iPQ-Spectral – Inline spectral measurement for brilliantly precise colors

Color measurement iPQ-Spectral

BST iPQ-Spectral ensures consistent color accuracy directly within the press. The fully automatic inline spectral measurement system captures color data in real time, enabling faster color corrections, shorter setup times, and superior print quality. With iPQ-Spectral, printers achieve maximum efficiency, process reliability, and sustainable production results.

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Video iPQ-Spectral

Description

Color consistency defines quality and brand impact. Therefor BST provides with iPQ-Spectral the ultimate inline color control solution. The system performs fully automated spectral measurements directly within the printing press. Just eliminating the need for manual color matching after reel changes and reducing setup times dramatically.

iPQ-Spectral meets the actual challenges by detecting even the smallest color deviations in real time and ensuring immediate corrective action. Integrated into BST iPQ-Center family, it supports continuous process improvement across the entire production chain (iPQ-Check for 100% print inspection, iPQ-View for video web monitoring).

Through seamless communication with color management systems and standardized data exchange via CxF3/CxF4, iPQ-Spectral enables precise, repeatable, and documented color quality at every time. The integration with tools like Measure Color offers automated job setup and a closed loop color control for your process.

What are your values?

Closed loop color control with integration to color management tools like Measure Color
Real-time spectral color accuracy for perfect print results
Immediate color correction reduces setup and waste
Fully automated inline measurement for maximum efficiency
Comprehensive color documentation for quality audits
Seamless workflow integration for digital color management

iPQ-Spectral - the centerpiece for print results that impress in every respect

Technical Details

Application area

Printing method
all types of roll-to-roll print presses

Materials
all types of materials (foil, paper and metallized surfaces on request)

System performance

Max. web speed
1.000 m/min

Max. web width
2.500 mm, wider webs on request

Measuring sensor

Sensor type
spectrophotometer

Spectral range
380 - 730 nm

Result resolution
10 nm steps

Light source
xenon flash

Measurement accuracy
typically <1 Eab (D50, 2°) to an X-Rite^® XRGA-compliant gauge

Short-term repeatability
typ. <0,1 E*CIELAB (50,2°) on white

Calibration
automatic, calibration to white normal

Measuring field size
min. 5 x 5 mm, depending on the material dynamics in the pressure control strip or on homogeneous surfaces

Measuring conditions

Standards
ISO 13655:2009, ISO 11664-1:2011, ISO 28178, ISO 5-3:2009, DIN 16536:1997

Measurement background
white or black according to ISO 13655:2009

Measuring distance
20 mm

Measuring geometry
45° | 0°, directional

Measurement results

Output color values
CIE L*a*b*C*H*

Output density values
D, optionally relative or absolute, status E/T/A/I

Color distances
Delta E Lab, Delta E CMC, Delta E 2000, Delta E94

Density distances
D

Types of lighting
D50, D65, A, C, D75,F2, F7, F11

Standard Observer
2°, 10°

Data export / import
CxF3, CxF4 and CGATS.17

Downloads

iPQ-Center brochure

More information about our iPQ-Center and it's components and functionality.
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Brochures at a glance

Get an overview about our product portfolio and download the needed brochures via QR code.
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Videos

Get to know our color measurement iPQ-Spectral

Colors that match automatically, continuously, and verifiably. iPQ-Spectral is the inline color measurement system that elevates your print production to new quality standards. Integrated directly into the press, iPQ-Spectral measures spectral values of all colors, logs deviations in real time, and delivers the data for immediate color correction or quality assurance. No more manual re-checks instead, color-accurate results from the first web.

Get to know our seamless integration of Measure Color

Color quality starts with accurate measurement. The video highlights how iPQ-Spectral and Measure Color captures and evaluates colors spectrally directly on the moving web. With high-precision inline measurement, the system detects even the smallest color deviations and provides standardized data for immediate corrections and quality documentation. Measure Color turns color control into an automated, repeatable process that ensures stable color reproduction.

Get to know our iPQ-Center

BST iPQ-Center, the central platform for integrated quality and process control in modern printing. Within this modular system, iPQ-Spectral plays a key role. The system stabilizes the production process, reduces waste, and guarantees consistently high print quality from the very first meters. Combined with the other iPQ modules, iPQ-Spectral is an essential component for efficient, reliable, and cost-effective printing.