It is designed as control tool, with which the reproduction behavior of PostScript able output devices can be determined with high sensitivity. The control wedge is written in Adobe Systems Inc.'s PostScript page description language. It defines a test image, which consists of seven functional groups or test elements. It can be processed and/or output at appropriate resolution on PostScript-compatible printers, image setters and electronic publishing systems.
The control strip is an approved tool for characterizing the condition of digital output devices.
The following criteria may be assessed with the Ugra/Fogra PostScript-Control Strip:
- Device-specific information
- Resolution
- Type rendering
- horizontal/vertical resolution
- Highlight dot reproduction
- Printing characteristic curve
- Optimazation of device settings
- Color rendering
Multiple Uses within ISO 9001/2 Scopes
- Device performance
- Periodical checking of the operating conditions
- Film and plate exposure, digital printing
- Aptitude tests on materials (film, plate, ink, printing substrates)
- Suitability of frequency modulation
Available Program Versions
PS-Version
In the PS version the control strip is a pure PostScript program and sent as such directly to the RIP of a PostScript device. The control strip characterises the output result (checkerboard patches, line elements) in relation with the specific settings of the RIP (halftone wedge, color patches).
EPS-Version
The EPS version (Encapsulated PostScript) of the control strip is imported into layout pages, previous to its output on a PostScript compatible device. The control strip characterises the output result (checkerboard patches, line patches) in relation with the used software, workflow and RIP (halftone wedge, color patches).
