Business News
Stephens & George become an Elite Member of the Heidelberg Colour Club
Thursday 01. August 2013 - Stephens & George has now joined the "Elite Members" section of the Heidelberg Colour Club which is open to those who renew their Heidelberg ISO 12647-2 for a second time. Users have to be audited again and sheets sent to Germany to ensure the colour remains up to the required standard.
“Since 2008 we have invested extensively in XL press technology and Inpress Control spectral measurement; this has played a major part in achieving accurate colour standards job after job with minimal waste at the make ready stage. To have these advanced tools without having the industry recognised standard would not be practical,” says Paul Enoch, production manager.
Stephens & George says that there are five main factors which enable them to maintain the standard and remain focused:
The right knowledge , mind-set and understanding of all pressroom staff is paramount , having attended Heidelberg courses on colour, colour control and the ISO 12647-2 standard. This is critical and and a valuable investment in the print team to demonstrate the technical expertise on the job.
The upkeep and condition of the presses.is critical – Stephens & George allocates eight hours a week for each press to undergo regular maintenance. It also has a Maintenance Agreement with Heidelberg so that the presses remain in tip top condition and able to produce great print productively
In-line press filtration systems to maintain continuity and consistency of water feed without any contamination issues.
The right choice of consumables (which includes Heidelberg’s own brand Saphira fount and coatings) for good consistent results
Good quality substrate and Stephens & George has confidence in the consistency it is achieving with its selection of papers and achieving ISO pass on DE.
“Correct Colour matching is critical to every print job. It is a major focus point for all print buyers and publishers alike so obtaining, and now renewing, the Heidelberg ISO 12647-2 colour certification is very important to us,” says Mr Enoch.
Steve Fowler, Heidelberg’s leading colour expert, says: “We have been at the forefront of ISO 12647-2 standardisation since its inception. We are really pleased when customers like Stephens & George show such pride in having and renewing their certification. Demand for robust colour management continues to grow. It is good for business because it brings good disciplines to the pressroom and is a required standard for an increasing number of print buyers.”