Dipco 20

Operating manual
 Main chapter overview

A Dipco 20

General information ...................................................................................................................... A.1.1

1 Prinect Dipco Elements - digital control elements .................................................................... A.1.3

1.1 Production reliability thanks to a package of coordinated digital measuring elements .. A.1.3
1.2 Delivery variants ........................................................................................................... A.1.4
1.3 Data formats of the control elements ............................................................................ A.1.6
1.4 Color abbreviations and color designations .................................................................. A.1.6
1.5 General notes on use ..................................................................................................... A.1.6
1.6 What are the new features compared to previous Dipco versions? .............................. A.1.7

Quality control elements ............................................................................................................. A.2.1

1 Quality control strips ................................................................................................................. A.2.3

1.1 Directories with quality control strips ............................................................................. A.2.3
1.2 Notes on positioning ...................................................................................................... A.2.4
1.3 GS quality control strips ................................................................................................ A.2.5
1.4 S quality control strips ................................................................................................... A.2.7
1.5 CS quality control strips ................................................................................................ A.2.10
1.6 G7 quality control strips ................................................................................................ A.2.12
1.7 Micro quality control strips ............................................................................................ A.2.14
1.8 Micro quality control strips MicroDCB with control marks for die cutting ...................... A.2.17
1.9 MS quality control strip ................................................................................................... A.2.21
1.10 Structure and function of the individual measurement fields ........................................ A.2.21

2 Mini Spots ................................................................................................................................ A.2.24

2.1 Naming conventions for Mini Spots ............................................................................... A.2.24
2.2 Field of application ......................................................................................................... A.2.24
2.3 Positioning ..................................................................................................................... A.2.26
2.4 Mini Spots in detail ......................................................................................................... A.2.27

3 Control marks for Prinect Auto Register ................................................................................... A.2.34

3.1 General notes ................................................................................................................ A.2.34
3.2 Notes on assembly ........................................................................................................ A.2.36

4 Measuring marks for paper stretch compensation .................................................................. A.2.38

4.1 Contents of the DipcoPSC directory .............................................................................. A.2.38
4.2 Field of application ......................................................................................................... A.2.38
4.3 Positioning ..................................................................................................................... A.2.38
4.4 Notes on reading the measuring marks ......................................................................... A.2.39
4.5 Measuring marks for paper stretch compensation in detail ........................................... A.2.40

A. 1
Main chapter overview

5 APSC measuring marks for automatic paper stretch compensation ....................................... A.2.42
5.1 Contents of the DipcoAPSC directory ............................................................................ A.2.42
5.2 Field of application ......................................................................................................... A.2.42

6 Control elements in the Discontinued directory ........................................................................ A.2.44

6.1 Contents of the Discontinued directory .......................................................................... A.2.44
6.2 Mini Spots without white patches .................................................................................. A.2.44
6.3 Prinect 6GS quality control strip ..................................................................................... A.2.46
6.4 6PK (control element for CPC 41) ................................................................................. A.2.47
6.5 Prinect/FOGRA quality control strip ............................................................................... A.2.47
6.6 MB_Process step wedges .............................................................................................. A.2.49

A. 2
 General information

General information
information
General
1 Prinect Dipco Elements - digital control elements .................................................................... A.1.3
1.1 Production reliability thanks to a package of coordinated digital measuring elements .. A.1.3
1.2 Delivery variants ........................................................................................................... A.1.4
1.3 Data formats of the control elements ............................................................................ A.1.6
1.4 Color abbreviations and color designations .................................................................. A.1.6
1.5 General notes on use ..................................................................................................... A.1.6
1.6 What are the new features compared to previous Dipco versions? .............................. A.1.7

A.1.1
General information

A.1.2
 General information

1 Prinect Dipco Elements - digital control elements

DP.901.0000-000UTKENU_10

1.1 Production reliability thanks to a package of coordinated digital measuring elements

Heidelberg offers the appropriate control elements
(Prinect Dipco Elements) tailored to suit all color-rele‐
vant Prinect products. This comprehensive package
contains all necessary digital control elements for pre‐
press and printing, such as quality control strips, Mini
Spots and control marks for Prinect Auto Register. The
control elements on the print sheet can, for example,
be positioned with the Prinect Signa Station imposi‐
tioning software.

Types of control elements

● Quality control strips
Quality control strips are important control elements
for quality proofing in offset printing. They therefore
contain various measurement fields for determining
solids, ink trapping, dot gain, print contrast and gray
balance and for measuring slurring and doubling. All
digital quality control strips are well-suited to the ink
zone width of Heidelberg presses and support the
printer effectively. All Prinect color measuring systems
can measure and evaluate the quality control strips
and generate the control factors for online ink control
from the resulting data.
● Mini Spots
Together with Prinect Image Control, Mini Spots en‐
able faster reactions to altered conditions in the color
workflow. They are used for monitoring both proofing
and printing. The measured values determined by the
Mini Spots help adapt existing characteristic curves,
process calibrations and ICC profiles to changed print‐
ing conditions.
● Control marks for Prinect Auto Register.
The fully automatic inline measurement and control of
the register in the printing press is carried out using the
control marks for Prinect Auto Register. Special reg‐
ister marks support the printer in checking the register
visually.
● Measuring marks for measuring paper stretch.
With the PSC (Paper Stretch Compensation) measur‐
ing marks and the APSC (Automatic Paper Stretch
Compensation) measuring marks, you can measure
paper distortion in every printing unit. Based on the
measured values, the Prinect APSC software can cal‐
culate correction data to compensate for the expected
paper distortion as early as during platemaking.

A.1.3
General information

1.2 Delivery variants

The Dipco control elements are available in two differ‐
ent versions:
● A subfolder named Dipco is located in the Prinect
Signa Station directory stored on the USB stick
for installing Prinect. You can access this direc‐
tory directly or open the SetupPrinect.exe file.
Chapter B "Installation using SetupPrinect.exe"
describes how to use SetupPrinect.exe. When
the Prinect Signa Station is installed, the Dipco
control elements are automatically stored in the
"..\Marks\dipco" subfolder in the Signa station
program folder.
● As download in the Prinect user portal (www.hei‐
delberg.com - search term: dipco).
Note
The control elements are supplied for
the Prinect workflows (Prinect directory)
and for third-party workflows with an out‐
put resolution of 2400 dpi foreign2400d‐
pi directory) and 2540 dpi (foreign2540d‐
pi directory). If you use a third-party
workflow with a different resolution, you
may have to generate PDF files for this
deviating resolution. Please refer to the
chapter B "Generating PDF files" for
more information".
Structure of the Dipco directory
DP.901.0031-001GRAUND_00

The directory structure is arranged as follows:

Notes on use/Overview posters

● The notes on use can be found in the Hand‐
buch.pdf/Manual.pdf file in the root directory. The
overview posters are stored in the same directory
in PDF format

Control elements from previous versions

● Discontinued
This directory contains all control elements that
are no longer updated.

Control elements in eps format

● eps
This directory contains the control elements in
eps format
Fig. 1 Structure of the Dipco directory
Control elements for the Prinect workflow
● Prinect
This directory contains the current control ele‐
ments for the Prinect workflow for all output res‐
olutions.

A.1.4
 General information

Control elements for third-party workflows with

2400 dpi resolution
● foreign2400dpi
This directory contains the current control ele‐
ments for third-party workflows that work with an
output resolution of 2400 dpi. The subdirectories
have the same structure as the Prinect directory.

Control elements for third-party workflows with

2540 dpi resolution
● foreign2540dpi
This directory contains the current control ele‐
ments for third-party workflows that work with an
output resolution of 2540 dpi. The subdirectories
have the same structure as the Prinect directory.

DP.901.0104-001GRAUND_00
Subdirectories with Dipco elements
The Prinect, foreign2400dpi and foreign2540dpi direc‐
tories each have the following subdirectories.

Control marks for Prinect Auto Register

● DipcoAR
These directories contain the control marks for Prinect
Auto Register.

Quality control strips

● DipcoFormat052
● DipcoFormat074 (also for the format category
75)
Fig. 2 Substructure in the Prinect directory ● DipcoFormat102+105 (also for the format cate‐
gories 92 and 106)
● DipcoFormat145
● DipcoFormat162
These directories contain the quality control strips.
The figures stand for the sheet size categories 52,
74/75, 92/102/105/106, 145 and 162 cm.

Mini Spots
● DipcoMB
This directory contains the Mini Spots.

Measuring marks for paper stretch compensation

● DipcoPSC
This directory contains the measuring marks for
the paper stretch compensation.

Measuring marks for the automatic paper stretch com‐

pensation
● DipcoAPSC
This directory contains the measuring marks for
the automatic paper stretch compensation.

A.1.5
General information

1.3 Data formats of the control elements

The control elements are available in the data formats
EPS and PDF. The individual formats are used in the
following areas:
● PDF format (file extension .pdf):
The PDF format is for use in a composite PDF
workflow. It can be used with Prinect Signa Sta‐
tion and third-party software.
● EPS format (file extension .eps):
The *.eps files can be found in the eps directory.
The EPS format is for use in a Composite-
PostScriptTM workflow. It can be used in connec‐
tion with other imposition software and can also
be positioned directly, e.g. with QuarkXPressTM
or Adobe InDesignTM.
Note
If you need the control element in PDF
format, it is best to use the PDF file.
These PDF files contain embedded
"PostScript XObjects". If your workflow
cannot edit these PDF files and has an
output resolution other than 2400 or
2540 dpi, you can generate PDF files
without embedded "PostScript XOb‐
jects" from the EPS files. Please refer to
chapter B., "Generating PDF files" at the
end of this documentation.

1.4 Color abbreviations and color designations

Color abbreviation Color designation

B Color designation of the 1st ink (usually black)
C Color designation of the 2nd ink (usually cyan)
M Color designation of the 3rd ink (usually magenta)
Y Color designation of the 4th ink (usually yellow)
X Color designation of the 5th ink
Z Color designation of the 6th ink
U Color designation of the 7th ink
V Color designation of the 8th ink
S1 ... S8 Color designation of the 9th to the 16th ink
Tab. 1 Assignment of color abbreviation to color designation

1.5 General notes on use

● Dipco 20 has been tested with Prinect Prepress
systems. As a result of the variety of possible
combinations of hardware platforms and appli‐

A.1.6
 General information

cation software Heidelberg cannot guarantee its

suitability in third-party prepress systems!
● Some measurement fields (e.g. measurement
fields for slurring and doubling) are only dis‐
played coarsely on the screen. However, these
measurement fields are output correctly if the
output resolution and the handling of the
PostScript XObjects in the workflow are set cor‐
rectly. For third-party workflows with an output
resolution other than 2400 or 2540 dpi, please
refer to the notes in chapter B., "Generating PDF
files".
● Position the control elements to their original
scale! If you increase or decrease control ele‐
ments, change the grid or size of the measure‐
ment field. The Prinect color measuring systems
and Prinect Auto Register need the control ele‐
ments to be in their original scale and cannot
measure control elements that have been made
smaller or larger.
Note
The control elements carry information
on the overall size in the file name. For
example: PCS_40AB__120x14v16 re‐
quires an area which is 120 mm wide
and 14 mm high.
● Position the control elements on the sheet in
such a way that the measurement fields are not
cropped or covered. Bled measurement fields
cause incorrect measurements and error mes‐
sages or prevent the measuring system from rec‐
ognizing the control element.
● Please be aware that digital control elements - in
contrast to conventional sheet assembly - can be
influenced by the settings in prepress (calibra‐
tion) and the geometric properties of the image‐
setter. The correct geometric settings must be
made on the imagesetter, for example to display
measurement fields for slurring and doubling cor‐
rectly.

1.6 What are the new features compared to previous Dipco versions?
Note
Dipco 20 has been specially developed
for use with the current version of Prinect
Signa Station. Due to comprehensive
changes to the software, we cannot
guarantee the functionality of Dipco 20 in
connection with older versions of Signa
Station. When using versions older than
Prinect Signa Station 4.5 you should car‐
ry out an update or, to make sure, have
the previous version of your Dipco ele‐
ments at hand.

A.1.7
General information

As of Prinect Signa Station 4.5, the contents of the

Dipco package are also included in the Signa Station
package. As of Prinect Signa Station 10.0 the contents
of CtP-Tools 10.0 are also integrated.
A wizard tool for importing marks is available from
Prinect Signa Station 10.0 onward, which simplifies
the update or import of several marks significantly.
The wizard tool for importing marks cannot be started
from the Dipco directory (it aborts the process with a
warning message). Start the assistant for importing
marks from one of the subdirectories "Prinect", "for‐
eign2400dpi" or "foreign2540dpi".

New in Dipco 20, compared to Dipco 16

● Color reference strips G7Micro-6 und G7Micro-8
for print evaluation according to the US G7 stan‐
dard (format 102 to 162).
● Quality control strips MS-8 specially for Prinect
Easy Control. The quality control strip contains 8
inks in each ink zone.
● APSC-4 and APSC-8 measuring marks for use
with Prinect Automatic Paper Stretch
Compensation.

New features in Dipco 16 compared to Dipco 13.0

● New micro control elements with control marks
for die cutting in formats 102/105/145/162 cm.
These marks are available in 6 and 7 color ver‐
sions. The file names are Fxxx_MicroDCB.

New features in Dipco 13.0 compared to Dipco 12.0

● As of Dipco 13.0, the *.pre files are no longer
used as they are no longer needed for the Prinect
workflow. The *.eps files have been moved and
are now located under the eps directory.

New features in Dipco 12.0 compared to Dipco 11.0

● New and shorter directory and file names, new
marks: Micro-10 (sheet size 74 to 162) and G7-4
(sheet size 52 to 106).

New features in Dipco 11.0 compared to Dipco 10.0

● New directory structure, Dipco elements for third-
party workflows with 2400 and 2540 dpi output
resolution are supplied.

New features in Dipco 10.0 compared to Dipco 4.5

● New directory structure with one layer simplifies
working with the assistant for importing marks.
● Measuring marks for paper stretch compensa‐
tion: The measuring marks for 8, 10 and 12 colors
have been added to the new version.

A.1.8
 General information

New features in Dipco 4.5 compared to Dipco 3.1

● New directory with measuring marks for paper
stretch compensation.
● New Mini Spots have an additional white patch.
The previous Mini Spots can be found in the Dis‐
continued directory.
● As of version 3.1, the control elements for the
format category 145 cm have been added.
New features in Dipco 3.1 compared to Dipco 3.0
● As of version 3.0, the control elements for the
format category 162 cm have been added.

New features in Dipco 3.0 compared to Dipco 2.1

● Quality control strip "7S" for 7-color printing.
● Mini Spots for 5, 6 and 7-color printing.
● Modifications to "6S" with assignments for print‐
ing with special colors:
○ 6S-XZ (X, Z, U, V, S1, S2).
○ 6S-BX (B, X, Z, U, V, S1).
○ 6S-XC (X, C, M, Y, Z, U).
● Micro strips for Prinect Inpress Control.
New properties of the control elements
Recognition of cropped measurement fields
Cropped measurement fields cause problems in mea‐
surement. To prevent this, the quality control strips in‐
clude integrated PostScript information that is read out
by suitable workflows, such Prinect Production Man‐
ager. If this contains information that individual mea‐
surement fields were bled by a clip path (bleed size of
up to 0.5 mm is tolerated), the whole measurement
field is suppressed. The prerequisites for this function
in the PDF workflow are as follows:
● The workflow allows processing of the integrated
PostScript commands.
● The measurement field is actually cropped by a
clip path. Subsequent overlaps by other objects
are not recognized.
Assignment of color designation to color abbreviation
In a composite workflow the assignment of color des‐
ignation to color abbreviation (X, Z, U, V…) is shown in
the quality control strips directly below the measure‐
ment fields. This function is also executed through in‐
tegrated PostScript commands. Prerequisite for this
function:
● The workflow allows processing of the integrated
PostScript commands.
Discontinued (not developed any further) control ele‐
ments
Several control elements have been discontinued (not
developed any further) or replaced by new ones. How‐

A.1.9
General information

ever, these control elements were added without

change to the Discontinued directory.
Note
Some of the discontinued control ele‐
ments cannot automatically recognize
cropped measurement fields or auto‐
matically assign color designations to
color abbreviations.

A.1.10
 Quality control elements

Quality control elements

elements
control
Quality
1 Quality control strips ................................................................................................................. A.2.3
1.1 Directories with quality control strips ............................................................................. A.2.3
1.2 Notes on positioning ...................................................................................................... A.2.4
1.3 GS quality control strips ................................................................................................ A.2.5
1.4 S quality control strips ................................................................................................... A.2.7
1.5 CS quality control strips ................................................................................................ A.2.10
1.6 G7 quality control strips ................................................................................................ A.2.12
1.7 Micro quality control strips ............................................................................................ A.2.14
1.8 Micro quality control strips MicroDCB with control marks for die cutting ...................... A.2.17
1.9 MS quality control strip ................................................................................................... A.2.21
1.10 Structure and function of the individual measurement fields ........................................ A.2.21

2 Mini Spots ................................................................................................................................ A.2.24

2.1 Naming conventions for Mini Spots ............................................................................... A.2.24
2.2 Field of application ......................................................................................................... A.2.24
2.3 Positioning ..................................................................................................................... A.2.26
2.4 Mini Spots in detail ......................................................................................................... A.2.27

3 Control marks for Prinect Auto Register ................................................................................... A.2.34

3.1 General notes ................................................................................................................ A.2.34
3.2 Notes on assembly ........................................................................................................ A.2.36

4 Measuring marks for paper stretch compensation .................................................................. A.2.38

4.1 Contents of the DipcoPSC directory .............................................................................. A.2.38
4.2 Field of application ......................................................................................................... A.2.38
4.3 Positioning ..................................................................................................................... A.2.38
4.4 Notes on reading the measuring marks ......................................................................... A.2.39
4.5 Measuring marks for paper stretch compensation in detail ........................................... A.2.40

5 APSC measuring marks for automatic paper stretch compensation ....................................... A.2.42
5.1 Contents of the DipcoAPSC directory ............................................................................ A.2.42
5.2 Field of application ......................................................................................................... A.2.42

6 Control elements in the Discontinued directory ........................................................................ A.2.44

6.1 Contents of the Discontinued directory .......................................................................... A.2.44
6.2 Mini Spots without white patches .................................................................................. A.2.44
6.3 Prinect 6GS quality control strip ..................................................................................... A.2.46
6.4 6PK (control element for CPC 41) ................................................................................. A.2.47
6.5 Prinect/FOGRA quality control strip ............................................................................... A.2.47
6.6 MB_Process step wedges .............................................................................................. A.2.49

A.2.1
Quality control elements

A.2.2
 Quality control elements

1 Quality control strips

DP.901.0006-000UTKENU_11

1.1 Directories with quality control strips

There are 5 directories with quality control strips.

DP.901.0039-000GRAUND_04
● DipcoFormat052
This directory contains quality control strips for
presses with a sheet width of 52 cm.
● DipcoFormat074
This directory contains quality control strips for
presses with a sheet width of 74/75 cm.
● DipcoFormat102+105
This directory contains quality control strips for
sheet widths of 92 cm, 102 cm, 105 cm and
106 cm. The quality control strips are suitable for
all 4 sheet widths.
● DipcoFormat145
Fig. 1 Directories with quality control strips
This directory contains quality control strips for
sheet widths of 145 cm.
● DipcoFormat162
This directory contains quality control strips for
sheet widths of 162 cm.

A.2.3
Quality control elements

The quality control strips available for the respective

DP.901.0081-001GRAUND_00
sheet size classes can be found in the directories. The
individual quality control strips are explained in more
detail in the following section.

Where are the FOGRA quality control strips?

The FOGRA quality control strips have been frozen to
their condition of Dipco 2.1 and can be found in the
Discontinued directory. FOGRA quality control strips
cannot be assessed by Prinect Inpress Control. Alter‐
natively you can use CS quality control strips, which
also contain the 40% and 80% measurement fields.
Note
In order to use the CS quality control
strips on the Prinect Axis Control color
measuring system on Prinect CP2000
Center, software version 47 or a corre‐
sponding service patch is needed here.
For further information, please contact
your local Heidelberg Service. Prinect
Image Control software version 5 is re‐
quired.

Fig. 2 DipcoFormat102+Format105 directory

Naming conventions
The file name gives some information on the type of
quality control strip.
Example: F105_8GS___1040x10v20
● F105 = sheet width (in this case for sheet widths
of 92, 102, 105 and 106 cm).
● 8GS = type of quality control strip and number of
colors (in this case GS quality control strip for 8
colors).
● 1040x10 = width x height of the quality control
strip (in this case 1040 mm x 10 mm).
● v20 = version (in this case Dipco 20).

1.2 Notes on positioning

Note
Notes on positioning for all Prinect mea‐
suring systems can be found in the sec‐
tion "Notes on assembling and position‐
ing Dipco elements".

A.2.4
 Quality control elements

1.3 GS quality control strips

GS (Gray Solid): These quality control strips are for
controlling the gray balance of the colors cyan, ma‐
genta and yellow with the Prinect Axis Control and
Prinect Image Control (first generation) color measur‐
ing systems. There is at least one chromatic gray field
in each ink zone. The number of solid tone patches is
lower due to the gray fields, which is why S quality
control strips are better suited for ink control by solids.
All quality control strips with the exception of the 52 cm
sheet size range are also suitable for use with Prinect
Inpress Control.

1.3.1 Prinect 4GS

Control element Prinect 4GS

1 2 3 4
1

Description Quality control strip for gray balance control of cyan, magenta and yellow for 4 colors
(BCMY). The halftone patches and ink trapping fields make versatile evaluations possible.
Legend Format (...)Prinect 4GS(i) Dipco 20 © 2019 Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG
File names 52 cm: F052_4GS__510x10v20
74/75 cm: F074_4GS__740x10v20
92/102/105/106 cm: F105_4GS__1040x10v20
Tab. 1 Prinect 4GS

A.2.5
Quality control elements

1.3.2 Prinect 6GS99

Control element Prinect 6GS99

1 2 3 4
1

Description Quality control strip for gray balance control of cyan, magenta and yellow for 6 colors (BCMY
+ 2 special colors X, Z). The halftone patches and ink trapping fields make versatile evalu‐
ations possible.
In combination with the Prinect 6S+ quality control strip up to 12 colors can be controlled. This
function could only be used with the first generation of Prinect Image Control. This function
is not possible with Prinect Image Control NG or Prinect Image Control 3.
Legend Prinect 6GS99(i) Format (...) Dipco 20 © 2019 Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG
File names 52 cm: F052_6GS99__510x10v20
74/75 cm: F074_6GS99__740x10v20
92/102/105/106 cm: F105_6GS99_1040x10v20
Tab. 2 Prinect 6GS99

1.3.3 Prinect 8GS

Control element Prinect 8GS

1 2 3 4

Description Quality control strip for gray balance control of cyan, magenta and yellow for 8 colors (BCMY
+ 4 special colors X, Z, U, V). The halftone patches and ink trapping fields make versatile
evaluations possible.

A.2.6
 Quality control elements

Control element Prinect 8GS

Legend Prinect 8GS(i) Format (...) Dipco 20 © 2019 Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG
File names 52 cm: F052_8GS__510x10v20
74/75 cm: F074_8GS__740x10v20
92/102/105/106 cm: F105_8GS_1040x10v20
Tab. 3 Prinect 8GS

1.4 S quality control strips

S (Solid): These quality control strips are designed for
ink control by solids. There is a solid tone patch for
every color in each ink zone (except Prinect 7S). There
are few or no gray fields, slurring fields, doubling fields
and ink trapping fields. If necessary, Mini Spots can be
positioned in addition.
All quality control strips with the exception of the 52 cm
sheet size range are also suitable for use with Prinect
Inpress Control.

1.4.1 Prinect 6S

Control element Prinect 6S

1 2 3 4
1

Description Quality control strip for ink control by solids in 6 colors (BCMY + X, Z).
In combination with the Prinect 6S+ quality control strip up to 12 colors can be controlled. This
function could only be used with the first generation of Prinect Image Control. This function
is not possible with Prinect Image Control NG or Prinect Image Control 3.
Legend Prinect 6S(i) Format (...) Dipco 20 © 2019 Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG
File names 52 cm: F052_6S__510x10v20
74/75 cm: F074_6S__740x10v20
92/102/105/106 cm: F105_6S_1040x10v20
Tab. 4 Prinect 6S

A.2.7
Quality control elements

1.4.2 Prinect 6S+

Control element Prinect 6S+

1 2 3 4
1

Description The Prinect 6S+ can be positioned as a second strip for controlling more than 6 (up to 12)
colors, in addition to a Prinect 6S or 6GS99. This function could only be used with the first
generation of Prinect Image Control. This function is not possible with Prinect Image Con‐
trol NG or Prinect Image Control 3.
Legend Prinect 6S+(i) Format (...) Dipco 20 © 2019 Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG
File names 52 cm: Not available
74/75 cm: F074_6S+__740x10v20
92/102/105/106 cm: F105_6S+_1040x10v20
Tab. 5 Prinect 6S+

1.4.3 Prinect 6S-BX

Control element Prinect 6S-BX

1 2 3 4
1

Description Quality control strip for ink control by solids in 6 colors. (B + X, Z, U, V, S1). The reference
color is black (B).
Legend Prinect 6S-BX(i) Format (...) Dipco 20 © 2019 Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG
File names 52 cm: F052_6S-BX__510x10v20
74/75 cm: F074_6S-BX__740x10v20

A.2.8
 Quality control elements

Control element Prinect 6S-BX

92/102/105/106 cm: F105_6S-BX_1040x10v20
Tab. 6 Prinect 6S-BX

1.4.4 Prinect 6S-XC

Control element Prinect 6S-XC

1 2 3 4
1

Description Quality control strip for ink control by solids in 6 colors. (CMY + X, Z, U). The reference color
is the special color X, which replaces black (B).
Legend Prinect 6S-XC(i) Format (...) Dipco 20 © 2019 Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG
File names 52 cm: F052_6S-XC__510x10v20
74/75 cm: F074_6S-XC__740x10v20
92/102/105/106 cm: F105_6S-XC_1040x10v20
Tab. 7 Prinect 6S-XC

1.4.5 Prinect 6S-XZ

Control element Prinect 6S-XZ

1 2 3 4
1

Description Quality control strip for ink control by solids in 6 colors. (6 special colors X, Z, U, V, S1, S2).
The reference color is the special color X.

A.2.9
Quality control elements

Control element Prinect 6S-XZ

Legend Prinect 6S-XZ(i) Format (...) Dipco 20 © 2019 Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG
File names 52 cm: F052_6S-XZ__510x10v20
74/75 cm: F074_6S-XZ__740x10v20
92/102/105/106 cm: F105_6S-XZ_1040x10v20
Tab. 8 Prinect 6S-XZ

1.4.6 Prinect 7S

Control element Prinect 7S

1 2 3 4
1

Description Quality control strip for ink control by solids in 7 colors. (BCMY + X, Z, U). The reference color
is black (B).
Legend Prinect 7S-(i) Format (...) Dipco 20 © 2019 Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG
File names 52 cm: F052_7S__510x10v20
74/75 cm: F074_7S__740x10v20
92/102/105/106 cm: F105_7S_1040x10v20
Tab. 9 Prinect 7S

1.5 CS quality control strips

CS (Color Solution): These quality control strips are
designed for ink control by solids. Produced by Hei‐
delberg, they are an equal alternative to Fogra quality
control strips, but are suitable for use with Prinect In‐
press Control. In addition the CS-4 and CS-5 variants
allow register control.

A.2.10
 Quality control elements

1.5.1 Prinect CS-4

Control element Prinect CS-4

1 2 3 4
1

Description Quality control strip for ink control by solids in 4 colors (BCMY). This quality control strip also
contains measuring elements for register control with Prinect Inpress Control. The halftone
patches and ink trapping fields make versatile evaluations possible.
Legend Prinect CS-4(i) Format (...) Dipco 20 © 2019 Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG
File names 52 cm: F052_CS-4__510x10v20
74/75 cm: F074_CS-4__740x10v20
92/102/105/106 cm: F105_CS-4_1040x10v20
145 cm: F145_CS-4_1430x10v20
162 cm: F162_CS-4_1625x10v20
Tab. 10 Prinect CS-4

1.5.2 Prinect CS-5

Control element Prinect CS-5

1 2 3 4
1

Description Quality control strip for ink control by solids in 5 colors (BCMY + X). This quality control strip
also contains measuring elements for register control with Prinect Inpress Control.
Legend Prinect CS-5(i) Format (...) Dipco 20 © 2019 Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG
File names 52 cm: F052_CS-5__510x10v20
74/75 cm: F074_CS-5__740x10v20

A.2.11
Quality control elements

Control element Prinect CS-5

92/102/105/106 cm: F105_CS-5_1040x10v20
145 cm: F145_CS-5_1430x10v20
162 cm: F162_CS-5_1625x10v20
Tab. 11 Prinect CS-5

1.5.3 Prinect CS-6

Control element Prinect CS-6

1 2 3 4
1

Description Quality control strip for ink control by solids in 6 colors (BCMY + X, Z).
Legend Prinect CS-6(i) Format (...) Dipco 20 © 2019 Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG
File names 52 cm: F052_CS-6__510x10v20
74/75 cm: F074_CS-6__740x10v20
92/102/105/106 cm: F105_CS-6_1040x10v20
145 cm: F145_CS-6_1430x10v20
162 cm: F162_CS-6_1625x10v20
Tab. 12 Prinect CS-6

1.6 G7 quality control strips

G7 quality control strips are for application of the G7
method. They meet the full requirements of the G7
method.

A.2.12
 Quality control elements

1.6.1 Prinect G7-4

Control element Prinect G7-4

1 2 3 4
1

Description Quality control strips for gray balance control of 4 colors (BCMY) in accordance with the G7
method. The quality control strip contains halftone patches with 25%, 50% and 75% for the
individual colors and for combined printing.
Legend Prinect G7-4 Format (...) Dipco 20 © 2019 Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG © 2019 Hei‐
delberger Druckmaschinen AG
File names 52 cm: F052_G7-4__510x10v20
74/75 cm: F074_G7-4__740x10v20
92/102/105/106 cm: F105_G7-4__1040x10v20
145 cm: F145_G7-4__1430x10v20
162 cm: F162_G7-4__1625x10v20
Tab. 13 Prinect G7-4

1.6.2 Prinect G7Micro-6i

Control element Prinect G7Micro-6i

1 2 3 4
1

Description Quality control strips for gray balance control of 6 colors (BCMY + X, Z, U, V) in accordance
with the G7 method. The quality control strip contains halftone patches with 25%, 50% and
75% for the individual colors and for combined printing.

A.2.13
Quality control elements

Control element Prinect G7Micro-6i

Legend Prinect G7Micro-6i Format (...) Dipco 20 © 2019 Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG
File names 92/102/105/106 cm: F105_G7Micro-6__1040x7v29
145 cm: F142_G7Micro-6__1430x7v20
162 cm: F162_G7Micro-6__1625x7v20
Tab. 14 Prinect G7Micro-6i

1.6.3 Prinect G7Micro-8i

Control element Prinect G7Micro-8i

1 2 3 4
1

Description Quality control strips for gray balance control of 8 colors (BCMY + X, Z, U, V) in accordance
with the G7 method. The quality control strip contains halftone patches with 25%, 50% and
75% for the individual colors and for combined printing.
Legend Prinect G7Micro-8i Format (...) Dipco 20 © 2019 Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG
File names 92/102/105/106 cm: F105_G7Micro-8__1040x7v29
145 cm: F142_G7Micro-8__1430x7v20
162 cm: F162_G7Micro-8__1625x7v20
Tab. 15 Prinect G7Micro-8i

1.7 Micro quality control strips

The micro quality control strips can be used in con‐
nection with Prinect Inpress Control, Prinect Axis Con‐
trol on Prinect Press Center (from software version
S10A), Prinect Press Center XL2 and Prinect Image
Control NG and Prinect Image Control 3. Due to the
minimum space requirement, the small measurement
fields enable ink control and, in connection with Prinect
Inpress Control, also register control to be performed.
You cannot use the micro quality control strips if other
measuring systems requiring larger measurement
fields are to be used.

A.2.14
 Quality control elements

Note
On Prinect Micro-10i, no register control
with Prinect Inpress Control is possible.
In 2 zones, the color field S2 is no longer
used in order to accommodate the posi‐
tion marks. Ink control is performed via
the neighboring zones!

1.7.1 Prinect Micro-6i

Control element Prinect Micro-6i

1 2 3 4
1

Description Quality control strip for color and register control of max. 6 colors (BCMY + X, Z).
Legend Prinect Micro-6i Format (...) Dipco 20 © 2019 Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG
File names 52 cm: F052_Micro-6__510x_7v20
74/75 cm: F074_Micro-6__740x_7v20
92/102/105/106 cm: F105_Micro-6_1040x_7v20
145 cm: F145_Micro-6_1430x_7v20
162 cm: F162_Micro-6_1625x_7v20
Tab. 16 Prinect Micro-6i

A.2.15
Quality control elements

1.7.2 Prinect Micro-8i

Control element Prinect Micro-8i

1 2 3 4
1

Description Quality control strip for color and register control of max. 8 colors (BCMY + X, Z, U, V).
Legend Prinect Micro-8i Format (...) Dipco 20 © 2019 Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG
File names 52 cm: F052_Micro-8__510x_7v20
74/75 cm: F074_Micro-8__740x_7v20
92/102/105/106 cm: F105_Micro-8_1040x_7v20
145 cm: F145_Micro-8_1430x_7v20
162 cm: F162_Micro-8_1625x_7_v20
Tab. 17 Prinect Micro-8i

1.7.3 Prinect Micro-10i

Control element Prinect Micro-10i

1 2 3 4
1

Description Quality control strip for ink control of max. 10 colors (BCMY + X, Z, U, V, S1, S2).
Legend Prinect Micro-10i Format (...) Dipco 20 © 2019 Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG
File names 52 cm: F052_Micro-10__510x_7v20
74/75 cm: F074_Micro-10__740x_7v20
92/102/105/106 cm: F105_Micro-10__1040x_7v20
145 cm: F145_Micro-10__1430x_7v20

A.2.16
 Quality control elements

Control element Prinect Micro-10i

162 cm: F162_Micro-10__1625x_7_v20
Tab. 18 Prinect Micro-10i

1.8 Micro quality control strips MicroDCB with control marks for die cutting
These micro quality control strips contain additional
control marks for the Bobst® Power Register® die cut‐
ter. They can be used in connection with Prinect In‐
press Control, Prinect Axis Control on Prinect Press
Center from software version S10A), Prinect Press
Center XL2 and Prinect Image Control NG and Prinect
Image Control 3.
Note: on software versions before S14B or 2014, the
MicroDCB quality control strips are included in the col‐
or strip database so that the measuring systems can
identify them.
Due to the minimum space requirement, the small
measurement fields enable ink control and, in connec‐
tion with Prinect Inpress Control, also register control
to be performed. You cannot use the micro quality
control strips if other measuring systems requiring
larger measurement fields are to be used.
These micro quality control strips are available in 6 and
7-color versions for sheet size ranges 92 to 162. There
are two versions for every sheet size range, which are
indicated by the letters L and S at the end.
● L = Large: use this quality control strip if you in‐
tend to process large sheet sizes close to the
maximum sheet size. The two control marks for
die punching are relatively far apart. Prerequisite
for using the "L" variants:
○ On machines with a sheet size of
92/102/105/106 cm, the quality control strip
must be printed with a minimum width of
720 mm.
○ On machines with a sheet size of
145/162 cm, the quality control strip must be
printed with a minimum width of 1120 mm.
● S = Small: use this quality control strip if you in‐
tend to process smaller sheet sizes. The two con‐
trol marks for die punching are relatively close
together.
Note
The two control marks for die punching
are black strips about the same width as
an ink zone. The measuring fields in the
adjacent zones are used for the ink con‐
trol in these zones.

A.2.17
Quality control elements

1.8.1 Prinect MicroDCB-6-L

Control element Prinect MicroDCB-6-L

1 2 3 4
1

Description Quality control strip for color and register control of max. 6 colors (BCMY + X, Z) with control
marks for the die cutter.
L = control marks far apart for die cutting with large sheet sizes. Prerequisite for using the
Prinect MicroDCB-6-L:
Note: This quality control strip is not suitable for the 92 and 102 press formats with Prinect
Inpress Control! If necessary, contact your local Heidelberg Service agency.
● On machines with a sheet size of 105/106 cm, the quality control strip must be printed with
a minimum width of 720 mm.
● On machines with a sheet size of 145/162 cm, the quality control strip must be printed with
a minimum width of 1120 mm.
Legend Prinect MicroDCB-6-L Format (...) Dipco 20 © 2019 Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG
File names 105/106 cm: F105_MicroDCB-6-L___1040x7v20
145 cm: F145_MicroDCB-6-L___1430x7v20
162 cm: F162_MicroDCB-6-L___1625x7v20
Tab. 19 Prinect MicroDCB-6-L

A.2.18
 Quality control elements

1.8.2 Prinect MicroDCB-6-S

Control element Prinect MicroDCB-6-S

1 2 3 4
1

Description Quality control strip for color and register control of max. 6 colors (BCMY + X, Z) with control
marks for the die cutter.
S = control marks close together for die punching with smaller sheet sizes.
Legend Prinect MicroDCB-6-S Format (...) Dipco 20 © 2019 Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG
File names 92/102/105/106 cm: F105_MicroDCB-6-S___1040x7v20
145 cm: F145_MicroDCB-6-S___1430x7v20
162 cm: F162_MicroDCB-6-S___1625x7v20
Tab. 20 Prinect MicroDCB-6-S

1.8.3 Prinect MicroDCB-7-L

Control element Prinect MicroDCB-7-L

1 2 3 4
1

Description Quality control strip for color and register control of max. 7 colors (BCMY + X, Z, U) with
control marks for the die cutter.
L = control marks far apart for die cutting with large sheet sizes. Prerequisite for using the
Prinect MicroDCB-7-L:
● On machines with a sheet size of 92/102/105/106 cm, the quality control strip must be
printed with a minimum width of 720 mm.
● On machines with a sheet size of 145/162 cm, the quality control strip must be printed with
a minimum width of 1120 mm.

A.2.19
Quality control elements

Control element Prinect MicroDCB-7-L

Legend Prinect MicroDCB-7-L Format (...) Dipco 20 © 2019 Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG
File names 92/102/105/106 cm: F105_MicroDCB-7-L___1040x7v20
145 cm: F145_MicroDCB-7-L___1430x7v20
162 cm: F162_MicroDCB-7-L___1625x7v20
Tab. 21 Prinect MicroDCB-7-L

1.8.4 Prinect MicroDCB-7-S

Control element Prinect MicroDCB-7-S

1 2 3 4
1

Description Quality control strip for color and register control of max. 7 colors (BCMY + X, Z, U) with
control marks for the die cutter.
S = control marks close together for die punching with smaller sheet sizes
Legend Prinect MicroDCB-7-S Format (...) Dipco 20 © 2019 Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG
File names 92/102/105/106 cm: F105_MicroDCB-7-S___1040x7v20
145 cm: F145_MicroDCB-7-S___1430x7v20
162 cm: F162_MicroDCB-7-S___1625x7v20
Tab. 22 Prinect MicroDCB-7-S

A.2.20
 Quality control elements

1.9 MS quality control strip

Control element Prinect MS-8

1 2 3 4
1

The MS-8 (medium size) color reference strip was developed especially for Prinect Easy
Control to enable reliable color control for up to 8 colors per ink zone. Due to its special
design, it can only be used with Prinect Easy Control and Prinect Inpress Control. It is not
suitable for use with Prinect Axis Control or Prinect Image Control (all versions)!
Description Quality control strip for ink control of max. 8 colors (BCMY + X, Z, U, V). 8 solid patches per
zone, patch width 4.06 mm, patch height 6 mm.
This color reference strip can be used with Prinect Easy Control and Prinect Inpress
Control.
Legend Prinect MS-8 format (...) Dipco 20 © 2019 Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG

File names 74/75 cm: F074_MS-8__740x_10v20

92/102/105/106 cm: F105_MS-8___1040x10v20
Tab. 23 Prinect MS-8

1.10 Structure and function of the individual measurement fields

Designation Function
Solid tone patch Solid tone patches check that the
The color abbreviation is shown inking is even across the entire width
above the solid tone patch. of the sheet.

Halftone patch Halftone patches are used for eval‐

The color abbreviation and tone val‐ uating the dot gain.
ue in% are shown above the
B 20 B 40 B 80 halftone patch.

A.2.21
Quality control elements

Designation Function
Slurring fields (slurring and doubling Slurring fields consist of horizontal
field) and vertical lines.
"Slur" and the color abbreviation are Both fields should possess an iden‐
shown above the fields tical tone value (around 50%). Devi‐
ations indicate slurring or doubling.

Slurring and doubling field with In the 4-color version the slurring/
Prinect/FOGRA quality control strip. doubling fields have the standard
measurement field size and can
thus be assessed using measure‐
ment technology. The angling of the
line fields by 60°/0°/120° enables an
exact assessment of what propor‐
tion of the dot gain can be attributed
to slurring or doubling.
In the 5-color version the same line
arrangement is concentrated in one
field. This field is assessed visually.
Ink trapping fields Measurement fields for assessing
The color abbreviations of colors ink trapping in 2- and 3-color com‐
printed on top of each other are posite printing.
shown above the fields.

Gray fields The gray fields are used for gray bal‐
The left-hand gray field is a compos‐ ance control, visual checks and
ite of cyan, magenta and yellow. The evaluation according to the G7
right-hand gray field is a halftone method.
patch in black. Under standardized conditions, the
CMY gray filed and the B gray field
should look virtually the same.

Position mark for Prinect Inpress This field requires Prinect Inpress
Control. Control in order to automatically rec‐
ognize the position of the quality
control strip on the sheet.

Measuring elements for register Prinect Inpress Control requires

control with Prinect Inpress Control. these fields for automatic register
control.

A.2.22
 Quality control elements

Designation Function
Register marks For visual register control.

Process check box (only on Prinect/ The left-hand part consists of a fine
FOGRA_4) screen strip and a line screen as a
comparison scale. While the fine
screen reacts very sensitively to pro‐
cess fluctuations, the tone value of
the comparison scale remains virtu‐
ally stable. Generally, step 3 of the
tone value should correspond with
the fine screen.
The right-hand part enables obser‐
vation of the highlight dots. The 4
fields contain dots with a tone value
of 2% to 5%. The figures indicate the
corresponding tone values.
Tab. 24 Measurement fields

A.2.23
 Quality control elements

2 Mini Spots
DP.901.0001-000UTKENU_09

2.1 Naming conventions for Mini Spots

Note

DP.901.0017-000GRAUND_04
The Mini Spots are in the DipcoMB di‐
rectory. The file names serve as a clas‐
sification characteristic.
● MB_100_0_70_SLUR_(color abbrevia‐
tion)___30x8v13g
These Mini Spots consist of a solid tone patch,
white patch, 70% halftone patch and slurring
patches. Space requirement: 30x8 mm.
● MB_100_0_75_50_25_(color abbrevia‐
tion)___30x8v13g
These Mini Spots consist of a solid tone patch,
white patch and 75%, 50% and 25% halftone
patches. Space requirement: 30x8 mm.
● MB_100_0_80_40_(color abbrevia‐
tion)___24x8v13g
Fig. 3 Directory for Mini Spots These Mini Spots consist of a solid tone patch,
white patch and 80% and 40% halftone patches.
Space requirement: 24x8 mm.
● MB_Process_(color abbreviation)___90x10v13g
These Mini Spots are used for monitoring the
process calibration. These Mini Spots consist of a
13-level scale with halftone patches and slurring
fields. Space requirement: 90x10 mm.
● 12MB_100___72x8v20, PCS_40A___240x8v20,
PCS_40AB___120x14v20,
PCS_60A___360x8v20,
PCS_60AB___180x14v20,
MB_100_70_40_CMYK___78x8v20,
MB_100_75_50_25_CMYK___102x8v20,
MB_100_80_40_5C___96x8v20,
MB_100_80_40_6C___114x8v20,
MB_100_80_40_7C___132x8v20,
MB_100_80_40_CMYK___78x8v20
These are the "multicolored" Mini Spots.
Note
The size of the measurement field is
6 x 6 mm for all Mini Spots.

2.2 Field of application

Using Mini Spots and Prinect ImageControl you can
check the quality of your proofing and printing process
and correct process calibrations and profiles. The Mini
Spots are particularly suited to correcting individual
parameters of the printing process, e.g. changing the
paper or color series.

A.2.24
 Quality control elements

An advantage of Mini Spots is that very little space is

needed on the printing form. Therefore Mini Spots can
often run with standard production jobs and thus sig‐
nificantly reduce the need for special test proofs.
The basis for the successful use of Mini Spots is an
optimal and constant print setting and ongoing moni‐
toring of the process parameters of the printing press.
The ideal fields of application are print motifs with an
area coverage of more than 30% and homogeneous
form design.

Mini Spots for correcting ICC profiles

With the Mini Spots PCS_40A/AB or PCS_60A/AB, it is
possible to check (ICC) profiles and correct them if
necessary.

Mini Spots for correcting process calibrations

If you want to check and correct a process calibration
(dot gain), Mini Spots with 13 measurement fields are
adequate (e.g. MB_100_70_40_CMYK or
MB_100_80_40_CMYK). There are also Mini Spots
with 17 measurement fields
(MB_100_75_50_25_CMYK) and with measurement
fields with finer gradations (MB_Process_13).
● Mini Spots are only suitable for correcting and
customizing existing process calibrations and
profiles. The number of measurement fields is in‐
sufficient for processing a totally new profile or
process calibration.

A.2.25
Quality control elements

2.3 Positioning

DP.901.0000-000GRAUND_00
Fig. 4 Position on the print sheet
Note
Important: Do not scale the Mini Spots.
Leave the size unchanged. Otherwise
Prinect Image Control cannot find the
Mini Spots.
● The positioning of the Mini Spots depends on
their intended purpose. Mini Spots for determin‐
ing the color space and for proof correction
should be arranged vertically and within one ink
zone where possible. Mini Spots for monitoring
the tone value should be arranged horizontally
and only positioned in areas with ink coverage in
the printed image.
● Do not position the Mini Spots near the outer
edges or at the lead edge of print (the shaded
areas in Fig. 4), as this can affect the lateral dis‐
tribution of the inking. Mini Spots only cover a
small measuring surface. This means that they
react much more strongly to fluctuations in the
process, especially inking.
A.2.26
 Quality control elements

● For greater measuring reliability, position two Mi‐

ni Spots on the sheet and/or measure several
consecutive print sheets if possible, and calcu‐
late the average of the measuring results.
● Prinect Signa Station - mark type: Mini Spots are
color control marks.

2.4 Mini Spots in detail

2.4.1 MB_100_70_SLUR

Control element MB_100_0_70_SLUR_color abbreviation

Description Single-line Mini Spot with a solid tone patch, white patch, 70% field and 2 slurring fields
The control element is 30 mm long and 8 mm high.
Recommended use ● Mini Spot for monitoring dot gain taking into account the slurring and doubling behavior
of the printing press.
File names MB_100_0_70_SLUR_(color abbreviation*)___30x8v20
* = Color abbreviation (B, C, M, Y, X, Z, U, V, S1, S2, S3, S4)
Tab. 25 MB_100_70_SLUR

A.2.27
Quality control elements

2.4.2 MB_100_75_50_25

Control element MB_100_0_75_50_25_color abbreviation

Description Single-line Mini Spot with solid tone patch, white patch, 75% field, 50% field and 25% field
The control element is 30 mm long and 8 mm high. The tone values 25 %, 50 % and 75 %
correspond to IdeAlliance specifications for G7 evaluation.
Recommended use ● Mini Spot for checking linearizations and process calibrations for film and plate
File names MB_100_0_75_50_25_(color abbreviation*)___30x8v20
* = Color abbreviation (B, C, M, Y, X, Z, U, V, S1, S2, S3, S4)
Tab. 26 MB_100_75_50_25

2.4.3 MB_100_0_80_40

Control element MB_100_0_80_40_color abbreviation

Description Single-line Mini Spot with solid tone patch, white patch, 80% field and 40% field
The control element is 24 mm long and 8 mm high. The tone value fields 40 % and 80 %
correspond to the specifications of ISO 12647-2 and the PSO.
Recommended use ● Mini Spot for checking linearizations and process calibrations for film and plate
File names MB_100_80_40_(color abbreviation*)___24x8v20
* = Color abbreviation (B, C, M, Y, X, Z, U, V, S1, S2, S3, S4)
Tab. 27 MB_100_0_80_40

A.2.28
 Quality control elements

2.4.4 MB_Process_13

Control element MB_Process_color abbreviation

Description Single-line control element with a 13-stage scale with halftone patches and slurring fields
The control element is 90 mm long and 10 mm high.
Recommended use ● Color strip for creating and checking linearizations and process calibrations for film and
plate
File names MB_Process_(color abbreviation*)__90x10v20
* = Color abbreviation (B, C, M, Y, X, Z, U, V, S1, S2, S3, S4)
Tab. 28 MB_Process_13

2.4.5 12MB_100

Control element 12MB_100

Description Single-line control element with solid tone patches in 12 colors

The control element is 72 mm long and 8 mm high.
Recommended use ● For copy-related ink control (for instance, packaging with special colors) or controlling
individual motifs on mixed forms.
● For checking the chromaticity locus and density of the solids
File names 12MB_100___72x8v20
Tab. 29 12MB_100
A.2.29
Quality control elements

2.4.6 MB_100_70_40_CMYK

Control element MB_100_70_40_CMYK

Description Single-line control element with solid tone patch, 70% and 40% field in 4 colors for process
monitoring
The control element is 78 mm long and 8 mm high.
Recommended use ● Color strips for quality analyses in printing (solids, dot gain)
● Color strips for monitoring process calibrations
File names MB_100_70_40_CMYK___78x8v20
Tab. 30 MB_100_70_40_CMYK

2.4.7 MB_100_75_50_25_CMYK

Control element MB_100_75_50_25_CMYK

Description Single-line control element with solid tone patch, 75%, 50% and 25% field in 4 colors for
process monitoring
The control element is 102 mm long and 8 mm high.
Recommended use ● Color strips for quality analyses in printing (solids, dot gain)
● Color strips for monitoring process calibrations
File names MB_100_75_50_25_CMYK___102x8v20
Tab. 31 MB_100_75_50_25_CMYK

A.2.30
 Quality control elements

2.4.8 MB_100_80_40

Control element MB_100_80_40_(CMYK, 5c, 6c, 7c)

Description Single-line control element with solid tone patch, 80% and 40% field in 4, 5, 6 or 7 colors for
process monitoring.
Size of measuring elements:
Prinect MB_100_80_40_CMYK____78x8v20 78 mm long and 8 mm high.
Prinect MB_100_80_40_5c___96x8v20 = 96 mm long and 8 mm high.
Prinect MB_100_80_40_6c___114x8v20 = 114 mm long and 8 mm high.
Prinect MB_100_80_40_7c___132x8v20 = 132 mm long and 8 mm high.
Recommended use ● Color strips for quality analyses in printing (solids, dot gain)
● Color strips for monitoring process calibrations
File names MB_100_80_40_CMYK___78x8v20
MB_100_80_40_5c__96x8v20
MB_100_80_40_6c__114x8v20
MB_100_80_40_7c__132x8v20
Tab. 32 MB_100_80_40

2.4.9 PCS 40AB Control Strip

Control element PCS 40AB Control Strip

Description 2-lined control element with 40 fields for process monitoring and color measuring data in 4
colors
The control element is 120 mm long and 14 mm high.
Recommended use ● Color strip for quality evaluation of proofing and printing (solids, dot gain, color space
size)

A.2.31
Quality control elements

Control element PCS 40AB Control Strip

● Color strip for monitoring ICC profiles and process calibrations
File names PCS_40AB___120x14v20
Tab. 33 PCS 40AB Control Strip

2.4.10 PCS 40A Control Strip

Control element PCS 40A Control Strip

Description Single-line control element with 40 fields for process monitoring and conversion of color
measuring data in 4 colors
The same values as PCS Control Strip 40 (second line attached to the first)
The control element is 240 mm long and 8 mm high.
Recommended use ● (Solids, dot gain, color space size)
● Color strip for monitoring ICC profiles and process calibrations
File names PCS_40A___240x8v20
Tab. 34 PCS 40A Control Strip

2.4.11 PCS 60AB Control Strip

Control element PCS 60AB Control Strip

Description 2-line control element with 60 fields for process monitoring and converting color measuring
data to 4 colors.
The control element is 180 mm long and 14 mm high.
Recommended use ● Color strip for quality evaluations of proof and print (solids, dot gain, color space size)
● Color strip for monitoring ICC profiles and process calibrations
File names PCS_60AB___180x14v20
Tab. 35 PCS 60AB Control Strip

2.4.12 PCS 60A Control Strip

Control element PCS 60A Control Strip

Description Single-line control element with 60 fields for process monitoring and converting color mea‐
suring data
The same values as PCS Control Strip 60 (second line attached to the first)
The control element is 360 mm long and 8 mm high.
Recommended use ● Color strip for quality evaluations of proof and print (solids, dot gain, color space size)

A.2.32
 Quality control elements

Control element PCS 60A Control Strip

● Color strip for monitoring ICC profiles and process calibrations
File names PCS_60A___360x8v20
Tab. 36 PCS 60A Control Strip

A.2.33
 Quality control elements

3 Control marks for Prinect Auto Register

DP.901.0003-000UTKENU_07

3.1 General notes

Prinect Auto Register is no longer manufactured. How‐
ever, there are many printing presses that are
equipped with Prinect Auto Register.

Control marks for Prinect Auto Register

The control marks for Prinect Auto Register are in the
directory DipcoAR.
Naming conventions

DP.901.0037-000GRAUND_02
Example: 4AR_R____106x90v20.pdf
1 Color number
The file name starts with the color number (in the ex‐
ample: 4 colors).
The control marks are available from 4 to 16 colors in
gradations of 2: 4AR, 6AR, 8AR ... 16AR.
2 Mark type
The following letters identify the type of mark (in the
example: A control mark with search mark for the right-
hand side of the sheet).
AR = control mark without search mark.
AR_L = control mark with search mark for the left-hand
side of the sheet.
AR_L = control mark with search mark for the right-
hand side of the sheet.
3 Size
The following part of the file name indicates the size
(width x height) of the control mark (in the example:
The control mark is 106x90 = 106 mm wide and 90 mm
high).
4 Version
The file name ends with the version number.

Fig. 5 Files in the directory

A.2.34
 Quality control elements

DP.901.0003-000GRAUND_00
3

1 2
2

Fig. 6 Control marks

Control mark without search mark (AR)
● This control mark with no search mark (Fig. 6/1)
can be positioned on both the left and right-hand
edge of the sheet. This control mark consists of
the crosshairs for visual monitoring (Fig. 6/3) and
the measurement fields area for Prinect Auto
Register (Fig. 6/4).
Control marks with search mark (AR_L and AR_R)
The control marks AR_L and AR_R, Fig. 6/2 consist of
crosshairs, measurement fields and the additional
search mark (Fig. 6/5), which enable the exact position
of the control mark to be found quickly without user
input.
Mode of operation: The Prinect Auto Register sensors
position themselves on the edges of the sheet on the
basis of the print material format entered. From here
they gradually move toward the center of the press and
search for the search marks. The exact position of the
control mark is then calculated from the sensing ratio
between the diagonal lines and the parallel lines. Thus
it is no longer necessary to enter the control mark po‐
sitions in mm or use the ink zone control panel.

A.2.35
Quality control elements

3.2 Notes on assembly

The control marks carry the HEIDELBERG color ab‐
breviation: B C M Y X Z U V S1 S2 S3 ... Furthermore
there are crosshairs in front of and behind the control
marks, enabling visual register control. With the de‐
fined line spacing of 0.2 mm in color separation B,
register deviations can be estimated very accurately.

The following applies to all control marks:

● The control marks should start at least 100 mm
from the lead edge of sheet (reflections on the
grippers cause the Prinect Auto Register sensor
to malfunction).
● Position the control marks as far as possible from
the rear edge of the sheet (measuring errors can
arise from the sheet turning up or fluttering after
the printing nip).
The following applies to the control marks with a
search mark:
● There are control marks with a search mark
(Fig. 7/1 and 8/1) for the left-hand (AR_L) and
right-hand edge of the sheet (AR_R) respective‐
ly. They have to be positioned in such a way that
the search marks print beyond the edge of the
sheet (Fig. 7/2 and 8/2). The following figures
show examples of assembly for a small (Fig. 7)
and large (Fig. 8) distance of the search mark
from the sheet edge.

DP.901.0001-000GRAUND_00

1
1

Fig. 7 Assembly with a small distance from the sheet edge

A.2.36
 Quality control elements

DP.901.0002-000GRAUND_00
2
2

1
1

Fig. 8 Assembly with a large distance from the sheet edge

A.2.37
 Quality control elements

4 Measuring marks for paper stretch compensation

DP.901.0011-000UTKENU_08

4.1 Contents of the DipcoPSC directory

The directory contains the files of the measuring marks

DP.901.0010-000GRAUND_02
for the paper stretch compensation.

Naming conventions
The file name provides some information on the type of
the measuring marks.
Example: PSC+-0.8mm_4V__2x22v20
● PSC+-0.8mm_ = paper stretch compensation
measuring range +- 0.8 mm.
● 4 = number of colors.
There are measuring marks for 4, 5, 6, 8, 10 and
12 colors.
● V = for vertical assembly.
H = for horizontal assembly.
● 2x22 = width x height of the measuring mark, in
this case 2 mm x 22 mm.
● v20 = version.
Fig. 9 Contents of the DipcoPSC directory

4.2 Field of application

The paper can stretch while traveling from printing unit
to printing unit during the printing process, as a result
of which the individual separations might not match up
precisely. The "paper stretch compensation" function
in Prinect Production Manager (MetaDimension, ren‐
derer) compensates this stretching with a digital dis‐
tortion by the same factor as the paper had stretched
when arriving at the respective printing unit.
With the aid of the measuring marks for paper stretch
compensation, the paper stretch is detected in a range
of +-0.8 mm. You then enter the recorded measured
values in Prinect Production Manager.

4.3 Positioning
You need at least 4 measuring marks, which you place
in the corners of the print sheet. Prinect Production
Manager can take a maximum of 9 measuring marks
on a print sheet into consideration. You can find notes
regarding use and placement in the Prinect Production
Manager manual.
Note
Important: The measuring marks must
not be turned during assembly. This
leads to the prefixes (+ or -) of the read‐
ing value becoming mixed up.

A.2.38
 Quality control elements

4.4 Notes on reading the measuring marks

DP.901.0084-000GRAUND_00
1

Fig. 10 Evaluation black/cyan

The measuring marks consist of a "rule" (the refer‐
ence, Fig. 10/1) and individual lines (Fig. 10/2). The
"rule" is firmly assigned to the color abbreviation "B".
To improve reading accuracy, ensure that the darkest
color is always assigned to "B" (and thereby the "rule").
The individual lines (Fig. 10/2) are printed in the other
colors.
The lines deviate from the zero line of the "rule" de‐
pending on the extent to which the paper is stretched.
Read off these deviations of the print sheet. Enter the
values in Prinect Production Manager into the corre‐
sponding table in the "Compensation values" tab. You
also have to determine where the individual measuring
marks are situated on the print sheet in the "Reference
points" tab.

A.2.39
Quality control elements

4.5 Measuring marks for paper stretch compensation in detail

4.5.1 PSC+-0.8mm_4/5/6/8/10/12H

Control element PSC+-0.8mm_4/5/6/8/10/12H

Description Horizontal measuring marks for compensating the paper stretch

Dimensions of the control elements:
● 4 colors: 22 mm x 2 mm
● 5 colors: 28 mm x 2 mm
● 6 colors: 34 mm x 2 mm
● 8 colors: 40 mm x 2 mm
● 10 colors: 46 mm x 2 mm
● 12 colors: 52 mm x 2 mm
File names ● 4 colors: PSC+-0.8mm_4H___22x2v20
● 5 colors: PSC+-0.8mm5_H___28x2v20
● 6 colors: PSC+-0.8mm6_H___34x2v20
● 8 colors: PSC+-0.8mm8_H___40x2v20
● 10 colors: PSC+-0.8mm10H___46x2v20
● 12 colors: PSC+-0.8mm12H___52x2v20
Tab. 37 PSC+-0.8mm_4/5/6/8/10/12H

A.2.40
 Quality control elements

4.5.2 PSC+-0.8mm_4/5/6/8/10/12V

Control element PSC+-0.8mm_4/5/6/8/10/12V

Description Horizontal measuring marks for compensating the paper stretch

Dimensions of the control elements:
● 4 colors: 2 mm x 22 mm
● 5 colors: 2 mm x 28 mm
● 6 colors: 2 mm x 34 mm
● 8 colors: 2 mm x 40 mm
● 10 colors: 2 mm x 46 mm
● 12 colors: 2 mm x 52 mm
File names ● 4 colors: PSC+-0.8mm_4V___2x22v20
● 5 colors: PSC+-0.8mm_5V___2x28v20
● 6 colors: PSC+-0.8mm_6V___2x34v20
● 8 colors: PSC+-0.8mm_8V___2x40v20
● 10 colors: PSC+-0.8mm10V___2x46v20
● 12 colors: PSC+-0.8mm12V___2x52v20
Tab. 38 PSC+-0.8mm_4/5/6/8/10/12V

A.2.41
 Quality control elements

5 APSC measuring marks for automatic paper stretch compensation

DP.901.0022-000UTKENU_00

5.1 Contents of the DipcoAPSC directory

The directory contains the files of the measuring marks

DP.901.0125-000GRAUND_00
for the automatic paper stretch compensation.

Naming conventions
The file name provides some information on the type of
Fig. 11 Contents of the DipcoAPSC directory the measuring marks.
Example: APSC-4__10x7v20
● APSC = Automatic Paper Stretch Compensation.
● 4 = number of colors.
There are measuring marks for 4 and 8 colors.
● 10x7 = width x height of the measuring mark, in
this case 10 mm x 7 mm.
● v20 = version (in this case Dipco 20).

5.2 Field of application

The paper can stretch while traveling from printing unit
to printing unit during the printing process, as a result
of which the individual separations might not match up
precisely.
With the APSC measuring marks and a USB digital
microscope, you can measure paper stretch for up to
8 printing units. The APSC software automatically cal‐
culates the correction parameters, either by means of
measurement series with different papers and color
assignments or by means of individual compensation.
The paper stretch is corrected using a digital distortion
by the same factor that is applied during plate imaging.
The APSC-8 measuring mark (Fig. 12) is new. The
DP.901.0127-000GRAUND_00

colors on this mark are BCMYXZUV. You can also use

the mark if you want to measure fewer than 8 colors.

Fig. 12 APSC-8 measuring mark

A.2.42
 Quality control elements

The APSC-4 measuring mark (Fig. 13) is compatible

DP.901.0128-000GRAUND_00
with the TECHKON ® iRegister measuring mark. The
colors on this mark are BCMY. The mark can be mea‐
sured with a digital microscope or with a smartphone
using the TECHKON ® iRegister Pro app.

Fig. 13 APSC-4 measuring mark

Information on the measuring mark
DP.901.0137-000GRAUND_00
● The two reference dots (black color dots in the
bottom row, Fig. 14/1) must face toward the grip‐
per edge/lead edge of print.
● Every measuring mark contains color dots that
are printed in a specific printing unit. Every color
1 dot has a defined position within the measuring
1 mark. The paper stretch is determined through a
comparison of the actual position with the refer‐
Fig. 14 Reference dots ence position and the two reference dots.
Note
For information on positioning the mea‐
suring marks and performing the mea‐
surement, see chapter B Other, section
Information on APSC measuring marks
and the online help of Prinect Automatic
Paper Stretch Compensation.

A.2.43
 Quality control elements

6 Control elements in the Discontinued directory

DP.901.0007-000UTKENU_06

6.1 Contents of the Discontinued directory

The directory contains all control elements that have
been "frozen" to their condition from an earlier version.
These control elements have not been developed fur‐
ther. You can continue to use these control elements in
order to maintain continuity with your previous work‐
flow.
Note
The control elements from Dipco 2.1
have no "intelligent" functions (crop
recognition, automatic acceptance of
color designation) and are not suitable
for use with Prinect Inpress Control. We
therefore recommend that you use the
new control elements. The Mini Spots
are at version 4.5 and have the "intelli‐
gent" functions.
Please be aware that Heidelberg no longer offers
maintenance of these control elements. This might re‐
sult in the output of incorrect data, particularly when
using new workflows, RIPs or PDF versions. Heidel‐
berg accepts no responsibility for this and is not
obliged to adapt these control elements to the new
conditions in any way.

6.2 Mini Spots without white patches

6.2.1 MB_100_70_SLUR

Control element MB_100_70_SLUR *

Description Single-line Mini Spot with a solid tone patch, 70% field and 2 slurring fields
The control element is 24 mm long and 8 mm high.
Recommended use ● Mini Spot for monitoring dot gain taking into account the slurring and doubling behavior
of the printing press.
File names Files: MB_100_70_SLUR_*___24x_8_V4.5

A.2.44
 Quality control elements

Control element MB_100_70_SLUR *

* = Color abbreviation (B, C, M, Y, X, Z, U, V, S1, S2, S3, S4)
Tab. 39 MB_100_70_SLUR

6.2.2 MB_100_75_50_25

Control element MB_100_75_50_25 *

Description Single-line Mini Spot with solid tone patch, 75% field, 50% field and 25% field
The control element is 24 mm long and 8 mm high.
Recommended use ● Mini Spot for checking linearizations and process calibrations for film and plate
File names Files: MB_100_75_50_25_*__24x_8_V4.5
* = Color abbreviation (B, C, M, Y, X, Z, U, V, S1, S2, S3, S4)
Tab. 40 MB_100_75_50_25

6.2.3 MB_100_80_40

Control element MB_100_80_40 *

Description Single-line Mini Spot with solid tone patch, 80% field and 40% field
The control element is 18 mm long and 8 mm high.

A.2.45
Quality control elements

Control element MB_100_80_40 *

Recommended use ● Mini Spot for checking linearizations and process calibrations for film and plate
File names Files: MB_100_80_40_*__18x_8_V4.5
* = Color abbreviation (B, C, M, Y, X, Z, U, V, S1, S2, S3, S4)
Tab. 41 MB_100_80_40

6.3 Prinect 6GS quality control strip

Control element Prinect 6GS

1 2 3 4
1

Description Quality control strip for gray balance control of cyan, magenta and yellow for 6 colors (BCMY
+ 2 special colors X, Z). The halftone patches and combined printing fields enable versatile
evaluations.
In combination with the Prinect 6S+ quality control strip, up to 12 colors can be controlled with
the first generation of Prinect Image Control. This function is not possible with Prinect Image
Control NG or Prinect Image Control 3.
Legend Prinect 6GS Dipco 2.1 Format (...) © 2004 Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG
File names 52 cm: 6GS_F52_510x12
74/75 cm: 6GS_F74_740x12
102/105/106 cm: 6GS_F102_1040x12
Tab. 42 Prinect 6GS

A.2.46
 Quality control elements

6.4 6PK (control element for CPC 41)

Control element 6PK

Description Control element for register controlling with CPC 41 (register reader) for a maximum of 6
colors
File names 6PK_27x27
Tab. 43 6PK

6.5 Prinect/FOGRA quality control strip

6.5.1 Prinect/FOGRA 4

Control element Prinect/FOGRA 4

1 2 3 4
1

Description Quality control strip for ink control by solids in 4 colors (BCMY). The additional halftone
patches, slurring and doubling fields and plate imaging control fields allow more evaluations.
Legend Prinect/FOGRA 4 Dipco 2.1 Format (...) © 2004 FOGRA/Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG
File names 52 cm: FOGRA_4_F52_510x10
74/75 cm: FOGRA_4_F74_740x10
102/105/106 cm: FOGRA_4_F102_1040x10
Tab. 44 Prinect/FOGRA 4

A.2.47
Quality control elements

6.5.2 Prinect/FOGRA 5

Control element Prinect/FOGRA 5

1 2 3 4
1

Description Quality control strip for ink control by solids in 5 colors (BCMY + special color X). The ad‐
ditional halftone patches, slurring and doubling fields and plate imaging control fields allow
more evaluations.
Legend Prinect/FOGRA 5 Dipco 2.1 Format (...) © 2004 FOGRA/Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG
File names 52 cm: FOGRA_5_F52_510x10
74/75 cm: FOGRA_5_F74_740x10
102/105/106 cm: FOGRA_5_F102_1040x10
Tab. 45 Prinect/FOGRA 5

6.5.3 Prinect/FOGRA 6

Control element Prinect/FOGRA 6

1 2 3 4
1

Description Quality control strip for ink control by solids in 6 colors (BCMY + special colors X and Z). The
additional halftone patches and plate imaging control fields allow more evaluations.
Legend Prinect/FOGRA 6 Dipco 2.1 Format (...) © 2004 FOGRA/Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG
File names 52 cm: FOGRA_6_F52_510x10
74/75 cm: FOGRA_6_F74_740x10
102/105/106 cm: FOGRA_6_F102_1040x10
Tab. 46 Prinect/FOGRA 6
A.2.48
 Quality control elements

6.6 MB_Process step wedges

6.6.1 MB_Process_13

Control element MB_Process_13

Prinect MB Process 13 Dipco 2.1 © 2004 Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG

Description Single-line control element with 13 steps for plate monitoring

Recommended use ● Control element for creating and checking linearizations and process calibrations for film
and plate
Legend Prinect MB Process 13 Dipco 2.1 © 2004 Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG
File names MB_Process_13_78x8
Tab. 47 MB_Process_13

6.6.2 MB_Process_25

Control element MB_Process_25

Prinect MB Process 25 Dipco 2.1 © 2004 Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG

Description Single-line control element with 25 steps for plate monitoring

Recommended use ● Control element for creating and checking linearizations and process calibrations for film
and plate
Legend Prinect MB Process 25 Dipco 2.1 © 2004 Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG
File names MB_Process_25_150x8
Tab. 48 MB_Process_25

A.2.49
Quality control elements

A.2.50
 Main chapter overview

B Other

Other ................................................................................................................................................. B.1.1

1 Notes on assembling and positioning Dipco elements ............................................................ B.1.1

1.1 General notes for prepress ........................................................................................... B.1.1
1.2 Horizontal alignment ..................................................................................................... B.1.1
1.3 General notes for the printer ......................................................................................... B.1.3

2 Information on APSC measuring marks .................................................................................. B.1.5

2.1 Placement ..................................................................................................................... B.1.5
2.2 Measuring device .......................................................................................................... B.1.6
2.3 Initial setup - creating profiles for the measuring marks and digital microscope ........... B.1.6
2.4 Measurement and evaluation ........................................................................................ B.1.8

3 Prinect Easy Control ............................................................................................................... B.1.11

3.1 Notes on assembly ........................................................................................................ B.1.11

4 Prinect Axis Control on Prinect CP2000 Center ...................................................................... B.1.12

4.1 Notes on assembly ........................................................................................................ B.1.12

5 Prinect Axis Control on Prinect Press Center and Press Center XL 2 .................................... B.1.13
5.1 Notes on assembly ........................................................................................................ B.1.13

6 Prinect Inpress Control ............................................................................................................ B.1.17

6.1 Printing with the minimum sheet size ............................................................................. B.1.17
6.2 Notes on assembly ........................................................................................................ B.1.18
6.3 Notes for measuring chromatic colors on an opaque white surface .............................. B.1.20

7 Prinect Image Control manufactured up to 2010 .................................................................... B.1.22

7.1 Notes on assembly ........................................................................................................ B.1.22

8 Prinect Image Control NG and Prinect Image Control 3 ......................................................... B.1.23

8.1 Notes on assembly ........................................................................................................ B.1.23
8.2 Notes for controlling opaque white ................................................................................. B.1.24

9 Generating PDF files ............................................................................................................... B.1.27

9.1 When do you not have to generate any PDF files yourself? .......................................... B.1.27
9.2 When do you have to generate PDF files yourself? ....................................................... B.1.27
9.3 Setting the output resolution ......................................................................................... B.1.28
9.4 Generating PDF files without "PostScript XObjects" ...................................................... B.1.28

B. 1
Main chapter overview

B. 2
 Other

1 Notes on assembling and positioning Dipco elements

DP.901.0012-000UTKENU_03
Other
1.1 General notes for prepress
● You must not alter the dimensions of the quality
control strips (compressing, distorting).
● Do not crop the height of the measurement fields
of the quality control strips.
● Ensure that no elements to be printed, e.g. crop
marks or side marks, are within the quality control
strips or at the side of them.
● Some measuring systems require a gap between
the quality control strip and the left or right edge of
the sheet (please note the following notes for the
Prinect measuring systems). This gap (maximum
5 mm) is needed for the detection of the paper
white and the position of the quality control strip.
● You must choose color reference strips that are
suitable for the model line (sheet width) of the
press. This also applies when the minimum sheet
size is used. If the sheet width is smaller than the
width of the quality control strip, you have to cut
off the protruding ends of the quality control strip.
Prinect Signa Station usually does this automat‐
ically in the Prinect workflow.

1.2 Horizontal alignment

DP.901.0044-000GRAUND_00
1

Fig. 1 Center mark

Always align to the center of the press
Position the quality control strips centrally toward the
center of the press. This also applies to off-center
printing. Generally the center of the sheet is also the
center of the press. With quality control strips the cen‐
ter is marked by a small triangle (▲) (Fig. 1/1) in the line
below the measurement fields.
● Sheet width 52 cm: The press has 16 ink zones.
The center of the press is between ink zones 8
and 9.
● Sheet width 74/75 cm: The press has 23 ink
zones. The center of the press is in the center of
ink zone 12.
● Sheet width 102/105/106 cm: The press has 32
ink zones. The center of the press is between ink
zones 16 and 17.

B.1.1
Other

● Sheet width 145 cm: The press has 44 ink zones.

The center of the press is between ink zones 22
and 23.
● Sheet width 162 cm: The press has 50 ink zones.
The center of the press is between ink zones 25
and 26.

DP.901.0086-000GRAUND_00
1 2

Fig. 2 Quality control strip, cropped field

● The quality control strips must end in line with a
full measurement field on the left and right
(Fig. 2/1). Bled measurement fields (Fig. 2/2) re‐
sult in incorrect measurements.

DP.901.0087-000GRAUND_00
1

Fig. 3 Quality control strip, partially offset

● Prinect color measuring systems only process
quality control strips on one level (Fig. 3/1). In‐
terrupted and offset quality control strips
(Fig. 3/2) cannot be measured.
● To facilitate identification of colors, ink zones and
other information you should not cut off the leg‐
end of the quality control strips. The empty space
between the measurement fields and the printed
image or the sheet edge guarantees the perfect
functioning of the Prinect color measuring sys‐
tems.
● In addition, in cases where no paper white is nec‐
essary between the measurement field and the
printed image you should always provide at least
1 mm of paper white at the top and bottom to en‐
sure a trouble-free measuring procedure. This
also applies when positioning at the gripper edge.
This can prevent an unclean print.

B.1.2
 Other

DP.901.0088-000GRAUND_00
1

Fig. 4 Off-center printing material

Off-center printing
You must always mount the quality control strip cen‐
tered to the center of the press (Fig. 4/3). This also
applies when the printing material (Fig. 4/2) runs off-
center through the press. Only alignment to the center
of the press allows correct control of the ink zones
(Fig. 4/1).

1.3 General notes for the printer

DP.901.0098-000GRAUND_00

Fig. 5 Incorrectly printed quality control strip

● Ensure that the quality control strips are printed
completely and with sharp, clean edges (not as in
Fig. 5 in the area in the red box). The quality con‐
trol strips must never protrude into the gripper
margin or over the rear edge of the sheet and
must not print at the edge of the blanket.
● Avoid smearing and scumming when printing.
● Correct measuring results are only achieved
when the quality control strips are printed on a
white background.

B.1.3
Other

Note: An opaque white background cannot be

measured and controlled with most Prinect color
measuring systems. As the coloring depends on
the thickness of the opaque white, fluctuating
measured values may result. Heidelberg does
not guarantee correct results.
● If individual measurement fields were cut out in
prepress, e.g. to prevent smearing caused by the
sheet brakes, you have to disable the ink zones
concerned on the Prinect color measuring sys‐
tem and control them manually.
Coating
Coat the quality control strips either completely or not
at all. Partial coating causes incorrect measurements.
If you coat the quality control strips, you need to adapt
the target color values accordingly.

B.1.4
 Other

2 Information on APSC measuring marks

DP.901.0021-000UTKENU_00

2.1 Placement
You need 4 or 6 or 9 measuring marks. The more

DP.901.0129-000GRAUND_00
measuring marks you use, the more accurate the com‐
pensation. See figures 6, 7 and 8 for possible layouts.
1 1 For more information on the use and placement of the
marks, see the online help of Prinect Automatic Paper
Stretch Compensation.

1 1

Fig. 6 4 measuring marks

DP.901.0130-000GRAUND_00

Fig. 7 6 measuring marks

Note
DP.901.0131-000GRAUND_00

Place the measuring marks (except the

1 ones in the center of the sheet) 15 mm
away from the sheet edge. Do not rotate
or scale the measuring marks. The two
reference dots (black dots printed with
B) must face toward the gripper edge/
lead edge of print.

Fig. 8 9 measuring marks

B.1.5
Other

2.2 Measuring device

You need a digital microscope (Fig. 9) for the mea‐

DP.901.0132-000GRAUND_00
surement. Equipment features:
1 ● Resolution at least 1280 x 1024 pixels
● Polarization Filter
● USB port
● Integrated white light source
You can use the digital microscope Dino-Lite
AM4515ZT, for instance.
For the APSC-4 measuring mark, you can also use a
smartphone with the TECHKON ® iRegister Pro app.
For more information, see the online documentation
for Prinect APSC.

Fig. 9 Digital microscope

2.3 Initial setup - creating profiles for the measuring marks and digital microscope
For the initial setup, you must create a profile in Prinect
DP.901.0136-000GRAUND_00

1 Automatic Paper Stretch Compensation (Prinect

APSC) for each measuring mark type and each digital
microscope or other image capture device.
● You need a print sheet from the press with printed
measuring marks, no proofs or inkjet prints.
● The print sheet must be flat during the measure‐
ment. It must not be folded, creased or damaged.
● The measuring marks must be printed in perfect
quality.
2 1. Start the Prinect APSC software. Go to Settings.
Select Mark profiles (Fig. 10/1).
2. Select Create (Fig. 10/2). The dialog box "Create
Fig. 10 Dialog box for creating profiles profile" (Fig. 11) is displayed.

3. Select the measuring mark type (APSC 4 or AP‐

DP.901.0140-000GRAUND_00

SC 8) from the list box Mark (Fig. 11/3).

3 4. The list box Camera shows all image capture de‐
vices connected to the computer. If only one dig‐
1 4 ital microscope is connected, it will be displayed
here. If several digital microscopes/image cap‐
ture devices are connected: Select the digital mi‐
croscope you want to use for the measurement
2 5 (Fig. 11/4).
6 5. Place the digital microscope on the mark to be
2 measured.
The preview (Fig. 11/5) shows the image of the micro‐
scope.
6. Adjust the digital microscope until all color dots
Fig. 11 Dialog box "Create profile"
are within the red frame (Fig. 11/5). The black
frame of the measuring mark must be outside the

B.1.6
 Other

red frame. You can adjust the size of the red

frame in case of need.
7. When the red frame is positioned correctly, take a
picture of the measuring mark (green image but‐
ton, Fig. 11/6).
The dialog box Assign colors is displayed.
Assign colors

DP.901.0141-000GRAUND_00
The dialog box Assign colors consists of the pattern
(Fig. 12/1), the preview (Fig. 12/2) and the Colors table
(Fig. 12/4).
4

3
2

Fig. 12 Dialog box "Assign colors"

8. Click on a color dot in the pattern (Fig. 12/1).
Then click on the corresponding color point in the
microscope image (Fig. 12/2).
You can only assign color dots that were printed. The
example in Fig. 12 shows a printed 7-color form. In this
example, you cannot assign color 8 (X).
When you have assigned a color, the color is displayed
in the Colors list (Fig. 12/4). In the case of special col‐
ors, the color dot in the pattern is not displayed in gray,
but in the respective color.
9. You can undo a color assignment with the Undo
button (Fig. 12/3).
10. When all colors have been assigned (in the list in
DP.901.0142-000GRAUND_00

Fig. 13/1), save the mark profile with the Save as

button (Fig. 13/2).
The mark profile will be saved with the specified name
1 and is then ready for use.

Fig. 13 Dialog box "Assign colors"

B.1.7
Other

2.4 Measurement and evaluation

Measure

DP.901.0143-000GRAENU_00
1. Open the panel Measurement data and
characteristic curves (Fig. 14).
2. Select Measured Data Characteristic Curve
Measured Data & Characteristic Curves
(Fig. 14/1) if you plan to use the measurement
Create data to create a general correction based on a
characteristic curve.
1 2
Select Measured Data Individual (Fig. 14/2) if you
Measured Data Characteristic Curve Measured Data Individual want to use the data to correct an individual job.
For more details regarding these options, see the
Fig. 14 Panel "Measurement data and characteristic Prinect APSC documentation.
curves" The job list of the measurement editor (Fig. 15) is dis‐
played.
3. Select a job from the Job List (Fig. 15/1).
DP.901.0144-000GRAUND_00
4. Click Create (Fig. 15/3).
The dialog box for the measurement data (Fig. 16)
opens.
1

Fig. 15 Measurement editor, job list

5. In the selection area Marks, choose the number
DP.901.0148-000GRAUND_00

of measuring marks (4, 6 or 9) (Fig. 16/1).

1 6. Click Measure (Fig. 16/2).

Fig. 16 Dialog box "Measurement data"

B.1.8
 Other

7. Select the measuring mark profile (Fig. 17/1).

DP.901.0133-000GRAUND_00
1 This will automatically select the correct measur‐
ing mark and digital microscope.
8. Double-check to ensure that the correct measur‐
ing mark and digital microscope have been se‐
3 lected.
4 ● You need a print sheet from the press with printed
measuring marks, no proofs or inkjet prints.
● The print sheet must be flat during the measure‐
ment. It must not be folded, creased or damaged.
● The measuring marks must be printed in perfect
2 quality.
9. You can now measure the marks manually or us‐
Fig. 17 Dialog box "Measurement editor" ing the wizard.
● With the wizard: Click on the green arrow
(Fig. 17/2). In the measuring marks panel
(Fig. 17/4), the next mark to be measured
displayed in black/yellow. The sequence is
left to right and top row (tail edge) to bottom
row (lead edge of print).
● Manually: In the measuring marks panel,
click on the mark (Fig. 17/3) you want to
measure.
Once the mark to be measured is selected or dis‐
played, the camera dialog (Fig. 19) is opened.
10. Place the digital microscope on the mark to be
DP.901.0149-000GRAUND_00

measured.
11. Adjust the digital microscope until all color dots
are visible in the preview box (as in Fig. 18/1).
12. Take a picture of the measuring mark.
● Measurement with the wizard: The digital
microscope takes a picture of the measur‐
ing mark after a set delay. The seconds re‐
1
maining are displayed as red dots in the
2 preview box (Fig. 18/1).
2 ● Manual measurement: Press the green im‐
age button (Fig. 18/2).

Fig. 18 Dialog box "Camera before image capture"

B.1.9
Other

All detected color dots are marked with a yellow circle.

DP.901.0145-000GRAUND_00
1 The measurement is good if the centers of the yellow
circles coincide with the centers of the color dots and
the cross-hatch lines intersect in the centers of the ref‐
3 erence dots (Fig. 19/1).
13. You can repeat the measurement with the blue
Back button (Fig. 19/4).
14. If a color is not detected, choose the selection
field Manual. Click on the undetected color dot in
the pattern and pull the dot onto the correspond‐
ing color dot in the preview (Fig. 19/2).
If you are using the 4-color measuring mark for a 7-
color multicolor measurement, the missing colors are
assigned average values from the adjacent printing
units.

2 4

Fig. 19 Dialog box "Camera after image capture"

If the measurement was successful, the measured
DP.901.0146-000GRAUND_00

mark is turns green.

15. When all measuring marks are green (Fig. 20/1),
1 the measurement cycle is complete. Click Apply
(Fig. 20/2) to save the measuring results and be‐
gin the calculation.

Fig. 20 Dialog box "Measurement editor"

Paper stretch is calculated and displayed in the panel
DP.901.0147-000GRAUND_00

(Fig. 21/1).
16. Apply the calculation with the Apply button
(Fig. 21/2).
The measurement process is complete.

Fig. 21 Display of paper stretch

B.1.10
 Other

3 Prinect Easy Control

DP.901.0013-000UTKENU_01

3.1 Notes on assembly

DP.901.0089-000GRAUND_00
2

3 3
1

Fig. 22 Mounting Prinect Easy Control

● You can mount the quality control strip at any po‐
sition you wish between the gripper margin
(Fig. 22/1) and the rear edge of sheet (Fig. 22/2).
● In order to facilitate the automatic paper white
measurement and detection of the quality control
strip, there must be at least 5 mm of paper white
between the lateral sheet edges and the start of
the quality control strip (Fig. 22/3).
● You can position the quality control strip directly
next to the printed image or inside the trim zone.
To avoid incorrect measurements you should
provide 1 mm of paper white at the top and bot‐
tom between the measurement fields and the
printed image.
● Prinect Easy Control requires quality control
strips with a measurement field size 5 mm wide
and 6 mm high or the Prinect MS-8 quality control
strip.

B.1.11
 Other

4 Prinect Axis Control on Prinect CP2000 Center

DP.901.0014-000UTKENU_00

4.1 Notes on assembly

DP.901.0090-000GRAUND_00
2

3 3
1

Fig. 23 Mounting Prinect Axis Control on Prinect CP2000 Center

● You can mount the quality control strip at any po‐
sition you wish between the gripper margin
(Fig. 23/1) and the rear edge of sheet (Fig. 23/2).
● In order to facilitate the automatic paper white
measurement and detection of the quality control
strip, there must be at least 5 mm of paper white
between the lateral sheet edges and the start of
the quality control strip (Fig. 23/3).
● You can position the quality control strip directly
next to the printed image or inside the trim zone.
To avoid incorrect measurements you should
provide 1 mm of paper white at the top and bot‐
tom between the measurement fields and the
printed image.
● Prinect AxisControl on Prinect CP2000 Center
requires a measurement field size 5 mm wide
and 6 mm high.

B.1.12
 Other

5 Prinect Axis Control on Prinect Press Center and Press Center XL 2

DP.901.0015-000UTKENU_05

5.1 Notes on assembly

DP.901.0091-000GRAENU_00
2 4

Min. 1 mm
+ gripper bite
3
1

Fig. 24 Mounting Prinect Axis Control on Prinect Press Center and Press Center XL 2
● You can mount the quality control strip at any po‐
sition you wish between the gripper margin
(Fig. 24/1) and the rear edge of sheet (Fig. 24/2).
● In order to facilitate the automatic paper white
DP.901.0102-000GRAUND_00

measurement and detection of the quality control

strip, there must be at least 5 mm of paper white
between the lateral sheet edges and the start of
the quality control strip (Fig. 24/3).

Fig. 25 Lateral minimum distance

DP.901.0092-000GRAUND_01

Fig. 26 Measurement field size with auto tracking up to software version S11B

B.1.13
Other

Auto tracking up to software version S11B

● If you are working with auto tracking, there must
be a gap of at least 1 mm of paper white from the
color measurement field to the printed image and
to the rear edge of sheet (Fig. 24/4).
*The space required for the measurement fields
plus paper white is at least:
6 mm with micro quality control strips.
8 mm with other quality control strips.
We recommend that you always use auto tracking.

DP.901.0093-000GRAUND_01
Fig. 27 Measurement field size with auto tracking, from software version S12A
Auto tracking from software version S12A
● The paper white is no longer needed as of soft‐
ware version S12A (Fig. 27).
*The space required for the measurement fields
is at least:
4 mm with micro quality control strips.
6 mm with other quality control strips.
We recommend that you always use auto tracking.

DP.901.0093-000GRAUND_00

Fig. 28 Measurement field size without auto tracking

Notes for packaging printers
In order to save cardboard, the quality control strip can
be mounted directly between the printed image and
the rear edge of sheet or gripper margin.

B.1.14
 Other

Note
If the measurement fields are no longer
printed in full due to a change of paper
size in the pile, there is a risk of incorrect
measuring results. This also applies in
the case of ink piling, ink/coating band‐
ing effects as well as only half-coated
quality control strips. We therefore gen‐
erally recommend leaving 1 mm of
space between the quality control strip
and the sheet edge.
Measuring on transparent, colored or metallic printing
materials
In the case of transparent, colored or metallic printing
materials, impairments to the measuring accuracy and
measuring function are possible.
In order to measure the quality control strip, you first
need to print opaque white.

DP.901.0103-000GRAUND_01
2 1
1

3 4

Montage Hinterkante / Mounting rear edge

1
1
Montage Bogenmitte / Mounting center 2

3 4

Montage Vorderkante / Mounting front edge

3
1
1

Fig. 29 Areas with opaque white

1 There must be opaque white between the left and
right-hand sheet edges and the first or last mea‐
surement field.
B.1.15
Other

2 The entire area of the quality control strip must

have an opaque white background.
3 At the left-hand sheet edge, an area in the search
area of the measuring head at least 60 mm high
and 1 mm wide must be printed with opaque
white.
4 Below the measurement fields, there must be a
1 mm strip of opaque white within the first 50 mm
from the left.

B.1.16
 Other

6 Prinect Inpress Control

DP.901.0016-000UTKENU_04

6.1 Printing with the minimum sheet size

DP.901.0122-000GRAUND_00
Fig. 30 Prinect Inpress Control sensor range, based on the example of a Speedmaster XL 106
The sensor ranges of Prinect Inpress Control (the ar‐
eas marked red in Fig. 30/2) are partially outside the
minimum print format of the printing press (Fig. 30/1).
Depending on the quality control strip used, the print
sheet must be slightly wider than the minimum sheet
size, because the position marks also have to be print‐
ed for position detection and ink control purposes. For
automatic register control, the measuring elements for
register control also have to be printed. If the print
sheet is too narrow, you have to control this manually.

B.1.17
Other

6.2 Notes on assembly

DP.901.0094-001GRAENU_00
2
2

Distance from
lead edge of
print

1
1

Fig. 31 Mounting Prinect Inpress Control

● You can mount the quality control strip at any po‐
sition you wish between the lead edge of print
(Fig. 31/1) and the center of the sheet (Fig. 31/2).
● To guarantee the measurement quality, allow
1 mm of paper white between the lead edge of
print and the color measurement fields, particu‐
larly when using Prinect micro quality control
strips.
Note
For perfecting on thin (translucent) pa‐
per: Do not fit the quality control strips
congruently on the front and reverse
side. This can lead to measuring errors.
DP.901.0095-000GRAUND_00

Fig. 32 Position mark, Prinect Inpress Control

B.1.18
 Other

● For automatic detection of the quality control

strip, position marks (Fig. 32/1) are located on the
strip. It is vital that these position marks are in
place! Otherwise, the quality control strip will not
be found.
Note
In the quality control strips there are al‐
ways 2 position marks; for the
XL 145/162 there are 3 position marks.
The measuring system searches for the
position marks on the basis of the se‐
lected quality control strip and the sheet
size and switches on automatic mea‐
surement.
Pay attention to the set sheet size: If, due to the set
sheet size, it can be assumed that all position marks
are present in the quality control strip, but the printed
image is so small that only one mark is printed, Prinect
Inpress Control does not detect the quality control strip
and reports an error!
Remedy: In this case, change the sheet size to the real
printed image size and start Prinect Inpress Control
again.
Note
The position marks must be printed in
black or a dark, high-contrast color so
that Prinect Inpress Control can detect
them clearly.
● For automatic detection and register control,
there has to be sufficient space at the top and
bottom. Therefor, there must be at least 1 mm of
paper white above and below the measurement
fields. This also applies for quality control strips
with 5 mm x 6 mm measurement fields!
Note: 1 mm of paper white above and below the
measurement fields is recommended for conven‐
tional paper types and printing conditions. How‐
ever, in situations with highly variable or thin pa‐
per types, particularly in connection with high ink
coverage, more than 1 mm may be necessary!
● Measurement of colored, metallized, film-lami‐
nated, aluminized or similarly coated paper types
is generally not possible. As of software version
S14B of Prinect Inpress Control 2 it is possible to
measure chromatic colors in the quality control
strip if these were printed on an opaque white
surface.
Minimum distances to the rear edge of sheet
If the quality control strip has to be arranged beyond
the center of the sheet toward the rear edge of sheet,

B.1.19
Other

you need to take into account the following minimum

distances to the rear edge of sheet:
● Speedmaster CD 74 and XL 75: 120 mm
● Speedmaster SM 102/SX 102: 110 mm
● Speedmaster XL 105/106 and CS 92, CD 102/CX
102: 150 mm
● Speedmaster XL 145 and XL 162: 350 mm
Gripper bite
The paper white measurement and the adjustment of
the spectrophotometer are performed in the gripper
margin. The size of the gripper margin is as follows:
● Speedmaster CD 74 and CX/XL 75: 8 - 10 mm
● All other presses: 10 - 12 mm

6.3 Notes for measuring chromatic colors on an opaque white surface

DP.901.0117-000GRAENU_00
Subject

4
1 mm
4 mm
1
1 mm
3
4 mm
2

Fig. 33 Mounting and dimensions for the opaque white surface and the quality control strip
1 Height of the opaque white strip: at least 10 mm
for Prinect micro quality control strips and at least
12 mm for all other quality control strips.
2 Width of the opaque white strip: print the opaque
white as far as possible to the sheet edge on the
right and left, no less than 3 mm from the sheet
edge. If this value is exceeded, Prinect Inpress

B.1.20
 Other

Control does not find the quality control strip and

an error message is issued.
3 An additional 4 mm opaque white is always need‐
ed in front of the quality control strip in order to
calibrate the spectrophotometer.
As of software version S14B of Prinect Inpress Control
2 it is possible to measure chromatic colors that are
printed on opaque white in the quality control strip, e.g.
when printing on metallic or transparent printing ma‐
terials. When doing so, please observe the following
points:
● The opaque white itself cannot be measured and
controlled. As a result, the opaque white needs to
be applied constantly and evenly in order to reli‐
ably measure the chromatic colors. Therefore,
Heidelberg cannot guarantee successful control
of the chromatic colors.
● In order to avoid waste sheets and achieve a
more reliable setup: first set the opaque white in
such a way that it is printed constantly and evenly
across the entire sheet width. Only then should
you switch on the ink control with Prinect Inpress
Control 2.
Note
In addition to the visual check, use the
supplied hand-held measuring device.
Please take into account that even the
smallest density fluctuations can cause
a significantly different ink film thickness
when using opaque white!
● The entire quality control strip must have an
opaque white background (see Fig. 33).
● At least 1 mm of opaque white must be printed
above the quality control strip (Fig. 33/4).
● At least 5 mm of opaque white must be printed
below the quality control strip. This means 4 mm
more material is required (Fig. 33/3) compared to
conventional measurement on a white back‐
ground! This space is always required, regard‐
less of where the quality control strip is positioned
on the sheet. This is therefore also the case when
the strip is mounted in the middle.

B.1.21
 Other

7 Prinect Image Control manufactured up to 2010

DP.901.0017-000UTKENU_01

7.1 Notes on assembly

DP.901.0096-000GRAUND_00
2

Fig. 34 Mounting with Prinect Image Control

● You can mount the quality control strip at any po‐
sition you wish between the gripper margin
(Fig. 34/1) and the rear edge of sheet (Fig. 34/2).
● The operator must assign the quality control strip
following the first measuring run.
Automatic detection is possible if the quality con‐
trol strip is assigned as a color mark in the Prinect
workflow and is made available as a CIP4-PPF
file. Software version 5 and the Color Interface
module of Prinect Image Control have to be in‐
stalled for this purpose.
● You can position the quality control strip directly
next to the printed image or inside the trim zone.
To avoid incorrect measurements you should
provide 1 mm of paper white at the top and bot‐
tom between the measurement fields and the
printed image.

B.1.22
 Other

8 Prinect Image Control NG and Prinect Image Control 3

DP.901.0020-000UTKENU_02

8.1 Notes on assembly

DP.901.0097-000GRAENU_00
2

+ Gripper bite

Fig. 35 Mounting with Prinect Image Control

● You can mount the quality control strip at any po‐
sition you wish between the gripper margin
(Fig. 35/1) and the rear edge of sheet (Fig. 35/2).
● In order to facilitate the automatic paper white
measurement and detection of the quality control
strip, there must be at least 5 mm of paper white
between the lateral sheet edges and the start of
the quality control strip.
● Automatic color strip tracking (auto tracking) re‐
quires at least 1 mm of paper white from the color
measurement fields to the printed image as well
as to the rear edge of sheet and the gripper edge.
Measuring on transparent, colored or metallic printing
materials
In the case of transparent, colored or metallic printing
materials, impairments to the measuring accuracy and
measuring function are possible.
In order to measure the quality control strip, you first
need to print opaque white.

B.1.23
Other

DP.901.0103-000GRAUND_01
2 1
1

3 4

Montage Hinterkante / Mounting rear edge

1
1
Montage Bogenmitte / Mounting center 2

3 4

Montage Vorderkante / Mounting front edge

3
1
1

Fig. 36 Areas with opaque white

1 There must be opaque white between the left and
right-hand sheet edges and the first or last mea‐
surement field.
2 The entire area of the quality control strip must
have an opaque white background.
3 At the left-hand sheet edge, an area in the search
area of the measuring head of at least 60 mm
high and 1 mm wide must be printed with opaque
white.
4 Below the measurement fields, there must be a
1 mm strip of opaque white within the first 50 mm
from the left.

8.2 Notes for controlling opaque white

As of software version I14A of Prinect Image Control
NG and with all versions of Prinect Image Control 3
you can measure and also control opaque white that is
printed in an offset printing unit using a quality control

B.1.24
 Other

strip. When doing so, please observe the following

points:
● Opaque white that is printed in the coating unit
cannot be controlled. If the chromatic colors are
to be subsequently measured and controlled de‐
spite this, the printer must ensure that the opaque
white is applied evenly and constantly in the coat‐
ing unit. Therefore, Heidelberg cannot guarantee
successful control of the chromatic colors in this
case.
● In order to save waste sheets and ensure a more
reliable setup, first only control the opaque white
until this prints evenly. Only then should you
switch on control of the chromatic colors.
● Opaque white is treated the same as any other
ink during control. For this reason you must al‐
ways earmark a color field for opaque white in the
quality control strip.
Example: a job consists of BCMY + special color
+ opaque white. A 6-color quality control strip is
required for this job.

DP.901.0118-000GRAENU_00
Opaque white, full surface

Gap for opaque white in color code Z

Fig. 37 One opaque white in the job

Printing one opaque white in the job
If you only print one opaque white, this can be printed
as a whole area below the quality control strip (Fig. 37).
The chromatic colors are printed above it. In prepress,
a color code (e.g. X, Z...) is assigned for opaque white.
Opaque white is always below the empty measure‐
ment field and can be measured.
On the printing press, a reference value must be as‐
signed to the color code in which the opaque white is
located, as is also the case for all other colors.
If opaque white is to be controlled for the first time and
there is not yet a reference value, measure this refer‐
ence value on the basis of the currently printed sheet
and save it.
Determining the optimal saturation of the opaque
white and thereby also the reference value is the re‐
sponsibility of the printer. Please note that metallic
surfaces, for example, require different reference val‐
ues than transparent or colored printing materials.
Therefore, save the reference values determined for

B.1.25
Other

each printing material type in the color archive. This

will ensure that you always have the appropriate ref‐
erence values to hand.

DP.901.0119-000GRAENU_00
2 x opaque white with gaps for X+Z

Opaque white in color codes X+Z assigned as printed colors

Fig. 38 Two opaque whites in the job

Printing two or more opaque whites in the job
If you are printing two or more opaque whites, pre‐
press must ensure that there is always only one
opaque white below the color fields in the quality con‐
trol strip that are intended for the opaque white mea‐
surement. Accordingly, prepress must leave a corre‐
sponding gap for these color fields (Fig. 38) and assign
the color codes accordingly, e.g.:
● X = opaque white 1
● Z = opaque white 2

B.1.26
 Other

9 Generating PDF files

DP.901.0008-000UTKENU_04

9.1 When do you not have to generate any PDF files yourself?
As of Dipco 2011 you only have to generate PDF files
yourself if you work with a third-party workflow with a
resolution other than 2400 or 2540 dpi.
● If you work with a Prinect workflow, use the Dipco
elements in the "Prinect" directory. You do not
need to follow the further instructions in this sec‐
tion.
● If you work with a third-party workflow with a res‐
olution of 2400 dpi, use the Dipco elements in the
"foreign2400dpi" directory. You do not need to
follow the further instructions in this section.
● If you work with a third-party workflow with a res‐
olution of 2540 dpi, use the Dipco elements in the
"foreign2540dpi" directory. You do not need to
follow the further instructions in this section.

9.2 When do you have to generate PDF files yourself?

Several functions, such as automatic crop recognition,
require the use of "hidden PostScript parts", which are
embedded in the Dipco files as "PostScript XObjects".
Not all third-party RIPs and third-party workflow sys‐
tems can cope with "PostScript XObjects".
Indications of incorrect processing in the workflow:
The Dipco elements are not displayed or are displayed
incorrectly, or the entire job is aborted.
Three options for solving the problem are listed below.
1. Check whether you can set the processing of
"PostScript XObjects" in your workflow. Switch
the processing of "PostScript XObjects" to Dis‐
able or Enable as appropriate. If the Dipco ele‐
ments are then displayed correctly, you can use
the PDF files.
2. Generate PDF files with the same output resolu‐
tion as your imagesetter. To do this use the EPS
files in the Dipco package. The required settings
are described in the following section "Settings in
the General section".
3. Generate PDF files without "PostScript XOb‐
jects". To do this use the EPS files in the Dipco
package. The required settings are described in
the following sections.
Note
You will need Acrobat Distiller with the
settings described below. Distiller ver‐
sion 7 is used in the example. If you use
a different version, you have to adjust
the settings as appropriate. Here the set‐
tings for the German and English ver‐
sions are shown side-by-side.

B.1.27
Other

9.3 Setting the output resolution

DP.901.0075-000GRAUND_00
Fig. 39 The General section
Output problems with slurring and doubling fields can
often be eliminated if you generate PDF files in the
output resolution.
1. Select the General section under settings.
2. Set the Resolution to the exact output resolution
of your imagesetter.
3. Set the other parameters as shown in Fig. 39.
The other parameters are preset to the standard
configuration except for Compatibility.

9.4 Generating PDF files without "PostScript XObjects"

1. Set the parameters in the General section as
shown in Fig. 39. Set the Resolution to the exact
output resolution of your imagesetter.

DP.901.0079-000GRAUND_00

Fig. 40 Extended section

2. Set the parameters in the Extended section as
shown in Fig. 40.
● Very important: Deselect the functions Allow
PostScript file to override Adobe PDF settings
and Allow PostScriptXObjects. This removes the
B.1.28
 Other

hidden PostScript commands when generating

the PDF file.

DP.901.0076-000GRAUND_00
Fig. 41 The Images section
3. Settings in the Images section:
Switch all the settings for Downsample and
Compression to Off.

DP.901.0077-000GRAUND_00

Fig. 42 The Fonts section

4. Settings in the Fonts section:
Set the parameters as shown in Fig. 42. The pa‐
rameters are already preset to this in the default
configuration.

B.1.29
Other

DP.901.0078-000GRAUND_00
Fig. 43 The Color section
5. Settings in the Color section:
Set the parameters as shown in Fig. 43. The pa‐
rameters are preset to the default configuration
except for Preserve under color removal and
black generation.

DP.901.0080-000GRAUND_00

Fig. 44 The Standards section

6. Settings in the Standards area:
In the Compliance Standard list select None. All
remaining parameters are then grayed out as in
Fig. 44.
7. Save the settings. You can now generate PDF
files for your workflow from the EPS files. How‐
ever these PDF files have no crop recognition or
other functions that are enabled by "PostScript
XObjects".

B.1.30
 Index

Index
A N
APSC measuring marks A.2.42 New features in version 20 A.1.7
– Information on measurement and placement   Notes on assembling and positioning B.1.1
B.1.5 – General notes for prepress  B.1.1
– Mark profiles  B.1.6 – General notes for the printer  B.1.3
– Measurement data  B.1.8 – Horizontal alignment  B.1.1
– Measuring device  B.1.6
– Placement  B.1.5
P
APSC measuring marks for automatic paper stretch
compensation A.2.42 Prinect Axis Control CP2000 Center B.1.12
Prinect Axis Control on Prinect Press Center and
Press Center XL 2 B.1.13
C
Prinect Easy Control B.1.11
Color abbreviation A.1.6 Prinect Image Control 3 B.1.23
Prinect Image Control manufactured up to 2010B.1.22
Prinect Image Control NG B.1.23
D
Prinect Inpress Control B.1.17
Data format A.1.6 Prinect workflow A.1.4
Delivery variants A.1.4
Directory structure A.1.4
Q
Quality control strips
F
– CS quality control strips  A.2.10
FOGRA quality control strips A.2.4 – Directory structure  A.2.3
– G7 quality control strips  A.2.12
G – GS quality control strips  A.2.5
– Micro quality control strips  A.2.14
Generating PDF files B.1.27 – Micro quality control strips with control marks for die
– Setting the output resolution  B.1.28 cutting  A.2.17
– Naming conventions  A.2.4
M – S quality control strips  A.2.7
– Structure of the measurement fields  A.2.21
Measuring marks for automatic paper stretch
compensation
– Information on measurement and placement   T
B.1.5 Third-party workflow with 2400 dpi A.1.5
Measuring marks for paper stretch compensation Third-party workflow with 2540 dpi A.1.5
A.2.38

Ind.1
Index

Ind.2