Standardisation in process colour printing is the focus of a new guide launched by the PrintCity Alliance in advance of DRUPA.

Members Sun Chemical, UPM, manroland, Trelleborg and Sappi, plus alliance partners Fujifilm, GMG and Hammesfahr, contributed to the report on ‘Process Colour Standardisation’. the aim to help users understand and use standardised process printing and workflow optimisation. Project members shared their competencies to help implement standardisation, plus improve quality, consistency and productivity in offset printing. Part of this project was a case study on PSO implementation and certification at the printer Hammesfahr in Germany.

While general in its coverage, there should be useful pointers for newspaper and heatset printers. Key topics include:

- Introduction: Colour management; standards, specifications and implementation; certification, key control parameters; measuring devices and software tools, frequently asked questions, glossary;

- Key influences on quality: Print job preparation and design; GCR; PDF/X; proofing systems; plates and processing; press; blankets; maintenance and consumables; inks and dampening; paper;

- Implementing standardisation: Step-by-step implementation; Hammesfahr case study;

- Faster colour OKs and troubleshooting: managing press OK and makeready; resolving some common problems.

PrintCity and f:mp (Fachverband  Medienproduktioner www.f-mp.de) made an assessment with German print users and designers to identify the perceived benefits from working with certified printing companies. The responses identified the three top benefits as improved quality, consistency and reduced errors.

The alliance says the report will give readers a unique, cross-process overview and guidance on best practice in this complex subject area. “The use of standards and methodology is an integral aspect of latest ‘Lean and green’ business thinking. It will give direct benefits in greater efficiency, higher quality, predictability and consistency for production,” it says.

Sun Chemical European sheetfed systems product manager Bernhard Fritz says unique advantages include the report’s ‘full value chain’ process overview, review of standards and methods, the case study with Hammesfahr, and research work conducted together with the f:mp. “We believe it is a ‘must read’ reference document for sheetfed and heatset web printers,” he says.

Copies are available from participating project members, or can be ordered online at www.printcity.de/SHOP