Virtual FORUM 2020 Recap: Color Consistency: Achieving the Target

Steve Cooney of StarPak Ltd started the session by discussing building standards and expectations for color consistency. Focusing on four areas—color expectations, print expectations, graphics expectations, and sustainability/client education—he noted the importance of starting the process with plate calibration. He said that setting a graphic standard is one of the most important steps before putting anything on press, then discussed process sustainability, which includes data reporting, data collection, client education and issue resolution. “By combining scorecard reporting and statistical process control, it closes the color communication loop by allowing real-time access to performance in press regardless of geographic location,” he said.

Scott Thompson of SGS discussed artwork submissions and separations. Focusing on what happens during the phase where artwork is being developed, Thompson broke his presentation into three main points: standards establishment, color retouching and CMYK/expanded gamut (EG) color rebuilds. “Can’t stress enough how important the standards establishment piece is in entire process,” he said. Once standards are established and the files are prepped to the conditions, pressroom controls take over.

Daniel Bohn of BST spoke next, going over the advantages of inline spectral color measurements. As using cameras to identify, track and eliminate print defects has become an industry standard, he said, it follows that “The next logical step in improving print quality is inline color measurement.” He then explained what inline spectral measurement is, the differences between offline and inline, the technical aspects, and how the technology helps printing facilities to continuously track their color performance.

Dan Uress of Colorware USA finished the session with a presentation about why color is measured and analyzed: “We measure color because the human eye cannot.” To make the most of measurements, he pointed out the importance of understanding what is being measuring. Once targets are established, tolerances can be added and then measurement instruments; Uress added that inline instruments can make thousands of measurements immediately. He also talked about the importance of getting employees to effectively communicate and participate, and record the results.