Technology and the Press OK

Today, printers can measure and control color better than ever before. Employing best practices should be a prerequisite for choosing your provider. Minimally your provider should be able to share with you data about the proof, plate and press sheet. Below is a visual look at what we can provide to our customers should they ask. These procedures take place on every job when possible. There are times that there may not be room on the sheet for the necessary target but these are few. Even so the fact that every job is measured has helped our shop to become better right out of the box. The end result is a shorter ok and an exceptionally satisfying experience.

The first thing you need to know is what standard does the provider measure against. At LCP we print to the GRACoL 2006 color space utilizing G7 methodology. By the way G7 is not a color standard, if that is what you have been told you have been led down a path that never ends. G7 broken down is simply using Gray, Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black, Red(MY Trap), Green(CY Trap) and Blue(CM Trap) to measure against the targeted color space. G is the Gray and 7 is the 7 colors CMYKRGB.

The governing body for G7 certification is the IDEAlliance. Printers need to be certified by an approved color specialist. Once this is done, recertification is a once a year process. There is a problem here, it takes work to get certified and once that is done you can say you are G7 certified. Here is the catch, it takes more work to maintain accuracy and live G7 day to day. Pressrooms are not like prairie dogs, standing still for hours on end. Pressrooms move, stocks change, roller conditions vary, environmental factors such as temperature and humidity change print conditions, and presses print differently on Mondays than they do on Wednesdays. These are simple fact of life and something that requires ruthless process control to combat. These factors are why monitoring and measuring are critical to providing a consistent product.

I hope you enjoy the stunning photography below and please if you have any questions let me know and I will be happy to explain in more detail.

Step 1 - Proof should contain a control strip.

Step 2 - Read every proof into a certifying software and show proof of certification on the proof.

Step 3 - Read, Confirm and Record every plate for accuracy.

Step 4 - Add appropriate color target to press sheet.

Step 5 - Bring sheet to established house densities and read into verification software.

Step 6 - Verify readings for both Color and Gray.

Step 7 - Use information to scientifically adjust color to the best possible proof match based on current press conditions and the current stock being used.

Looks simple doesn't it? Well not really, the key is knowing what to do when any of these steps fail. It does happen but the simple fact that your provider is watching these things should give you a good feeling. At least you will know what you are OK'ing or rejecting and have a basis to make any adjustments that might be necessary.