The Gray Component Replacement - A New Trend In Color Reproduction.

GCR is a new trend, but has been used for many years, especially in letterpress. A close look is taken at GCR, how it compares with conventional color reproduction, its potential advantages, and how it works. The use of GCR separations provides technical and economic benefits. Technical advantages in printing include less hue shifts and more consistency. Ink trapping and drying problems are reduced. Reduced makeready leads to improved productivity and reduced waste. Control of the black in the printing process is more critical with GCR, because the black printer is now used to produce much of the color. It is important that the black printing unit is now given the same attention as the color unit. From experience to date, color rotation does not seem to be a factor. GCR is a system with applications to offset, gravure, flexography, or letterpress printing.