At this point, you can configure HyperFlex Advanced to give the best HyperFlex feature size. In the following example:
- The existing minimum dot value is 5%
- Tests show that HyperFlex should be used at four pixels, with a 5% AM dot
To place four pixels of HyperFlex at the 5% dot, you must take feathering into account. HyperFlex Advanced begins at the size specified in the process template and reduces in size (feathers) as it approaches the lower limit.
HyperFlex scales down in five value steps between the start and limit positions. To place four pixels at the 5% dot, start by specifying six pixels. As HyperFlex feathers back, it will place only four pixels at the 5% area.
The percentage in each feathering step is determined by the limit setting. With the limit set to 6%, each percentage from 1% to 5% should have a reduced amount of HyperFlex. Setting the limit to 11% should result in reduced HyperFlex in each step of 2%. Exact prediction is impossible, because of rounding in the algorithm.
Ultimately, you must make a best guess and create TIFF files for inspection. When the optimum results are achieved, you can start making test plates.
Using feathering with HyperFlex Advanced and AM dots can produce unexpected results in extreme highlights. HyperFlex Advanced begins at its largest feature size at the extreme highlights, and will be largest in the 1% tone area. This is also the point where AM dots are the smallest, which means that the HyperFlex is larger than the AM dots. This is normal. (The extreme highlights are unusable, and you can safely ignore the appearance of these areas.)
What is important is what happens at the target minimum dot value. At the target percentage value, AM dots will be larger and the smaller HyperFlex light values should not cause any identifiable features to develop on plate.
See the illustrations below for a sample test image with HyperFlex Advanced specified.
HyperFlex Advanced configured in the process template to give four pixels of HyperFlex at the target minimum dot of 5%
Note: The Start and End positions are set to a value less than the merge position, which will merge all HyperFlex Advanced. Merge means that all HyperFlex will be equally spaced between AM dots.
Sample TIFF output
Note: There are four pixels of HyperFlex at the target 5% dot, and HyperFlex is feathering down. Percentages below the minimum dot value will not print, so the fact that HyperFlex can be bigger than the AM dot is irrelevant in those areas.
Larger output to show HyperFlex in more detail
Note: Feathering is clearly visible, and HyperFlex is placed at four pixels with the 5% dot (four pixels form a square).
Final TIFF showing the application of a bump curve
In the image above, testing determined that minimum dot could be reduced by 1%, so a new bump curve was created and applied to move the AM minimum dot with HyperFlex Advanced to 4%. This will be the new production setting.
Without HyperFlex the minimum dot is nominal 5%, and prints as 14%
Note: With HyperFlex Advanced, the minimum dot is nominal 4% and prints as 12%. Where HyperFlex Advanced is applied, highlight dots are stronger and print with less gain.
It is possible that you can determine optimum HyperFlex settings by inspecting plates and using a micrometer to measure relief height. But ultimately, you must confirm these settings on press and characterize and record the data for ongoing quality control purposes.
After optimizing highlights using HyperFlex and Maxtone, you can proceed to optimize solids and shadows using DigiCap.