How To - Matchprint Analog Negative/Positive Proofing Systems

Q: My large Matchprint proofs wrinkle in the Model 447 Laminator. What can I do?
A: To prevent wrinkling, consult your Operator's Guide for information on how to:

• Ensure the roller pressure is correct at 5MM+/- 0.3MM.
• Ensure the feed rollers are clean and not worn or tacky. If the feed rollers need to be cleaned, follow the cleaning instructions provided in your Operator's Guide.
• Inspect upper laminating roller to see if it is clean and not worn or damaged.
• Ensure proper placement of the Matchprint films in the laminator for correct feed.
• Ensure that both edge guides are properly adjusted.

Q: How should I mix powder developer; and what causes undiluted powder sediment in the bottom of the mixer?
A: To properly mix powder developer: add the correct amount of soft water (two or less grains of hardness) to the mixer, turn on the mixer, and then slowly add the powder. Undiluted powder sediment in the bottom of your mixer can be due to the water softness or minerals in the water. Use a SOFCHEKR test strip to check for water softness every time you make developer. If you are still getting undiluted powder sediment after ensuring correct water softness, have your local water purification company analyze your water and remove minerals from it.

Q: How should I place my gray scale to get the correct reading?
A: Place the gray scale in the same area of the exposure frame for each color to get consistent vacuum pressure and light exposure. Put the scale as close to the center area of the frame as possible without placing it in the image.

Standard 10-Step Gray Scale
Place the scale wrong-reading (the emulsion-coated side facing up toward the light). By placing the gray scale wrong reading, you will get fewer ghost steps and an easier-to-interpret image.

A-E Scale
For Matchprint and Color-Key products, you may use the 5-step A-E Gray Scale. When using this scale, place right-reading (which is with the emulsion-coated side up).

Q: How do I get the best exposure results?
A: To gauge proper exposure, use a gray scale. When you are using the right bulb for the material (i.e. photopolymer), the correct gray scale exposure will be within the spectral sensitivity scale of the emulsion coating. Since most imagesetting film is a hard dot film, fine-tune your proofing exposures using a hard dot scale (such as an UGRA or RIT scale) to get good dot-for-dot reproduction quality.