Dundee-based web-to-print business Tradeprint has installed GMG ColorServer Hybrid for colour consistency across its flexible and rigid large-format devices, Canon high-speed inkjet machines, multiple HP Indigos and litho long perfectors.

Tradeprint – which is celebrating its 25th anniversary and has been part of the Cimpress family of businesses since 2015 – says one of its fastest growing categories is wide-format, including rigid boards and flexible banners. The GMG ColorServer will enable it to build a library of output profiles by stock and device to ensure maximum consistency across multiple devices and output conditions. 

The company’s quality and compliance officer Greg Smith said: “We had always managed colour directly within the artwork for consistency. As we lacked the ability to set artwork up specifically for each output device, we decided to leverage technology to bring our process up to date. We’ve achieved reliable colour consistency without impact on customer files – this is leading to improved quality control and happier customers.”

Tradeprint sales and customer success director, Anthony Rowell, also the company’s sustainability lead, added: “GMG’s ink optimisation function helps cut the cost of consumables and reduce drying times to keep devices running at full speed.”

The GMG InkOptimizer reduces ink spend while maintaining colour quality. It does this through replacing higher cost colour inks with black ink and preserving the integrity of the black channel for an enhanced grey balance. It additionally cuts wastage caused by streaking/mottling, while reduced inkjet head wear means less downtime.

GMG ColorServer integrates into Tradeprint’s production workflow software – files can be passed via the company’s MIS system, enabling it to share ink optimisation in the workflow.

Tradeprint is now planning a further roll-out of GMG ColorServer. “As we bring additional manufacturing stream online, we will have GMG at the top of the list to support us with colour management. Next steps will be to introduce this to our third-party fulfiller network,” said Smith.