At Cevagraf, we have incorporated Fogra 51/52 – ISO 12647-2:2013 into our workflow to achieve greater accuracy in the printed result.
Printing technology has advanced significantly in recent years, and it is essential that companies working in this field keep up with the latest developments in the industry.
Fogra 51/52 are two of the most important standards in the printing industry, and working with them can significantly improve the quality of print jobs.
Papers manufactured nowadays often contain OBA (optical paper brighteners). These components are used in coatings to artificially increase the white appearance of the paper, making it appear whiter optically.
However, when the paper is exposed to UV radiation, its colour changes to blue, which is a problem. By using Fogra 51/52 we can see what we measure and measure what we see.
Introduction to Fogra 51/52
Fogra 51 and 52 are two international standards for four-colour offset printing. These standards define how colour separation is to be produced and how proofs are to be produced.
They also set requirements for paper, ink and the printing process. The standards are used to ensure that prints are accurate, consistent and high-quality.
Why is it necessary to work with Fogra 51 and Fogra 52?
Improved print quality
The Fogra 51 standard is used for printing on coated paper substrates, while Fogra 52 is used for printing on offset papers.
Working according to these standards ensures that colors are reproduced accurately and consistently, which enhances print quality. This is especially important for companies that want to print high-quality materials such as catalogues, magazines, and advertising brochures.
It saves time and money
Working with Fogra 51 and Fogra 52 can also save time and money. By using these standards, accurate and reliable print proofs can be made before the final print run. This reduces the need for costly adjustments and corrections during the printing process, saving time and money.
Compliance with international standards
Fogra 51 and 52 are internationally recognized standards in the printing industry. Working with these standards ensures that print products comply with international quality standards and are accepted in Europe.
Improved workflow efficiency
Using Fogra 51/52 can also improve workflow efficiency. These standards are based on a structured working methodology, which includes prepress, printing, and quality control processes. By following this methodology, potential issues can be identified and addressed before printing, reducing downtime and increasing efficiency.
How can Fogra 51 and 52 be implemented?
Implementation of Fogra 51 and Fogra 52 requires a range of high quality tools and equipment. These include colour management software, a spectrophotometer, an offset printing press and high quality paper. It also requires staff trained and experienced in the use of these standards.
In addition, it is important to ensure that all steps of the process are followed, including spectrophotometer calibration, creation of colour profiles, and proof printing.
It is essential that staff working with Fogra 51/52 are properly trained in the use of these standards. This will enable them to understand how the standards should be applied and how to solve any problems that may arise during the printing process.
What are Optical Brightening Agents (OBAs)?
Optical brighteners for paper (OBAs) are chemical additives used in paper production to make it appear whiter optically.
These components absorb the ultraviolet radiation present in natural light and transform it into blue light, which increases the perceived whiteness of paper.
OBAs are commonly used in the production of printing paper, packaging paper, and toilet paper to improve their appearance and visual appeal.
However, these additives may also have some undesirable side effects, such as the change in paper colour when exposed to UV light.
What are ICC Profiles?
ICC (International Colour Consortium) profiles are files that contain information on how the colours of an image should be printed or displayed. These files are used by graphic design software and output devices, such as printers and monitors, to ensure that colours are represented consistently and accurately.
ICC profiles describe the colour characteristics of a particular input or output device, such as a camera or printer, and establish how colours should be interpreted on different devices. This is important because each device may interpret colours differently due to the limitations of its hardware and software.
ICC profiles are used to ensure that colours are accurately and consistently represented on different devices and media, which is especially important in the printing industry and digital image production.
The adoption of ICC profile standards helps ensure that colours are accurately represented throughout the production process, from the capture of images to the final print or display.
About Fogra
Fogra 51 and 52 were developed by Fogra (Research Institute for Media Technologies Website) in Germany through a process of research and testing.
These printing certification standards were created to ensure the quality and consistency of printed products by establishing specific criteria for the measurement and evaluation of print quality.
Since its founding in 1951, it has been dedicated to the research and development of printing and media technologies, with the aim of improving the quality and efficiency of printing processes.
Fogra is a leading organization in the research and development of printing and media technologies and has been instrumental in setting print industry standards.
It has developed several industry standards, including the Fogra 51 and 52 print certification standards, which are widely used around the world to ensure the quality and consistency of printed products.
In addition to its work in research and development of printing technologies, it also provides consulting and training services to companies and individuals in the printing industry.
The organization has a team of highly qualified experts in areas such as printing technology, quality management, and print evaluation, and is recognized as a leading authority in the global printing industry.
Fogra Generic ICC Profiles
Below is a table of the most common Fogra generic ICC profiles:
| Generic ICC Profile | Description |
|---|---|
| Fogra 39 | Printing profile for uncoated newsprint, mainly used for newspaper and magazine printing |
| Fogra 45 | Profile for high-gloss coated paper, mainly used for brochure and magazine printing |
| Fogra 47 | Printing profile for medium-gloss coated paper, mainly used for catalogue and brochure printing |
| Fogra 51 | Profile for low-gloss coated paper, mainly used for book and catalogue printing |
| Fogra 52 | Printing profile for uncoated paper, mainly used for book and magazine printing |
These generic Fogra ICC profiles are designed to ensure consistency and print quality on different types of paper and for different applications.
Fogra generic ICC profiles are widely used in the printing industry and are recognized for their accuracy and efficiency in colour management and print quality.
We Work with Fogra 39
We continue to work with Fogra 39 at Cevagraf Online Printing.
What is Fogra 39
Fogra 39 is a set of colour specifications used in high-quality offset printing. It is also known as ISO Coated v2 (ECI), as it was developed by the European Colour Initiative (ECI) in collaboration with the German printing industry research association, Fogra.
The Fogra 39 specifications are used to ensure colour consistency in offset printing across different countries and on different types of paper. The set of specifications defines colour values for four-colour (CMYK) printing and also includes information about the papers and inks used.
The use of Fogra 39 helps to ensure that printed colours are accurate and consistent across different presses and geographical locations.
It also enables designers and printers to work with a standardized set of colour specifications, reducing the need for costly adjustments and corrections along the print production process.
What is the Process of Implementing Colour Curves?
The implementation of colour curves involves several stages and processes. Below are the general steps of the process:
- Select a colour profile: The first step is to select the appropriate colour profile for the input and output device being used. Colour profiles are provided by hardware and software manufacturers, as well as organizations like Fogra.
- Device calibration: The input or output device needs to be calibrated to ensure it can produce colours accurately. This involves adjusting the device to display or print colours consistently and accurately.
- Colour curve creation: Specialized software is used to create the color curve, which sets out how colours should be converted and adjusted to ensure they are reproduced accurately and consistently.
- Testing and adjustments: Tests are conducted to verify that colours are being reproduced correctly. If any issues are detected, adjustments are made to the colour curve to correct them.
- Colour curve implementation: Once the colour curve has been created and verified, it is implemented into the image production workflow. This may involve updating colour profiles on different devices and softwares.
Frequently asked questions
Fogra 51 / 52 are two international standards for four-colour offset printing.
Fogra 39 is a set of colour specifications used in high-quality offset printing. It is also known as ISO Coated v2 (ECI), as it was developed by the European Color Initiative (ECI) in collaboration with the German printing industry research association Fogra.
Working with Fogra 51 and 52 improves print quality, saves time and money, complies with international standards and improves workflow efficiency.
The benefits of working with Fogra 51/52 include improved print quality, time and cost savings, compliance with international standards and improved workflow efficiency.
It is important to have staff trained to work with Fogra 51 and 52, as they will understand how the standards should be applied and how to solve any problems that may arise during the printing process.
Both fogra profiles 51 and 52 allow contractual colour proofs to be made before printing, so that the end customer can see how colour shades will look before printing is actually carried out.
