> I have a client who would like to buy GMG Dotproof as he in turn has a
> client for whom he provides banners. The client provides artwork with some
> small type and when viewed in a contone proof looks great but as the
> finished product will be printed with a 60 LPI screen the type breaks up. By
> proofing in Dotproof he can show the client how the finished product will
> really look. This is an on-going problem for him with a number of clients.
> GMG Dotproof can proof from the ripped 1 bit data for the plate maker or can
> simulate a dot if this data is not available. There are other reasons like
> moiré for printing via Dotproof but I thought this was a practical example
> of proofing with a dot.
Having some experience with GMG Dotproof, I can say that
there are instances when a moiré pattern is detected where a contone proof
would not show it. I can also say that there are instances where a moiré is
present on press and the Dotproof doesn’t show it, or vice versa. Often
the pattern that is produced on the Dotproof is different from what you get on
press and I therefore find it somewhat unreliable for that purpose. Not to say
that Dotproofing in this manner isn’t useful as it allows you to proof
the actual files that get plated, which is a good thing. But I just can’t
put absolute trust into it for detection of moirés...been burned on that before
(and fyi, a legitimate laminate dot proofer didn’t show the issue
either).
As far as the type issue you mention…60 lpi?! Seems
like an issue such as this could be resolved by bumping that up a bit, no? ;-)
Michael Eddington
North American Color, Inc.
www.nac-mi.com