The Digital Dots proofing test kit is designed to test a proofing system’s capacity to correctly reproduce a selection of spot colours. These spot colours are normally outside the gamut of conventional process colour printing using just CMYK inks.

The test package consists of print samples for visual comparison and a CD . This CD has the test form and reference values for the colours used, as well as a ten colour ICC profile that can be used in a proofing system that supports the use of n-color profiles.

The package also includes an explanation of how to do an evaluation, and a description of the tools and software required to do the evaluation. No software or measuring tools are included in the package. Also included are sample results from previously tested proofing systems, and the tolerances, expressed as ∆E76, that can be achieved. Also included are some guidelines for what to consider when linearising the imagesetter (that is, creating a RIP curve), aspects of dot gain compensation and how to calculate target values on press. This explains the nuances of using UVfilters or not and measuring dry versus wet inks and paper.

The print sample is a real press print printed on a ten unit Heidelberg Speedmaster 102. It was printed with CMYK inks plus six selected spot colours: Pantone Reflex Blue, Purple, Orange P165, Red P185, Green P354 and P347.

The Digital Dots Spot Colour Proofing Test kit provides you with an excellent opportunity to test your own proofing system and configuration, to see how well it fares in comparison to previously tested proofing systems.

If you would like us to measure your proof sample and send you the results and an analysis, please let us know. There is a fee for this but it depends on your system and application.

UK customers must use the "UK Purchase" form. All other customers please use the "Rest Of The World" form.