ES2631329T3

ES2631329T3 - System and method of color correction in print jobs executed on a printing machine

Info

Publication number: ES2631329T3
Application number: ES14380023.3T
Authority: ES
Inventors: Jordi PUIG VILÀ; Jordi SOLÀ FERRÉS; Miquel MARCÓ PADROSA
Original assignee: Comexi Group Industries SA
Current assignee: Comexi Group Industries SA
Priority date: 2014-08-11
Filing date: 2014-08-11
Publication date: 2017-08-30
Anticipated expiration: 2034-08-11
Also published as: EP2985150A1; EP2985150B1

Abstract

Método de corrección de color en trabajos de impresión ejecutados en una máquina impresora que incluye: a) aportar, a cada uno de uno o más grupos impresores (41) de una máquina impresora (40), una tinta de primera mezcla (12) con unas cualidades cromáticas iguales o muy próximas a las cualidades cromáticas de uno de los colores objetivo (10) establecidos que son al menos uno, cuyos valores cromáticos son conocidos; b) realizar una impresión inicial, sobre un sustrato (42) con dicha máquina impresora (40), mediante uno o más de sus grupos impresores (41) provistos cada uno de una tinta de primera mezcla (12); c) obtener valores cromáticos, referentes a al menos un color de la impresión inicial (13) resultante de la etapa b), mediante al menos un sensor óptico (50); d) detectar desviaciones de los valores cromáticos entre cada color de impresión inicial (13) detectado por el sensor óptico (50) y su respectivo color objetivo (10); e) calcular, para cada tinta de primera mezcla (12) que imprime colores con dichas desviaciones, y en base a dicha detección de la etapa d), unas cantidades de unas segundas tintas origen (14) a dispensar para su corrección; f) añadir de forma precisa, a cada tinta de primera mezcla (12) que imprime con desviaciones, las respectivas cantidades calculadas de las segundas tintas origen (14), y proceder a su homogeneización para la obtención de una tinta corregida (16), que permita realizar una impresión final con desviaciones cromáticas minimizadas, y g) realizar una impresión final; caracterizado porque el método comprende adicionalmente: h) adquirir datos referentes a los valores de temperatura de la tinta de primera mezcla durante la etapa b), mediante unos sensores de temperatura (51) integrados en la máquina impresora, y adquirir datos referentes a la temperatura de las cantidades de segundas tintas (14) origen añadidas a cada tinta (12) de primera mezcla en la etapa f) antes de la adición de las mismas, mediante sensores de temperatura; i) utilizar los datos adquiridos en la etapa h) para obtener una tinta corregida (16) con unos valores de temperatura iguales o próximos a los valores de temperatura de la tinta de primera mezcla durante la etapa b), mediante la regulación de al menos un dispositivo calefactor y/o refrigerador (32).Color correction method in print jobs executed on a printing machine that includes: a) providing, to each of one or more printing groups (41) of a printing machine (40), a first-mix ink (12) with chromatic qualities equal or very close to the chromatic qualities of one of the established target colors (10) that are at least one, whose chromatic values are known; b) make an initial impression, on a substrate (42) with said printing machine (40), by means of one or more of its printing groups (41) each provided with a first mixture ink (12); c) obtain chromatic values, referring to at least one color of the initial impression (13) resulting from step b), by at least one optical sensor (50); d) detect deviations of the chromatic values between each initial printing color (13) detected by the optical sensor (50) and its respective target color (10); e) calculate, for each first mix ink (12) that prints colors with said deviations, and based on said detection of step d), quantities of second origin inks (14) to be dispensed for correction; f) add precisely, to each first mix ink (12) that prints with deviations, the respective calculated quantities of the second origin inks (14), and proceed to homogenize it to obtain a corrected ink (16), that allows to make a final impression with minimized color deviations, and g) make a final impression; characterized in that the method further comprises: h) acquiring data referring to the temperature values of the first mixing ink during step b), by means of temperature sensors (51) integrated in the printing machine, and acquiring temperature data of the quantities of second inks (14) origin added to each ink (12) of first mixture in step f) before the addition thereof, by means of temperature sensors; i) use the data acquired in step h) to obtain a corrected ink (16) with temperature values equal to or close to the temperature values of the first mixing ink during stage b), by regulating at least a heating device and / or refrigerator (32).

Description

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Sistema y metodo de correccion de color en trabajos de impresion ejecutados en una maquina impresora Campo de la tecnicaSystem and method of color correction in print jobs executed in a printing machine Technique field

La presente invencion concierne al campo de las maquinas impresoras dotadas de una pluralidad de grupos impresores, cada uno alimentado por una tinta con una determinada composicion concreta obtenida de la mezcla de pigmentos o colorantes y lfquidos, y a la regulacion, de forma precisa, de la composicion de dicha tinta para la obtencion de color para su impresion sobre un sustrato, mediante una etapa inicial de impresion con una tinta de primera mezcla, y una etapa final de impresion con una tinta corregida obtenida a partir de la tinta de primera mezcla corregida mediante unas cantidades de tinta correctora.The present invention concerns the field of printing machines equipped with a plurality of printing groups, each fed by an ink with a specific concrete composition obtained from the mixture of pigments or dyes and liquids, and the regulation, precisely, of the composition of said ink for obtaining color for printing on a substrate, by means of an initial printing stage with a first mix ink, and a final printing stage with a corrected ink obtained from the first mixed ink corrected by a few amounts of corrective ink.

Estado de la tecnicaState of the art

En el estado de la tecnica es conocido, en el campo de las maquinas impresoras, asignar un color objetivo a una impresion realizada sobre un sustrato, calcular las cantidades de primeras tintas origen a mezclar necesarias para obtener una tinta de primera mezcla que permita imprimir dicho color objetivo con pocas desviaciones cromaticas respecto a dicho color objetivo, y a continuacion dispensar dichas cantidades calculadas de primeras tintas origen mediante una primera unidad de preparacion y dispensacion de tintas, siendo dicha primera unidad estatica, y apta para servir, de forma simultanea o sucesiva, a una o varias maquinas impresoras cada una dotada de uno o varios grupos impresores. Tambien es conocido suministrar cada tinta de primera mezcla a al menos un grupo impresor, por ejemplo mediante un sistema de tubenas y bombas, y realizar una impresion inicial con estas tintas de primera mezcla, que posteriormente es analizada mediante unos sensores opticos que detectan valores referentes a las cualidades cromaticas de parte o todo el sustrato impreso.In the state of the art it is known, in the field of printing machines, to assign an objective color to an impression made on a substrate, to calculate the quantities of first origin inks to be mixed necessary to obtain a first mixture ink that allows printing said ink. objective color with few chromatic deviations with respect to said objective color, and then dispensing said calculated quantities of first origin inks by means of a first unit of preparation and dispensing of inks, said first unit being static, and suitable for serving, simultaneously or successively, to one or several printing machines each equipped with one or more printing groups. It is also known to supply each first mix ink to at least one printing group, for example by means of a system of tubenas and pumps, and to make an initial impression with these first mix inks, which is subsequently analyzed by means of optical sensors that detect reference values. to the chromatic qualities of part or all of the printed substrate.

Por ultimo se conoce la utilizacion de una segunda unidad de produccion y dispensacion de tintas diferente a la primera unidad de produccion y dispensacion de tintas, para obtener una tinta correctora que, anadida a la tinta de primera mezcla, permita obtener unos colores de impresion con desviaciones cromaticas minimizadas.Finally, it is known to use a second unit of production and dispensing of inks different from the first unit of production and dispensing of inks, to obtain a corrective ink that, added to the first mixture ink, allows to obtain printing colors with minimized chromatic deviations.

A traves del documento DE 20105481U1, se conoce un dispositivo y un procedimiento del tipo antes explicado, en donde se proporciona una mezcla inicial de tinta creada por un primer mezclador de tintas, a una maquina impresora que imprime una muestra. Unos sensores obtienen unos valores cromaticos que se comparan con unos valores de referencia, detectando desviaciones, y generando una tinta correctiva por parte de un segundo mezclador de tintas diferente del inicial, que se anade a la mezcla inicial de tintas.Through document DE 20105481U1, a device and a method of the type explained above are known, where an initial ink mixture created by a first ink mixer is provided, to a printing machine that prints a sample. Some sensors obtain chromatic values that are compared with reference values, detecting deviations, and generating a corrective ink by a second ink mixer different from the initial one, which is added to the initial mixture of inks.

En el documento US2791323 se da a conocer la inclusion de un mezclador de tintas integrado en la propia maquina impresora.Document US2791323 discloses the inclusion of an ink mixer integrated in the printing machine itself.

En el documento WO2007110764A2 se describe un dispensador automatico de mezclas de tintas dispuesto en un carro movil con ruedas, que puede ser emplazado en una ubicacion deseada por un usuario.WO2007110764A2 describes an automatic ink mixture dispenser arranged in a mobile cart with wheels, which can be placed in a location desired by a user.

El documento EP2219870 (Windmoller) describe un sistema de correccion de color de tintas en el que un primer dispositivo mezclador de tintas genera una mezcla inicial que es suministrada a al menos una maquina impresora, y un segundo dispositivo suministrador de tintas genera una mezcla correctora de tintas que pueden ser mezcladas con la primera mezcla de tintas para corregir desviaciones cromaticas del color de impresion detectadas mediante unos sensores opticos.EP2219870 (Windmoller) describes an ink color correction system in which a first ink mixing device generates an initial mixture that is supplied to at least one printing machine, and a second ink supply device generates a corrective mixture of inks that can be mixed with the first mixture of inks to correct color deviations of the printing color detected by means of optical sensors.

El documento DE102007059176 tambien describe un sistema similar, incluyendo un sensor de viscosidad para asegurar que la tinta corregida tiene la misma viscosidad que la tinta inicial.Document DE102007059176 also describes a similar system, including a viscosity sensor to ensure that the corrected ink has the same viscosity as the initial ink.

Finalmente, los documentos EP1932669, DE102012103850 y WO2006091845 describen el uso de la temperatura de tinta para controlar la viscosidad de la tinta.Finally, EP1932669, DE102012103850 and WO2006091845 describe the use of ink temperature to control the viscosity of the ink.

En ninguno de estos documentos se divulga controlar la tinta correctora para que esta tenga unas propiedades de temperatura equiparables a la temperatura de la tinta de primera mezcla dispuesta en la maquina impresora, de modo que al mezclar con esta ultima la tinta correctora se facilite dicha mezcla.In none of these documents it is disclosed to control the corrective ink so that it has temperature properties comparable to the temperature of the first mixture ink disposed in the printing machine, so that when mixing with the latter the corrective ink facilitates said mixing .

Breve descripcion de la invencionBrief Description of the Invention

La presente invencion concierne a un metodo y un sistema para la obtencion de una tinta corregida que permita una impresion, mediante una maquina impresora, minimizando las desviaciones cromaticas respecto a unos valores cromaticos de unos colores objetivo establecidos como colores a obtener. Dichos colores objetivo pueden estar incluidos en un archivo digital pre-prensa, accesible durante el procedimiento propuesto, o estar en forma de unaThe present invention concerns a method and a system for obtaining a corrected ink that allows printing, by means of a printing machine, minimizing chromatic deviations with respect to chromatic values of target colors established as colors to be obtained. Such target colors may be included in a pre-press digital file, accessible during the proposed procedure, or be in the form of a

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muestra ffsica, o en forma de una referencia a un valor colorimetrico de una escala definida y conocida, como por ejemplo los colores Pantone.physical sample, or in the form of a reference to a colorimetric value of a defined and known scale, such as Pantone colors.

Una misma tinta puede producir diferentes colores de impresion, o diferentes tonalidades de dicho color, en funcion de parametros como el grosor de la capa de tinta depositada, el grado de absorcion del sustrato de impresion, el tamano del punto de impresion, etc. Estos y otros parametros pueden verse afectados en funcion de la temperatura y la viscosidad de la tinta empleada durante la impresion, por lo que la regulacion de estos parametros resulta relevante para la obtencion de un determinado color.The same ink can produce different printing colors, or different shades of said color, depending on parameters such as the thickness of the deposited ink layer, the degree of absorption of the printing substrate, the size of the printing point, etc. These and other parameters may be affected depending on the temperature and viscosity of the ink used during printing, so that the regulation of these parameters is relevant for obtaining a certain color.

Para clarificar la comprension de la siguiente descripcion, procedemos a definir la nomenclatura que se empleara en el resto del documento:To clarify the understanding of the following description, we proceed to define the nomenclature that will be used in the rest of the document:

Las tintas hacen referencia a disoluciones de pigmentos, bases pigmentarias o colorantes en un medio lfquido, como barniz o solvente. Las tintas tambien pueden hacer referencia a tintas transparentes sin color, a solventes incoloros o a barnices sin pigmento. Las tintas permiten, mediante su mezcla en diferentes concentraciones, la obtencion de tintas de diferentes colores. Las bases pigmentarias, o pigmentos mas habituales son, con caracter no limitativo: el magenta, el cyan, el amarillo, el azul, el verde, el rojo, el blanco y el negro. Tambien es muy frecuente que las tintas se obtengan de solamente una de estas bases pigmentarias o pigmentos, siendo por lo tanto estos tambien los colores mas habituales de las tintas origen.The inks refer to solutions of pigments, pigment bases or dyes in a liquid medium, such as varnish or solvent. The inks can also refer to transparent inks without color, colorless solvents or varnishes without pigment. The inks allow, by mixing in different concentrations, the obtaining of inks of different colors. The most common pigment bases, or pigments, are non-limiting: magenta, cyan, yellow, blue, green, red, white and black. It is also very common that the inks are obtained from only one of these pigment bases or pigments, therefore these are also the most common colors of the origin inks.

Los colores hacen referencia, en este documento, a cualquier tonalidad cromatica visible, en cualquier grado de saturacion, obtenidos de la mezcla o combinacion de las bases pigmentarias o de las tintas antes descritas.The colors refer, in this document, to any visible chromatic hue, in any degree of saturation, obtained from the mixture or combination of the pigment bases or the inks described above.

El color objetivo es un color de referencia que se desea obtener como resultado de la impresion final, y que es preestablecido.The target color is a reference color that you want to obtain as a result of the final impression, and which is preset.

Las primeras tintas origen son aquellas tintas almacenadas separadamente, y de las que se dispone para su uso directo en una maquina impresora, o para su mezcla para la obtencion de unas tintas de primera mezcla, las cuales son de colores diferentes a los colores de las primeras tintas origen.The first origin inks are those inks stored separately, and which are available for direct use in a printing machine, or for mixing to obtain first-mix inks, which are different colors to the colors of the First inks origin.

El color de impresion inicial es el color obtenido de una impresion con al menos un grupo impresor de una maquina impresora, dotado de tinta de primera mezcla.The initial printing color is the color obtained from an impression with at least one printing group of a printing machine, provided with first-mix ink.

Las segundas tintas origen son aquellas tintas almacenadas separadamente, y de las que se dispone para su uso directo, o para su mezcla para la obtencion, mediante su adicion a las tintas de primera mezcla, de las tintas corregidas. Las segundas tintas origen pueden mezclarse entre sf antes de ser mezcladas con las tintas de primera mezcla, dando origen a las tintas correctoras.The second origin inks are those inks stored separately, and those that are available for direct use, or for mixing for obtaining, by adding to the first mixture inks, the corrected inks. The second origin inks can be mixed with each other before being mixed with the first mix inks, giving rise to the correction inks.

El sistema de correccion de color consta, segun el estado de la tecnica ya conocido, de:The color correction system consists, according to the state of the art already known, of:

• al menos una maquina impresora dotada de al menos un grupo impresor. Cada grupo impresor es capaz de imprimir con una unica tinta, y por lo tanto en un unico color, por ello una impresion policromatica requiere de una pluralidad de grupos impresores.• at least one printing machine equipped with at least one printing group. Each printing group is capable of printing with a single ink, and therefore in a single color, therefore a polychromatic printing requires a plurality of printing groups.

• cada una de las maquinas impresoras dispone de al menos un sensor optico apto para detectar desviaciones cromaticas del color de impresion inicial, impreso sobre un sustrato por dicha maquina impresora con dicha tinta de primera mezcla.• each of the printing machines has at least one optical sensor capable of detecting chromatic deviations of the initial printing color, printed on a substrate by said printing machine with said first mix ink.

• unos depositos separados que contienen unas segundas tintas origen, aptas para ser suministradas a uno o mas grupos impresores de una o mas maquinas impresoras, dotados de tinta de primera mezcla, para la obtencion de una tinta corregida.• separate tanks containing second origin inks, suitable to be supplied to one or more printing groups of one or more printing machines, equipped with first-mix ink, to obtain a corrected ink.

De forma opcional, el sistema puede constar ademas, y tambien segun el estado de la tecnica ya conocido, de:Optionally, the system may also include, and also according to the state of the art already known, of:

• una primera unidad de preparacion y dispensacion de tintas, en adelante primera unidad de tintas, dotada diferentes primeras tintas origen en depositos separados, y siendo dicha primera unidad de tintas apta para el suministro de tintas de primera mezcla a uno o mas grupos impresores de una o mas maquinas impresoras;• a first unit of preparation and dispensing of inks, hereinafter the first unit of inks, provided with different first inks origin in separate tanks, and said first unit of inks being suitable for the supply of first-mix inks to one or more printing groups of one or more printing machines;

• al menos una segunda unidad de preparacion y dispensado de tintas, en adelante segunda unidad de tintas, que es ajena a la primera unidad de tintas, y que esta dotada de segundas tintas origen en depositos separados, y siendo dicha segunda unidad de tintas apta para el suministro de tintas correctoras a uno o mas grupos impresores de una o mas maquinas impresoras, dotados de tinta de primera mezcla;• at least a second unit of preparation and dispensing of inks, hereinafter second unit of inks, which is foreign to the first unit of inks, and which is provided with second inks origin in separate tanks, and said second unit of inks being suitable for the supply of corrective inks to one or more printing groups of one or more printing machines, provided with first-mix ink;

• al menos un dispositivo de control apto para regular al menos la primera unidad de tintas y la segunda unidad de tintas, y para recibir informacion del citado al menos un sensor optico.• at least one control device capable of regulating at least the first unit of inks and the second unit of inks, and to receive information from said at least one optical sensor.

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De acuerdo con la propuesta de esta invencion el sistema dispone ademas de:In accordance with the proposal of this invention the system also has:

• al menos un sensor de temperatura, integrado en cada grupo impresor, capaz de proporcionar datos referentes a la tinta de primera mezcla contenida en dicho grupo impresor;• at least one temperature sensor, integrated in each printing group, capable of providing data relating to the first mix ink contained in said printing group;

• al menos un dispositivo calefactor y/o refrigerador, apto para la obtencion de una tinta corregida con una temperatura iguales a las de la tinta de primera mezcla, segun los datos proporcionados por dicho al menos un sensor de temperatura; y/o• at least one heating and / or cooling device, suitable for obtaining a corrected ink with a temperature equal to that of the first mixing ink, according to the data provided by said at least one temperature sensor; I

• un deposito que contiene un solvente incoloro apto para alterar las condiciones de viscosidad de una tinta corregida mediante su adicion.• a tank containing a colorless solvent capable of altering the viscosity conditions of an ink corrected by its addition.

Este sistema permite que se suministre tintas de primera mezcla a una o a una pluralidad de maquinas impresoras, y que mediante los sensores de temperatura se conozca el valor de estas variables ffsicas, referidas a la tinta de primera mezcla empleada en cada grupo impresor durante una impresion inicial, y tambien permite alterar la temperatura de la tinta corregida, o de las segundas tintas origen, o de la tinta correctora, para conseguir que dicha tinta corregida mantenga la misma temperatura que la tinta de primera mezcla.This system allows first mix inks to be supplied to one or a plurality of printing machines, and that by means of the temperature sensors the value of these physical variables, referred to the first mix ink used in each printing group during a printing is known. initial, and also allows to alter the temperature of the corrected ink, or of the second origin inks, or of the corrective ink, so that said corrected ink maintains the same temperature as the first mix ink.

Utilizando el sistema explicado se implementa el siguiente metodo de correccion de color en trabajos de impresion ejecutados en una maquina impresora, mediante las siguientes etapas, ya conocidas en el campo de la tecnica:Using the system explained, the following method of color correction is implemented in print jobs executed in a printing machine, by means of the following steps, already known in the art field:

a) aportar, a cada uno de uno o mas grupos impresores de una o mas maquinas impresoras, una tinta de primera mezcla con unas cualidades cromaticas iguales o muy proximas a las cualidades cromaticas de uno de los colores objetivo establecidos que son al menos uno, cuyos valores cromaticos son conocidos;a) provide, to each of one or more printing groups of one or more printing machines, a first-mix ink with chromatic qualities equal or very close to the chromatic qualities of one of the established target colors that are at least one, whose chromatic values are known;

b) realizar una impresion inicial, sobre un sustrato con una de dichas maquinas impresoras, mediante uno o mas de sus grupos impresores provistos cada uno de una tinta de primera mezcla;b) make an initial impression, on a substrate with one of said printing machines, by means of one or more of its printing groups each provided with a first-mix ink;

c) obtener valores cromaticos, referentes a al menos un color de la impresion inicial resultante de la etapa b), mediante al menos un sensor optico;c) obtain chromatic values, referring to at least one color of the initial impression resulting from step b), by at least one optical sensor;

d) detectar desviaciones de los valores cromaticos entre cada color de impresion inicial detectado por el sensor optico y su respectivo color objetivo;d) detect deviations of the chromatic values between each initial impression color detected by the optical sensor and its respective target color;

e) calcular, para cada tinta de primera mezcla que imprime colores con desviaciones y en base a dicha deteccion de la etapa d), unas cantidades de unas segundas tintas origen a dispensar para su correccion;e) calculate, for each first mix ink that prints colors with deviations and based on said detection of step d), quantities of a second origin inks to be dispensed for correction;

f) anadir de forma precisa, a cada tinta de primera mezcla que imprime con desviaciones, las respectivas cantidades calculadas de las segundas tintas origen, y su homogeneizacion para la obtencion de una tinta corregida, que permita realizar una impresion final con desviaciones cromaticas minimizadas; yf) to add precisely, to each ink of first mixture that prints with deviations, the respective calculated quantities of the second origin inks, and their homogenization for the obtaining of a corrected ink, which allows to make a final impression with minimized chromatic deviations; Y

g) realizar la impresion final.g) make the final impression.

De acuerdo con la propuesta de esta invencion este metodo de correccion de color comprende ademas las siguientes etapas adicionales:In accordance with the proposal of this invention this method of color correction also includes the following additional steps:

h) adquirir datos referentes a los valores de temperatura de la tinta de primera mezcla durante la etapa b), mediante unos sensores de temperatura integrados en la maquina impresora, y adquirir datos referentes a la temperatura de las cantidades de las segundas tintas origen anadidas a cada tinta inicialmente mezclada en la etapa f) antes de la adicion de las mismas, mediante sensores de temperatura;h) acquire data referring to the temperature values of the first mixing ink during step b), by means of temperature sensors integrated in the printing machine, and acquire data referring to the temperature of the quantities of the second origin inks added to each ink initially mixed in step f) before the addition thereof, by means of temperature sensors;

i) utilizar los datos adquiridos en la etapa h) para obtener una tinta corregida con unos valores de temperatura iguales a los valores de temperatura de la tinta de primera mezcla durante la etapa b), mediante la regulacion de al menos un dispositivo calefactor y/o refrigerador.i) use the data acquired in step h) to obtain a corrected ink with temperature values equal to the temperature values of the first mix ink during stage b), by regulating at least one heating device and / or refrigerator

La etapa i) permite modificar las propiedades ffsicas de la tinta correctora referentes a temperatura para facilitar su rapida y uniforme mezcla con la tinta de primera mezcla, y se asegura que el color resultante sera el deseado.Step i) allows modifying the physical properties of the corrective ink relating to temperature to facilitate its rapid and uniform mixing with the first mixture ink, and ensures that the resulting color will be as desired.

Para conseguir dicha regulacion de la temperatura, el dispositivo calefactor y/o refrigerador controlado por el dispositivo de control permite calentar o refrigerar individualmente las segundas tintas origen, o las cantidades de las segundas tintas origen dispensadas, o la tinta correctora, o la tinta corregida, consiguiendo asf que su temperatura se eleve o disminuya y que su viscosidad se vea alterada.In order to achieve said temperature regulation, the heating and / or cooling device controlled by the control device makes it possible to individually heat or cool the second origin inks, or the quantities of the second origin inks dispensed, or the corrective ink, or the corrected ink , so that its temperature rises or falls and that its viscosity is altered.

Ademas, el metodo comprende adicionalmente:In addition, the method further comprises:

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• adquirir datos relativos a los valores de viscosidad de la tinta de primera mezcla durante la etapa b) mediante sensores de viscosidad integrados en la maquina impresora;• acquire data related to the viscosity values of the first mix ink during step b) by means of viscosity sensors integrated in the printing machine;

• usar los datos adquiridos para obtener tinta corregida con valores de viscosidad iguales o proximos a los valores de viscosidad de la tinta inicialmente mezclada durante la etapa b) mediante la adicion de solventes.• use the acquired data to obtain corrected ink with viscosity values equal or close to the viscosity values of the ink initially mixed during step b) by the addition of solvents.

El solvente, preferiblemente un solvente incoloro, puede anadirse dosificadamente a la tinta corregida o a la tinta correctora, para reducir la viscosidad de la misma.The solvent, preferably a colorless solvent, can be added dosedly to the corrected ink or to the corrective ink, to reduce the viscosity thereof.

Asf pues, primero se proporcionan al dispositivo de control unos colores objetivo, que pueden incluirse, por ejemplo, junto con otra informacion referente al documento a imprimir, como la forma, tamano, motivos a imprimir, etc... en un archivo digital pre-prensa. A continuacion se proporciona, a al menos un grupo impresor de al menos una maquina impresora, una tinta de primera mezcla con unos valores cromaticos proximos o iguales a los valores cromaticos del color objetivo.Thus, first, objective colors are provided to the control device, which can be included, for example, together with other information regarding the document to be printed, such as the shape, size, motifs to be printed, etc ... in a pre digital file. -press. Next, at least one printing group of at least one printing machine is provided, a first-mix ink with chromatic values close to or equal to the chromatic values of the target color.

Se procede a realizar una impresion inicial con dichas tintas de mezcla inicial sobre un soporte de impresion, obteniendose entonces uno o varios colores de impresion inicial.An initial impression is made with said initial mixing inks on a printing medium, then obtaining one or more initial printing colors.

Mediante un sensor optico dispuesto en la maquina impresora se obtienen unos valores referentes a las cualidades cromaticas de cada color de impresion inicial analizado.By means of an optical sensor arranged in the printing machine, values regarding the chromatic qualities of each initial printing color analyzed are obtained.

A continuacion se comparan dichos valores cromaticos obtenidos con los valores cromaticos de los colores objetivo. Como resultado de dicha comparacion se detectan posibles desviaciones cromaticas entre ambos valores, y se calculan las cantidades precisas de segundas tintas origen necesarias para la obtencion de una tinta corregida capaz de imprimir colores con desviaciones cromaticas minimizadas.These chromatic values obtained are then compared with the chromatic values of the target colors. As a result of this comparison, possible chromatic deviations between both values are detected, and the precise amounts of second origin inks necessary for obtaining a corrected ink capable of printing colors with minimized chromatic deviations are calculated.

Se anade, de forma precisa, la cantidad calculada de segundas tintas origen respectivamente a cada tinta de mezcla inicial de cada grupo impresor. De forma preferida, se dispondra de un sensor de cantidad de tinta dispensada que constara, por ejemplo, de una bascula, la cual tanto puede medir el incremento de peso del recipiente de recogida de la tinta dispensada, como la perdida de peso de las cantidades almacenadas de las segundas tintas origen, al extraerles una cantidad de tinta.The calculated quantity of second origin inks is added precisely to each initial mixing ink of each printing group. Preferably, there will be a dispenser of quantity of ink dispensed that consists, for example, of a scale, which can both measure the increase in weight of the collection container of the dispensed ink, and the loss of weight of the quantities stored from the second origin inks, by extracting a quantity of ink.

Esta etapa puede realizarse manualmente, mediante un operario, o de forma automatica.This stage can be done manually, by an operator, or automatically.

El dispositivo de control dispone, ademas, de datos referentes a la temperatura y, adicionalmente, tambien referentes a la viscosidad de la tinta de primera mezcla utilizada para la impresion inicial, gracias a sensores instalados en la maquina impresora, y datos referentes a la temperatura y, adicionalmente, tambien referentes a la viscosidad de la tinta correctora, gracias a sensores dispuestos en la segunda unidad de tintas. Con esa informacion el dispositivo de control regula la temperatura de la tinta correctora y, adicionalmente, tambien la cantidad de solvente, de modo que tengan una viscosidad y una temperatura sustancialmente iguales, o con una diferencia predeterminada, respecto a la tinta de primera mezcla utilizada en la impresion inicial.The control device also has data regarding temperature and, additionally, also referring to the viscosity of the first-mix ink used for initial printing, thanks to sensors installed in the printing machine, and temperature data and, additionally, also referring to the viscosity of the corrective ink, thanks to sensors arranged in the second unit of inks. With that information the control device regulates the temperature of the corrective ink and, in addition, also the amount of solvent, so that they have a substantially equal viscosity and temperature, or with a predetermined difference, with respect to the first mixture ink used In the initial impression.

Dicho ajuste de la temperatura y/o de la viscosidad se consigue mediante un dispositivo calefactor y/o refrigerador regulable, y, adicionalmente, tambien mediante la adicion de solventes incoloros. La alteracion de la temperatura puede afectar a la viscosidad de la tinta, y tanto la viscosidad como la temperatura pueden afectar al color de impresion final de una tinta, pues pueden modificar la absorcion de la tinta por parte del sustrato, o pueden afectar al grosor de la capa de tinta depositada sobre dicho sustrato, o incluso al tamano del punto de impresion. Todos estos parametros afectaran al color y por lo tanto deben ser considerados a la hora de realizar las correcciones de color. Como resultado de este metodo, se obtiene una tinta corregida que proporciona una impresion con desviaciones cromaticas minimizadas respecto a los colores objetivo, y sin que se alteren las caractensticas de viscosidad y/o temperatura de la tinta de primera mezcla dispuesta en la maquina impresora al anadirle la tinta correctora o las cantidades de tintas de segundo origen, consiguiendo una mejor homogeneizacion y aumentando la fiabilidad y precision de la correccion de color, y por lo tanto de la obtencion del color objetivo.Said adjustment of the temperature and / or viscosity is achieved by an adjustable heating and / or cooling device, and, additionally, also by the addition of colorless solvents. The temperature alteration can affect the viscosity of the ink, and both the viscosity and the temperature can affect the final printing color of an ink, as they can modify the absorption of the ink by the substrate, or they can affect the thickness of the ink layer deposited on said substrate, or even at the size of the printing point. All these parameters will affect the color and therefore should be considered when making color corrections. As a result of this method, a corrected ink is obtained that provides an impression with minimized chromatic deviations with respect to the target colors, and without altering the viscosity and / or temperature characteristics of the first mix ink disposed in the printing machine at add the corrective ink or the quantities of second-origin inks, achieving a better homogenization and increasing the reliability and precision of the color correction, and therefore of obtaining the target color.

Si las cantidades de tintas de segundo origen necesarias para la obtencion de la tinta corregida son anadidas directamente a la tinta de primera mezcla, sin antes ser mezcladas entre sf formando la tinta correctora, se evita ensuciar un recipiente de mezcla, que debena ser limpiado empleando productos espedficos, con los costes economicos y ambientales que esto implica, por lo que evitar la mezcla de dicha tinta correctora repercute en ahorros.If the quantities of second-origin inks necessary to obtain the corrected ink are added directly to the first mix ink, without first being mixed together forming the corrective ink, it is avoided to dirty a mixing container, which must be cleaned using specific products, with the economic and environmental costs that this implies, so avoiding the mixing of said corrective ink has an impact on savings.

Las maquinas impresoras en las que se implementa este sistema y metodo pueden ser de tambor central, por ejemplo de tipo offset, flexografico, de huecograbado.The printing machines in which this system and method are implemented can be central drum, for example offset type, flexographic, gravure.

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De un modo opcional, la tinta de primera mezcla puede ser obtenida de la mezcla de distintas tintas de primer origen, por ejemplo en una primera unidad de preparacion y/o dispensacion de tintas, capaz de servir tintas de primera mezcla a una pluralidad de maquinas impresoras.Optionally, the first mix ink can be obtained from the mixture of different first origin inks, for example in a first unit for preparing and / or dispensing inks, capable of serving first mix inks to a plurality of machines printers

Un dispositivo de control puede disponer de la informacion cromatica del o de los colores objetivo, mediante la cual puede calcular las cantidades de tintas de primer origen necesarias para la preparacion de las tintas de primera mezcla. El citado dispositivo de control tambien puede controlar automaticamente dicha primera unidad de preparacion y/o dispensacion de tintas para proporcionar las cantidades de tintas de primer origen calculadas.A control device may have the chromatic information of the target color or colors, by means of which it can calculate the quantities of first-origin inks necessary for the preparation of the first-mix inks. Said control device can also automatically control said first unit of preparation and / or dispensing of inks to provide the calculated quantities of first origin inks.

De un modo similar, y tambien opcional, una segunda unidad de preparacion y/o dispensacion de tintas, dotada de una pluralidad de tintas de segundo origen separadas en depositos independientes, puede proporcionar las cantidades de segundas tintas origen necesarias para la obtencion de la tinta corregida. La citada segunda unidad puede situarse sobre una plataforma movil que puede ser situada adyacente a una maquina impresora para realizar la correccion de los colores de impresion de dicha maquina impresora, y posteriormente ser trasladada hasta una posicion adyacente a otra maquina impresora donde repetir la operacion. Opcionalmente tambien se preve que dicha segunda unidad este integrada dentro de cada maquina impresora. Esta segunda unidad puede tambien estar controlada por el dispositivo de control.Similarly, and also optionally, a second unit of preparation and / or dispensing of inks, provided with a plurality of second-origin inks separated in independent tanks, can provide the quantities of second origin inks necessary for obtaining the ink corrected The said second unit can be placed on a mobile platform that can be located adjacent to a printing machine to correct the printing colors of said printing machine, and then be moved to a position adjacent to another printing machine where to repeat the operation. Optionally, it is also provided that said second unit is integrated into each printing machine. This second unit can also be controlled by the control device.

Segun un ejemplo de realizacion el dispositivo de control recibe la informacion cromatica referente a los colores de primera impresion, detectados por los sensores opticos, y en base a la informacion referente a los colores objetivo de la que dispone, calcula las cantidades de tintas de segundo origen necesarias para la obtencion de la tinta corregida.According to an example of realization, the control device receives the chromatic information referring to the colors of first impression, detected by the optical sensors, and based on the information referring to the target colors it has, calculates the quantities of second inks Origin necessary for obtaining corrected ink.

La primera y la segunda unidades de preparacion y/o dispensacion de tintas pueden ser ajenas la una respecto a la otra, no teniendo ninguna vinculacion ffsica ni ninguna intercomunicacion, por lo que o una o ambas unidades carecen de dispositivos de control, o ambas disponen de dispositivos de control independientes.The first and second units of preparation and / or dispensing of inks may be foreign to each other, having no physical connection or any intercommunication, so that one or both units lack control devices, or both have of independent control devices.

Segun una realizacion alternativa ambas unidades de preparacion y/o dispensacion de tintas estan conectadas entre sf, y comparten datos, incluso pueden estar ambas controladas por un mismo dispositivo de control centralizado que controle ambas unidades, pudiendo dicho dispositivo de control encontrarse ffsicamente en la primera unidad de preparacion y/o dispensacion de tintas, en la segunda unidad, en ninguna de ellas y controlarlas remotamente, o estar repartido en diferentes nodos interconectados por ejemplo inalambricamente.According to an alternative embodiment both units of preparation and / or dispensing of inks are connected to each other, and share data, they can even both be controlled by the same centralized control device that controls both units, said control device being physically located in the first unit of preparation and / or dispensing of inks, in the second unit, in none of them and control them remotely, or be distributed in different interconnected nodes for example wirelessly.

Los citados dispositivos de control pueden ser a modo de ejemplo no limitativo, un ordenador, un controlador logico programable, o similar, dotado de entradas y salidas de datos y de memorias, y que implementa operaciones de calculo, pudiendo ser dicho dispositivo alimentado con datos procedentes de sensores y/o bancos de datos, y permitiendo estas operaciones de calculo proporcionar unas ordenes de control. Dicho dispositivo de control puede ser unico y centralizado o constar de multiples nodos distribuidos conectados entre sf, o independientes. Otras muchas soluciones equivalentes son posibles, como resultara obvio para un experto en la materia.The said control devices can be by way of non-limiting example, a computer, a programmable logic controller, or the like, equipped with data and memory inputs and outputs, and that implements calculation operations, said device being able to be fed with data from sensors and / or data banks, and allowing these calculation operations to provide control orders. Said control device may be single and centralized or consist of multiple distributed nodes connected to each other, or independent. Many other equivalent solutions are possible, as will be obvious to one skilled in the art.

Dicho dispositivo de control incluira una fuente de alimentacion, y puede comprender unos medios de visualizacion de datos, como una pantalla, para informar a un operario. Tambien puede comprender unos medios que permitan a dicho operario alterar la configuracion del dispositivo de control, como por ejemplo un teclado, unos botones, un menu de opciones, etc. Estos dispositivos pueden ser locales o remotos.Said control device will include a power supply, and may comprise means for displaying data, such as a screen, to inform an operator. It can also comprise means that allow said operator to alter the configuration of the control device, such as a keyboard, buttons, a menu of options, etc. These devices can be local or remote.

De forma preferida, la segunda unidad de tintas sera de menor tamano que la primera unidad de tintas, de modo que sea mas manejable o incluso transportable por un solo operario, gracias por ejemplo a un carro con ruedas. Para lograr este reducido tamano, la segunda unidad de tintas puede disponer de un numero de segundas tintas origen menor al numero de primeras tintas origen contenidas en la primera unidad de tintas, y/o los depositos que contienen dichas segundas tintas origen son de menor tamano que los depositos que contienen las primeras tintas origen.Preferably, the second unit of inks will be smaller in size than the first unit of inks, so that it is more manageable or even transportable by a single operator, thanks for example to a cart with wheels. To achieve this reduced size, the second unit of inks may have a number of second origin inks less than the number of first origin inks contained in the first unit of inks, and / or the deposits containing said second origin inks are of smaller size than the deposits containing the first origin inks.

Otras caractensticas de la invencion apareceran en la siguiente descripcion detallada de un ejemplo de realizacion. Breve descripcion de las figurasOther features of the invention will appear in the following detailed description of an exemplary embodiment. Brief description of the figures

Las anteriores y otras ventajas y caractensticas se comprenderan mas plenamente a partir de la siguiente descripcion detallada de un ejemplo de realizacion con referencia a los dibujos adjuntos, que deben tomarse a tttulo ilustrativo y no limitativo, en los que:The foregoing and other advantages and features will be more fully understood from the following detailed description of an exemplary embodiment with reference to the accompanying drawings, which should be taken by way of illustration and not limitation, in which:

la Fig. 1 muestra un esquema simplificado del sistema de correccion de color propuesto, mostrando unicamente el sistema aplicado a un unico grupo impresor de una unica maquina impresora, y en el que las flechas de lmea continua simbolizan recorridos de las tintas, y las flechas de lmeas de trazos simbolizan conexiones de datos.Fig. 1 shows a simplified scheme of the proposed color correction system, showing only the system applied to a single printing group of a single printing machine, and in which the continuous line arrows symbolize paths of the inks, and the arrows dashed lines symbolize data connections.

Descripcion detallada de un ejemplo de realizacionDetailed description of an embodiment example

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Segun un primer ejemplo de realizacion, con caracter no limitativo, se dispone de tres maquinas impresoras flexograficas 40, de tambor central, cada una dotada de seis grupos impresores 41.According to a first embodiment, with a non-limiting character, there are three flexographic printing machines 40, with a central drum, each equipped with six printing groups 41.

Se facilita informacion relativa a la impresion deseada a realizar mediante un archivo digital de pre-prensa 21 que contiene unos motivos a imprimir, coincidentes con los cliches dispuestos en cada uno de los grupos impresores, preferiblemente con los motivos monocromaticos separados entre sf, asf como unos colores objetivo 10 con los que se debe imprimir cada uno de dichos motivos. Esta informacion se almacena en una memoria digital de un dispositivo de control 20 formado por un PLC (controlador logico programable).Information regarding the desired printing to be made is provided by means of a digital pre-press file 21 containing some reasons to be printed, coinciding with the clicks arranged in each of the printing groups, preferably with the monochromatic motifs separated from each other, as well as objective colors 10 with which each of these motifs should be printed. This information is stored in a digital memory of a control device 20 formed by a PLC (programmable logic controller).

Una primera unidad de preparacion y dispensacion de tintas 30, en adelante primera unidad de tintas 30, esta dotada de unas primeras tintas origen 11, correspondientes a colores espedficos frecuentemente empleados y/o a tintas de colores primarios con los que obtener otros colores mediante su mezcla, y/o a solventes o tintas incoloras. Dicha primera unidad de tinta 30 dispone tambien de unos medios para el dispensado preciso de las tintas, y esta controlada mediante el dispositivo de control 20.A first unit of preparation and dispensing of inks 30, hereinafter first unit of inks 30, is provided with first origin inks 11, corresponding to frequently used specific colors and / or primary color inks with which to obtain other colors by mixing , and / or colorless solvents or inks. Said first ink unit 30 also has means for precise dispensing of the inks, and is controlled by the control device 20.

En base a los colores objetivo 10 proporcionados, la unidad de control 20 calcula las cantidades de cada una de las primeras tintas origen 11 necesarias para obtener cada una de las tintas de primera mezcla 12 requeridas para imprimir cada uno de los colores objetivo 10.Based on the target colors 10 provided, the control unit 20 calculates the quantities of each of the first source inks 11 necessary to obtain each of the first blend inks 12 required to print each of the target colors 10.

La unidad de control 20 acciona la primera unidad de tintas 30 para dispensar las cantidades de las primeras tintas origen 11 calculadas, obteniendo asf las tintas de primera mezcla 12, las cuales se suministran a al menos uno de los grupos impresores 41 de al menos una maquina impresora 40, por ejemplo mediante un sistema de conductos y bombas. Esta operacion se repite hasta haber suministrado al menos todas las tintas de primera mezcla 12 necesarias para imprimir los colores objetivo 10 incluidos en el archivo digital pre-prensa 21 a al menos una maquina impresora 40.The control unit 20 drives the first inks unit 30 to dispense the quantities of the first calculated origin inks 11, thereby obtaining the first blend inks 12, which are supplied to at least one of the printing groups 41 of at least one printing machine 40, for example by a system of ducts and pumps. This operation is repeated until at least all of the first mixture inks 12 necessary to print the target colors 10 included in the pre-press digital file 21 have been supplied to at least one printing machine 40.

A continuacion se procede a imprimir sobre un sustrato 42, con una maquina impresora 40 cuyos grupos impresores 41 disponen de los cliches y las correspondientes tintas de primera mezcla 12 coincidentes con la informacion del archivo digital pre-prensa 21. Todo o parte del sustrato impreso es analizado mediante al menos un sensor optico 50 o colorimetrico, como por ejemplo una camara o un espectrofotometro.Thereafter, printing is carried out on a substrate 42, with a printing machine 40 whose printing groups 41 have the clicks and the corresponding first mix inks 12 coinciding with the information of the pre-press digital file 21. All or part of the printed substrate It is analyzed by at least one 50 or colorimetric optical sensor, such as a camera or a spectrophotometer.

El dispositivo de control 20 analiza los datos obtenidos por los sensores opticos 50, sensores espectrofotometricos, o sensores densitometricos y los compara con los colores objetivo 10 incluidos en el archivo digital pre-prensa 21. Dicha comparacion permite detectar desviaciones cromaticas del color de impresion 13 inicial de forma automatica. A continuacion dicho dispositivo de control 20 disena mediante calculo unas tintas correctoras 15 que, mezcladas con las tintas de primera mezcla 12 y una vez impresas, dan lugar a colores impresos 13 con desviaciones cromaticas minimizadas, y/o que permitan eliminar dichas desviaciones cromaticas en futuras impresiones.The control device 20 analyzes the data obtained by the optical sensors 50, spectrophotometric sensors, or densitometric sensors and compares them with the target colors 10 included in the pre-press digital file 21. Said comparison allows detecting chromatic deviations of the printing color 13 Initial automatically. Then said control device 20 designs by means of calculation corrective inks 15 which, mixed with the first mixture inks 12 and once printed, give rise to printed colors 13 with minimized chromatic deviations, and / or that allow to eliminate said chromatic deviations in Future impressions

Una segunda unidad de preparacion y dispensacion de tintas 31, en adelante segunda unidad de tintas 31, dispone de unas segundas tintas origen 14 almacenadas en unos segundos depositos, y que corresponden a tintas de colores primarios, de color blanco, y de color negro, con los que obtener otros colores mediante su mezcla, y/o solventes o tintas incoloras. Dicha segunda unidad de tintas 31 tambien dispone de unos medios para el dispensado preciso de las segundas tintas origen 14. Dicha segunda unidad de tintas 31 es ajena a la primera unidad de tintas 30, y esta controlada por el dispositivo de control 20, que la regula para obtener la tinta correctora 15, la cual es suministrada por un operario o mediante conductos a cada grupo impresor 41, donde la tinta correctora 15 se mezcla con la tinta de primera mezcla 12 para obtener la tinta corregida 16.A second unit of preparation and dispensing of inks 31, hereinafter second unit of inks 31, has a second origin inks 14 stored in a few second deposits, and corresponding to primary, white, and black colored inks, with which to obtain other colors by mixing, and / or solvents or colorless inks. Said second unit of inks 31 also has means for precise dispensing of the second origin inks 14. Said second unit of inks 31 is foreign to the first unit of inks 30, and is controlled by the control device 20, that the regulates to obtain the corrective ink 15, which is supplied by an operator or through conduits to each printing group 41, where the corrective ink 15 is mixed with the first mixture ink 12 to obtain the corrected ink 16.

De forma opcional no limitativa, la segunda unidad de tintas 31 esta integrada sobre una plataforma con ruedas que puede ser empujada por un usuario y dispuesta junto a una cualquiera de las tres maquinas impresoras 40. Dicha segunda unidad de tintas 31 dispone de un menor numero de segundas tintas origen 14 a dispensar, contenidas en segundos depositos de menor tamano, en comparacion con la primera unidad de tintas 30. Ademas el dispositivo de control 20 de la primera 30 y la segunda unidad de tintas 31 puede estar centralizado en la primera unidad de tintas 30 controlando remotamente la segunda unidad de tintas 31, o puede estar dividida en nodos situados en cada una de las unidades de tintas 30 y 31, pero compartiendo informacion de forma inalambrica.Optionally, without limitation, the second ink unit 31 is integrated on a platform with wheels that can be pushed by a user and arranged next to any one of the three printing machines 40. Said second ink unit 31 has a smaller number of second origin inks 14 to be dispensed, contained in second smaller deposits, in comparison with the first unit of inks 30. In addition, the control device 20 of the first 30 and the second unit of inks 31 may be centralized in the first unit of inks 30 remotely controlling the second unit of inks 31, or it may be divided into nodes located in each of the units of inks 30 and 31, but sharing information wirelessly.

Para conseguir una correcta y rapida mezcla homogenea de la tinta de primera mezcla 12 y de la tinta correctora 15, y para poder proceder mas rapidamente a empezar la produccion, la segunda unidad de tinta 31 proporciona la tinta correctora 15 a una temperatura y/o viscosidad igual a la temperatura y/o viscosidad de la tinta de primera mezcla 12 dispuesta en al menos un grupo impresor 41, y que de forma habitual ha sido calentada para obtener una mejor impresion. Esta informacion ha sido transmitida al dispositivo de control 20 desde unos sensores de temperatura y/o viscosidad de impresora 51 dispuestos en cada grupo impresor 41.In order to achieve a correct and rapid homogeneous mixing of the first mixture ink 12 and the correction ink 15, and to be able to proceed more quickly to start the production, the second ink unit 31 provides the correction ink 15 at a temperature and / or viscosity equal to the temperature and / or viscosity of the first blend ink 12 disposed in at least one printing group 41, and which has been usually heated to obtain a better impression. This information has been transmitted to the control device 20 from temperature and / or printer viscosity sensors 51 arranged in each printing group 41.

La segunda unidad de tinta 31 regula la temperatura de la tinta correctora 15 dispensada gracias a al menos un dispositivo calefactor 32 controlado por el dispositivo de control 20. El dispositivo calefactor 32 puede constar de unThe second ink unit 31 regulates the temperature of the corrective ink 15 dispensed by at least one heating device 32 controlled by the control device 20. The heating device 32 may consist of a

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sensor de temperatura y/o viscosidad de unidad de tintas 52 y de una resistencia electrica, dispuestos para calentar y controlar la temperatura de la tinta correctora 15 dispensada. Tambien se contempla una realizacion alternativa en la que se regula individualmente la temperatura de cada una de las cantidades de segunda tinta origen 14 dispensada para la preparacion de la tinta correctora 15, o la temperatura de las segundas tintas origen 14 contenidas en los segundos depositos.temperature sensor and / or viscosity of the ink unit 52 and of an electrical resistor, arranged to heat and control the temperature of the corrected ink 15 dispensed. An alternative embodiment is also contemplated in which the temperature of each of the quantities of second origin ink 14 dispensed for the preparation of the corrective ink 15, or the temperature of the second origin inks 14 contained in the second deposits is individually regulated.

Adicionalmente o alternativamente, la segunda unidad de tinta 31 puede anadir solvente o tinta incolora a la tinta correctora 15, consiguiendo asf fluidificar dicha tinta correctora 15.Additionally or alternatively, the second ink unit 31 can add solvent or colorless ink to the corrective ink 15, thereby fluidizing said corrective ink 15.

Con esta regulacion de la temperatura y/o la viscosidad se logra que al anadir la tinta correctora 15 a la tinta de primera mezcla 12 no se alteren sustancialmente su temperatura y/o viscosidad, y por lo tanto que se facilite la mezcla, siendo el color de impresion 13, final, mas predecible. Tambien se consigue una mezcla mas rapida y homogenea de ambas tintas.With this regulation of the temperature and / or viscosity it is achieved that by adding the corrective ink 15 to the first mixture ink 12, its temperature and / or viscosity are not substantially altered, and therefore the mixing is facilitated, the mixture being print color 13, final, more predictable. A faster and more homogeneous mixture of both inks is also achieved.

Adicionalmente se pueden anadir otros sensores a la segunda unidad de tintas 31 para obtener una tinta correctora 15 mas cercana a la tinta correctora necesaria calculada por el dispositivo de control 20, como por ejemplo un sensor optico de unidad de tinta, que permita obtener valores cromaticos de la tinta correctora 15 real dispensada, y poder realizar ajustes adicionales antes de ser suministrada al grupo impresor 41.Additionally, other sensors can be added to the second ink unit 31 to obtain a corrective ink 15 closer to the necessary corrective ink calculated by the control device 20, such as an optical ink unit sensor, which allows chromatic values to be obtained. of the actual corrective ink 15 dispensed, and to be able to make additional adjustments before being supplied to the printing group 41.

De modo opcional, las cantidades de segundas tintas origen 14 que han sido empleadas para minimizar las desviaciones cromaticas del color de impresion 13 de una determinada tinta de primera mezcla 12, obtenida en base a un determinado color objetivo 10, son almacenadas en una base de datos accesible por el dispositivo de control 20 junto con dicho color objetivo 10. Dicha base de datos es consultada por el dispositivo de control 20 en las etapas iniciales de trabajos sucesivos futuros, en busca de trabajos de impresion almacenados que tengan unas caractensticas cromaticas iguales o similares a las caractensticas cromaticas del trabajo que el dispositivo de control se dispone a implementar. Si el dispositivo de control 20 halla un trabajo anterior con unas caractensticas cromaticas equiparables, puede implementar dichas cantidades de tintas necesarias para minimizar las desviaciones cromaticas, calculadas y comprobadas en trabajos anteriores, en la elaboracion de la tinta de primera mezcla 12 del trabajo a efectuar, reduciendo asf las posibles desviaciones cromaticas del color de impresion inicial impreso unicamente con la tinta de primera mezcla 12.Optionally, the quantities of second origin inks 14 that have been used to minimize the chromatic deviations of the printing color 13 of a given first mix ink 12, obtained based on a certain target color 10, are stored in a base of data accessible by the control device 20 together with said target color 10. Said database is consulted by the control device 20 in the initial stages of future successive jobs, in search of stored print jobs having identical chromatic characteristics or similar to the chromatic characteristics of the work that the control device is about to implement. If the control device 20 finds a previous job with comparable chromatic characteristics, it can implement said quantities of inks necessary to minimize the chromatic deviations, calculated and verified in previous works, in the preparation of the first mixture ink 12 of the work to be carried out , thus reducing the possible chromatic deviations of the initial printing color printed only with the first blend ink 12.

Claims

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1. - Color correction method in print jobs executed in a printing machine that includes:

a) provide, to each of one or more printing groups (41) of a printing machine (40), a first-mix ink (12) with chromatic qualities equal or very close to the chromatic qualities of one of the target colors (10) established that they are at least one, whose chromatic values are known;

b) make an initial impression, on a substrate (42) with said printing machine (40), by means of one or more of its printing groups (41) each provided with a first mixture ink (12);

c) obtain chromatic values, referring to at least one color of the initial impression (13) resulting from step b), by at least one optical sensor (50);

d) detect deviations of the chromatic values between each initial impression color (13) detected by the optical sensor (50) and its respective objective color (10);

e) calculate, for each first mix ink (12) that prints colors with said deviations, and based on said detection of step d), quantities of a second origin inks (14) to be dispensed for correction;

f) add precisely, to each first mix ink (12) that prints with deviations, the respective calculated quantities of the second origin inks (14), and proceed to its homogenization to obtain a corrected ink (16), that allows to make a final impression with minimized chromatic deviations, and

g) make a final impression;

characterized in that the method further comprises:

h) acquire data referring to the temperature values of the first mixing ink during step b), by means of temperature sensors (51) integrated in the printing machine, and acquire data referring to the temperature of the quantities of second inks ( 14) origin added to each ink (12) of first mixture in step f) before the addition thereof, by means of temperature sensors;

i) use the data acquired in step h) to obtain a corrected ink (16) with temperature values equal to or close to the temperature values of the first mix ink during stage b), by regulating at least a heating device and / or refrigerator (32).

2. - Method according to claim 1, characterized in that the method further comprises:

• acquire data relative to the viscosity values of the first mix ink during step b) by means of viscosity sensors (51) integrated in the printing machine, and acquire data concerning the temperature of the quantities of second inks (14) origin added to each ink (12) of first mixture in step f) before adding them, by means of temperature sensors;

• use the acquired data to obtain corrected ink (16) with viscosity values equal to or close to the viscosity values of the first mix ink during step b) by the addition of solvents.

3. - Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that step f) is executed by an operator or by a second unit for preparing and / or dispensing inks (31) having said second origin inks (14 ).

4. - Method according to claim 1 or 2 characterized in that the first mix ink (12) is obtained from the mixture of quantities of first origin inks (11) dispensed in a first preparation and / or dispensing unit of inks (30).

5. - Method according to claim 4 characterized in that the second unit of preparation and / or dispensing of inks (31) is different and independent of the first unit of preparation and / or dispensing of inks (30) and because said second unit of preparation and / or dispensing of inks (31) is connected to the first unit of preparation and / or dispensing of inks (30) remotely.

6. - Method according to claim 3 or 5, characterized in that the quantities of second origin inks (14) added to each first mix ink (12) that it prints with deviations in step f), have been previously mixed creating a corrective ink (fifteen).

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7. Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the heating and / or cooling device (32), and / or the addition of solvents of step i), act on the corrected ink (16).

8- Method according to claim 1 or 2 characterized in that the heating and / or cooling device (32), and / or the addition of solvents of step i), alter the temperature and / or viscosity of the corrective ink (15) , or the second origin inks (14), or of the quantities dispensed from the second origin inks (14), before their addition to the corrected ink (16).

9. - Method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an automatic control device (20) has the chromatic values of the target colors (10), and executes steps d) and e) based on that information.

10. - Method according to claim 9 when it does not depend on claim 3, characterized in that the automatic control device (20) also executes step f).

11. - Method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the automatic control device (20) executes steps h) and i) and also controls the first unit of preparation and / or dispensing of inks (30).

12. - Method according to claim 3 characterized in that the second unit of preparation and / or dispensing of inks (31) performs step f) for all printing groups (41) containing first-mix ink (12) that prints with deviations of the same printing machine (40), from a position adjacent to said printing machine (40), and subsequently said second unit of preparation and / or dispensing of inks (31) is moved to a position adjacent to another printing machine (40 ), where step f) is repeated for all printing groups (41) containing first-mix ink (12) that prints with deviations from said other printing machine (40).

13. - Method according to any one of the preceding claims characterized in that the quantities of second origin inks (14) used to minimize the chromatic deviations of the printing color (13) of a given first mixture ink (12) obtained based on a certain target color (10), are stored in a database together with said target color (10), and said database is accessible to implement said quantities of inks necessary to minimize chromatic deviations in the production of ink from first mixture (12), in subsequent works.

14. - Color correction system for at least one printing machine (40) that includes:

I) one or more printing groups (41), of one or more printing machines (40), each endowed with a first-mix ink (12) with chromatic qualities equal or very close to the chromatic qualities of one of the colors target (10) established that are at least one, whose chromatic values are known;

II) at least one optical sensor (50), arranged in each of the printing machines (40), capable of detecting chromatic deviations of the printing color (13) printed by said printing machine (40) with the at least one ink of first mixture (12);

III) separate tanks containing second origin inks (14) to be supplied to one or more printing groups (41) of one or more printing machines (40), provided with first-mix ink (12), to obtain a corrected ink (16);

characterized in that:

each printing group (41) has at least one temperature sensor capable of providing data concerning the first mix ink (12) contained in said printing group (41); and temperature sensors capable of providing data concerning the temperature of the quantities of the second inks (14) origin to be added to each first mixture ink (12); and because the system also has

at least one heating and / or cooling device (32), suitable for obtaining a corrected ink (16) with a temperature equal to or close to the temperature of the first mix ink (12).

a tank containing a colorless solvent capable of altering the viscosity conditions of a corrected ink (16) by its controlled addition.

15. - System according to claim 14 characterized in that it integrates a first unit of preparation and / or dispensing of inks (30), which has first origin inks (11) in separate tanks whose dispensation provides first mix inks (12 ) and because the second origin inks (14) are provided by a second unit of preparation and / or dispensing of inks (31), integrating said first and / or second unit of

preparation and / or dispensing of inks (30 and / or 31) a control device (20) suitable for regulating said dispensing and / or preparation of inks.

16.- System according to claim 14 or 15, characterized in that 5

each printing group (41) has at least one viscosity sensor capable of providing data concerning the first mixture ink (12) contained in said printing group (41); and viscosity sensors capable of providing data regarding the viscosity of the quantities of second inks (14) added to each ink (12) of the first mixture; and because the system also has

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at least one heating and / or cooling device (32) suitable for obtaining an ink (16) corrected with a temperature equal to or close to the temperature of the first mixture ink (12).