GRACoL

General Requirements and Applications for Commercial Offset Lithography

In 1996, a graphics arts task force was formed by the Graphic Communications Association (now IDEAlliance) to develop a document containing general guidelines and recommendations that could be used as a reference source across the industry for quality color printing. Since that time, the GRACoL Working Group has developed, maintained and published printing guidelines that have since become de facto standards on many pressrooms. The mission of GRACoL is to improve communications and education in the graphic arts by developing best practices that reflect the influence and impact of new technologies in the workflow of commercial offset lithography. GRACoL is a registered trademark of IDEAlliance.

What’s New With GRACoL: June/July, 2010

G7 SHEETFED USERS: FOLLOW BEST PRACTICES AND MAKE SURE YOU USE THE GRACOL QUALIFICATION KIT AND CHECKLIST DURING YOUR QUALIFICATION/REQUALIFICATION.

Download the latest version of the Qualification Kit from the download section to the right.

Here’s a quick update on what’s going on with GRACoL.

1. THE G7 SUMMIT will be held October 3-6, 2010 at GRAPHEXPO in Chicago. 

This year’s summit will have programs for experienced users as well as new adoptees and those just looking for basic information. Many of the programs will include hands-on components using live equipment on the show floor. Watch this page for more information as it becomes available.

2. We have recently completed a survey of G7 Experts to determine acceptable results for G7 GRACoL Targeted qualifications. More complete results will be published in the near future but here is a summary of results:

- Experts considered an excellent result for G7 calibration to GRACoL using curves (no device links, etc) to be 3 dE average.

- Experts considered a good result for G7 calibration to GRACoL using curves (no device links, etc.) to be 3-4 dE average.

- Experts considered a good result for G7 calibration to GRACoL using curves (no device links, etc.) to be 7-11 dE max.

- The above are based of comparison of the measured results from the calibration to the GRACoL 2006 characterization data set.

3. We have a Tolerance Project that is underway. The goal of the project is to develop a classification system for tolerances, as well as for local press controls. Deliverables for the Tolerance Project include information and tools for users including a methods document and spreadsheet.

The next conference call for the Tolerance Project is scheduled for June 17th at 4:30 EST. Documents will be circulated prior to the call for comment. Your participation is welcomed. Email jfazzi@idealliance.org to get added to the mailing list.

4. As of June 2010, G7 Master candidates will have to complete an appropriate G7 Qualification Kit. This requirement is to ensure both the G7 Expert and the Customer have completed a checklist, verified additional metrics, and provided the user with printed documentation and benchmark data. To see the requirements please download the current GRACoL Qualification Kit from the download section to the right.

5. We are developing a color database based on data we will be collecting from GRACoL qualification runs. Because we will be collecting additional data for the G7 GRACoL Targeted designation, we will be able to better judge how users are doing. This will be helpful both as general information as well as information for future initiatives.

Important Downloads for GRACoL Users:

-       G7 Qualification Kit – Provides detailed forms and procedures for those applying G7 to offset sheetfed-printing applications.

-       G7 Prequalification Kit – A test form with diagnostic images and ink loading in mind, as well as press assessment form.

We are always looking for feedback – please contact us – ron@ronellis.us and send us your thoughts.

Jeff Collins, Mike Eddington, Ron Ellis