Spear achieves G7 Master Printer status

Spear, a provider of labels to the global beverage industry, has achieved G7 Master Printer status – a benchmark for exceptional print processes from proof-to-print.

G7 Master Printer qualifications are granted by IDEAlliance, a non-profit organization.

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 its 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.

Click here for more about Spear on L&L.com.