drupa news: Mellow Colour sets the standard for printers

Mellow Colour's latest version of PrintSpec ISO 12647 software helps printers get the specifics.

Launched at drupa, the software allows printers to generate ISO 12647 pass/fail reports from the small PrintSpec strip placed along with production CMYK printed work. PrintSpec reports include ISO12647 pass/fail information about the CMYK inks, the overprinted colours, the dot grain (TVI) and grey balance. A configurable 'percentage of ISO excellence' scoring system is built in.

Printers who adhere to such standards can expect to reap the benefits, according to Alan Dresch, director of Mellow Colour. "To implement PrintSpec and meet ISO standards, a printer is demonstrating technical commitment and a progressive approach towards standardisation," he said.

Mellow Colour believes that PrintSpec offers a distinct marketing advantage in colour critical printing. From a print buyer's perspective, it is attractive when a company prints to the common standard, ISO 12647.

Dresch admits that Mellow Colour has experienced customer concern about adopting new standards, but he encourages them to print to standards through this software. "By the end of an implementation, we usually find our customers are inspired and motivated by this structured approach to colour quality control," he said.