DES announces Proficient Printer ISO standard colour measurement and control system

First established in the UK, the worldwide Proficient Printer Program recognises printers who can provide optimum colour output and meet the targets and tolerances of the ISO 12647 specification.

In conjunction with the implementation of award winning 'PrintSpec(tm)' software, DES propose to deliver full training and implementation, with 6 monthly reviews, to printers who would like to achieve ISO 12647-2 Proficient Printer status in Australia and New Zealand.

All the printing companies in the program will receive training in the practical implementation of ISO 12647 and operation of the PrintSpec Colour QA System. They will all have an appointed internal Colour QA team focused on creating a culture of continuous improvement, reducing waste and increasing productivity through the measurement and analysis of colour.

Proficient Printers will use printing equipment and consumables combinations that have been optimised to meet the targets & tolerances of the ISO 12647 Specification - plus the demanding grey balance appearance targets of the Mellow Colour PrintSpec System. Proficient Printers will use D50 lighting in colour critical areas for viewing prints and proofs. Their colour measurement instruments will be regularly calibrated and certified by the manufacturer, and they will be visited every six months by a DES PrintSpec specialist for revision training and review.

The biannual reviews allow DES to ensure that all presses remain calibrated and able to meet the Dot Gain (TVI) and Lab values specified by ISO 12647 and that grey balance values comply with PrintSpec targets and tolerances. Only by passing each audit does the certificate remain validated.

DES has developed a new area on its website for print buyers looking for suppliers that are working with the PrintSpec product; all the companies listed on the DES site have been accredited with the Mellow Colour ISO 12647 proficiency certificate and have the training and tools to produce print that complies with the ISO specification.
Visit <a href="http:// www.des-pl.com.au" target="_blank">www.des-pl.com.au</a> for further details. Companies that continue to attain Proficient Printer status will also be listed at <a href="http://www.mellowcolour.com" target="_blank">www.mellowcolour.com</a>

"The Proficient Printer Programme validates the printers who can provide optimum colour output and meet the targets and tolerances of the ISO 12647 specification," commented David Crowther of DES. "The list and contact details available on our site provide a one stop service helping print buyers to locate a printer that can offer colour consistency."
"Colour quality control and production analysis is all about changing the culture of an organisation - by using benchmarks as targets and specialised measuring techniques for analysis it is possible to be much more systematic about the way we print colour. This also makes it easier to identify press and ink problems when things do stray off track."

Vega Colour Group is one of the first printer groups in Australia to implement the Proficient Printer Program. Scott Bangay, Prepress Studio Manager, Vega Colour Group commented on the benefits of the new initiative,  "We have introduced PrintSpec, which provides Vega Colour Group with the knowledge, software and instrumentation required to ensure our staff have the skills and information to print in a more efficient and consistent manner. By working to the very high standards of ISO 12647 we are able to standardize our colour output which is of benefit to all our customers." 

Each six-month audit undertakes the following process:
* Checks that sufficient numbers and quality of PrintSpec trained individuals are still employed and actively using the system.
* Checks that PrintSpec measurement files have been collected on a regular basis during the previous six-month period.
* Checks CtP curves and ink settings provide ISO compliant print appearance.
* Checks ink sets used for ISO 12647 related work comply with targets tolerances in the specification
* Checks spectrophotometer accuracy using manufacturer's diagnostic tools.
* Checks viewing booth lighting conforms to ISO 3664.
* Revision training

The Proficient Printer Program currently has over 20 companies compliant - in the UK, Scandinavia and Australia.

PrintSpec was developed to enable colour printers to comply with the tight targets and tolerances defined in the ISO 12647 Specification. PrintSpec offers more than proof-to-press colour consistency; the software provides a more efficient workflow, reducing time, cost, waste and delivering improved customer satisfaction.

For more information contact:  David.crowther@des-pl.com.au