As a G7 Master Printer Certified, what steps were taken to certify your presses?

1. Linear (no curves applied) plates were made of an approved color test form. The test form includes a G7 press target that contains 275 individual gray of color squares.
2. Proper ink densities for each color are established on a press that meet the appropriate ISO standards.
3. Ink and water is balanced across the sheet and 2,000 sheets are run to simulate a normal press run.
4. Sample sheets are removed from the run.
5. The G7 press targets are read by the Isis color spectrophotometer.
6. The spectro readings are then evaluated and curves are established for the individual colors to conform to the G7 standards.
7. The G7 color test for is then plated with the applicable curves (a curve changes the dot size going to the plate so the printed image meets the G7 standards) applied to each color.
8. The color test form is put back on press.
9. Ink and water balance is achieved to the standard ink densities established earlier.
10. Sample sheets are removed from this run and spectro data is checked to verify it meets the G7 standards.
11. Sample sheets and the appropriate documentation is sent out for certification approval.

What steps were taken to certify Huston Patterson as a G7 Master Printer and how do you know if your proofs continue to meet G7 standards?

Our pre-press proofing equipment consists of an HPz 6100 color proofer, with in0line spectrophotometer, GM Color Management Software and an Isis Spectrophotometer.

These are the steps taken to become G7 Master Printer certified.

1. A color test form is proofed. The form contains 1,650 individual color squares.
2. The color test form is read by the Isis Spectrophotometer.
3. The readings are sent to the GMG Color Management Software.
4. The GMG compares the color readings to the G7 standards.
5. Color adjustments are made to the color profile.
6. The color test for is then resent to the HPz 6100 with the new color profile.
7. The color test form is then read by the Isis Spectrophotometer and sent to the GMG.
8. If the corrected result is within G7 standards the color profile is completed.

To keep producing color proofs that meet G7 standards, our HPx 6100 Color Proofer has an in-line spectrophotometer. Every day a color test is automatically run and read by the spectrophotometer. Any color corrections are automatically made and a new color test strip is ran to verify the proofer is properly calibrated.

A color test strip is added to every proof. The color test strip is automatically read by the in-line spectrophotometer to ensure the color remains with-in a 2.5 delta E. A sticker indicating the color proof meets the G7 standard is attached to the proof.

I know Huston Patterson is G7 Master Printer certified, but what does it mean?

To a print buyer it means:

1. Huston Patterson has submitted yearly documentation, with supporting proof and print samples, to Ideal Alliance for certification.
2. The proof received from Huston Patterson will be indicative of the file and each proof is checked with a spectrophotometer to very the color accuracy of the proof.
3. The printed piece will match the color proof (within the mechanical capabilities of the press).
4. Each step is repeatable and measurable.
5. Proofs and printed pieces from various sources that are also G7 Master Printer certified will match, within the limitations of the particular printing method being used.

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In our next "Think Don" article, we will present an overview of the process required to become G8 Master Printer certified.