Tuebingen - GMG, developer and supplier of high-end color management and proofing solutions, today announced the launch of a highly innovative proofing system comprising of Canon's brand-new imagePROGRAF iPF8300/iPF6350/iPF6300 inkjet printers, and supported by GMG ColorProof, GMG FlexoProof XG and GMG DotProof XG contone and halftone proofing solutions. To ensure the highest production reliability and finest quality proofing results, the printer has been optimized for GMG's superior inkjet proofing substrates.

This joint solution is the result of extensive technological collaboration between GMG and Canon, bringing to market an integrated software and hardware package for high-end contract proofing applications that meet both GMG and Canon quality standards. GMG's ColorProof contone proofing software and the FlexoProof XG and DotProof XG halftone proofing modules enable the GMG/Canon proofing system to achieve maximum color accuracy and repeatability. GMG DotProof and GMG FlexoProof produce genuine, absolutely color-accurate halftone proofs by directly processing 1-bit imagesetter data. Thus, they can be inexpensively proofed on inkjet printers to save time and money and to detect file problems at an early stage before going on press.

Canon imagePROGRAF iPF8300/iPF6350/iPF6300 printers have been specifically designed for the high-end graphic arts market, including photographic, fine art and proofing applications. It adopts the newly developed unique 12-pigment ink printing system "Lucia EX", providing a 20% wider color gamut compared with previous models and delivering absolutely precise prints of exceptional scratch resistance.

According to Mr. Detlef Frey, pre press operator at Heinendruck, Duesseldorf, "the powerful color management technology of GMG ColorProof delivers 100% production reliability on a daily basis. The printer driver, which GMG has developed specifically for this printer, allows absolute accuracy in simulating the printing result on our presses, while the software and hardware are very easy to operate. In particular, the extremely intuitive calibration process, guaranteeing outstanding consistency and repeatability, doesn't require extensive know-how."

Tatsuji Saito, Group Manager Media Design Section at Tone Up Corporation, Tokyo, adds, "We have been consistently focusing on digital halftone proofing with inkjet devices. The combination of the imagePROGRAF iPF6350 printer and GMG DotProof XG enables highly color accurate proofing of 1bit TIFF data. As a result, this new system is perfectly suitable for advertising, where halftone reproduction and offset printing replication is required".

Meanwhile, the new GMG/Canon proofing system has been certified according to the Fogra 39L, IDEAlliance SWOP (Specifications for Web Offset Publications) and GRACoL (General Requirements and Applications for Commercial Offset Lithography) standards. GMG ColorProof received the certification with Canon iPF 6300/6350/8300 on GMG ProofPaper gloss 250, GMG ProofPaper semimatte 250 and GMG ProofPaper semimatte light. GMG DotProof XG proofing software received the FOGRA certification for halftone proofing with Canon iPF 6350 on GMG ProofPaper semimatte 250. IDEAlliance SWOP and GRACoL certifications have been granted to GMG ColorProof with Canon iPF 6300/6350/8300 on GMG ProofPaper semimatte 250.

"We are pleased to strengthen our partnership with a global player such as Canon", says Paul Willems, CEO of GMG GmbH & Co. KG. "I am confident that this successful relationship is of huge benefit to graphic arts professionals. GMG's color management know-how is focused in this new proofing solution to provide outstanding print quality. The introduction of a new range of inkjet proofing printers by Canon clearly accentuates the importance this segment still has. But we are even more pleased that Canon selected GMG as their key global partner, recognizing our market and technology leadership in this demanding segment," says Willems. "This expansion of our portfolio makes GMG the only supplier in the market to support the complete range of high end proofing devices across all manufacturers."