GRACoL

General Requirements and Applications for Commercial Offset Lithography

In 1996, a graphics arts task force was formed by the Graphic Communications Association (now IDEAlliance) to develop a document containing general guidelines and recommendations that could be used as a reference source across the industry for quality color printing. Since that time, the GRACoL Working Group has developed, maintained and published printing guidelines that have since become de facto standards on many pressrooms. The mission of GRACoL is to improve communications and education in the graphic arts by developing best practices that reflect the influence and impact of new technologies in the workflow of commercial offset lithography. GRACoL is a registered trademark of IDEAlliance.

What’s New With GRACoL
February 2010

G7 SHEETFED USERS: FOLLOW BEST PRACTICES AND MAKE SURE YOU USE THE GRACOL QUALIFICATION KIT AND CHECKLIST DURING YOUR QUALIFICATION/REQUALIFICATION.

Download the latest version of the Qualification Kit here: G7 & GRACoL Qualification Kit 2010

Here’s a quick update on what’s going on with GRACoL.

1. We have a tolerance project that is underway. The goal of the project is to develop a classification system for tolerances, as well as for local press controls.

The next conference call for the Tolerancing Project is scheduled for:
February 18th at 2:00pm EST.
Documents will be circulated prior to the call for comment. Your participation is welcomed.
Email jfazzi@idealliance.org to get added to the mailing list.

2. The G7 Master Qualification program will be adding some NEW mandatory qualification requirements for sheetfed offset printers. The first of these requirements will be G7 and GRACoL Compliance (G7 Colorspace (GRACoL)). Users who apply for this designation will have completed additional requirements found in the qualification kit. The G7 & GRACoL designation will mean that the G7 Expert has completed a checklist, verified additional metrics, and provided the user with printed documentation and benchmark data. To see the requirements please download the current G7 & GRACoL Qualification Kit.

3. We are developing a color database based of data we will be collecting from GRACoL qualification runs. Because we will be collecting additional data for the G7 & GRACoL Qualification designation, we will be able to better judge how users are doing, this will be helpful both as general information as well as information for future initiatives.

4. We have reorganized the downloads and data content of the GRACoL page on this website.

Important Downloads for GRACoL Users:

-          G7 & GRACoL Qualification Kit – Provides detailed forms and procedures for those applying G7 to offset sheetfed-printing applications.

-          G7 Pre-Qualification Kit – A test form with diagnostic images and ink loading in mind, as well as press assessment form.

We are always looking for feedback – please contact us – ron@ronellis.us and send us your thoughts.

Jeff Collins, Mike Eddington, Ron Ellis