Pittsburgh, Pa., January 17, 2002 — The Graphic Arts Technical Foundation (GATF), the leading producer of quality control devices for the printing industry, is now offering an accurate method of determining tolerance for an acceptable color match. The Pilot Color Tolerance Exercise is an easy, foolproof way to determine tolerance for color acceptability that benefits customers and offers printing facilities the potential for increased profits. This simple uncomplicated exercise compares a person’s visual perception of an acceptable color match with a known, numeric standard to determine color difference (called Delta E). The person taking the exercise doesn’t have to know anything about color except what they believe to be an acceptable match. All that is needed is 5000K lighting or a window away from direct sunlight. Using this exercise, managers can determine a company-wide standard for color tolerance. The exercise can also be useful in showing how long it takes certain color devices to drift beyond a tolerance so that operators may make a more efficient maintenance schedule for each device. The data can also indicate whether the quality and repeatability of color measurement devices, scanners, monitors, and output devices fall within acceptable tolerance standards. Using the kit, printers will learn what level of color software is necessary and how many color patches need to be used to achieve the desired results. Most importantly, printers can determine their customers’ tolerance so that a job can be quoted effectively. For example, if a customer has a high tolerance, a printer may be able to provide a less expensive proof for approval. The Pilot Color Tolerance Exercise Kit includes six strips of color patches, an instruction booklet, and executive overview. It is available for $120 ($99 for GATF/PIA members), not including shipping. Orders may be placed by contacting GATF by phone at 800/662-3916 (U.S. and Canada) or 412/741-5733 (all other countries); fax at 412/741-0609; or e-mail. Mail orders to GATF Products, P.O. Box 1020, Sewickley, PA 15143-1020. Indicate Order No. 7020.