[srabadan]

Having a weird problem with some, just some, client files and I cannot find the pattern to solve the issue.

Some of their DCS files come through with the black channel not printing. No matter what we do, change the color, the file name, channel name or the file format, nothing works.

I am thinking there is a conflict with the RIP but I can't figure out what it is. anybody seen this before? we have a printer for vellum and acetate, problem happens on both.

 

[UltraSeps]

Try opening the DCS in Photoshop, then saving it as a PSD with RGB channels.

If there's no RGB's, create 3 blank channels above the channel separation and change the mode of the file to RGB.

Also change the name of the black to black ink, black 2, whatever.

Now "open" don't "place" the file using Illustrator CS5 or higher as these versions can open native PSD's with spot channels directly. No DCS required.

See if this clears up the issue.

 

[ProSeparatorNJ]

Try opening the DCS in Photoshop, then saving it as a PSD with RGB channels.

If there's no RGB's, create 3 blank channels above the channel separation and change the mode of the file to RGB.

Also change the name of the black to black ink, black 2, whatever.

Now "open" don't "place" the file using Illustrator CS5 or higher as these versions can open native PSD's with spot channels directly. No DCS required.

See if this clears up the issue.

Illustrator CC can both open and place the RGB file with spot colors with no problem.

 

[UltraSeps]

Illustrator CC can both open and place the RGB file with spot colors with no problem.

This is true. Was simply stressing a point that PSD's with spot channels no longer need to be saved in DCS format if using more recent versions of Illustrator for output.

You would be amazed on the number of printers I have spoken with regarding film output who were not aware of this.