The problems with the image quality in newspapers on switching from black and white to colour have still not been eliminated. However, with the new printing elements from SandyScreen, there is a tool on the market that when used properly can offer help. SandyScreen offers a computer-developed printing element that revolutinizes the whole of reproduction. The new printing elements give the reproduced image a considerably greater range of contrast. The new structure of the printing elements means dot closure in newspaper printing can be reduced mainly in the mid-to-three quarter shade (40-75%). In this range, the illustration is therefore more finely restructured. But this alone is not enough to improve picture quality. Several parameters are needed here to fully exploit the advantage that these printing elements offer. In addition to the characteristics of the printing machine, further data and parameters from the production process are needed. With SandyScreen, imaging information acquires a new validity and status. The technology is not only a milestone in reproduction, but it marks a change in pre-press comparable with the direct drive in printing machine construction.
