The Application of Printing Specifications to Grey Component Replacement

The development of universal printing specifications, or standards is gradually improving consistency in print production. Nevertheless, many of the specifications in current use are not complete and further development is necessary to ensure that they achieve their goal. Where gray-component replacement (GCR) is applied, further considerations prove necessary. It has been concluded that standardization of GCR printing parameters is not desirable. In addition to the obvious areas of standardization, such as ink color, film thickness, control of dot gain, and substrate, those factors of particular relevance to GCR are gray balance, additivity failure, and black printer control. The development of a test form for the analysis of these parameters has been described. It aims to combine simplicity with completeness, and can be used for setting up all parameters of a reproduction system.