Expanded Color Gamut (ECG) Project
Global Expanded Color Gamut (ECG) Characterization Target & Print Condition
The Expanded Color Gamut (ECG) characterization chart is for use in characterizing and calibrating multicolor print processes.
The Expanded Color Gamut (ECG) Characterization Chart was created by a subcommittee within the Idealliance Print Properties Committee as a part of the PRINTING United Alliance (formerly Idealliance) Global ECG project. The PRINTING United Alliance Global ECG is designed to make 7 color process printing as predictable and normal as current CMYK printing specifications such as GRACoL and SWOP. The characterization chart will complement a comprehensive Expanded Color Gamut (ECG) Project Kit which contains guidelines, proofing control strips, and other tools for print users.
The Characterization Target and Expert Team Members
The characterization target is a 7-color test chart, which contains a scalable number of patches, ranging from a single page, up to 4 pages. Most users should be able to achieve acceptable results using the one- or two-page target. The target was designed with input from across the industry and is optimized for multiple printing processes. The team that has created the test target included developers from: ColorLogic, Esko, GMG, Kodak as well as other industry leaders. Team leaders Hanno Hoffstadt, Thorsten Braun, and William Li worked tirelessly together and with others to create prototypes and test candidates for a period of two years. Creation of the target also included flexo and litho test runs to capture data and understand optimal configuration and patch design.
“Our goal for ECG is to do for 7-color what GRACoL did for CMYK. These standardized ECG datasets will help designers, brands and creatives work with ECG in a global supply chain.”
Creating a Dataset – Idealliance now in the final phase of the Idealliance Global ECG Project
Idealliance is now in the final phase of the Idealliance Global ECG project. The deliverables of this final phase will be standardized ECG datasets for litho and flexo.
Idealliance has an international membership who have volunteered to print and supply test data for the creation of the Idealliance Global ECG dataset. Idealliance will collect approximately 30 test datasets from around the world for analysis and possible inclusion in the final Idealliance Global ECG dataset.
Become Involved and Submit Data to the PRINTING United Alliance Global ECG Project
Idealliance welcomes participants in the Idealliance Global ECG Project. If you are interested you can download the kit above, and also register to participate in production testing below. Registrants will receive project updates, instructions for testing, as well as access to the kit.
Ongoing testing as part of the ECG Project is open to PRINTING United Alliance and Idealliance members and other print production providers, technology suppliers, & other industry experts
Become a member of PRINTING United Alliance and join us in advancing the industry.
