Stochastic vs. Conventional Line Screen Pros & Cons (Part 2 of 3)

We recently wrote an article on the differences between and the advantages of stochastic and conventional printing. Click here to read my last article.

To continue the conversation, today I will address what steps need to be taken into consideration when running a stochastic screen in a web offset environment.

Client Responsibilities:

• Consult with your current suppliers or industry trade groups to get other opinions. Does your catalog have a lot of flesh tones, shadow or reverse texts? What has been their experience with similar catalog designs?
•  Define your goals and objectives – what is it you are hoping to achieve? What elements in your design would you like to draw attention to? A catalog selling makeup would like to highlight different features than a clothing retailer…
• Determine Paper Specifications. Grade #2 versus Coated Groundwood, matte, satin and silks…as with any printing method, the choice of paper can affect how the end product appears. Viewing finished samples of like-catalogs will help you decide if your paper choice is appropriate for your products.

These are all areas that need to be taken into consideration by the client that will have a direct impact on whether or not to utilize stochastic screening

Color Separator Responsibilities:

What type of proofs will your separator provide?:

• AM screened proofs (150 LS)
• FM screened proofs  (25 micron)
• Epson / Inkjet Proofs

How will your separator manage your images?:

• Image resolution (300 DPI vs. 400 DPI)
• Pick-up images/repurposing of images
• Image/file compression, i.e. JPEG

Keep in mind that any type of compression will strip critical data from your images. This somewhat defeats the purpose of printing a higher line screen, yet many separators apply compression in order to save space.

Printer Responsibilities:

When approaching a stochastic workflow within your printing plant you need to resolve the following areas first.

• 25 micron (285 LS) versus 20 micron (365 LS) – which is best for your plant and client base?
• Stabilize plate production – restrict variables that can contribute to problems on press.
• Finger print the presses – you need to have a firm handle on the color gamut, ink characteristics, dot gain, etc. before you can build the appropriate plate curves.
• Test and modify prior to using on live jobs.

In my next blog I will address the potential pitfalls of stochastic screening.

• Tags:
• color quality

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