Maximum Graphics, a highly-regarded printing and graphic services provider, recently enriched its color services by adopting G7 standards.  G7 is a revolutionary process based on principles of digital imaging, spectrophotometry, and computer-to-plate (CTP) technologies.  The G7 process control methodology was developed by IDEAlliance to prescribe how to use the most modern technology, techniques, process controls and standards to reliably produce high-end commercial printing with a close visual appearance from proof to press and from press to press.

This new methodology utilizes the existing ISO 12647 Standards (International Organization for Standardization for sheet-fed offset and web-offset heatset) as the basis for good printing.  The goal is to specify a simple calibration process that will help printers reliably achieve a close "visual match" from proof to press. G7 breaks from tradition by focusing on colorimetric data for gray balance in the mid-tones rather than on densitometric aims, i.e. dot gain, for each color. G7 is named for its gray scale calibration technique and the 7 ISO ink colors it requires and is a trademark of IDEAlliance.

Maximum Graphics is part of the Consolidated Graphics network, the nation's leading sheet fed, web and digital commercial printing company with over 70 locations.  The Twin Cities metro area commercial printer applied La Crosse Litho Supply's ColorLink Color Assurance Program to achieve G7.  Maximum Graphics' Plant Manager Steve Ellingsworth commented: "Maximum Graphics is always striving to be more efficient and effective in all of our processes.  By taking the guesswork out of color, G7 saves us significant time, money and materials."  Ellingsworth also stated: "In short, G7 ensures that our proofs will match the end product on press."

Since 1993, Maximum Graphics has been a provider of commercial printing services in the Midwest, specializing in large-scale projects produced on small-to-large format presses.  The company's versatile pressroom offers one to eight color capabilities featuring a fleet of digital full color presses.  Maximum Graphics' is able to complete complex and time-sensitive printing and offer specialty capabilities such as die cutting, hand assembly, warehousing and distribution.

The La Crosse Litho Supply ColorLink Color Assurance Program produces accurate and consistent color from prepress to the press room.  The program offers software (known as Color Analysis Toolkit), hardware and a consulting mechanism to enhance color management capabilities.  Matt Fehn, Director of Technology for La Crosse Litho Supply, LLC, worked with Maximum Graphics to enhance their color management capabilities.  Fehn developed the Color Analysis Toolkit software and possesses over a decade of experience in training and sales, and currently oversees the in-house Technical Staff.

As a result of their extensive G7 training, Maximum Graphics is now qualified as an IDEAlliance "Master Printer".  This designation signifies that Maximum Graphics has been trained to print to the new G7 methodology and can produce a press sheet to GRACoL (General Requirements for Applications in Commercial Offset Lithography) aims within acceptable tolerances.  In other words, the color from every Maximum Graphics proof will match GRACoL industry standards.  This qualification mark also denotes that Maximum Graphics uses the most modern technology, techniques, process controls and standards required to produce high-quality commercial printing.

As a "Master Printer", Maximum Graphics will be listed on the GRACoL (General Requirements for Applications in Commercial Offset Lithography) and IDEAlliance websites in a Master Printers database with a link to their website and contact information.