Gray Balance Is Just a Myth!'

“The idea that a printed image has gray balance is a myth. It can not be mathematically described. If one had a virtual image that had color values for all points and tried to reproduce it in print, then some parts of the printed image might match the virtual image color, but other parts might not. Due to the way offset printing creates a print, errors can be large. So if you have a printed image that does not match the virtual specification at all points, then how can it have some inherent gray balance? It can't. One could move the color via the CMY inks to make the points that are not reproducing accurately more accurate, but that would throw the previously matching points out. The real problem in printing is not gray balance, but being able to reproduce, point for point, a virtual specification of what the image should be. Different approaches are needed. Gray balance of the G7 method will not do it, nor will the traditional dot gain and density.

The industry has been wasting time and resources pursuing two dead-end methodologies. It's time to think a bit harder about these problems. Also, maybe it is not so good to follow groups of people who have stated that they don't understand what is happening in the printing process. To them it is all a mystery of how the offset lithographic process varies.”

Erik Nikkanen , an engineer from Toronto, responding to GAM's April Workflow column on G7 certification.

“I would like to know more about this product. Can it be screen or digitally printed? What type of plastic could it be substituted for?“

Steve Holubek , VP production, Middleton Group, Markham ON, regarding the plastic cover made from vegetable oil affixed to GAM's March issue. Pace Industries supplied the substrate. Pace says BIOGRAPH.ics material can be screen, digitally and litho printed. But it is too unique to say it's like one plastic. Its specific gravity is like PVC, it prints easily and has good hinge characteristics. It's being used in places where high-impact polystyrene works.

“Although the arsonists tried to destroy us, we will not quit. We will end up better and stronger than ever. While we've had some issues, with the support of our friends, colleagues and partners we've been able to meet our customers needs and have EVERY INTENTION of coming back. We will not let them win.”

Larry Kudeviz , owner of Genesis Press, Greenville, SC, the victim of an arson attack and vandals who spray-painted swastika symbols and other obscene language, forcing the company to cease operations—as reported online last month.

“Well, well—just another example of where e-technology is not superior to the old fashioned reliability of printed matter and paper trails. Score one for the good guys in our industry. New does not always mean better. Perhaps they should use the old pre-perfed tab cards (past elections, All Star voting, etc.).”

Jack Robinson , Oceanside, CA, touts the power of print as e-GAM reports the Census Bureau is abandoning hand-held data collectors to go back to printed forms.

“Sounds like a company, and worker, intentionally ignored machine lock-out rules and procedures: a federal OSHA violation for sure, if not a state one. Employees must know and follow proper lock-out procedures, and companies must enforce them.”

Wayne Swick , former bindery worker, on a former Chapman Printing press operator suing the company for a serious injury sustained when his hand got stuck in a press.

Due to a tabular error, a table on p.28 of the April issue carried the incorrect dimensions for two KBA Rapida presses. The Rapida 162 accommodates 47×64´´ sheets, the Rapida 205 60×81´´ sheets.

Also in April, on the Premedia Leaders table (p.31), Graphic Systems Group (GSG) is the correct name for the former GSG Design.

Use TalkBack at the end of each article online.

TALKBACK: online, or to lisa.cross@reedbusiness.com