How Paper and Ink Properties Interact to Determine the Characteristic Curve of a Lithographic Printing Press Unit

This is the third in a series of reports on a project which began as a study of the effect of paper on the characteristics of lithographic prints. It sets forth a hypothesis based on experimental results which explains why paper and ink, acting in consort, are major factors which effect the tone reproduction characteristics of a lithographic printing press unit. Data from printing tests are presented to support the contention that paper properties are the primary determinant of the density range of the reproduction, while the second property of the characteristic curve, its slope, is determined primarily by the properties of the ink, through their effect on dot gain.