Question : Correct black setting in Illustrator for offset printer

I've submitted 2 PDFs to an offset printer. The 2, when combined, create the content for a single color -- black -- business card. One PDF contains only text, the other contains only vector graphics.

The PDFs will be used by the printer to make engraving plates.

The printer says that the PDF containing the text is fine, but he is having a problem with the PDF containing the vector graphics. He doesn't speak in the language of software. He says that the black in the vector graphics is a "screen," which he can't use. He says it needs, instead, to be "solid black."

Everything in Illustrator indicates to me that the graphics are, indeed, solid black. Any idea what I may be doing wrong?

Answer : Correct black setting in Illustrator for offset printer

Hi

the vector is a 4 colour black as if you converted it from a RGB to CMYK.

C: 69.76
M: 67.52
Y: 63.86
K: 73.96


Your printer will not be able to make a single solid  plate from it as the strongest ink is still halftone screen at 73.96.

Easily fixed though. Bring it back into Illustrator and select the objects, bring up the colour sliders and set all to 100% black. Save. Job done.

hth
capt.