Groundbreaking software mitigates artifacts in the inkjet printing process

Cambridge UK: Global Graphics Software, a Hybrid Software Group company, has been granted a US patent for “Systems and methods for printer density compensation and stability” (Patent 11,167,549) by the United States Patent and Trademark Office. The patent relates to the technology which underlies PrintFlat™, Global Graphics’ groundbreaking software that improves uniformity and removes unwanted banding from inkjet output, enabling digital production of a wide range of products including wide format graphics, flooring and décor, laminates, and packaging.

Global Graphics Software is a developer of innovative software components for digital print including the Harlequin RIP®, the Direct range, and ScreenPro™, the fastest solutions on the market for driving data through digital presses and ensuring high quality output.

Mike Rottenborn, CEO of Hybrid Software Group, explains, “We are delighted that this invention has been recognized with a US patent. It is a truly innovative solution which enables inkjet press manufacturers to obtain uniformity and stability without sacrificing one over the other, giving them greater freedom in how they design and optimize their printing systems. Its value has been proven in production by our customers for nearly five years, and we believe that this patent will encourage other inkjet manufacturers to implement PrintFlat in their solutions.”

PrintFlat software masks the banding or unwanted patterning in inkjet printing that is caused by variations in inkjet printheads that jet ink onto a printing surface. It also compensates for manufacturing differences between new printheads. PrintFlat is quick to deploy, cost-effective and can be added to any inkjet press already out in the field. Problems can be particularly acute in large format printing as well as décor applications such as wallpaper and flooring and certain colours are more susceptible to visual imperfection than others. The advantage to print service providers is that they can print more jobs digitally than previously and offer a wider range of printed products to their customers.

PrintFlat has been welcomed by the industrial inkjet and graphic community. In 2019 it received a Printing Industries of America Technology Award for its innovation and potential to significantly impact the industry.