Unlock consistent color quality, reduce waste, and increase press efficiency with real-time spectral monitoring as part a 100% inspection system
“With label and packaging converters under increasing pressure to deliver consistent color and defect-free print, we are continuously advancing technologies in color measurement and print inspection. AVT solutions are designed to provide precise, real-time color control, automated defect detection, and compliance with industry standards, ensuring uniformity across every print run. By seamlessly integrating into production workflows, our systems help converters minimize waste, accelerate setup, and achieve repeatable quality. This commitment to innovation empowers customers to optimize operations, maintain brand integrity, and drive measurable improvements in both efficiency and output.” – Guy Yogev, VP of Marketing & Product, AVT
Color consistency is critical in packaging, especially for global brands that demand absolute uniformity across production runs and locations. Integrating in-line spectral color measurement into print production empowers converters to catch color shifts instantly, shorten makeready time, reduce material waste, and deliver repeatable quality.
“When it comes to brand recognition and value, color consistency and quality are absolutely crucial,” said Guy Yogev, VP of Marketing & Product, AVT. “The uniformity of a brand’s packaging color inspires recall, trust and loyalty among consumers. But achieving perfectly reproduced brand colors for packages and labels requires converters to print to the numbers and prove color accuracy – all while manufacturing at high speeds and volumes.”
Ultra-high speed inline spectral measurement
To address this need, AVT (Advanced Vision Technology), a global leader in print inspection solutions, developed SpectraLab XF. A unique solution for XRGA-compliant, ultra-high speed inline spectral measurement during make-ready and production, AVT SpectraLab XF ensures color and quality consistency across the entire print cycle.
“Meeting this standard can be challenging, especially with increasing demand for shorter production runs as brands seek to grow market share with targeted campaigns, brand extensions and limited editions,” said Guy. “Color verification using handheld measurement devices is limited, measuring only a few points per roll – a manual and time-consuming process that requires frequent operator intervention. SpectraLab XF has been developed to help converters meet these brand expectations, through effectively measuring during run-time and make-ready and ensuring converters print to color target.”
Delivering accurate and automated color measurement for the full array of labels and packaging applications, SpectraLab XF incorporates an X-Rite spectral sensor and can measure at very high speeds, resulting in many measurements in every printed roll. It measures small color targets of 4-6mm depending on press peed and correlates to offline measurement standards.
“SpectraLab XF is fast, accurate, and saves converters valuable time,” said Guy. “This enables converters to measure color targets and in-image colors at a much faster run time, delivering measurements one hundred times faster than before, with higher frequency and many more measurements per roll,” he said. “The technology delivers much better targeting and accuracy, and importantly can work with very flexible materials.”
Guy explained that as SpectraLab XF enables measurements during make-ready, converters can also enjoy significant reductions in job change time. “With support for 4-5mm targets or patches, users can also benefit from a saving on material trim area, while the optional data import/export option gives the ability to send data to converters, brands and press control systems.”
Incorporating SpectraLab XF into the in-line inspection system not only saves time in setup, but it also maximizes operator efficiency. “SpectraLab XF delivers suggested color improvements and saves time by eliminating the need for manual scanning of each color patch with in-line automated measurement, reducing the workload further,” said Guy. “It measures L*a*b*, density and dot gain on flexible packaging and folding carton applications, comparable with offline devices, but all at point of print for maximum efficiency.
“With standard design and easy correlation to offline handheld instruments through a special calibration process, it is as simple to use as it is accurate,” he said.”
Advanced 100% inspection made simple
SpectraLab XF is a part of the AVT 100% in-line print inspection system, which continues to benefit from investment in innovations that drive further efficiency and quality in packaging supply. After introducing varnish and coating inspection for wide-web application and flexible packaging a few years ago, AVT recently introduced a groundbreaking varnish inspection module to labels converters.
“The Varnish Inspection module enables converters to inspect and detect defects in varnish coatings during a live label print run,” said Guy. “As an add-on to our Helios 100% inspection system, the module enables viewing and inspection of varnish and coating on various printed substrates simultaneously with print inspection.”
Heralding a new era of inspection for printed labels, the unique and patented module detects issues such as varnish misregister, partial and full starvation simultaneously with the existing print defect detection, enabling labels converters to achieve maximum output while reducing waste.
“A significant percentage of labels require varnish for design and protection,” said Guy. “Usually this requires stopping the press to pick a label and conducting a manual visual inspection. The process can also require the adding of UV additives to the varnish – which are not allowed in many applications – with viewers then using a special UV light source, all of which just serves to further interrupt production.
“Built on the deep inspection expertise of the AVT team, we developed the Varnish Inspection module to address all these issues in a single automated solution that optimizes accuracy, safety and convenience,” said Guy. “With this innovation, one system does it all – print inspection, varnish inspection, barcode verification, variable data, color and any other process and quality needs. Moreover, this is all done in parallel and at the highest production speeds with no compromise.
“The AVT Varnish Inspection module offers broad compatibility, working seamlessly with countless types of varnish coatings,” added Guy. “Whether it is matte, glossy, or tactile, the technology delivers amazing viewing and inspection results.”
Freedom and the future
In March 2025, AVT proudly announced its transformation into an independent company. With more than 30 years at the forefront of inline and 100% inspection solutions, AVT is now building on its rich heritage and returning to its roots as a standalone brand, fully dedicated to driving innovation and excellence in print inspection technology.
The launch of the new AVT followed the company’s acquisition by Porat Itay Holdings, and heralded an exciting new chapter that enabled AVT to focus on what it does best – print inspection, process control and quality assurance.
“AVT has been at the vanguard of print inspection advancements since it was founded in 1992, helping printers worldwide achieve unparalleled quality and efficiency through automated systems that deliver unrivalled quality control at the highest production speeds,” said Guy. “As part of the acquisition agreement, AVT retains its special partnership with both Esko and X-Rite, allowing AVT to continue to collaborate closely with other industry leaders and offer our unique capabilities of seamless workflow and unmatched color measurement.
“As an independent company, we are laser-focused on delivering state-of-the-art print inspection solutions that empower our global customers to achieve operational excellence,” he said. “With a renewed vision, AVT is underlining its leading position as a trusted partner for print professionals worldwide.”
In 2025, AVT will introduce its new AI-based innovation – AutoEdit AI, a newly developed module that automates roll/data editing within the AVT 100% inspection and waste removal workflow.
“By eliminating manual steps and using big data and AI learning from site-specific quality parameters, AutoEdit AI streamlines workflows and enhances decision-making accuracy, setting a new benchmark for operational efficiency,” he said.
“Our mission at AVT has always been to simplify complexity and elevate quality through intelligent automation,” said Guy. “As we look to the future, we’re committed to delivering integrated solutions that work together to optimize every stage of the print and finishing processes.”
AVT has been at the forefront of print inspection since 1992, helping printers worldwide achieve unparalleled quality and efficiency. With a portfolio that spans inspection, color accuracy, and workflow automation, AVT continues to lead the industry in delivering scalable, data-driven solutions for labels and packaging.
For more on AVT and its range of print inspection and color measurement solutions, visit www.avt-inc.com