#fogra

Several Indian printers and a leading publisher signed for Fogra standardization and certification at drupa24. This is a sign that process standardization and color management have gained traction over the past 25 years. In 2005, the well-attended Monsoon Summits on color management organized by IppStar took place in Delhi, Mumbai, and Chennai – and among the global experts who spoke, the head of Fogra in Switzerland took part. In 2015, IppStar in association with IdealAlliance organized the G7 course, practical demonstrations, and the G7 Expert certification exam in Mumbai, with active ISO TC130 member Steve Smiley conducting the five-day program.

Over the years, several leading packaging and commercial printers have gone in for Fogra and G7 standardization and certifications. At drupa24, the Indian printers and converters were keen to publicize their quality improvements globally – and to leverage the German Fogra connection at the fair.

At drupa24, DC Books of Kottayam in Kerala signed up for Fogra PSO standardization and certification at the Fogra stand. Perhaps the first Indian book publisher to sign up for the quality certification, DC Books is a Malayalam publisher. Although some of its best-sellers are not captured by the English-centric lists, it may be considered the leading and most active publisher in the country – one of its books recently held the top spot among best sellers for 17 weeks.

Founded by the literary figure and freedom fighter Dominic Chacko Kizhakemuri 51 years ago, the publishing house has always put authors first even when in the beginning, it had to subsidize the high royalties that it paid. It has a complete editorial process and production ecosystem well-known for its outspoken authors and its often unique and avant-garde production. In recent years, to meet the growing demand for its long list of titles, it has reprinted many books using Print On Demand (POD) using leading printers in South India.

Ravi Dee Cee, the current managing director of the company, attended drupa24, and recently spoke to our correspondent Priyanka Tanwar, saying, “The organization has decided to invest in its own POD operations including a digital press, and it is also looking to buy 4-color sheetfed offset press – thus as a global and professionally managed institution, we thought that we need to get a Fogra certification, probably being the first book publisher to do so in India. We are looking at the prepress and postpress that may also come in handy for these short run and book-on-demand operations.”

Narendra Paruchuri, the venerable managing director of Pragati Offset and Pragati Pack, which have been the outstanding winners of the Sappi Elephant of the Best Printer in the World award, comments, “We have had numerous quality certifications over the years and although only a few export customers ask about these, we thought of adding the widely recognized Fogra certification. In addition, I am happy that several printers and a publisher have signed up for this certification as we need to raise the best process and quality profile of the industry both domestically and among international print buyers.”

Several dignitaries and media attended the signings. Fogra PSO standardization and certification are based on guidelines, best practices, and ideally, an independent practical confirmation of print production processes that matches recommended deviations and tolerances. These standards are similar to G7 standardization and certification, which is also offered in India by several certified consultants.

Proponents of G7 and Fogra take part in the ISO TC-130 standardization committee which has several groups for various technical aspects of the standardization process and with which the MSD 6 committee of the Bureau of Indian Standards is associated as the local group for graphic arts standards.

The Ricoh Pro VC70000 is the only market available continuous feed inkjet press to hold prestigious Fogra validation printing system (VPS) certification. The recognition confirms compliance with the industry’s highest standards and delivers client confidence in its ability to produce excellent print consistently and repeatedly.

Fogra is the leading research centre for the printing industry. Fogra VPS stringent testing assesses if systems that produce a hard copy validation print, directly from digital data, conform to the ISO 12647-8 standard. It considers a broad range of criteria including proofing, substrate colour and gloss, color accuracy, light fastness, and compliance with the PDF/X standard.

Fogra approved the Ricoh Pro VC70000 for conforming to the ISO 12647-8 standard in two different printing conditions -

Fogra59 (updated Exchange Color Space for large color gamut printers).

Fogra51 (for ISO 12647-2:2013 printing on Premium Coated paper).

The recognition for the Ricoh Pro VC70000 follows Fogra certifications for the Ricoh Pro C9200, Ricoh Pro C7200 and Ricoh Pro C5300 color sheetfed presses.

Ricoh’s customer experience centre, in Telford, UK, received FograCert ProcessStandard Digital (PSD) printcheck digital certifications with the Ricoh Pro VC70000. The 12-month certification certifies Ricoh’s color accuracy capability and print run consistency according to Fogra PSD specifications – ISO/TS 15311-2.

Christian Haneke, Innovation and Solutions manager at Sattler Premium Print, comments, “We are delighted that our Pro VC70000 is now Fogra certified. It allows us to continue our expansion into the commercial print market and produce jobs in inkjet that would previously only have been possible with toner or offset.”

Buch-Tipp: ProzessStandard Offsetdruck – Revision 2016

ProzessStandard Offsetdruck: Das Handbuch 2012 und die Revision 2016

Nun liegt der ProzessStandard Offsetdruck endlich in einer aktuellen Version vor. Die Änderungen in der Drucknorm ISO 12647-2 aus dem Jahr 2013 werden so in die Praxis transferiert.

Das nun vorliegende Handbuch versteht sich als Ergänzung und Revisiondes ProzessStandard-Handbuchs aus dem Jahr 2012. Es ist einzeln oder gemeinsam…

Never change a running system?. FOGRA39 represents a well-known and established industry standard both for data exchange and commercial offset printing (on premium coated paper). 

The corresponding ICC-profile “ISOCoated V2” - CoatedFOGRA39 from Adobe – proofed to result in acceptable and state-of-the-art separations. However a closer look reveals that using FOGRA39 for print conformance evaluation, most colour protocols – both using conventional and digital printing substrates – are showing a big red “X”. This is mostly due to the paper white point (CIELAB (M0, wb)=95 1 -2), which does not reflect typical paper shades having higher amounts of optical brightener agents (OBA). This was made obvious in proofing environments, where rigorous colour aims need to be matched. In particular Validation Printing (Design Proofs) applications needed to pick a special (“exotic”) substrate to hit the aims. These papers were not representative for typical creative workflows. 

FOGRA51 allows for using substrates that are commonly used – and meeting the rigorous tolerances a high level of colour communication can be achieved. FOGRA51 - data separation and print conformance excellence With the release of FOGRA51 and its corresponding ICC profile (PSO Coated V3) now both aims can be achieved successfully. However changing “the” reference challenges both designers and print service providers and raises a lot of practical questions. 

1. How do I explain the change to non-print experts? 

As with FOGRA51 all new Fogra standards are based on M1 (“real D50”) and allow both compliance with the latest ISO standards and a high quality of colour communication. Using FOGRA51 an outstanding proof to print match can be achieved. The FOGRA51 proofs serves as the colour reference interface for the colour dictator in the different workflows. 

2. Do I need new measurement devices? 

Following the principle “to measure as you see” each print shall be measured by using the same measurement condition as used by creating the reference. Hence for measuring FOGRA51 onwards at least one M1 capable device needs to be present. 

3. Do I need new viewing cabinet? 

You need a ISO 3664-2009 compliant viewing scenario to judge proofs and prints correctly. Only then you can be assured that the right amount of UV is present and the OBA present in your proofs and production stock will be excited the same way. Combining M1 measurement and M1 viewing allows for the outstanding colour communication. This means a predictability for the designer and the security for print service provider that a instrumental match also matches visually. 

4. How big is the difference between FOGRA39 (ISOcoated_v2) and FOGRA51 (PSOcoated_v3)? 

Not big, indeed. The average colour difference is barely noticeable (∆E00=1,6). Depending on the image content it can easily be that you need a closer look to tell them apart. The same applies for the data separation with both profiles, since the gamut mapping and separation parameters are very similar. 

5. As a designer, when and how do I change? 

It is recommended to familiarise with the new profile as soon as possible. This means to download the profiles from the ECI-webpage and the recipes and preflight tools from the Fogra webpage. It also means to be able to create FOGRA51 based proofs either by updating your proofing hard- and software or by asking wgs.ink. The details of how to implement and use the profile for image separation (in Photoshop) or layout conversion (in InDesign or Quark) can be found in this chapter. 

The paramount factor is the communication with your print partners! The rule of thumb is: If the printing condition is not precisely known upfront use PSOCoated V3. If it is known, use the relevant Fogra standard. This idea is depicted in Fig. 1. 

Fig. 1: How design and print work together. The key question is the knowledge of the final printing condition. If it is not known (common practice), it is recommended to use PSOCoated V3. Otherwise use the pertinent Fogra standard. It is the print service provider responsibility to consume the incoming data, normalize it and do the necessary process conversions (colour transforms). The contract proof or validation print service as the reference between design and print. 

6. As a print service provider, when and how do I change? 

It is recommend changing with the publication of the PSD 2016 handbook. Other then offset printers (who “only” have to adapt plate curves), digital printing service providers have to check normalisation and machine profiling. Normalisation refers to make the incoming data print ready, hence PDF/X-1a (V.1) or X4 (V.2) with FOGRA51 as the output intent. Here the workflow tools needs to be updated and unprofiled CMYK (as is) will now be interpreted as FOGRA51 and not FOGRA39 anymore. 

This includes updating the device link profiles. Machine profiling requires to characterize (profile) your machine combinations with M1. Incoming FOGRA39 artwork will be honoured by normalising it to FOGRA51 (e.g. by using the ECI FOGRA39-toFOGRA51 device link profile - speak to wgs.ink). 

The quality of the normalisation can be tested by comparing the FOGRA39 proof of the original document with a FOGRA51 proof of the converted document. Following the PSD principles (“Printing the expected”) a print service provider is able to communicate colour in a professional way. It is recommended to proactively inform the print buyers & designers about the “new” Fogra standard. Show your colour competence! 

7. Do I have to convert “old” FOGRA39-based (CMYK) data? 

It depends. For colour critical artwork it is recommended to convert the legacy data by means of a colour server and dedicated device link transforms. In many cases you might be quite happy when using FOGRA39 artwork in your FOGRA51 design by inspecting the resulting FOGRA51 proof print. Redo an old job can be done by restoring the settings used to make the old job (if available) or more commonly to normalise the data to FOGRA51 and print accordingly. 

8. Does a print shop needs a colour server software (functionality)? 

Yes! Orchestrating the plethora of incoming data requires a colour server that uses static or dynamic device link profiles. Picture by picture adjustments, e. g. made in Photoshop, are subject for niche applications with specific focuses. 

9. How about proofing? 

Making FOGRA51 proofs requires mostly software and a hardware updates. In particular a OBArich proofing substrate should be used and a M1-based measurement device (either built in such as the ILS30 from Epson or an external measurement device). For FOGRA52 proofs an OBArich substrates with a matte surface is recommended. 

10. How about print conformance? 

There are many reasons for checking print quality on a regular basis. Either the print buyer requests a conformance protocol or your internal quality management policy expects quality tracking. In all cases the PSD print check is the right solution. You can find the details in chapter 6. Please note the new tolerances for the “A, B, C-tolerance bands”. 

11. Wow! That’s a lot to take in! Any other question? 

Berlin/Munich, 30. September 2015: On September 30st, the project partners Fogra, European Color Initiative (ECI) and the German Printing and Media Industries Federation (bvdm) present the successful result of the Fred15 project: new Fogra characterization data sets, ECI offset profiles and “ECI/bvdm Gray Control” print control strips for offset printing in accordance with the international print process standard ISO 12647-2:2013:

FOGRA51 – PSO Coated v3 – Premium coated paper (ISO 12647-2:2013 PC 1)

FOGRA52 – PSO Uncoated v3 (FOGRA52) – wood-free uncoated white paper (ISO 12647-2:2013 PC 5)

The new tools are available for immediate download on the websites of Fogra (www.fogra.de), German Printing and Media Industries Federation (www.bvdm-online.de) and in the downloads section of the ECI.

Why new Fogra Characterization Data Sets and ECI Profiles?

The revision of the international offset printing standard ISO 12647-2 with changed process aim values for the ink solids and tone value increase curves was starting point, but not the only reason for Fogra and ECI to develop new tools in collaboration with bvdm. Improvements for dealing with optically brightened paper was in the focus of all efforts: the new characterization data sets and profiles are important prerequisites for a metered and visual match of proof and production printing. As advantage for the process control of printing on wood-free uncoated white paper with it's typical high amount of optical brighteners, the new characterization data set “FOGRA52” contains practice-oriented CIELAB values for the ink solids and the paper tone. It is planed to later add characterisation data that reflect standardized printing on OBApoor uncoated paper (ISO12647-2:2013 PC5) and yellowish book printing substrates. For more information about the changes in the offset printing standard ISO 12647-2 please read this “Fogra Extra” publication.

Additional Technical Prerequisites for the Implementation of the new Offset Printing Standard

The new printing conditions – and further technical prerequisites for their successful implementation – are explained at a kick off meeting, taking place at the Print Media University in Stuttgart on September 30th. The amount of ultra violett radiation in the lighting (UV content) plays an important role in conjuntion with optically brightened papers. A good visual match of proof and production printing requires the judgement under D50 norm light according to the ISO 3664:2009 standard and the use of an optically brightened proof substrate. The use of a new color measurement device supporting the measurement mode M1 (lighting simulates D50 with UV content) is a must for the metered quality control of proof and production printing. For the process control of the production printing, it is not necessary to replace existing color measurement equipment (measurement mode 0, incandescent lighting without defined UV content). [2015-09-30 |::| FSu]

Supplements to the ECI Offset Profiles – Download

Available immediately, the ECI has published the following supplements to the »ECI Offset Profiles (2009)«:

ECI Offset Profiles – Supplement 2012-1 – Improved News Print

ECI Offset Profiles – Supplement 2012-2 – Surface Finishing

Extensive documentation is provided within the download packages.

Please click here to go to the download area for the supplements.

Collaboration between ECI, Fogra und bvdm: New print characterizations FOGRA 48/49/50

Berlin/Munich/Wiesbaden, February 15, 2012: In the light of the established collaboration between the European Color Initiative (ECI), Fogra and the German Printing and Media Industries Federation (bvdm), the Fogra characterization database has been extended to three newly developed sets of characterization data.

While FOGRA48 addresses heat set printing on improved newsprint stock FOGRA49 and FOGRA50 cover standardized offset printing based on FOGRA39 with additional surface finishing namely matt and glossy laminated sheet-fed offset prints using OPP films.

The new printing condition FOGRA48 and the associated ICC profile “PSO INP Paper (ECI)” for heatset web offset printing on improved newsprint are based on a test print series conducted by the ECI web offset working group (WOWG). Several European web offset printers contributed print samples on typical improved newsprint papers. Upfront the working group had agreed upon aim values for the solid coloration and the tone value increase (TVI) of the printing inks cyan, magenta, yellow and black. As for all other offset profiles provided by the ECI, the aim values for the TVI are taken from the international standard ISO 12647-2:2004. For the dot gain of cyan, magenta and yellow curve C (19%) applies, and curve D (22%) for black, measured in a 40% patch of a control strip. With the new profile the ECI completes the range of standard profiles for web offset papers.

The characterization data for lamination are based on test prints of the ECI coating working group, which included several types of coated paper and cardboard, as well as different lamination films and machines. Based on measurements before and after lamination, typical colour changes have been determined and applied to the FOGRA39 data set. This ensures an optimal correspondence between unlaminated and matte (FOGRA49) or glossy (FOGRA50) laminated data sets. In addition, the Fogra research project (No. 32.152) examined the effect of varnishing, which leads to similar, but smaller colour shifts than film lamination. The resulting varnished gloss depends strongly on paper and ink gloss and affects saturation and contrast. Since there are considerable differences in these material properties, no standard data sets for varnishing are made available as “FOGRAxx data”. However for individual high-quality production, the varnish data sets are available on the Fogra project web page. This applies also to UV varnish, which has about half the effect of film lamination. Here, FOGRA49 and FOGRA50 might serve as a rough estimate of what to expect. Again, for high-quality varnished jobs it is preferable to establish individual characterization data. This could be done by appropriate data adjustments based on the newly provided data sets.

Usage in practice (pre-press)

A colour-accurate proof or softproof using e. g. FOGRA49 represents the expected result of a standardized offset print on coated paper (FOGRA39) with subsequent matte film lamination. By comparing FOGRA39-based proofs with FOGRA49 or FOGRA50, it is easy to check whether undesired colour changes must be expected (so that job data may need readjustment). For more details please refer to the documentation on the ECI web page.

Usage in practice (printer)

As before, the printer must measure and achieve his established aim values for standardized printing on the unlaminated print (paper type 1/2, 60-80 lines/cm, TVI curve A for CMY (13%) and B (16%) for black). Production-based differences to FOGRA39 in paper white, solid coloration, and tone value increase are carried forward by lamination. Therefore it is not meaningful to use measurements on laminated prints for process control.

Usage in practice (surface finisher)

Colour changes during lamination depend only on the materials. Glossy films are very similar, but matte films can have quite different values of haze / opacity. The average matte film given by FOGRA49 leads to a lightness increase of ∆L* = 6 in the solid black patch and is well suited for typical production. A clearer film will cause less lightening; a matter film will cause more. Therefore, individual film types can be classified by measuring solid black before and after lamination (on the same patch on the very same sheet, before and after).

ECI Offset Profiles (2009)

Recommendation: In order to download the ECI Offset Profiles 2009 please click here. The respective set of ECI/bvdm Gray Control Strips can be downloaded by clicking here.

New characterization data and ICC profiles for standard printing conditions

As of June 2009, new Fogra characterization data sets, as well as ECI offset profiles are available, which replace existing versions. The characterization data sets “FOGRA45” for heatset web offset printing on improved LWC paper (light weight coating), and “FOGRA46” for heatset web offset printing on standard LWC paper, are based on print runs conducted by the ECI web offset working group. For offset printing on uncoated white paper a new profile based on “FOGRA47” has been introduced.

Why two characterization data sets and ICC profiles for web offset printing on LWC paper?

Due to the yellowish paper shade, the characterization data set FOGRA28 and the ICC profile “ISO Web Coated” do not reflect the paper tone and colour appearance of heat set web offset printing on today‘s most commonly used LWC papers. In order to create a successor for “ISO Web Coated”, four European web offset printers conducted a test print series on a selection of typical LWC papers. Based on a comparison of the printed results it was obvious that a single ICC profile is not sufficient to represent the colour appearance of all LWC papers. Today‘s most commonly used LWC papers can be devided in the two groups “standard” and the more frequently used “improved” papers. For that reason the ECI, bvdm and Fogra recommend to generally use the new profile “PSO LWC Improved (ECI)” for colour conversion and proofing as successor for “ISO Web Coated”. The intended use of the second new profile “PSO LWC Standard (ECI)” is proofing for heatset web offset printing on slightly yellowish LWC paper only.

Specific characteristic of “Uncoated” – why characterization data and ICC profile with CIELAB values different from common measurements

Ideally process control and quality assurance for proofing and production printing use identical CIELAB coordinates. As helpful mean to implement the international printing standard, the characterization data should contain the aim values of the international standard ISO 12647-2. As a prerequisite the CIELAB values of the paper tone and the printing inks, measured on typical paper, comply with the aim values of the standard ISO 12647-2 (print process control) and the respective Fogra characterization data set (proofing). For the paper types 1+2 for offset printing on gloss and matt coated paper, the CIELAB values measured in daily production comply with the aim values (FOGRA39, “ISO Coated v2”). If these aim values are matched in a metered evaluation by proof and production print, the two match visually as well. Due to a significantly higher degree of optical brighteners, this does not apply to offset printing on uncoated white paper (paper type 4). The paper shade of typical uncoated white paper shows a b* value of -6 and more if measured under standard compliant conditions (without UV or polarized filter). This corresponds to a blueish colour with the consequence of unfeasible proofing results with regard to the paper shade simulation and pastel colours. In order to facilitate proof prints properly matching the production printing, the CIELAB values of the new characterization data set for offset printing on uncoated white paper (FOGRA47) deviate from the blueish colour measurement of typical uncoated white paper.

Recommendations for “Uncoated” proofs

Another specific characteristic applies to proofing for offset printing on uncoated stock: Using a semi-matt proofing substrate, commonly used for “coated” proofs, will yield a poor visual proof to print match even in the case of an excellent metered proof evaluation. The use of uncoated proofing stock results in the best possible metered match with the aim values of the characterization data set and the best possible visual proof to print match.

Which profile should I use?

In general, the ECI, bvdm, and Fogra recommend using the ICC profile which matches the intended printing condition, for colour conversion as well as for proofing. You will find an overview of all ECI offset profiles for standard printing conditions in the PDF manual on page 4. Some paper manufacturers and suppliers provide information regarding recommended characterization data sets (Fogra number) and ECI offset profiles according to the paper stock. The ECI offset profile “ISO Coated v2 300% (ECI)” is a good choice in cases where the intended printing condition is not yet known. The advantage of the version of the coated profile with a maximum total ink coverage of 300% is it‘s higher flexibility regarding the use for sheetfed and web offset printing. Prepress data prepared with this profile can be converted to many other printing conditions with good results, however, the best possible results will be achieved with cmyk prepress data prepared with the profile that matches thatprinting condition exactly.

Where can the profiles be obtained? From which date are they valid?

The new ECI offset profiles can be freely downloaded from the ECI website (www.eci.org). The characterization data sets “FOGRA45” through “FOGRA47” can be downloaded also free of charge from the Fogra website (www.fogra.org). The ECI, bvdm and Fogra recommend the immediate use of the new characterization data sets and profiles.

ECI Offset Profiles (2008)

Additional characterization data and ICC profiles for standard printing conditions

As of July 2008, new Fogra characterization data sets, as well as ECI offset profiles for four new printing conditions are available. The characterization data sets “FOGRA41” for heatset web offset printing on MFC paper (machine finished coating), and “FOGRA42” for heatset web offset printing on SNP paper (standard newsprint), are based on print runs conducted by the ECI web offset working group. For offset printing with non-periodic screening (NP screening), also known as FM screening (frequency modulated screening), the characterization data sets “FOGRA43” for paper types 1 and 2 (gloss- and matte-coated paper) and “FOGRA44” for uncoated white paper have been introduced.

Why are special characterization data sets and ICC profiles for non-periodic screening needed?

The new characterization data sets for offset printing with non periodic screens have been developed in a Fogra research project. Fogra realized an extensive series of test prints on coated and uncoated stock using non-periodic screening systems from several vendors. As expected, the tone value increase was significantly higher than on prints with conventional AM screening (amplitude modulated screening). For the following reasons, it is not recommended to adjust FM screened plates to the aim values used for AM screening on the respective paper types:

Significant colour differences in areas with identical tone values between prints using AM and FM screening although CIELAB values of the ink solids and tone value increase curves have been carefully aligned.

When using FM screening, different paper types have no significant impact on the tone value increase (dot gain) compared to prints using AM screening.

With FM screening, all four printing inks show identical tone value increase, whereas in prints using AM screening, the tone value increase of the black ink can be up to 3 percent greater in the mid tones than that of the chromatic inks cyan, magenta and yellow.

Large correction curves at the platemaking stage to compensate for high tone value increase, are not recommended as it may cause problems such as banding in gradations.

Therefore curve F as stipulated in the ISO 12647-2:2004 standard is the process control aim for all paper types and printing inks. The tone value increase of curve F in the mid tone (at 40%) is 28 percent.

What is the meaning of the letters “PSO” in the profile names?

PSO stands for “Process Standard Offset printing”. By indicating the printing technology at the beginning of the profile names, the ECI is continuing the use of the naming system established with rotogravure profiles, which begin with the letters PSR (process standard rotogravure). The PSO is published by the German Printing and Media Industries Federation (bvdm). The starting points for the PSO are international standards such as ISO 12647-2 for process control of sheetfed and heatset web offset printing, as well as the ISO 15930 series for the exchange of printing data using PDF (PDF/X). In order to help users implement ISO standards practically, the PSO covers all steps of the print media production; from the creation of printing data to production printing, accompanied by objective quality control through measurement. With regard to quality control, the PSO explicitly refers to the parameters, aim values and tolerances published in the ISO 12647-2 standard. In addition, the CIELAB values of the Fogra characterization data sets are used for the quality control of contract proofs. To further simplify the practical implementation of ISO standards, the PSO includes detailed instructions, and refers to helpful tools published by organisations such as ECI, Fogra and Ugra. In short, the relationship between the ISO standard and PSO can be explained as follows: ISO defines the aim – PSO the method. Therefore new ECI offset profiles contain references to the respective ISO standards in their profile names. ECI profiles for paper types which are not yet covered by the ISO standard do not contain this reference. This is the case with MFC and SNP papers. However, as in the case of all other printing conditions, the print runs for creating the charactarization data sets for these paper types followed the process control specifications of ISO 12647-2:2004. This applies in particular to the tone value increase curves. You will find a reference to the respective tone value increase curves as stipulated in the ISO 12647-2:2004 standard in the table on page 4 of the PDF “ECI_Offset_2008_EN” and in the info file of the respective ECI offset profile.

Which new profiles are available?

The two ECI profiles “PSO MFC Paper (ECI)” and “PSO SNP Paper (ECI)” apply for heatset web offset printing on MFC (machine finished coating) and SNP (standard newsprint) paper. These profiles are an addition to the current “SC Paper (ECI)” profile in an effort to enhance solutions for the creation of prepress data as well as contract proofs for paper types frequently used in web offset printing. The respective characterization data sets “FOGRA41“ for MFC and “FOGRA42” for SNP paper have been developed by the ECI web offset working group based on an extensive series of test prints conducted by several web offset printers. The ECI offers three ICC profiles for offset printing using non-periodic screening. The two profiles for matte and gloss-coated paper differ only with regard to the maximum tone value sum. The profile named “PSO Coated NPscreen ISO12647 (ECI)” creates a maximum tone value sum of 330 percent where “PSO Coated 300% NPscreen ISO12647 (ECI)” creates 300 percent, which is well suited for web offset printing. Both profiles are based on the characterization data set “FOGRA43” (20 µm). The profile “PSO Uncoated NPscreen ISO12647 (ECI)” which is for offset printing using non-periodic screening (30 µm) on uncoated white paper, is based on the characterization data set “FOGRA44”.

Which profile should I use?

In general, the ECI, bvdm, and Fogra recommend using the ICC profile which matches the intended printing condition, for colour conversion as well as for proofing. You will find an overview of all ECI offset profiles for standard printing conditions in the PDF “ECI_Offset_2008_EN” on page 4. Some paper manufacturers and suppliers provide information regarding recommended characterization data sets (Fogra number) and ECI offset profiles according to the paper stock. The ECI offset profile “ISO Coated v2 (ECI)” is a good choice in cases where the intended printing condition is not yet known. Prepress data prepared with this profile can be converted to many other printing conditions with good results, however, the best possible results will be achieved with cmyk prepress data prepared with the profile that matches thatprinting condition exactly.

Where can the profiles be obtained? From which date are they valid?

The new ECI offset profiles can be freely downloaded from the ECI website (www.eci.org). To simplify the selection, the profile package “ECI_Offset_2008” contains both the new offset profiles and all profiles from the previous set “ECI_Offset_2007”. The characterization data sets “FOGRA41” through “FOGRA44” can be downloaded also free of charge from the Fogra website (www.fogra.org). The ECI, bvdm and Fogra recommend the immediate use of the new characterization data sets and profiles, as the new profiles are an extension, and do not replace any of the current valid profiles in the package “ECI_Offset_2007”.

ECI offset profiles (2007)

Note: In order to download the profile package please go to the “Downloads” section.

New characterization data and ICC profiles for standard printing conditions

Based on optimized aim values of the international printing standard ISO 12647-2 ECI, bvdm and Fogra recommend to use new Fogra characterization data and ECI offset profiles. The new aim values are contained in an amendment. They replace the respective provisions in the standard. The amendment to ISO 12647-2 will be officially published by ISO in January 2007 as a supplement to the standard. The changes mainly affect the aim values for the CIELAB colour coordinates of the process colour solids and the two and three colour overprints. All other provisions in ISO 12647-2 remain untouched and valid.

Enhancement of the well proven offset ICC profile “ISO Coated” The well proven previous offset profile “ISO Coated” has not been changed fundamentally but was optimized in some colour regions. For example the colour coordinates of the Cyan solid tone now better matches practical values. All normative CIELAB aim values for the ink primaries and the paper tint as defined by ISO 12647 have been incorporated with identical values into the FOGRA characterization data and the ECI offset profiles. Based on the informative aim values of the amendment, the CIELAB values for the secondary colours have been adjusted based on practical values derived from a large number of e.g. European printing tests. The new FOGRA characterization data sets and the ECI profiles have been carefully tested and are now ready for use in production. Substantial improvements of the new ECI offset profiles are closely related to the characterization data:

Identical aim values for the ink solids in the ISO standard and the characterization data: The CIELAB values in FOGRA39 perfectly match the respective values in ISO12647-2:2004/ Amd 1 (2007). The unpleasant choice between “FOGRA” or “ISO” aim values finally belongs to the past.

Practice-oriented adjustment of the aim values for the secondaries green and blue based on a number of evaluated print runs. This applies in particualar to the critical blue colour area (tendency to be more purple in print compared to the proof).

Practice-oriented reduction of the maximum ink coverage: Reducing the maximum ink coverage from 350% to 330%, or 300% respectively (setup value in profiling software), reflects the practical need of many printers, to avoid printing problems caused by too high ink coverage.

As before, details on how the profiles were created can be found in the relevant Info files.

Which new profiles are available?

For two standard offset printing conditions new profiles are available. * ECI, bvdm and FOGRA jointly recommend the use of “ISO Coated v2 (ECI)” and “ISO Coated v2 300% (ECI)”. The latter is a version with lower maximum ink coverage (300%) suitable for e.g. heat set web offset. Both profiles are based on “FOGRA39L”. * The third new profile named “SC Paper (ECI)” applies to web offset printing on SC paper (super calandered). Web offset printers requested the profile due to the rising number of publications printed on SC paper. So far neither ICC profiles from the ECI nor specifications in ISO 12647-2 are available for this paper type. For that reason the ECI Web Offset Working Group developed the characterization data and the profile for SC paper with substantial contribution from the bvdm. Starting from the printing condition for paper type 3 (LWC) test prints on SC paper (from four different paper mills) have been conducted by five European web offset printers. Based on these prints both, characterization data (“FOGRA40L”) and profile have been carefully created and tested.

How about further standard offset printing conditions? The profiles “ISO Web Coated”, “ISO Uncoated” and “ISO Uncoated Yellowish” based on the characterization data “FOGRA28”, “FOGRA29” und “FOGRA30” remain valid. These profiles will be reviewed during 2007 on the background of the new aim values of the ISO 12647-2 amendment. Where neccessary new versions will be created and made available by ECI and FOGRA after thorough testing.

Where can the profiles be obtained? From when on should they be used? The ECI offset profiles “ISO Coated v2 (ECI)”, “ISO Coated v2 300% (ECI)” and “SC Paper (ECI)” are available as a free download on the website of the ECI (www.eci.org). To simplify the selection of the current versions, the profile package “ECI_Offset_2007” contains both the new offset profiles and the still valid profiles for the paper types 3, 4 und 5. The characterization data “FOGRA39L” and “FOGRA40L” can be downloaded free of charge from the FOGRA website (www.fogra.org). You may wish to use the new data immediately. ECI, bvdm and Fogra recommend to familiarize yourself with the new data as soon as possible and to switch over to the new profiles in early April 2007 at the latest. The previous profile “ISO Coated” and the characterization data “FOGRA27” respectively, should not be used in production jobs thereafter.

ECI offset profiles (2004)

In March 2004 ECI has published new ICC profiles for offset printing based on ISO 12647-2. In order to download the profile packages “offset” and “offset continuous” please go to the “Downloads” section. Please read on for more information about these new ICC profiles.

Which offset profile is the right one? Not only novice users ask this question when looking for the ”one” offset profile they should use. The many available ICC output profiles and possible printing conditions can be as challenging for the experienced professional. ECI published a first set of offset profiles in early 2003 helping users to work with professional profiles.

The new versions replace the profiles of the previous “basic” and “expert” packages.

The ECI recommends consistent use of the new profiles a) because they reflect current international standards and b) because they also give a true indication of colours that can be realized using standardized printing procedures. Consequently, we advise you only to continue using the “basic” and “expert” package profiles until current contracts have been concluded. The old profiles will, however, remain available for downloading.

How to recognize whether it‘s a “new” or an “old” profile? The new ICC profiles have been created in September and November 2003, whereas the previous IC profiles had been created in December 2002 and January 2003. In addition, the file names of the previous ICC profiles ended with “…sb.icc” whereas the file names of the new profiles do not contain the two characters “sb” anymore. Example: previous file name “ISOcoatedsb.icc”, new file name “ISOcoated.icc”. This change also applies to the internal name of the ICC profiles, as displayed in the user interface of applications: previous internal name “ISO Coated sb”, new internal name “ISO Coated”.

Note: While the ICC profiles for offset printing conditions offered by the ECI have “ISO” as part of their name they are not in any way official ISO profiles. Instead the use of “ISO” in the names for the offset profiles simply indicates that they are based on characterization data that have been gathered from print runs that were carried out according to ISO 12647-2.

Selecting a profile The current level of standardzation in the printing industry and our experience with the profiles of the “basic” and “expert” software packages, have meant that we have been able to significantly simplify the profile selection process. Instead of the 16 profiles contained in the old “expert” package, the new “offset” and “continuous” packages contain just four profiles for sheet-fed and heat-set web printing and two profiles for continuous forms process printing.

All the profiles are based exclusively on colour measurement against white backing. This eliminates the need to signal the type of backing (sb/bb) in the profile name, resulting in shorter new offset profile names. In line with the current status of the German “ProzessStandard Offsetdruck“ which is based on the international standard ISO/DIS 12647-2:2003, black backing is only to be used for process control in double-side printing. There are industry standards for the qualities of white backing substrates. You can find out which types of paper are suitable as backing for standardized measurement on equipment with black measuring tables at www.fogra.org.

It was decided not to include profiles for printing with a 175 lpi screen (70/cm) as there was only a slight variation in tone value from printing with a 150 lpi screen (60/cm). The difference in colour of the 175 lpi screen caused by the slightly higher increase in tone value is less than the process-related colour variance acceptable for a print run so in order to simplify the selection of profiles, it was decided to leave out profiles for a 175 lpi screen. As a result, the profiles for the 150 lpi screen are also valid for use with a 175 lpi screeen.

The distinction between the “expert” and “basic” packages ceases to be of importance. Instead, so that you can make your selection based on your operating needs, we have regrouped the ECI profiles according to the type of printing process for which they are required: an “offset” package for sheet-fed and heat-set web printing and a “continuous” one for continuous forms process printing.

Package “offset“ The “offset” package contains four ICC output profiles for offset printing. The European Colour Initiative recommends to use ISOcoated.icc as the default setting for the CMYK working space in Adobe Photoshop and elsewhere. This profile is valid for offset printing on gloss- or matte-coated paper. The other three ICC output profiles in this package are valid for uncoated paper (one for white and one for yellowish paper tone) and for light weight coated paper (LWC) used in web offset printing. Thus the “offset” package covers all shet-fed and heat-set web printing conditions in the ISO offset printing standard.

Package “continuous” The continuous package consists of two ICC output profiles for continuous forms process printing. The profile “ISOcofcoated.icc” characterizes continuous forms process printing on matte-coated paper with a 150 lpi screen while “ISOcofuncoated.icc” represents printing on uncoated white paper at a 135 lpi screen.

Creation of profiles We have made no changes to the program version and program settings for the creation of profiles. As before, details on how we created the profiles can be found in the relevant Info files.

The new offset profiles have been developed using characterization data FOGRA27L to FOGRA32L. In comparison to the old characterization data the new data feature a series of improvements.

The new Fogra characterization data is based on measurements that have been averaged, smoothed and adjusted in line with the desired tone value for the production prints supplied with the Altona Test Suite application kit. So as to be able to proof the colours in the profiles and reproduce them under production conditions, the most commonly used and standard-compliant types of paper and process ink standards were selected for these reference prints.

As the curves for tone value increase can have a considerable influence on colour reproduction, special attention was paid during the process check to keep narrow tolerance limits for both tone value increase and solid tone values during the print run of the reference prints – i.e. not just the usual patches measured in printing with 40% or 80% tone value. The reference prints have been produced under authentic working conditions, i.e. using inks from a commonly available ink set. In the interests of obtaining of homogeneous colour separation, any slight, unavoidable deviation from the values for tone value increase in the reference prints of the Fogra characterization data has been corrected in line with the aim values.

On the other hand, although technically possible, we have deliberately opted not to include a feature that would allow the solid tone values of the printing inks and paper shades to be adjusted to the idealised colour coordinates. The characterization data and profiles would otherwise no longer have been compatible with the “Altona Test Suite” application kit and a visual check would not be possible against the kit‘s important production prints.

Print results to date also indicate that when overprinting two inks – red, green, blue – the new charaterization data resemble the real print results far more closely than the old characterization data. In addition, the new characterization data and the new profile for paper type 3 (LWC) now give a much truer representation of the print results that can be achieved with web offset presses than previous versions did.

As is clear from the above, the new Fogra characterization data together with the new ECI offset profiles based upon the Fogra data constitute the best possible compromise between practical use and the precise attainment of ideal standardized aim values.

“offset” package Overview of profiles for sheet-fed and heat-set web printing:

ISOcoated.icc Paper type 1 and 2, gloss- and matte-coated, 150 lpi (60/cm), FOGRA27L

ISOwebcoated.icc Paper type 3, gloss coated web (LWC), 150 lpi (60/cm), FOGRA28L

ISOuncoated.icc Paper type 4, uncoated white, 150 lpi (60/cm), FOGRA29L

ISOuncoatedyellowish.icc Paper type 5, uncoated slightly yellowish, 150 lpi (60/cm), FOGRA30L

“continuous” package Profiles for continuous forms process printing:

ISOcofcoated.icc Paper type 2, matte-coated, 150 lpi (60/cm), FOGRA31L