In offset calibration, alongside color blocks, print color strips are often used. These strips contain a range of color patches or gradients, allowing for a more comprehensive assessment of color accuracy and consistency throughout the printing process. They are also sometimes called color registration strips.
Quality assurance (QA) in this context involves systematically evaluating the printed color strips to identify and rectify any issues. This may include checking for color shifts, banding, or inconsistencies. The QA process ensures that the printed output meets the required color standards and specifications.
Including both color blocks and color strips in the offset calibration process, with a robust QA component, helps maintain high printing standards and consistent color reproduction.
The concept of color bars in offset printing is similar to the color blocks or color test patterns used in printer testing. Both serve the purpose of evaluating and calibrating color reproduction. Color bars typically consist of a series of color patches arranged in a specific order, representing various colors and tones.
In printer testing, especially for color printers, similar color test patterns or blocks are used to assess the printer’s capability to reproduce colors accurately. The patterns often include gradients, solid blocks of color, and other elements to test different aspects of color reproduction.
While the specific arrangements and patterns may vary, the fundamental idea of using color bars or blocks for color calibration and testing is consistent across both offset printing and printer testing contexts.