by Jim Raffel, CEO, ColorCasters LLC
Why Printing to the G7 Specification Matters
Why does printing to the G7 specification matter? The answer is money. If print service providers (PSPs) use the methods and processes taught during G7 Expert Training, they’ll save on labor and materials. But, first, it helps to understand what G7 methodology means and how it can lead to financial benefits for their business.
A Quick G7 Recap
The name G7 stands for “Gray,” plus the four primary and three secondary colors: Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Black (CMYK), and Red, Green, Blue (RGB). The roots of the G7 specification run deep in offset pressrooms. In 2006, Don Hutcheson, chairman of Idealliance GRACoL, developed a method of calibrating offset presses to a common tonality and gray balance. Using this methodology, he was able to calibrate two presses in different locations so the same job could be printed on both presses, and achieve a shared visual appearance. (See Figure 1.) The offset printing process has more than 100 variables, and approximately 10 (e.g., paper, ink, fountain solution, plates, and blankets) are easily managed. When these 10 variables alone are the same, the results can be outstanding. Even when variation occurs, the appearance will remain similar from proof to print across any process, ink, or substrate.
The good news is the G7 methodology and specifications aren’t limited to offset printing. They can be applied to all printing methods, including digital printing (inkjet and toner), flexographic printing, gravure printing, and more. The specification has a built-in dynamic range suitable for any CMYK imaging device regardless of the maximum output density of that platform.
The Source of the Financial Savings
The result of a G7 calibration is consistent, predictable, and repeatable output specifically as it relates to gray balance and tonality. That translates to less waste of material and fewer approval cycles. However, it must be maintained over time using sound verification and process control procedures. By extension, color output also benefits from proper application of the G7 method. So, if the balance of a PSP’s color workflow is properly managed, they will experience shorter color-matching time before press setup. Job reruns and legacy jobs are simple examples of this. Suppose a PSP has a print-on-demand customer for whom they produce marketing materials daily. That customer is going to want these pieces to have a cohesive appearance. It’s likely the same end-user will get various marketing materials or statements over a period of time. It’s important to the PSP’s customer that their brand colors and the overall look of these pieces maintain their brand integrity. If the PSP fails to meet their expectations, they may not find out until the customer doesn’t renew their contract. A properly implemented G7 process that adheres to the specifications — and includes ongoing verification and process control — ensures that PSPs are maintaining the level of quality customers expect. It would be a good idea to have quarterly or annual meetings with customers to share quality reports and address any questions or concerns related to color and quality. Another example of financial savings is how new brand and spot colors can be achieved with ease and predictability. These colors aren’t managed by the named spot color feature of inkjet RIP software, but rather the colors that are contained within digital files. Sometimes these files are sent to conventional printing presses, and other times to digital output devices. In an uncalibrated environment, trying to achieve the desired color across a variety of equipment or even on one piece of equipment can be challenging. In a G7-calibrated environment, it’s common for a properly prepared file printed on several pieces of equipment to have an acceptable or nearly acceptable color match from the start. Even when the match doesn’t quite meet everyone’s expectations, an acceptable match can often be achieved in minutes instead of hours, days, or — in extreme cases — weeks.
How To Get Started with G7
In order to take full advantage of the G7 method and specification, PSPs should turn to consulting and training. The first step is to hire an existing G7 expert to visit their facility. During this initial visit, existing systems will be assessed, and an initial G7 calibration of one or more devices will take place. Also, during that visit, the G7 expert will help identify the best candidates in the facility to attend future G7 Expert Training so PSPs can have an in-house expert. It’s also likely that additional investments will need to be made in hardware and software tools to improve color management processes. Some of these tools will focus specifically on the G7 methodology, while others will be designed to improve overall verification and process control of a PSP’s printing workflow. They can be phased in over time if budget is a concern.
The Last Word
Transitioning to a G7 workflow throughout your printing and color management process is a big decision. To be successful, significant commitments of time and capital will need to be made. Changes to workflows will occur that require retraining of staff in different departments. However, when the G7 initiative is implemented, supported, and maintained, your upfront investment will pay off, creating even more opportunities to serve leading brands. Jim Raffel is a color management consultant who also serves as CEO of ColorCasters LLC. As a certified G7 Expert Trainer and Instructor for the Color Management Professional program, his consulting practice focuses on dye-sublimation and flat-bed UV inkjet printing. This work keeps him on the road many weeks each year working with end-users and manufacturers to improve their color management processes.
Originally published in the June 2023 PRINTING United Journal. Read the original here.