New version of revolutionary proofing technology improves measurement data import and makes it easier to adjust profiles and dot gain.

Tuebingen – GMG, leading developer and supplier of high-end color management software solutions, announces the release of GMG OpenColor 1.1. Designed to enable brands and packaging press specialist to accurately predict spot colors, GMG OpenColor has won high-level recognition, including the 2013 InterTech™ Technology Award, the 2013 Flexographic Technical Association Technical Innovation Award and an Innovation Award from the ERA - European Rotogravure Association. New features in GMG OpenColor 1.1 extend its functionality still further and include extended import of measurement data and further adjustment capabilities to the GMG OpenColor profiles.

OpenColor: Predicting print results for spot colors – and with less data

The use of multi-color printing and the increasing complexity of jobs that use different combinations of inks, substrates and screening, amongst other variables, is a continuing trend in package printing, Consequently, one of the critical challenges facing Brand Solutions and Packaging Prepress providers is the ability to accurately and reliably communicate color throughout the entire supply chain - from the brand manager to the printer. Until now, to accurately communicate a mix of colors, every combination would require a specific test chart showing the different combinations - a costly process that involves color fingerprint charts, the making of plates, and lengthy testing.  

GMG OpenColor resolves this complex packaging problem and provides highly accurate color profiles, with less information. By using OpenColor, users avoid printing combinations of overprints. They just print single color patches – e.g. color control strips – and combine the color and substrate properties within the software. “This has been an exciting year for GMG and GMG OpenColor,” says Victor Asseiceiro, Director, Business Unit Packaging at GMG. “It has received significant recognition by respected associations and, more importantly, has been adopted by a number of leading companies throughout the world. However, we are not complacent and will continue to build features that will make GMG OpenColor even more powerful and easy to use.”

Significant new features

The new GMG OpenColor 1.1 offers powerful data import functionality that automatically averages data, which is especially helpful when importing data collected at different press run times. As a result, any possible deviation is included in the final profile calculation.

This new version of GMG OpenColor provides tools to adjust color intensity and dot gain.Users can define a target dot gain from a specific printing process or adjust dot gain measurements to compensate for possible faulty printing conditions, which can occur during reference print runs or color standard productions. By avoiding re-runs, users save time and money.

Flexo pre-press companies, particularly, will profit from this color and dot gain adjustment.  They can define target dot gain for a spot color or for a complete data set. Plus, they will be able to adjust dot gain and ink density to suit optimal press condition. Operators can adjust parameters and modify highlight, mid tone or shadows are per channel and color as needed for production.

GMG OpenColor 1.1 also gives users the ability to correct the substrate white point and add dot correction to the profile - without the need to recalculate the profile - to simulate the correct substrate colors and produce Contract-level proofs.

The OpenColor 1.1 is available now through certified GMG OpenColor dealers.