MELVILLE, N.Y. – Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leading provider of digital imaging solutions, today announced that IDEAlliance has awarded Hard Copy Proofing Certification for SWOP® (Specifications for Web Offset Publications) grades 3 & 5 and GRACoL® (General Requirements and Applications for Commercial Offset Lithography) grade 1, to Canon's imagePROGRAF iPFX400 series. IDEAlliance SWOP and GRACoL Hard Copy Proofing Certification of the Canon iPFX400 printer series indicates end-users that the appearance of the hard copy proof used in the application will be consistent and accurate with the final print production product based on industry standards. 

These IDEAlliance certifications are based on the testing of three components including: the imagePROGRAF iPF6450 large format printer* with LUCIA EX ink, GMG Proof Paper Semi-matte 250 and GMG ColorProof RIP software. Canon's imagePROGRAF large-format print devices include an enhanced Multi-Sensor for color consistency and advanced printing technology specifically developed to produce prints with an enhanced color range and improved durability, making them an ideal fit for high-end proofing environments.

GMG Vice President of Sales Joseph Varone commenting on the certifications stated, "We are pleased with the performance of the new Canon imagePROGRAF iPFX400 series printers. This is a very capable printing platform offering high image resolution, fast production speed, excellent color gamut and outstanding repeatability. The new LUCIA EX inks deliver a much larger gamut than GRACoL, making this certification process easy."

"Providing high quality contract proofing solutions as well as the ability to deliver solutions that meet the industry's highest standards - SWOP and GRACoL - for inkjet proofing systems is a top priority at Canon," said Sam Yoshida, Vice President and General Manager, Canon U.S.A. "We are honored and delighted that we have received this prestigious industry certification."

The imagePROGRAF iPFX400 large format printer series which includes the iPF9400, iPF8400, iPF6450 and the iPF6400 printers are designed for professionals seeking the highest possible standards for quality-control and image reproduction in the graphic, fine art, photography and proofing markets.