This article covers Ink Limit, the calibration step in the EasyMedia Wizard that follows Linearization and determines the maximum amount of ink each channel can use without compromising print quality or causing over-inking.
Choose how to get started
Choose the advised value (%)
Available since CalderaRIP V19.2
Info
This option is available only when spectral reading is enabled, a linearization has already been performed, and the print mode uses a CMYK-like color configuration.
Good to know
Although Ink Limit remains a visual assessment step, this advised value can reduce the number of test prints needed to find the optimal setting. In some cases, it may allow you to validate the Ink Limit with a single print, or even avoid printing an additional Ink Limit target altogether, saving between 30 minutes and 1 hour per calibration.
The advised Ink Limit value is automatically computed from the linearization measurements to identify a recommended total ink value that should avoid visible print artifacts.
Clicking "Next" opens the Ink Limit Parameters interface and displays the current settings.
Set up a new ink limit
Run Wizard (Print, Measure, and Build)
If you choose to set up a new Ink Limit with the wizard, follow these steps:
- Choose the Ink Limit target that best fits your needs. The available targets differ in patch complexity and total ink coverage range. Options are:
- Big Target, range 150% - 300%: Uses more patches for a more detailed evaluation within a total ink range from 150% to 300%.
- Big Target, range 150% - 400%: Uses more patches for a more detailed evaluation within a total ink range from 150% to 400%.
- Dynamic Target (Default): Automatically adapts the target to the printer configuration and is recommended in most cases.
- Simple Target, range 150% - 300%: Uses fewer patches for a faster evaluation within a total ink range from 150% to 300%.
- Simple Target, range 150% - 400%: Uses fewer patches for a faster evaluation within a total ink range from 150% to 400%.
- 2 colors test target: Prints a target based on two-color combinations to help evaluate ink behavior with a simpler pattern.
- Click "Next".
-
The next interface allows you to configure the target print settings, such as loading, quality, and scale.
Info
You can also configure advanced printing settings using the Printer and Media buttons (as in the Print Module > Printer and Media tabs). The Special Options button lets you adjust alignment, orientation, and other settings.
-
Below, you can set "Ink Clipping" values globally and for each ink.
Good to know
The "Ink Clipping" option helps prevent unwanted bleed before printing a test pattern, functioning similarly in transitions, linear applications, and ink limits. This option is particularly useful if you know that you cannot deposit a large amount of ink on your media. By setting a smaller global ink limit, you can effectively avoid dirtying your printer.
- Click "Print".
- Once printing is finished, click "Next"
Load/Import and existing file
Not available in Ink Limit.
Enter the limit manually
Use this option if you already know the total Ink Limit value you want to apply and do not need to print and measure a target.
Clicking "Next" opens the Ink Limit Parameters interface, where you can enter the desired value and choose how the limit is applied
Edit or check the current ink limit
The "Edit or check current ink limit" option allows you to review or modify the Ink Limit currently defined for the media. In this case, the options below (Run wizard and Enter the limit manually) are not available.
Clicking "Next" opens the Ink Limit Parameters interface and displays the current settings.
Ink Limit Parameters
The Ink Limit Parameters interface lets you define the maximum total amount of ink that can be applied on the selected media. This helps prevent over-inking issues such as bleeding, longer drying times, loss of detail, or unstable print results.
You can enter a Total Ink Limit value and choose the method used to apply the limitation:
- Total Ink Limit (%): Defines the maximum combined ink coverage allowed for all process channels. For example, a value of 250% means that the total amount of ink deposited across the channels cannot exceed 250%.
- Preserve black ink (preferred method): Applies the total Ink Limit while preserving as much black ink as possible. This method is generally recommended because it helps maintain detail, contrast, and text quality while reducing the other inks first.
- Full clip (old algorithm): Applies the total Ink Limit by clipping the combined ink values using the legacy calculation method. This option may be useful for compatibility with older calibrations or workflows.
Tips and Tricks
The Total Ink Limit (TIL) defines the maximum amount of ink that can be deposited on a given media while maintaining stable print quality. Its purpose is to prevent over-inking, which can lead to visible print defects and unreliable results.
Depending on the printer, ink technology, and substrate, excessive ink may cause defects such as:
|
|
|
To determine the Total Ink Limit, EasyMedia prints an ink limit chart containing patches made of different ink combinations. In CMYK configurations, the total ink coverage can go up to 400%.
After printing the chart, examine the patches visually and identify the point at which print defects begin to appear. The Total Ink Limit should then be set below that point to ensure good print quality and stable ink behavior on the media:
Info
A PDF showing examples of common over-inking defects is provided here, to help you evaluate the printed chart.
Next steps
Once you have finished checking and/or modifying the ink limit values, click "Next".
The module will ask if you want to test the settings you just adjusted. If you choose to do so, the printing settings will appear again.
After printing, the wizard will ask if the test results were satisfactory. If so, you can proceed to Profiling.