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G7 Master Printer qualifications are granted by IDEAlliance, a non-profit organization that specializes in developing “standards andbest practices to enhance efficiency and speed information across the end-to-end digital media supply chain – creation, production, management and delivery of knowledge-based multimedia content – digitally and inprint”.
Master status is awarded to facilities that complete the required education process and continually use the G7 Proof-to-Print Processes. G7 is both a definition of grayscale appearance and a calibration method for adjusting any CMYK imaging device to simulate the G7 definition. Through using modern technology, techniques, pre-press and press controls, G7 yields a visual match between different imaging systems using simple one-dimensional curves, and enables shared appearance between different printing devices.
To become certified at their corporate headquarters in Mason, Ohio, USA, Spear had to go through a qualifying process that includes optimizing all ink sets and print conditions, printing a fingerprint to evaluate the necessary curve adjustments and then reprinting after adjustments are made. This is followed by a certification from an outside registered source. The detailed print process displays Spear’s excellence in print/color management.
“The G7 qualification has delivered a win-win to Spear and our customers. Using this methodology allows our customers to use more standardization with their pre-press suppliers, reducing costs and
improving time to market” said Doug Bartlett, Director of Graphics at Spear. “On our end, it has given us a tool to more accurately calibrate our printing processes, reducing set-up time and related waste. It also improves consistency in our print process within a run and from run-to-run, delivering a more consistent product to our customers”.
Currently, Spear is exploring G7 qualification at two other US locations, totaling three facilities that will meet the Master Printer status.
