Process Control in Colour Reproduction

The evolution of process control in colour reproduction has recently reached a new milestone with the publication of internationally agreed standards for the control of various printing processes. This paper reviews the methods for process control in colour reproduction and discusses the significance of these standards for both traditional colour separation techniques and a colour management approach. It is suggested that the requirements for Graphic Arts workflow mean that these standards are applicable to the colour management environment, albeit with some modifications in certain circumstances. Suggestions for future standards activity are made, including test images for control of colour management, better image setter calibration methods, print control bar production in a computer to plate situation and printing specifications for gravure packaging and flexography.