The picture-related INSTRUMENT FLIGHT color control system not only measures and controls the individual colors (typical solid ink density measurement) but also the 3-color overprint in the mid-tones and shadows (gray balances) as well as dot gains and places the highest priority on these balances.
With a halftone picture, the behavior and control of the dot gains is primarily decisive for the visual color perception – and not the solid ink densities.
The relationship between dot gain and solid ink density is not a static value but instead subject to the permanent changes in the dynamic printing process. Therefore printing constant solid ink densities is no guarantee for constant color in the halftone pictures and a solid ink density value (whether densitometrically or colorimetrically measured) is far from being a print standard.

And this is where the difference lies between INSTRUMENT FLIGHT and competitor systems. INSTRUMENT FLIGHT measures and regulates in accordance with all color balances, criteria and influencing variables that are important for the picture in offset printing, while others indeed make many measurements but cannot regulate after that.

Furthermore, INSTRUMENT FLIGHT users are supported by a comprehensive diagnostics tool that, with every sheet measured, provides detailed information about weaknesses in the printing process, or on the other hand proves that the printing process is in order.
Some problems can only be detected at all with this diagnosis. The information obtained about the behavior of the user’s printing process can also be used for implementing selective optimization measures.

With INSTRUMENT FLIGHT technology, more than 30 variables that influence the color of a printed picture are metrologically recorded, weighted and evaluated from the print control strip for every ink slide zone and used to calculate an appropriate regulation recommendation.

With this picture-related regulation strategy, standard-compliant prints are produced after only a few regulation steps.

With this technology even the most difficult picture joins e.g. with advertisements spread over two pages, or multiple-up printing of jobs such as covers, packaging, or large-format posters are automatically matched after only a few regulation steps and color is held constant during the entire production run.

Even a +/- 1% tonal value deviation in the mid-tones is detected.

The advantages of INSTRUMENT FLIGHT for printing plants and their customers

• Professional, economical and standardized production
• A dependable basis for standardization and calibrating proofs
• A basis for implementing a successful Color Management System (CMS)
• Faster color matching and more consistent color throughout the run, automatically controlled
• The easy, ergonomical user interface with graphs creates customer confidence
• The printer is informed faster about ink feeding than he can be by visually inspecting the sheet
• The condition of the press is monitored as part of a total printing system – optimization
• An early warning system when conditions change and deteriorate
• Evaluation and purposeful selection of the most suitable consumable materials
• A high degree of reproducibility with repeat jobs
• All measurements are logged, the standard of quality can be proven
• Production logs as evidence of print quality (in the case of deviations from the proof)
• Logs can be used as a means of communication between printer, department manager and office staff
• More precise production planning and dependable just-in-time production
• A higher degree of utilization of the production resources
• In-depth training and support from System Brunner