Flexographic Tone Scales (Corrugated, Wide Web, Narrow Web)

Tonal Range is defined as the range of halftone dots that can be printed. More specifically, it represents the highlight to shadow range that can be printed as determined by the fingerprint test. The tonal gradation information gained from the fingerprint test will ultimately influence the initial scanning stage of the reproduction and all subsequent halftone images. These tone scales can be read using a reflection densitometer that evaluates the dot area percentage as a percentage of the solid which is in question.    Conventional (AM) screen ruling breaks an image into different sized dots at a fixed angle with centers equally spaced. These dots are measured in the number of dots per inch (dpi) or lines per inch (lpi). AM screening is currently the most often used, and requires the least amount of computing power when outputting to film.   Stochastic (FM) screening breaks an image into the same sized spots in a random distribution. These spots are measured in microns (µm). Stochastic screening has helped eliminate moire and control abrupt tone breaks in graduated screen tints or vignettes. GENERAL HINTS FOR SUCCESS: Do not download the sample target(s) above. They are .jpg/.gif images; the .eps file that you will use are located below in the download section.

Download

We offer this file free of charge in the hope that it can speed up the makeready process. The .EPS file is meant only as a starting point. Download the file and follow the "Hints for Success" as outlined above. Tone Scale .EPS format (~288 K). In addition, we offer free of charge a series of information sheets explaining the theory and use of these targets. Download "Tone Scales" or the entire series below in PDF format. They are available in color to output to a color device (i.e. Inkjet) for best results. You can find the majority of the targets mentioned in this series on this website. Tone Scales (Page 2 of the series) (~132 K) Entire Series (~692 K)