Re: Staccato Screening
> {quote:title=HW wrote:}{quote}
>
> Gordon - If we are proofing to Fogra 39, surely dont we have to print AM to get a constant match. If we want to print staccato, then would we have to create a internal proof profile for our own inhouse standard.
>
> We print lots of greeting cards, so the pastels are quite common, Im really thinking of moving back to AM.
It is not a question of AM/FM or XM. It is most likely, in your case, a question of dot sizes. As soon as one deviates from the conditions that go into a specification (as represented by your proof) then you are no longer "in spec" and as a result, you may (or may not) encounter color issues. E.g. if you go from 175 lpi (which I believe is Fogra) and instead use 200 or 240 lpi (AM or XM) because the dots are smaller, your color will be different. Also, if you're not printing on the same subsrate you will be out of spec and the color may be different. Whether the difference is acceptable or not is up to you and your customers.
If the color disconnect in pastels is related to the gamut difference that I suggested - keeping in mind that there may be other issues in your shop regarding proofing and press - then I think you have several choices.
1) Change your screening to the Fogra spec (175 lpi?)
2) Stay with Staccato and use a device link profile to contaminate single and two color screen tint builds in order to simulate the Fogra condition
3) Leverage the extra gamut and detail of Staccato by characterizing the Staccato gamut and creating proofs that reflect the actual presswork you will achieve.
IMHO option #3 is what I would do. Specifications like Fogra/GRACoL7/SWOP etc. are great when you need to have blind interchange of files, for example, for advertising submission to publications. However industry specs do not reflect the performance and extra value that you can deliver for specific customers - like greeting cards. BTW the two largest greeting card publishers in the US have been printing exclusively with Staccato for the past 6 or so years. Contact me off-forum and I can send you samples if you like.
As a printer, given the flexibility of today's digital workflows, there is no reason why you cannot have more than one target print condition (reflected in the proof) in your shop. Use Fogra when and if it's appropriate. Use your own target when it is appropriate. I don't see the business value in further commoditizing your presswork by printing like everyone else if you don't have to.
best, gordo