Tobias Associates, Inc., is a progressive family-owned manufacturer of innovative graphic arts equipment. In addition to the printing industry, Tobias also serves the photographic, micrographic, radiographic, pulp and paper, and electronic publishing industries.

The company was founded by Philip E. Tobias in Glenside, Pennsylvania in 1959, as a graphic arts consulting business. Educated as an engineer, Mr. Tobias' graphic arts expertise was acquired during the ten years that he served as Director of Research and Development for a Philadelphia based printer. It was at that time that he became recognized as a technical authority in the field. In 1960, with the consulting business a success, the manufacturing operation was established, its product line geared toward the continuing improvement and consistency of print quality.

Tobias invented and produced the first benchtop digital transmission densitometer and the first automatic scanning densitometer. Both inventions revolutionized the printing industry, greatly improving the ability to measure and control image quality.

They have since become standard items, used everywhere. In addition, Tobias has developed and manufactures automated plate scanners and 2-dimensional scanning densitometers for applications ranging from high-speed webs with 1/16" colorbars to press sheets as large as 78 inches.

Through the years, Tobias Associates has become universally recognized as a leader in the industry, producing some of the most sophisticated and innovative instruments on the market today. The company, having grown significantly with worldwide distribution, retains its commitment to ensuring customer satisfaction. Tobias now staffs an extensive, dedicated engineering department which creatively manages product development and service.

Their wide-ranging in-house capabilities include mechanical and electronic design, as well as software programming. Reflecting present day needs in the graphic arts and printing industries, the current Tobias product line includes Digital and Optical Automatic Plate Scanners, Scanning Densitometers, Tabletop and Portable Densitometers, Mottle Testers and other application-specific instruments. All Tobias Associates products are engineered and manufactured in the USA. 

 

The Tobias TBX1000™ and TBX1500™ Transmission Densitometers measures transmission optical density. The TBX1500 also calculates positive and negative dot area. The unite have been designed for user convenience and error-free measurement. The data can be uploaded to a spreadsheet via the USB port using an optional data transfer program (p/n A2128). To meet special requirements an optional filter carrier may be used allowing supplementary filters to isolate a portion of the spectrum that may be of interest.

 

The TBX1000 and TBX1500 have been designed for user convenience and error-free measurement. Table illumination facilitates film placement and the entire operation requires only one hand, leaving the other free for note taking or sample repositioning.

 

The unit has both an absolute mode and a relative mode, which can be used for comparing the measured values to a previously stored value for consistent process control.

B&W transmission densities

Calculates positive and negative dot area (TBX1500)

Soft key menu operation

7 inch throat to measure large samples

Readings are very repeatable with a large degree of accuracy

USB port standard

Software calibration

Optional band pass filter

Switchable LED table lamps

Cost effective and affordable quality control system 

 

TBX 2000™ 

 

Single-Step measurement of Opacity, Transmission, and Transmission Optical Density
The Tobias TBX2000™ Transmission Densitometer/Opacity Meter measures and calculates percent opacity, percent transmission, and transmission optical density. The unit has been designed for user convenience and error-free measurement. There is no more need to figure the percentages manually. The data can be uploaded to a spreadsheet via the USB port using an optional data transfer program (p/n A2128). To meet special requirements an optional filter carrier may be used allowing supplementary filters to isolate a portion of the spectrum that may be of interest.

The TBX2000 has been designed for user convenience and error-free measurement. Table illumination facilitates film placement and the entire operation requires only one hand, leaving the other free for note taking or sample repositioning.

Plastic materials are easily read where both the percent opacity and the percentage of light that is not transmitted through the material can be displayed. The unit can also display the density values when required. The unit has both an absolute mode and a relative mode, which can be used for comparing the measured values to a previously stored value for consistent process control.

 

Soft key menu operation

7 inch throat to measure large samples

Readings are very repeatable with a large degree of accuracy

Calculates opacity and transmission percentage values automatically

Can display the density values.

USB port standard

Software calibration

Optional band pass filter

Switchable LED table lamps

Cost effective and affordable quality control system 

 

 

 

 

The IQ150 Densitometer, engineered with the latest in software technology, is so easy to use that an operator's manual isn't even needed! Yet, the affordable IQ150 fulfills your press and pre-press quality control needs with precision. It quickly and easily computes the main densitometric functions: density, density difference, dot area and dot gain. The IQ150 Densitometer has proven itself an indispensable workhorse for printers. No other portable densitometer available today can offer so much, so consistently, at so reasonable a price.

Available functions: Density, Density Difference, Dot Area and Dot Gain.

Simultaneous display of all filter densities: Shows the major filter value in large characters; the three minor values are shown smaller.

Plainly worded, self-guiding prompts: Simple directions appear on the display; no complicated operating instructions or training manuals to study.

Large, high-contrast display area: Easy-to-read display can be viewed from virtually any angle.

Murray-Davies and Yule-Nielsen dot area calculations: Switch between equations at the touch of a button.

Convenient one-hand operation: All densitometric functions are quickly and easily accessed through one button.

Automatic turnoff: Saves battery by shutting off after 90 seconds of non-use.

Several thousand readings per battery charge: Also runs from the A.C. adapter/charger.

RS-232 output port: Use with a printer for reports, or a computer for analysis or data storage. Selectable manual or automatic transfer.

Easy software calibration: Eliminates trial-and-error screwdriver adjustments.

Available in French or Spanish: Displays all user prompts in the selected language. 

 

The top-of-the-line IQ200 Densitometer, engineered with the latest in software technology, is so easy to use that an operator's manual isn't even needed! Yet, the IQ200 fulfills your press and pre-press quality control needs with precision. It quickly and easily computes all standard densitometric functions: from density and density difference to dot area and dot gain, as well as contrast, trap, hue error and grayness. The IQ200 Densitometer has proven itself an indispensable workhorse for printers. No other portable densitometer available today offers such versatility and convenience.

Available functions: Density, Density Difference, Dot Area, Dot Gain, Trap, Contrast, Hue Error and Grayness.

Simultaneous display of all filter densities: Shows the major filter value in large characters; the three minor values are shown smaller.

Plainly worded, self-guiding prompts: .Simple directions appear on the display; no complicated operating instructions or training manuals to study.

Large, high-contrast display area: Easy-to-read display can be viewed from virtually any angle.

Murray-Davies and Yule-Nielsen dot area calculations: Switch between equations at the touch of a button.

Automatic turnoff: Saves battery by shutting off after 90 seconds of non-use.

Several thousand readings per battery charge: Also runs from the A.C. adapter/charger.

RS-232 output port: Use with a printer for reports, or a computer for analysis or data storage. Selectable manual or automatic transfer.

Easy software calibration: Eliminates trial-and-error screwdriver adjustments.

Optional Statistical Process Control (SPC) package: D-Stat software for control and monitoring of printing process.

Available in French or Spanish: Displays all user prompts in the selected language. 

 

Check dot gain on plates before they reach the pressroom? Yes.. .with a new offset plate densitometer, the Plate-Chek from Tobias. Lightweight and portable, the Plate-Chek features a unique optical head design that automatically selects the appropriate filter to read the plate image. The easy-to-use dot area functions enable you to determine the degree of dot gain on printing plates created by either direct-to-plate or conventional means of plate exposure. Evaluate exposure intensity, eliminate hot spots, check vacuum hold down with the Tobias Plate-Chek plate densitometer for precise QC dot gain evaluation.

 

Features

Measures Dot Area on CTP as well as conventionally processed plates.

Automatic spectral selection to enhance reading sensitivity of plate image.

Clear plastic target provides easy viewing of measuring area.

Simple directions in English appear on the large LCD screen; high contrast display is easy to read at virtually any angle.

Stores base and solid values for subsequent readings.

Smooth, non-scratch base protects plate surface.

Easy software calibration. Eliminates trial-and-error screwdriver adjustments.

Several thousand readings per battery charge. Also runs from the AC/DC adapter/charger.

Automatic shutoff after 90 seconds of non-use conserves battery life. Displays last reading on power up.

 

The Tobias Paper-Chek, a hand-held device for reading paper brightness and cast, makes paper inspections at point-of-receipt quickly and accurately. Measure paper brightness, cast variation, and RGB reflectivities all on an easy-to-use meter that displays readings on a large, high-contrast LCD screen. Compare Paper-Chek brightness readings to a reference value for immediate QC decisions. Now printers can efficiently monitor paper supplies for compliance with specified tolerances, especially important in view of today's increasing use of recycled paper, paperboard and linerboard.

 

Plainly worded, self-guiding promptsSimple directions in English appear on the display; no training necessary.

Large, high-contrast displayEasy-to-read LCD screen can be viewed from virtually any angle.

Cordless portabilityBattery power allows use plantwide.

Automatic shut-offSaves battery by turning off after 90 seconds of non-use. Also runs from AC/DC adapter/charger.

Easy software calibrationEliminates trial-and-error screwdriver adjustments.

RS-232 output portUse with a printer for reports, or a computer for analysis or data storage. 

 

The affordable RBP Densitometer measures black and white densities quickly, accurately and conveniently. With all the features and advanced electronics of its companion color model, the RCP, the Tobias RBP is ideal for measuring black & white densities of halftones for exposure prediction, checking D-Max and calculating dot area.

One-Hand Operation. No switches to turn on; no buttons to push. Power-on is automatic. Just position the target over your sample and press down the RBP housing to read density. To conserve battery power, the lamp shuts off after 2 seconds; the display remains on as long as RBP is held down on sample.

 

Rugged, Compact Design. Electronic circuitry and optical system are mounted on a firm, metal baseplate and protected by an unbreakable plastic cover. High strength, low mass design (a mere 14 oz.) that is built for years of tough pressroom use.

 

Long Battery Life. Thousands of measurement cycles on one 9V alkaline battery. A "LO BAT" signal on the display gives you plenty of warning when it needs replacement. An optional rechargeable NiCad battery and charger kit are also available.

 

Zero to Paper With Ease. A single thumbwheel FINE ZERO adjustment allows you to quickly offset zero to your paper base or adjust it to the calibration standard supplied with the RBP. The ZERO and CALIBRATE controls allow for periodic adjustment as well as to force conformity to another densitometer, if desired.

 

This battery-operated, portable densitometer features all the accuracy and stability of the most advanced bench top units... yet designed to be even more rugged. Small enough to fit in the palm of your hand and light enough to carry in your pocket, it is a truly personal densitometer that is easy to use when and where you need it most.

 

Use it in the pressroom, camera room, art studio, laboratory or at client meetings... anywhere precise color density should be measured.

 

The affordable RCP Color Reflection Densitometer has every feature needed for both pressroom and camera room use. It is rugged enough for the toughest workplace environments and as accurate as the finest bench-top units. Thanks to advanced technology microelectronics, the size and weight of the unit have been dramatically reduced. Depend on the RCP to measure all flat colors as well as black & white.

 

One-Hand Operation. No switches to turn on; no buttons to push. Power-on is automatic. Just position the target over your sample, select filter and press down the RCP housing to read density. To conserve battery power, the lamp shuts off after 2 seconds; the display remains on as long as RCP is held down on sample.

 

Rugged, Compact Design. Electronic circuitry and optical system are mounted on a firm, metal baseplate and protected by an unbreakable plastic cover. High strength, low mass design (a mere 14 oz.) that is built for years of tough pressroom use.

 

Long Battery Life. Thousands of measurement cycles on one 9V alkaline battery. A "LO BAT" signal on the display gives you plenty of warning when it needs replacement. An optional rechargeable NiCad battery and charger kit are also available.

 

Fast Filter Selection. Select the correct filter for the desired color with a simple turn of the knob. Filters are protected from direct source light and dust for long life and minimum fading.

 

Zero To Paper with Ease. A single thumbwheel FINE ZERO adjustment allows you to quickly offset zero to your paper base or adjust it to the calibration standard supplied with the RCP. The ZERO and CALIBRATE controls allow for periodic adjustment as well as to force conformity to another densitometer, if desired.

 

Printers Can Save Time and Materials
The PLX Plate Scanning System represenis an extraordinary advancement in an area of great potential savings: press makeready. Using the PLX Plate Scanner, predict optimal fountoin preset for each plate, on every press, quickly and accurately.. .and save enormous amounts of press time and materials.

Accurate Image Area Calculations
The PLX Plate Scanner can run six jobs simultaneously, allowing plates to be scanned as they become ready.
The PLX scans a plate in only 10 seconds to determine image coverage and automotically calibrates to each plate on every scan. When all plates have been scanned, the data is sent to the pressroom.

Ink Key Preset
The transfer of scan data to the pressroom is dependent on the press console and is accomplished via floppy disk or serial link. Scan data may be expressed as percent image coverage or ink key preset depending on the requirements of the press console.

Multiple Press Operation
The PLX is very flexible and can support several different press lines at the same location when used with the optional Tobias PSM (Press Side Module). Each press is assigned its own PSM with customized hardware and software for proper data transfer to the press console. In addition, each PSM stores the print characteristics of its press for optimum ink key presets.
In operation, the PSM receives scan data from the PLX which is then stored on the PSM until needed. When the job is to be printed, scan data is then converted to key preset values and is transferred to the press console to preset the fountains.

Press Interface
The PLX interfaces with most modem presses and third-party fountain retrofit systems, either directly or via PSM as determined by site requirements. Typical installations include:

 

Baker-perklns

Dauphin Graphic Machines

Harris

Heidelberg

KBA-planeta

Komori

Mitsubishi

Rockwell Graphics-Goss

Rockwell-Hantscho

 

 

Immediate Payback

The Tobias PLX Plate Scanner, by determining optimal press fountain key presets, saves expensive makeready time and reduces waste by as much as 50%. During start-up, an experienced pressman can use the PLX to accomplish real savings of time and materials—up to an hour per run, and hundreds of press sheets or on entire roll of paper.

For printers, producing saleable sheets earlier in the press run has become a proven means to:

 

Greater Profits

Increased Capacity

Faster Makeready

Reduced Waste

 

Tobias Associates, Inc. is proud to announce the addition of a digital colorbar package to their comprehensive line of products for the graphic arts industry.

Tobias colorbars are suitable for a wide range of printing applications, including newspaper, web and sheetfed presses. They are available in various heights, ranging from 1/4" to as small as 1/16" to accommodate varying press cutoff requirements. A solid swatch of each ink color in approximately every key zone provides-full color control on press. The shorter 6" and 12" four-color bars are convenient, general purpose quality control devices, while the 40" six-color bar is a mirrored one, useful in double-sided printing where each swatch is backed up by the same color. A three-color graybar in three sizes (1/16", 1/8" and 3/16") is also included for measuring color for newspaper work. The colorbars are available in digital format as .EPS files for both MAC and IBM users and are easily imported directly into a page layout software

program.

 

All styles of these colorbars have the ability to be read using any Tobias densitometer, either with an automatic scanning type or with a manual, portable densitometer.

 

Precision Color Evaluation

There's only one way to manage color effectively, meet customer expectations, and maximize job profitability! That is: Objective Color Measurement. In other words, densitometry. Essentially this is a matter of reading a colorbar for solid ink, dot gain, or other density-derived characteristics. However, the limited trim areas of a short cutoff press require use of narrow 1/16" (1.6mm) bars for color control. No other device on the market can do this.

 

Precision Color Evaluation
There's only one way to manage color effectively, meet customer expectations, and maximize job profitability! That is: Objective Color Measurement. In other words, densitometry. Essentially this is a matter of reading a colorbar for solid ink, dot gain, or other density-derived characteristics. However, the limited trim areas of a short cutoff press require use of narrow 1/16" (1.6mm) bars for color control. No other device on the market can do this.

 

Overview of Basic Operation
Setting up a press is logical and uncomplicated. After keying in job parameters (type of press/sheet size/colorbar structure), position the colorbar between two horizontal scribelines and against the side guide. The vacuum hold-down secures sheet placement and the SDT does the rest.

A typical scan takes only 10 seconds. As the SDT scanning head travels across the press sheet, it strokes the colorbar VERTICALLY to determine bar position and skew. On the scanning head's return trip, having detected the skew of the colorbar, the head scans right down the middle of the bar for accurate densitometric readings.

SDT Scanner
The SDT has an accurately flat, rugged platen with vacuum hold-down. The design supports the bridge and measuring probe head. Unique pass-through feature allows the entire press sheet to slide freely under the bridge, enabling scans of centrally located colorbars and bars at the bottom of the sheet.

SDT Intelligent Analysis
Sampling a few sheets during the run provides an immediate comparison of performance to specifications. And by charting long-term trends, the SDT becomes an essential quality assurance tool.

Statistical analysis of the entire job file is performed by SCP software that comes with the system. Color-coded graphical displays show X-bar and range data for each scan. A frequency histogram generated from readings charts the distribution.

Flexible Modular Design
The SDT Scanning Densitometer system includes all the components needed for effective color management. Its modular design allows for the convenient placement of the components according to the layout of your pressroom.

Optional Closed-Loop for Automatic Press Key Controls
The CLM Closed-Loop Module, in conjunction with the Tobias’ Scanning Densitometer, allows for off-line closed-loop control of most automated press consoles. Click here for more information.

 

Features

Reads most standard colorbars as well as custom-made colorbars and gray balance bars

Built-in certified calibration plaque for automatic calibration to Standard T-Ref or Status "E" values

Customer can assign ink density "target values" from either house densities or customer "OK"

Allows for multiple unit networking capability

Supports "closed loop operation" with most automatic press consoles

Generates complete sets of reports for quality control departments

Measures colorbars as narrow in height as 1/16" (1.6mm) using patented "Seek & Find" software program

Scans colorbars in less than 10 seconds

One SDT can serve multiple presses simultaneously

Vacuum hold down and rugged construction built for the pressroom 

 

Printers Can Save Time and Materials

The EPLEX Digital Preset System represents an extraordinary advancement in an area of great potential savings: press makeready. Use the DXP Digital File Reader and PSM Press Interface to predict optimal fountain key preset values for each plate, on every press, quickly and accurately for significant savings in press time and materials.

 

Accurate Image Area Calculations
The DXP File Render reads digital CIP3/TIFF files created by computer-to-plate (CTP) systems to determine image coverage for each plate in a job. This coverage data is then stored in the Tobias Job Data Server, where it may be selected by any of the press interface devices, the PSMs, on the system. In addition, the Server will accept jobs from a Tobias PLX Plate Scanner. The DXP software automatically extracts job ID information, such as job and form number, color and web number, from the preview file job name and from the data contained in the preview file.

 

Ink Key Preset
A network system using TCP/IP links the components of the Tobias EPLEX System. When a job is ready to go on press, the job file is selected by the PSM from a job list on the Server. The job file is converted from a coverage profile into key zone coverage matching the PSM's press and downloaded to the PSM. The PSM processes the coverage data to provide ink key preset values. These are then sent to the press using a direct link or a floppy disk, depending on the press console configuration.

 

Multiple Press Operations
The EPLEX System is very flexible and can support several press lines at the same location using multiple PSMs. Each of these is configured for its own press and stores information on the printing characteristics of that press. This data is used to customize the preset calculation to optimize system performance.

 

Press Interface
The EPLEX System interfaces with most modern presses and third party retrofit systems using the Tobias PSM Press Interface as determined by site requirements. EPLEX supplies digital preset data for a wide range of pressroom applications including web, sheetfed, heatset and non-heatset.

 

Immediate Payback
The Tobias EPLEX Digital Preset System, by predicting optimal ink key fountain presets, saves expensive makeready time and reduces paper waste. During start-up, an experienced pressman can use EPLEX to accomplish real savings of time and materials—up to an hour per run, and hundreds of press sheets. As an investment, EPLEX provides rapid ROI.

 

For printers, producing saleable copy earlier in the press run has become a proven means to provide:

greater profits

increased capacity

faster makeready

reduced waste 

 

Printers Can Save Time and Materials
The EPLEX-Lite™ Digital Preset System represents an extraordinary advancement in an area of great potential savings: press makeready. The EPLEX-Lite uses the image coverage data from CTP files to preset the ink fountain keys for rapid makeready and waste reduction.

Accurate Image Area Calculations
The digital CIP3 files from the Computer to Plate (CTP) system are processed to give the image coverage data for each plate in a job. The CIP3 file may contain data for all plates for a job or may be a separate file for each plate. The Job Identification number and the color designation for each plate are taken from the job file name as well as data contained within the CIP3 file. Other information such as form number and web number are also determined to accurately identify each plate and its location on press.

Ink Key Preset
The plate coverage information is converted into a key zone coverage profile. This profile is then combined with press specific data to give an ink key preset value for each key. This data is then sent to the press using a direct link or a floppy disk, depending on the press console configuration.

Press Interface
The EPLEX-Lite System interfaces with most modern presses and third party retrofit systems. EPLEX-Lite supplies digital preset data for a wide range of pressroom applications including web, sheetfed, heatset and non-heatset.

Immediate Payback
The Tobias EPLEX-Lite Digital Preset System, by predicting optimal ink key fountain presets, saves expensive makeready time and reduces paper waste. During start-up, an experienced pressman can use EPLEX-Lite to accomplish real savings of time and materials—up to an hour per run, and hundreds of press sheets. As an investment, EPLEX-Lite provides rapid ROI.

 

For printers, producing saleable copy earlier in the press run has become a proven means to provide:

greater profits

increased capacity

faster makeready

reduced waste 

 

 

PARA-MAG

 

THE COLLIMATING MAGNIFIER FOR THE GRAPHIC ARTS ELIMINATES PARALLAX Final register is no better than the accuracy of the stripping and lining up. Whether stripping to register marks, wet or dry, negative or positive image, or to blue line, the error of eye position or parallax can spell the difference between good or poor register. PARA-MAG will completely eliminate parallax error.

In using the photocomposing machine, many printers require that, for critical register, a plate be printed completely by one person. The reason is that each platemaker by virtue of height or personal technique looks at a line up mark differently in locking up the chase. The PARA-MAG can eliminate this difference by requiring that each operator look at the marks the proper way — at a right angle to the film surface.

FEATURES The PARA-MAG contains 7 or 10 power, flat field, coated, achromatic lenses. We use achromatic optics because we believe that anyone using a magnifier a good portion of the day needs to have the best, fatigue-free optics that can be designed. The unit is equipped with contrasting sighting rings which, when visually centered, indicate that the eye is exactly at a right angle to the surface. The bottom section of the PARA-MAG is made of a light-diffusing plastic which allows its use with negatives where the amount of light reaching the lens system is low. This feature also allows lining up film or glass with prints made on opaque material. The bottom surface of the PARA-MAG is shaped to prevent suction if used in wet stripping.

 

ColorBars

 

Tobias Associates, Inc. is proud to announce the addition of a digital colorbar package to their comprehensive line of products for the graphic arts industry.

Tobias colorbars are suitable for a wide range of printing applications, including newspaper, web and sheetfed presses. They are available in various heights, ranging from 1/4" to as small as 1/16" to accommodate varying press cutoff requirements. A solid swatch of each ink color in approximately every key zone provides-full color control on press. The shorter 6" and 12" four-color bars are convenient, general purpose quality control devices, while the 40" six-color bar is a mirrored one, useful in double-sided printing where each swatch is backed up by the same color. A three-color graybar in three sizes (1/16", 1/8" and 3/16") is also included for measuring color for newspaper work. The colorbars are available in digital format as .EPS files for both MAC and IBM users and are easily imported directly into a page layout software program.

All styles of these colorbars have the ability to be read using any Tobias densitometer, either with an automatic scanning type or with a manual, portable densitometer.