An innovative color management system based on human vision, distributed by Grafikontrol, ensures higher quality and lower processing costs
Grafikontrol, a leader in control systems manufacturing for the printing industry, announces the signing of an agreement with SysChro UK Ltd. for the worldwide distribution of the Système Chromatique color management system for the printing and publishing market.
Système Chromatique is an innovative color management system that uses a unique mathematical algorithm based on human vision to optimize images and PDF files, and ultimately improve print quality reducing processing costs. Systeme Chromatique integrates into any workflow, simplifying the process and increasing repeatability and productivity.
With its web-based workflow, Système Chromatique is installed in a company network on a dedicated computer, which is then used as a processing station for PDF files processing prior to imposition of the plates. Système Chromatique requires no calibration or characterization. It is based on ISO 12640-3 and Only-1-Profile technology, it provides high quality and outstanding color rendering, visually evident in the detail, volume and image definition.
"The collaboration between SysChro and Grafikontrol is based on professionalism and mutual respect," says Andrea De Rossi, co-founder and director of Research & Development at SysChro. "We were impressed by the press control systems of Grafikontrol, which are well known and appreciated by all major printers worldwide. We consider Grafikontrol the ideal partner, specifically for the web-offset, gravure, flexo and newspaper industry, for its reputation of success and extensive expertise, as well as its global sales network. We both have as an objective the success of the customer, but also the improvement of the print quality and the waste reduction."
Meeting customer preferences
A customer's quality judgment is usually based on the criterion of visual assessment. In other words, the evaluation is always subjective, even in the presence of ISO standards. Système Chromatique instead relies on human vision and ISO 12640-3, which uses photo quality as a reference, ensuring quality results in accordance with the customer's method of judgment.
"With Système Chromatique, we can adapt the system to the customer's preferences and to his geographical location in the Earth's hemispheres," says Paolo De Grandis, sales director and shareholder at Grafikontrol. "Nordic people, for instance, like cold colors, while Mediterraneans prefer warm tones. This also explains why Americans tend not to adopt ISO 12647 standards created by Germans, who prefer cold colors, in contrast with the "warm" preferences of Americans, Brazilians, Arabs, Indians, Chinese and Japanese."
According to the conventional process, the reference standard is ISO 12647. With Système Chromatique, the photographic standard is ISO 12640. The evaluation criteria under the conventional process are densitometry and colorimetric measures, while Système Chromatique is geared to the evaluation criterion of the observer (client). The conventional process requires various compensation curves for CTP and multiple characterizations depending on the substrate used. Système Chromatique instead uses a single, universal curve and a single profile – Only-1-Profile – thus simplifying the work and the process.
For all types of printing
Système Chromatique integrates into any conventional printing process (offset, web-offset, flexo, gravure, etc.), waterless or digital. If a company has various printing technologies, Système Chromatique can support various workflows for each process. However, it is recommended to install one system for each type of process, especially according to the volume of production.
Système Chromatique not only operates with any printing process, but also with any ink, substrate, available technology or business workflow (preflight, inposition, ripping, CTP, etc.). It accepts any kind of paper: glossy, matte or uncoated, in short any type of paper the customer uses for his production work.
Quality, flexibility and cost-effectiveness
The system is completely flexible and adaptable to customer needs. If a company must comply with industry standards, Système Chromatique exactly copies the colorimetric values, offering F39 normalized workflows for offset, F47 for ink-jet digital web printing and PSR for gravure. If a company aims for higher quality outside the rigid framework of common standards, Système Chromatique can then demonstrate its greatest advantages: powerful and clean colors, sharpness, contrast, volume and depth and, above all, no metamerism.
Système Chromatique enables quality enhancement by cutting costs. In other words, it helps to achieve remarkable quality levels in four-color processing, especially for complex jobs that need accuracy, repeatability and cost-efficient process. Ink consumption can be reduced up to 35% in digital printing, up to 12% in rotogravure printing, up to 30% in offset printing and even up to an additional 10-15% in combination with ink-saving systems. Moreover, Système Chromatique reduces paper consumption, on make-ready up to 50%; it reduces damping solution and the time between printing and post-printing; it reduces paper pull, piling and blanket washing. It eliminates errors, simplifies workflows and thus increases profit margins, while consistently improving quality.
Système Chromatique minimizes variability in printing: the difference between front and back printing in blanket/blanket web presses; difference between wire side and felt side of the paper; critical pendants revealing when front/reverse printed images overlap; out of register with dimensional variations in the sheets and on the web; shifting and slipping of the "cover" in the folding carton process; "rainbow" effects in shaded backgrounds and in neutral gray images in four-color printing for pots and pans, metal and water fittings; metamerism due not only to paper but also to inks, etc. "Just to let customers experience these advantages, we have decided to offer the product with a 'try and buy' option," concludes De Grandis. "Many companies have tried the system and are really enthusiastic about it."
Système Chromatique is distributed by Grafikontrol in various packages tailored to customer printing processes and requirements. Universal workflows are available, as well as customized workflows to suit customer preferences. Système Chromatique is pre-configured and as a Plug&Play system, requires no installation. Support contracts are provided to keep the software updated and ensure Adobe PDF compatibility.
www.grafikontrol.it
