Industrial Printing Process Queries, ZQA

Ink Transfer Curve: Purpose and Measurement Tools

What is the main goal of the Ink Transfer Curve, and what instruments do press supervisors use to monitor it?

The Ink Transfer Curve is a vital tool illustrating the precise relationship between the Dot Area defined on the plate (prepress) and the Dot Area measured on the final printed substrate. The curve’s primary purpose is to establish a criterion for the accurate prediction and management of Dot Gain, ensuring uniformity and color stability throughout the printing process. Press supervisors monitor this curve for tonality control, especially in sensitive areas like highlights (preventing detail loss) and shadows (avoiding excessive density). Instruments such as Densitometers and Spectrophotometers measure raw print data (like Solid Ink Density and Dot Gain) to model a Compensation Curve, correcting deviations.

Aligned with: ISO 12647 / G7 / Color Management Workflows