Professional G7+ Print Standardization Services
Prestia Consulting offers G7+ calibration of print systems through Alder Color expertise. G7+ Qualification submissions to Printing United Alliance are handled for both initial qualifications and bi-annual re-qualifications.
Even for operations not seeking formal Qualification, G7+ is a method to calibrate a printing system for Universal Consistency, Enhanced Gray Balance, Smoother Tonality, and Substrate-Specific Control (SCCA). G7 Colorspace Compliance ensures that printed colors match not just in neutral tones and highlight-to-midtone colors, but also in saturated colors.
G7+ implementation differs from legacy G7 in that it positions qualified shops to match the Universal Characterization Dataset (UCD), which may replace other standards including GRACoL, SWOP, and some Fogra standards in the future.
G7+ Expert Certified
Lou Prestia is a G7+ Expert and is also certified to perform G7+ calibrations and submissions. In some cases he may deliver these services on behalf of Alder Color. He has completed over 50 G7 certifications.
Key Benefits
- G7+ calibration enables optimized setup for print runs
- Assures a match from approved proof to final presswork
- Opens business opportunities to print for customers that require G7+ compliant production
- Qualifies operations to work with major brands and agencies
- Optimizes tone reproduction and neutrality for superior color quality
- Future-proofs operations for Universal Characterization Dataset (UCD) transition
Who Needs G7+ Services?
G7+ calibration and qualification is essential for print providers seeking to meet industry standards and expand business opportunities:
- Commercial Print Providers – Offset and web press operations serving major brands
- Packaging Print Facilities – Flexo and gravure operations requiring brand color compliance
- Digital Print Operations – Digital press facilities needing standardized color output
- Screen Print Shops – Screen printing operations seeking industry certification
Process and Methodology
The G7+ qualification process follows a comprehensive methodology to ensure consistent, repeatable results:
Step-by-Step Process
1. System Inspection: Inspect and qualify printing system for consistency and base calibration.
2. Test Printing: Print test forms containing targets required for G7 neutral density curve calculation and other press performance criteria using ISO 12647-x targets for the specific print process.
3. Measurement & Analysis: Measure G7+ targets from multiple samples to generate neutral print density curves.
4. Curve Loading: Load curves on prepress equipment for qualification print run.
5. Qualification Submission: Submit samples to Printing United Alliance for G7+ Qualification.
6. Color Profiling: Generate color profiling targets so that the press can be confirmed for G7+ Colorspace conformance and matched to other print systems or substrates.
We train everyone involved in this process about what each step is, how to perform it, and how it contributes to a successful G7+ implementation. We also train additional personnel such as sales and marketing teams on the technical basics of G7+ and the value it adds, so they can communicate it effectively to customers.
Technical Standards
- ISO 12647:2013 – The core standard for process control in graphic arts, ensuring consistent color and quality across different print runs and devices.
- ISO/TC 130 – Graphic technology guidelines
- G7+ Specification – Printing United Alliance calibration and qualification standards
Questions about G7+ calibration or qualification? Contact us to discuss specific needs.