which proof to use for which printer?

[dimitri]

we are getting a book printed in Singaore. We are in Sydney, and for some reason we send it there. I guess it is a quality question.

The conection is made with one of those independend print managers, you know this kind who earn a living, just with shaking hands and talking bull all day long.

I was unable to find out the profile the book is printed, so i assume it's sheetfeed, and I set all the images up to 315, 85, 15% gain

Now we get some proofs first, he offered cromalin and another proof he calls Kodak. I don't know any Kodak proof, can anyone let me know what I can expect. will this match what they print on the press?
I did not want to get the cromalins, becouse every time i go for press check, the printer can't match it anyway, so what is the point in getting perfect proofs if they don't represent the reality.

any comments and thoughts appreciated.

Dimitri

[pmkprog]

We do some Kodak Approval proofs here.

They can represent the actual dots like the press. Our other proofs don't.

For the most part color is pretty good, if you're calibrated. The proofs can be laminated to whatever stock you're running the job on. The only issue is that if you're running on offset, the proof can not compensate for the amount of ink the paper will absorb. So the proof will pop more and look richer than the printed piece will.

Unless they proof with a profile that allows for that. Their people should hopefully know.

Remember all flat tints that are 4color build might shift a little.

[mc_hristel]

It sounds like the Kodak is the way to go, but I would confirm the type of Kodak proof they would be getting you. What pmkprog seems to be describing is a Kodak Matchprint proof which is great because it is imaged just like the plates would be. But there are also Kodak ink jet proofers which are rebadged HP or Epson printers. As you prabably know, they can be fairly color accurate if calibrated...

Good luck.

[dimitri]

thanks guys, that helps me to get some idea what to expect.

dimitri