Today in the age of Computer-to-Plate it is obvious: Without quality control in pre-

press, there is no guarantee for quality in print. Thus the measurement of the right

dot transfer on offset printing plates is a key segment of comprehensive process

control in the printing industry.

However, measurement is only useful if the appropriate measurement technology

is applied. Some years ago using densitometers on printing plates was common

practice. But densitometers are designed for measuring on printed papers leading

to limits when reading on plates. At present, plate measurement devices based on

microscopic image capture and processing are the established standard.

SpectroPlate uniﬁes all advantages of this modern measurement technology in

a compact, hand-held instrument. This product series and all other TECHKON

products are the result of many years of expertise in designing and manufacturing

high-quality measurement devices for the printing industry. Our four TECHKON

guidelines for perfect measurement technology are consequently applied:

1. Easy and quick operation

2. High measurement accuracy

3. Robust engineering and reliability

4. Ergonomic and functional design

The measurement accuracy of a plate measuring device is determined by the quality

of the optical system and the performance of the image processing algorithms.

SpectroPlate meets the highest standards in this respect. The sample is illuminated

uniformly with spectral broadband light. The microscopic image is captured by a

precision optical lens system and a high resolution CMOS color matrix sensor with

high dynamic range. The processing of the detailed color image is performed by a

powerful graphic signal processor and sophisticated imaging algorithms. All relevant

quality parameters for correctly manufactured printing plates are shown on the

LCD display.

Manual TECHKON SpectroPlate Chapter 1 – How to use SpectroPlatePage 6

Thanks to the excellent image capture quality and the ingenious graphic calculations,

SpectroPlate can read precisely any screen size and screen technology: FM, AM

or Hybrid screen. The spectrally white illumination and dynamic color evaluation

permits reading all kinds of plate types and coated surfaces.

SpectroPlate lets you see things normally hidden to the human eye. It shows the

raster dots on a ﬁlm or a printing plate in large magniﬁcation on the device display

or optionally on a computer screen. It lets you visually judge printing plates and

discover any soiling or exposure errors now that the structure of the raster dots is

visible.

A speciﬁc strength is the image transfer of uncompressed high-resolution ﬁles to

the PC where they can be stored, edited or sent over the internet. Geometric sizes

of dots or lines can be retrieved in micrometer- or mils dimensions.

The supplied Windows software connects the device to a PC. Measured values and

transfer curves are displayed and stored. The display of comparisons to target val-

ues, the data export to Microsoft Excel™ and the compatibility to RIP applications

are additionally useful functions of SpectroConnect. An exceptional feature is the

enlarged view of the microscopic images.

All devices are factory-made calibrated to the ofﬁcial reference Fogra Measuring Bar

FMB resulting in high long-term absolute accuracy and an excellent inter-instrument

agreement. Additionally, time-consuming calibration procedures prior to measure-

ments are obsolete.

The technical speciﬁcations are listed on the last pages of this manual.

Manual TECHKON SpectroPlate Chapter 1 – How to use SpectroPlate Page 7

• Accurate measurements on all popular offset plate types

• For AM, FM, Hybrid, from low- to high-res screening

• Measures ﬁlm in reﬂection and transmission

• Can be used as „Digital Microscope“

• Measurement on CMYK-print

• With digital ruler

• Measurement time

approximately 1 second !

• Immediately ready to

use after switching on

• Highest absolute accuracy thanks

to direct reference to absolute

standard Fogra Measuring Bar FMB

• Devices are factory-made calibrated

permanently to accredited reference FMB

• No time-consuming calibration necessary

• High-resolution CMOS color matrix sensor

• High-precision optical system “Made in Germany”

• Homogeneous, spectral-broadband LED illumination

• Sophisticated image calculation and powerful signal

processing

• Mobile, portable unit, also for remote use without PC

• Quickly rechargeable high-capacity batteries, with charging console

• Upgrade from Start- to Expert-version via ﬁrmware upload from the PC

• USB port for the speedy transfer of measurement data to the PC

• Comprehensive software SpectroConnect included

All advantages at a glance

• Operation self explanatory

• Several menu languages selectable

• Aesthetically appealing and ergonomic,

functional design

• Lightweight and compact; ﬁts like a glove

• Direct, secure positioning on the sample

• Solid, rugged design; works well in

harsh industrial environments

• No mechanically moving parts;

therefore no wear and tear,

i. e. maintenance free

Manual TECHKON SpectroPlate Chapter 1 – How to use SpectroPlatePage 8

1.2 Performance packages and packing list

Three different performance packages

SpectroPlate is available in three different types of performance packages:

The entry-level model Start is for dot percentage measurements on all popular

types of printing plates, ﬁlm and CMYK-print.

The Expert-version additionally features the recording of complete transfer curves

and the possibility to analyze geometric objects within the device.

The Start-version can easily be upgraded to the Expert-model by a post-purchase

upload from the PC. The All-Vision version measures precisely on low-visible, pro-

cessless offset printing plates.

SpectroPlate Start

• % dot measurement

• Screen angle in °

• Screen frequency in l/cm and lpi

SpectroPlate All-Vision

same as Expert and additionally:

• Measurement of chemistry-free,

processless plates with very low visible

contrast

Contents of delivery:

• Measurement device SpectroPlate

• Carrying case

• Charging console with white standard

• AC adapter with universal plugs for

Europe, UK and USA

• This manual with ISO 9000 compliant

certiﬁcate

• USB cable for PC connection

• CD with software SpectroConnect

Accessories:

• Software upgrade from SpectroPlate Start to Expert; Hardware upgrade to All-Vision

• Replacement parts: charging console with white standard, rechargeable battery

• Offset printing plate reference Fogra Measuring Bar FMB; (can be purchased at

Fogra Forschungsgesellschaft, www.fogra.org)

The carrying case protects SpectroPlate and

parts

SpectroPlate Expert

same as Start and additionally:

• Dot transfer curve

• Dot gain curve

• Geometrical analysis: diameter,

distance in micrometer and mils

• Memory for 100 data sets

• Average measurement

Manual TECHKON SpectroPlate Chapter 1 – How to use SpectroPlate Page 9

1.3 Design of SpectroPlate

SpectroPlate is a solidly designed measurement device which is very functional and

easy to use. It is compact in size; the buttons can be reached with the right index

ﬁnger when the device is held with the right hand. The LCD display is inclined

towards the user, so the display information can be read clearly. SpectroPlate can be

easily positioned on the measurement sample.

The measurement sample is illuminated uniformly by spectrally white LEDs.

The viewﬁnder helps selecting the right positioning of the measurement aperture.

Additionally, the magniﬁed live-image in the LCD display veriﬁes the validity of the

right spot to measure.

Connect the plug of the AC adapter (1.)

with the charging console (2.). The AC

adapter can be used universally for 100 –

240 V and 47 – 63 Hz. Use only the original

TECHKON SpectroPlate AC adapter. The

use of other power sources is hazardous !

There are three adapter plugs for different

countries. To change an adapter plug, just

pull it off the AC adapter and push in the

new one. Make sure it is connected ﬁrmly !

Charging contacts

Device base

Battery case

USB-connector

for PC connection

Navigation buttons

Right hand grip

zone

Device label

with serial number

Visible

measurement

aperture

Green

measurement

button (also for

switching on)

Backlit device

display

UK USA

Europe

Ceramic

white standard

Manual TECHKON SpectroPlate Chapter 1 – How to use SpectroPlatePage 10

1.4 Working with SpectroPlate

Switching on and off

SpectroPlate is switched on by pressing the green measurement button. It is imme-

diately ready to measure.

If no button is pressed within two minutes, the device will switch off automatically.

Switching it on again with the green measurement button will show on the display

the last measurement done. There is no button to turn SpectroPlate off.

Charging

The battery status is displayed as a battery symbol in the lower left corner of the

LCD screen, when the unit is turned on.

When the battery turns empty, the battery symbol starts to ﬂash. In this state

several measurements still can be obtained; but it is time to put it on the charging

console. Charging starts automatically by placing the device on the charging console.

Please keep the charging contacts at the bottom of the device and on the charging

console clean. To avoid scratches, always use a soft cloth or a similar soft material. If

oxidized, we recommend to use a cotton bud soaked with metal contact spray.

Five seconds after placing the device on the console the display will show a clock

and an animated battery symbol. When the symbol displays a full battery, the charg-

ing is completed and the battery is fully charged. Completely charging an empty

battery will take approximately four hours.

SpectroPlate has a regulated charging management. This means it will power-charge

an empty battery, so the device can be used again after a few minutes. On the

other hand, there is no overcharging of full batteries. You can park the device on

the charging console when not in use. This way it is guaranteed to have always an

operational measurement instrument at hand.

Up to 10.000 measurements can be carried out with one battery charge.

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