Why Do you need a Light Booth or Viewing Station?
The Color Focus
A key goal in prepress and the pressroom is getting a good color match. Ideally you have measurement devices and software to assist with a more objective assessment of color; however, at the end of the day you still need to look at the sample... and to be most effective and minimize your subjectivity you need a standardized viewing space to do that. Typically a viewing station is where operators and customers go to view and approve color for proofing and production samples. To ensure the best color evaluation, you need that space to match the ISO standards for the Graphics Industry (ISO 3664:2009). This includes a space that is set at the correct viewing angle, has the appropriate lighting conditions and is neutral gray.
Finding the Right Fit
Whether you are looking to add a new viewing station/light booth or replace an old viewing station in your prepress or pressroom areas it is good to know you have lots of choices and features to consider. To start, there are the obvious size specifications for the viewing area to consider. Naturally the space you have available, the sample sheet sizes you are evaluating and your budget will help you to narrow down the size booth that fits your needs, but there is still more to consider. What height do you need? Should it be portable? What about storage? Is D50 sufficient or do you need a second light source too? What about viewing systems for transparencies or your monitor or soft proofing? Could an existing table be used and improved with the proper set up? Do you need a backlit viewing area inset to the table? The best way to quickly sift through these details and assemble a viewing station to meet your needs is to reach out to your APR Sales Tech. By answering a few simple questions they can help you to zero in on the best viewing station to fit your needs.
Other Considerations
Quality Control Center
- APR also offers a bundled solution for a viewing station that includes software and a touch-screen PC for press side color measurement and management. The SpotOn!TM Flexo Quality Control Center is ideal for printers that need to both view and measure color. This is a process control solution designed to give operators the space and information they need to adjust the print to achieve Delta-E requirements. In addition to the reporting feature, it also maintains a running history of how a job has run to include the production variables (aniloxes, plate, mounting tape, etc.).
- Did you also know that GTI offers a LiteSupport program to help you qualify and maintain your viewing station(s)? By enrolling in this service, a GTI tech will work with you to evaluate whether your current viewing area meets specifications. The service can also be incorporated as part of your routine maintenance to replace bulbs, which is recommended every 2500 hours.