The Effect of Printing Conditions on Dot Gain.

Laboratory tests on two single-width offset litho newspaper presses have been carried out to determine which press settings and which material qualities affect dot gain. Settings and material qualities that did not affect dot gain include press speed, ink form roller squeeze, non-compressible blankets, and fountain solution type. Variables that did affect dot gain include ink film thickness, increased dampening level, and paper. Test procedures include application of densitometric dot area measurement.