In order to establish the quantitative methods for evaluating print quality, affecting factors on print have been selected. In this paper, determination methods of print gloss, smoothness on print and print unevenness of solid areas have been examined in detail.
The results obtained are as follows:
(1) Print gloss: Specular gloss has been determined for different incident/receptor angles for three different papers, i.e., gloss type coated paper, wood-free paper and newsprint. It has been found that 46)/45° or 60°/60° specular gloss is appropriate for coated paper, while 75°/75° gloss is the best for wood-free paper and newsprint. By these evaluations; small difference in print gloss has been detected evidently.
(2) Smoothness on print: Center line average height (Ra) and surface length ratio (SL) have been obtained on print surface by use of the tracer methods. Average roughness curves have been evaluated in terms of Ra and SL. Wavelength and amptitude have been analyzed from waveform data by Fourier Transformation. Both methods have been shown to be effective to describe real changes in smoothness on print.
(3) Print unevenness: Print unevenness has been evaluated in terms of standard deviation of optical micro-density variation, which has been measured by use of the Microphotometer. The standard deviation has clearly demonstrated unevenness of printing surface in micro scale, and this agreed with visual observation result.
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