“Having conducted a gamut analysis of the Idealliance XCMYK dataset, and compared it to our industry’s most common targets, including GRACoL 2013 and Fogra 51, we concluded that XCMYK provides a significantly larger color gamut without adding any primary inks to CMYK,” reported Dr. Kiran Deshpande, Color and Print Management Specialist for Multi Packaging Solutions Ltd., Leicester, United Kingdom, whose comments are representative of test responses.

“CMYKOGV gamut (Press1) is only 14% bigger than XCMYK gamut. XCMYK is an important tool for print service providers seeking the latest tools and methodologies to better serve their customer’s quality needs,” Deshpande continued.

The output space of XCMYK represents an expanded gamut based on 26 dedicated press runs conducted on offset presses using standard IS0 12647-2 compliant inks and non-traditional (e.g., FM) screening, as well as a wide variety of digital devices.

“When anything is released internationally, especially something as advanced as XCMYK, which required collaboration from individuals and suppliers from around the world, it is overwhelming to see such a universally positive response from the world print markets,” says Tim Baechle, Idealliance Director of Global Print Media Markets and Technologies.

“The feedback, downloads, reports, data, analyses, and adoption did not just come from one print medium,” he continues, “but from offset, digital, inkjet-cut sheet and wide format, and from print service providers, OEMs, creatives, brands, and suppliers.”

The XCMYK research project involved significant contributions of press runs, time, labor, and raw materials from printers, manufacturers, and Idealliance volunteers, with total time and raw materials estimated to be valued at more than $350,000.

“Idealliance would like to recognize and thank the 24 organizations involved in the press runs for their incredible and selfless contribution to furthering the industry,” says Baechle. “Without global collaboration, moving the needle of this industry is not possible.”

The following sites were instrumental in the development of the XCMYK expanded gamut dataset and color profiles. They generously gave their time, expertise, and materials to the XCMYK test runs and created the data used to create the final profiles. Idealliance and the GRACoL Committee thank each of the following organizations for their valuable contribution to the printing industry:

The following sites were instrumental in the development of the XCMYK expanded gamut dataset and color profiles. They generously gave their time, expertise, and materials to the XCMYK test runs and created the data used to create the final profiles. Idealliance and the GRACoL Committee thank each of the following organizations for their valuable contribution to the printing industry:

DS Graphics
Lowell, MA

Sandy Alexander
in partnership with Esko U.S.

Sheck Wah Tong Printing Press Ltd
Hong Kong, PRC

Excel Printing Company
Taiwan, PRC

Green Production
Hong Kong, PRC

C&C Joint Printing
Shenzhen, PRC

Aspasie Inc.
Quebec, Canada

Faisal Wall
Pakistan

Lake County Press
Waukegan, IL

Puritan Press
New Hampshire

Rochester Institute of Technology
Rochester, NY

Salt River Project
Phoenix, AZ