The EXTENDED GAMUT Advantage for Printers
The following post was submitted by Color 2015 sponsor, X-Rite Pantone.Author: Mark Gundlach, Solutions Architect, X-Rite Pantone PANTONE® Spot Colors have always been the best way to achieve brand colors, but they’re not always feasible or affordable. With the introduction of the EXTENDED GAMUT 7-color printing process, Pantone is giving printers and converters a way to determine how closely seven-color printing (CMYK+OGV) can achieve PANTONE MATCHING SYSTEM® Colors. Why Extended Gamut? By incorporating Orange, Green and Violet PANTONE XG Base Inks with the traditional Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Black (CMYK) process colors in a 7-color printing process, you can achieve a much broader range of vibrant colors than traditional four-color process without the need to mix custom inks or wash up between press runs. The EXTENDED GAMUT Guide provides 1,729 seven-color simulations of PANTONE MATCHING SYSTEM Colors printed on coated stock. Each color is matched with an in-line aqueous coating, created with a maximum of three Base Ink combinations, and is optimized to be viewed under D50 lighting (5000°). How does it work? The PANTONE EXTENDED GAMUT Guide can be used as a visual reference to determine when you can accurately reproduce a solid PANTONE Color using CMYK + PANTONE XG Orange, Green, and Violet (OGV) Inks. Each color is named with its corresponding PANTONE Number and an XGC suffix. Select the desired PANTONE MATCHING SYSTEM Color from a current PLUS SERIES FORMULA or Color Bridge Guide. Using the same page number in the EXTENDED GAMUT Guide, locate the corresponding PANTONE Color. You will see the closest 7-color process match and its screen tint percentages. Compare both guides side-by-side. Since the colors bleed off page edges, it’s easy to visually evaluate color differences. If the PANTONE Extended Gamut color is not a visually acceptable match, the color should remain specified as a solid. When the PANTONE Extended Gamut color appears adequate, print using those inks. The benefits of 7-color printing Demands in the industry have made it even more difficult to print packaging using CMYK alone. Although it’s the most economical printing process, it provides a very limited gamut of color, and even in the best conditions can only hit about half of the PantonePLUS colors. There’s just no comparison in color vibrancy between CMYK and spot color inks. To hit special colors, many printers choose to add spot color inks to their CMYK process. Spots provide the best quality, but they’re also expensive, increase makeready time, contribute to large ink inventories, and are cumbersome for short runs. And what happens to the extra ink you don’t use? Above: Extended Gamut printing provides a larger palette of colors for reproduction than you can get from CMYK alone. In this graphic, the smaller area shows the range of colors in CMYK printing, while the larger area shows the range of colors that can be produced with CMYKOGV. With Extended Color Gamut (ECG) printing, you can achieve a good visual match for approximately 90% of spot colors without color mixing. When used with photographic images, it can greatly enhance the saturated colors, especially those in the areas of Violet, Green, and Orange. Another advantage of ECG is the ability to gang up jobs on the same plate set that would normally require different spot color inks. This helps meet today’s requirements...
read moreWhy Embracing Standards in the Printing Industry is Important
The following post was submitted by Color 2015 sponsor, X-Rite Pantone.Author: Ray Cheydleur, Printing and Imaging Product Portfolio Manager, X-Rite Pantone Many industries rely on standards and technical specifications to bring an independent perspective to their production processes. In the world of print, some people think only manufacturers and software vendors need to understand color standards. This, of course, isn’t the case. Embracing standards and specifications can help printers set clear expectations, solve practical problems, and improve productivity by bringing a systematic perspective to their entire print workflow. What’s the difference between the Standards and Specifications? Industry Standards are maintained by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and provide rules, guidelines, and characteristics for common and repeated activities to help printers achieve the best possible output. Specifications contain technical guidelines, often incorporating standards and provide detailed descriptions of the required criteria for a piece of work, such as print targets, aims, and ICC profiles. With the advent of hybrid printing—that is, printing components of the same job or for the same client with multiple printing technologies—it has become increasingly necessary to print to standards. Producing materials on a variety of offset, flexo, or digital devices; running prints using two different technologies or processes; or printing locally to save transportation costs—these can all result in an ambiguous exchange of print-related data which can result in inconsistent quality. Standards help bridge the gap so everyone is speaking the same language. I recently spoke at Color 15 about a few important standards that can help printers overcome the challenges of hybrid printing. Controlled Lighting for OBAs ISO 13655 and ISO 3664 aren’t new, but they have had a significant impact on standards work this year. They help printers deal with the impact that optical brightening agents (OBAs) have on color. These are chemicals that are added to paper to make it look brighter and whiter. ISO 13655 specifies the kind of light to measure with, and ISO 3664 the color of light to view with, so they interact with OBAs in the same way—establishing agreement between visual checks and measured evaluations. Adopting these standards can require new measurement equipment, lamps, or viewing booths, plus the specifications and workflows that enable it, so it has taken some time for everyone to get behind them. However, if you print to specifications, have brightened stocks, or do something other than on-press proofing, following these standards is the only way to address the realities of today’s market and consistently deliver the color consistency your customers expect. To learn more about the impact of OBAs on the print and packaging industry, check out a whitepaper I co-wrote with Kevin O’Connor. Printing digitally across multiple technologies ISO/PAS 15339 describes standard practices for hybrid printing. Using a gray balanced approach, the goal of this standard is to enable the best reproduction of process printing across a range of substrates and technologies. It also provides standardized print specifications that brand owners and print specifiers can use to predict and specify the quality of requested work. This standard contains two parts. Part 1 describes the methodology for better data exchange in the workflow based on color quality and a colorimetric-based process control. It also provides a way to achieve similar appearance results between printing processes with different color gamuts. Part 2...
read moreWhy Embracing Standards in the Printing Industry is Important
The following post was submitted by Color 2015 sponsor, X-Rite Pantone.Author: Ray Cheydleur, Printing and Imaging Product Portfolio Manager, X-Rite Pantone Many industries rely on standards and technical specifications to bring an independent perspective to their production processes. In the world of print, some people think only manufacturers and software vendors need to understand color standards. This, of course, isn’t the case. Embracing standards and specifications can help printers set clear expectations, solve practical problems, and improve productivity by bringing a systematic perspective to their entire print workflow. What’s the difference between the Standards and Specifications? Industry Standards are maintained by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and provide rules, guidelines, and characteristics for common and repeated activities to help printers achieve the best possible output. Specifications contain technical guidelines, often incorporating standards and provide detailed descriptions of the required criteria for a piece of work, such as print targets, aims, and ICC profiles. With the advent of hybrid printing—that is, printing components of the same job or for the same client with multiple printing technologies—it has become increasingly necessary to print to standards. Producing materials on a variety of offset, flexo, or digital devices; running prints using two different technologies or processes; or printing locally to save transportation costs—these can all result in an ambiguous exchange of print-related data which can result in inconsistent quality. Standards help bridge the gap so everyone is speaking the same language. I recently spoke at Color 15 about a few important standards that can help printers overcome the challenges of hybrid printing. Controlled Lighting for OBAs ISO 13655 and ISO 3664 aren’t new, but they have had a significant impact on standards work this year. They help printers deal with the impact that optical brightening agents (OBAs) have on color. These are chemicals that are added to paper to make it look brighter and whiter. ISO 13655 specifies the kind of light to measure with, and ISO 3664 the color of light to view with, so they interact with OBAs in the same way—establishing agreement between visual checks and measured evaluations. Adopting these standards can require new measurement equipment, lamps, or viewing booths, plus the specifications and workflows that enable it, so it has taken some time for everyone to get behind them. However, if you print to specifications, have brightened stocks, or do something other than on-press proofing, following these standards is the only way to address the realities of today’s market and consistently deliver the color consistency your customers expect. To learn more about the impact of OBAs on the print and packaging industry, check out a whitepaper I co-wrote with Kevin O’Connor. Printing digitally across multiple technologies ISO/PAS 15339 describes standard practices for hybrid printing. Using a gray balanced approach, the goal of this standard is to enable the best reproduction of process printing across a range of substrates and technologies. It also provides standardized print specifications that brand owners and print specifiers can use to predict and specify the quality of requested work. This standard contains two parts. Part 1 describes the methodology for better data exchange in the workflow based on color quality and a colorimetric-based process control. It also provides a way to achieve similar appearance results between printing processes with different color gamuts. Part 2...
read more#Color15
Did you use #Color15 on Twitter? Check out some of the top posts from Color 2015! [View the story “Color 2015” on Storify]
read more#Color15
Did you use #Color15 on Twitter? Check out some of the top posts from Color 2015! [View the story “Color 2015” on Storify]
read moreWhat Does Managing for Improvement Really Mean?
A couple months ago, Printing Industries of America opened nominations for the 2016 Managing for Improvement Award. The award is bestowed on a manager in the printing industry who has demonstrated the ability to create real and lasting improvement for his or her company. The continuous improvement of processes and products—as well as innovative breakthroughs—is a business imperative. By improving quality, productivity, safety, and customer satisfaction, companies reap the rewards of prosperity and a safe workplace. But, what does managing for improvement look like in a real-world setting? For this answer, we’re taking a closer look at the 2015 recipient, Cary “Parrot” Ripsch, value stream manager at The Ovid Bell Press, Inc. Over a career of 45 years, Cary honed his management skills in such positions as finishing supervisor, customer/service/quality manager, process manager, and plant manager before assuming responsibility as Ovid Bell’s value stream manager. Along the way he became a Certified Six Sigma Black Belt. According to CEO John Bell, Cary’s direction maneuvered the company to a path of improved morale, safety, efficiency, and repair costs through pre-maintenance, quality, and profitability. “We have created a path to a bright future and a future that can be sustained in our difficult and challenging times,” said Bell. To reach this new level of improvement, Cary relied on a foundation of employee engagement and acceptance of the continuous improvement philosophy. The implementation of 5S throughout the plant organized production into an efficient flow using all visible tools at their disposal. Then, results were reviewed with a focus on improvement from baseline performance and establishment of future goals that drive business plans and objectives. Management then analyzed variations in performance in a Six Sigma methodology to ensure obstacles were removed and improvements sustained. Numbers certainly do not lie—Ovid Bell Press saw exciting results to their bottom line due to Cary’s commitment to Lean practices. You can find statistical improvements for the company over a 12-month period from Oct. 1 2011 through Sept. 30, 2012 below. 1. Production Efficiency Press makeready time Decreased by 16% Press run time Increased by 16% Press makeready waste Reduced by 19% Press run waste Reduced by 28% Bindery throughput Increased by 18% 2. Delivery Efficiency On time delivery completion rate Increased from 92% to 96% 3. Quality Efficacy External customer complaints Decreased by 31% Internal customer complaints Decreased by 40% 4. Profit Gross profit margin year over year Increased by 8.1% 5. Safety Year Recordable Injury Frequency Workers Compensation Claims 2011 6.36 $116,505 2012 5.72 $7,803 2013 1.91 $3,471 Many people at Ovid Bell Press, Inc., credit Cary’s work as a big part of the improvements made over the last couple of years. “I have seen improvement in the quality of the publications we produce since Cary has been in his position,” said David O’Donley, vice president of sales. “His quality control initiatives and training programs have improved quality, increased the number of jobs completed on time, and contained costs.” Chief Operating Officer James Mead also commented on Cary’s contributions, saying, “A large factor in this continuation of success has been the focus on gaining a competitive edge on the elements that are demanded by our customers. Mr. Ripsch has played a major role in this success.” And to...
read moreWhat Does Managing for Improvement Really Mean?
A couple months ago, Printing Industries of America opened nominations for the 2016 Managing for Improvement Award. The award is bestowed on a manager in the printing industry who has demonstrated the ability to create real and lasting improvement for his or her company. The continuous improvement of processes and products—as well as innovative breakthroughs—is a business imperative. By improving quality, productivity, safety, and customer satisfaction, companies reap the rewards of prosperity and a safe workplace. But, what does managing for improvement look like in a real-world setting? For this answer, we’re taking a closer look at the 2015 recipient, Cary “Parrot” Ripsch, value stream manager at The Ovid Bell Press, Inc. Over a career of 45 years, Cary honed his management skills in such positions as finishing supervisor, customer/service/quality manager, process manager, and plant manager before assuming responsibility as Ovid Bell’s value stream manager. Along the way he became a Certified Six Sigma Black Belt. According to CEO John Bell, Cary’s direction maneuvered the company to a path of improved morale, safety, efficiency, and repair costs through pre-maintenance, quality, and profitability. “We have created a path to a bright future and a future that can be sustained in our difficult and challenging times,” said Bell. To reach this new level of improvement, Cary relied on a foundation of employee engagement and acceptance of the continuous improvement philosophy. The implementation of 5S throughout the plant organized production into an efficient flow using all visible tools at their disposal. Then, results were reviewed with a focus on improvement from baseline performance and establishment of future goals that drive business plans and objectives. Management then analyzed variations in performance in a Six Sigma methodology to ensure obstacles were removed and improvements sustained. Numbers certainly do not lie—Ovid Bell Press saw exciting results to their bottom line due to Cary’s commitment to Lean practices. You can find statistical improvements for the company over a 12-month period from Oct. 1 2011 through Sept. 30, 2012 below. 1. Production Efficiency Press makeready time Decreased by 16% Press run time Increased by 16% Press makeready waste Reduced by 19% Press run waste Reduced by 28% Bindery throughput Increased by 18% 2. Delivery Efficiency On time delivery completion rate Increased from 92% to 96% 3. Quality Efficacy External customer complaints Decreased by 31% Internal customer complaints Decreased by 40% 4. Profit Gross profit margin year over year Increased by 8.1% 5. Safety Year Recordable Injury Frequency Workers Compensation Claims 2011 6.36 $116,505 2012 5.72 $7,803 2013 1.91 $3,471 Many people at Ovid Bell Press, Inc., credit Cary’s work as a big part of the improvements made over the last couple of years. “I have seen improvement in the quality of the publications we produce since Cary has been in his position,” said David O’Donley, vice president of sales. “His quality control initiatives and training programs have improved quality, increased the number of jobs completed on time, and contained costs.” Chief Operating Officer James Mead also commented on Cary’s contributions, saying, “A large factor in this continuation of success has been the focus on gaining a competitive edge on the elements that are demanded by our customers. Mr. Ripsch has played a major role in this success.” And to...
read moreHELIOS Soft Proofing Solution
The following post was submitted by Color 2015 sponsor, HELIOS Software. Carlos Gonzalez, plant manager of Proquinal S.A. installed HELIOS Soft Proofing Solution in his plant. Here’s what he had to say: “Proquinal S.A. in Bogota, Colombia has more than 400 employees, with customers in many countries. Ever since Grafix World installed the HELIOS Software PrintPreview soft proofing and annotation solution, we have drastically reduced our conventional hard color proofs, increased our production and quality, and reduced our waste. Today, our files are 100%-secured and controlled—our customers can now access the files securely via HELIOS WebShare and iPad Document Hub to make changes and annotations remotely from anywhere in the world.” For more information on HELIOS Soft Proofing Solution, contact Tom Hallinan at...
read moreHELIOS Soft Proofing Solution
The following post was submitted by Color 2015 sponsor, HELIOS Software. Carlos Gonzalez, plant manager of Proquinal S.A. installed HELIOS Soft Proofing Solution in his plant. Here’s what he had to say: “Proquinal S.A. in Bogota, Colombia has more than 400 employees, with customers in many countries. Ever since Grafix World installed the HELIOS Software PrintPreview soft proofing and annotation solution, we have drastically reduced our conventional hard color proofs, increased our production and quality, and reduced our waste. Today, our files are 100%-secured and controlled—our customers can now access the files securely via HELIOS WebShare and iPad Document Hub to make changes and annotations remotely from anywhere in the world.” For more information on HELIOS Soft Proofing Solution, contact Tom Hallinan at...
read morePGSF Student Spotlight: Danielle Wood
In the Student Spotlight Series, we chronicle the effect of PGSF scholarships on the lives of everyday graphic communication students. This edition features Danielle Wood, a third-year graphic communication student at California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo. Danielle Wood is an aspiring graphic communications student who is excited about the world of print. However, finding funds to continue her education came as an unwelcome roadblock in her plans. Like many students, she only pays for school with funds she earned herself and through various government grants and loans. “I was stressed beyond words trying to figure out how to pay for it,” said Danielle. “I was so worried about how I was going to come up with that money every year.” Luckily, some of the weight lifted off Danielle shoulders when she learned she had won a scholarship through PGSF. “I can still remember the day when I got the reward letter in the mail, and how I was so excited that I cried,” she said. “Being able to stress a little less about money really allows me to focus more on my studies and the career path I want to take.” Danielle sends her thanks to all those who’ve helped take the financial strain off her back and allowed her to concentrate on her education. “Thank you again. I am eternally grateful for all you do for me and all the other college students in situations similar to mine!” Because of generous donors, PGSF has awarded in excess of $410,000 in scholarship funds to students like Danielle all over the country. In honor of PGSF 60th anniversary, we encourage you to make a $60 donation to our fund. If you’d like to make a difference in the life of someone like Danielle, visit...
read more