FD-7

Accurate evaluation, even on substrates with fluorescent whitening agents

As graphics-related industries shift more and more to digital methods, there is an increasing reliance on numerical control of the quality of printed materials as being both faster and easier than visual evaluation by the human eye. However, since the final materials are intended to be seen by the human eye, measurement results that closely resemble the results of visual evaluation are needed.

A potential problem is that the paper on which materials are printed influences the final viewed color. Many kinds of paper used for printing contain fluorescent whitening agents (FWAs) to make the paper appear brighter, and the effect of the paper fluorescence on the color of printed materials is particularly large when viewed under Illuminant D50*1. For this reason, ISO 13655-2009*2 defined Measurement Condition M1 as having illumination corresponding to CIE Illuminant D50 to minimize differences in measurement results due to paper fluorescence, but such effect was difficult to measure with conventional handheld spectrodensitometers.

The FD Series spectrodensitometers offer unique solutions to this problem by utilizing Konica Minolta’s original VFS (Virtual Fluorescence Standard) technology, enabling color evaluation while taking into consideration the fluorescence of the paper under Illuminant D50, the standard light source used by the printing industry for color evaluation. These are the first instruments to provide measurement results corresponding to ISO 13655 Measurement Condition M1.

*1 An artificial light source defined by the CIE having a spectral distribution simulating daylight commonly used for color measurement.

*2 ISO 13655-2009: Graphic technology – Spectral measurement and colorimetric computation for graphic arts images

Accurate evaluation, even on substrates with fluorescent whitening agents

• Density and color control by printers
• Measurement of fluorescence in R & D of printing machinery manufacturers and paper manufacturers
• Printed color patch measurements
• Input sensor for ink CCM systems

Scan measurements can be performed.

• Manual scan measurements can be performed when the instrument is connected to a PC.

With optional software basICColor catch all, the colorimetric values, density values, and spectral reflectance values of various test charts (MediaWedge ECI2002, IT8.7/3, etc.) can be measured in a single operation.

Spectral output

• Since both spectral reflectance data (380 to 730nm) under various light sources and spectral irradiance data (360 to 730 nm) of environmental lighting can be measured and output to a computer, it makes the FD-7 ideal for research and development applications.

For Measuring Illumination

Illumination environment light can be measured.

• The illuminance and color temperature in a color viewing cabinet or the actual ambient light under which printed materials will be evaluated can be measured.

Colorimetric values under the measured light source (which more closely correspond to on-site visual evaluation) can be calculated. This ensures customers receive the colors they want and eliminates time and labor lost resolving customer complaints.

For Measuring Color and Density

Uniquely corresponds to Measurement Condition M1 of ISO 13655

• The world’s first M1 type.
• Konica Minolta’s original VFS (Virtual Fluorescence Standard) technology enables L*a*b* measurements corresponding to ISO 13655 Measurement Condition M1 (CIE Illuminant D50).  In addition, color measurements corresponding to ISO 13655 Measurement Conditions M0 (CIE Illuminant A) and M2 (illumination with UV-cut filter) can also be taken.

Industry’s first automatic wavelength compensation function

• Wavelength compensation is performed during white calibration without requiring additional work.
• Until now, wavelength compensation could only be carried out as one part of manufacturer servicing. This task is now performed whenever white calibration is done, helping to maintain the high reliability of measurement values until the next periodic servicing.

Enables color measurements that correspond more closely with visual evaluation.

When using conventional instruments to measure materials printed on substrates containing fluorescent whitening agents (FWA), large differences between the results of measurements and visual evaluation may occur. With the new FD-7/FD-5, measurement results correspond more closely to visual evaluation results, including the effects of any FWA in the paper.

Simple operation

• Measurements of density, dot area ratio, dot gain, color, and illumination are simple.
• Instructions in the LCD screen guide operation, so anyone can take measurements easily.

World’s lightest*1

The main body weighs only about 350g, and even with the target mask attached it’s only about 430g, lighter than any previous spectrodensitometer. This reduces the load on the user’s arm during work, improving efficiency when taking measurements over a long time.

*1 Display-equipped spectrodensitometer. As of November 1, 2010

Worry-free after-sales service

• Worldwide service centers provide rapid support when needed.
• A comprehensive service network is in place to ensure that your instrument is always in top shape.

Printing Color Management Software BasICColor catch all (Optional accessory)

• Screen can be easily customized with data list view, pass/fail screen, 3D graph, etc.
• Compatible with various test charts (MediaWedge, ECI2002, IT8.7/3, etc.)