Anyone responsible for printing goods or packaging knows that some colors, like orange, are just too difficult to reproduce using only CMY inks. A fourth color, black (K, which stands for key color) is often added to subtractive color printing applications. Since C+M+Y actually creates a muddy brownish color due to ink impurities in C, M and Y, adding a true black ink creates the deep color and tones that CMY alone can’t achieve, plus adds density to the shadows. This four-color printin...

Posted February 10, 2023 by Scott Harig

In a perfect world, you should be able to put ink in the press and simply run a job. Unfortunately, every year flexo and gravure printing operations waste ink, substrate and press time trying to get color right. Although advancements in technology have made it easier to achieve color accuracy, the variables that affect color still exist. In this three-part series, we’re sharing over two dozen reasons your color might be wrong on press. We’ve already covered two important factors &nda...

Posted October 18, 2021 by Scott Harig

The International Standards Organization has defined ISO 12647 as a set of Graphic Arts standards for printing. Included are eight parts: Part 1:  Print parameters and measurement methods Part 2:  Offset lithographic processes Part 3:  Coldset offset lithography on newsprint Part 4:  Gravure printing Part 5:  Screen printing Part 6:  Flexographic printing Part 7:  Proofing processes working directly from digital data Part 8:  Validation print processes wo...

Posted October 18, 2021 by Scott Harig

Black Friday. Not only is it the much anticipated start to holiday shopping, it’s also a day manufacturers have been preparing for all year long. Whether mass-producing holiday cards, candy canes, plastic toys, or festive clothing, accurate color is a must. Manufacturers can’t ship two of the same toy if they won’t match on the showroom floor, and holiday sweaters that are a shade off will end up at a discount store instead of a fashion boutique. Perfection is especially import...

Posted November 25, 2020 by X-Rite Color

競争の激しい市場において、ブランド企業とパッケージデザイナーは、店頭に並んだ自社製品を差別化する方法を模索しています。その対策は、色だけでなく、箔、特殊ワニス、ソフトタッチの仕上げなどの装飾オプションまで広がっています。また、デザイナーは従来の印刷だけでなく、より強いソリッドカラーや蛍光色、虹色なども使用するようになっています。デジタル ソリューションにより、パッケージのバリエーションを増やせ、稼働時間の短縮やサイクル タイムの短縮に対応できるようになります。 鮮やかな色や仕上げは、パッケージを店頭で目立たせますが、この傾向はパッケージ印刷のコンバーターに多くの課題をもたらします。消費者に鮮やかな色や仕上げを与える光の物理学的性質が、測定上の課題にもなっています。見る人に輝きを与えるよう、光が反射したり屈折したりすると、分光測色計で捉えるのが難しい鏡面成分も生じます。 ここでは、パッケージ印刷業者とコンバーターがデザイン意図に沿って、強いソリッドカラーと特殊な仕上げを施したパッケージを製造するための5つのヒントをご紹介します。成功している企業には、大きなビジネス成長のチャンスがありま...

Posted June 04, 2020 by Ray Cheydleur

As digital printing continues to grow, many printmakers are moving beyond traditional media to create artwork on substrates like wood, acrylic, textiles, and backlit materials. While the results can be beautiful, achieving exceptional print quality on these materials can be challenging.   Enter the i1Pro 3 Plus. With its large aperture, polarization and transmissive capabilities, this new member of X-Rite’s i1Pro Family can create color profiles for substrates that are otherwise ...

Posted May 20, 2020 by X-Rite Color

G7® is a proof-to-print process control method that allows you to reliably and efficiently match the visual appearance of the output from multiple printing devices. It works by defining the gray balance and NPDC curves in conjunction with the traditional method of measuring tonal value increase (TVI/dot gain) for each color. G7 can be applied to any type of printing, regardless of the type of ink or printing method, including all types of digital, offset, flexo, gravure printing.   It&r...

Posted February 27, 2020 by Mark Gundlach

Although digital printing has been around for many years, the industry is undergoing dramatic changes. On the plus side, digital print technologies utilize more durable inks and offer higher reliability, longer print life, and overall cost savings and efficiency. But these changes also mean print shops must adjust the way they operate to remain competitive.   According to Allied Market Research, the digital fabric printing market is expected to reach almost $4 million globally by 2022,...

Posted January 23, 2020 by Ray Cheydleur

Over the last few years, we have heard a lot about the circular economy and omnichannel marketing. While each is a trend in their own right, they are quickly converging on the print industry. To be successful in 2020, commercial printers will need to offer a wide range of print capabilities while demonstrating a commitment to sustainability and reducing waste.   The Importance of Circular Economy and Omnichannel In a circular economy, the goal is to eliminate waste and maximize the con...

Posted December 19, 2019 by Ray Cheydleur

The Pantone Color Institute just announced PANTONE® 18-3838 Ultra Violet as the Pantone Color of the Year 2018! This news is always exciting because it sets the stage for upcoming trends for everything from housewares to fashion to packaging design. In fact, we have already seen shades of Color of the Year used in packaging and graphic design by forward-looking brands in the CPG, luxury, and beauty worlds as well as by personalities and artists seeking to stand out. Part of butt...

Posted December 11, 2017 by Mark Gundlach
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