Canon’s Large-format Printer Series Awarded IDEAlliance SWOP, GRACoL Certification

MELVILLE, NY—August 1, 2013—Canon U.S.A., a leading provider of digital imaging solutions, today announced that IDEAlliance has awarded Hard Copy Proofing Certification for SWOP (Specifications for Web Offset Publications) grades 3 & 5 and GRACoL (General Requirements and Applications for Commercial Offset Lithography) grade 1, to Canon’s imagePROGRAF iPFX400 series. IDEAlliance SWOP and GRACoL Hard Copy Proofing Certification of the Canon iPFX400 printer series indicates to end-users that the appearance of the hard copy proof used in the application will be consistent and accurate with the final print production product based on industry standards.

These IDEAlliance certifications are based on the testing of three components including: the imagePROGRAF iPF6450 large-format printer with LUCIA EX ink, GMG Proof Paper Semi-matte 250 and GMG ColorProof RIP software. Canon’s imagePROGRAF large-format print devices include an enhanced Multi-Sensor for color consistency and advanced printing technology specifically developed to produce prints with an enhanced color range and improved durability, making them an ideal fit for high-end proofing environments.

GMG Vice President of Sales Joseph Varone commenting on the certifications stated, “We are pleased with the performance of the new Canon imagePROGRAF iPFX400 series printers. This is a very capable printing platform offering high image resolution, fast production speed, excellent color gamut and outstanding repeatability. The new LUCIA EX inks deliver a much larger gamut than GRACoL, making this certification process easy.”

Sam Yoshida, vice president and general manager, Canon U.S.A., also noted that providing high-quality contract proofing solutions, as well as the ability to deliver solutions that meet the industry’s highest standards—SWOP and GRACoL—for inkjet proofing systems is a top priority at Canon. “We are honored and delighted that we have received this prestigious industry certification.”

The imagePROGRAF iPFX400 large-format printer series which includes the iPF9400, iPF8400, iPF6450 and the iPF6400 printers are designed for professionals seeking the highest possible standards for quality-control and image reproduction in the graphic, fine art, photography and proofing markets.

About Canon U.S.A.
Canon U.S.A., is a leading provider of consumer, business-to-business, and industrial digital imaging solutions. With approximately $40 billion in global revenue, its parent company, Canon Inc. (NYSE:CAJ), ranks third overall in U.S. patents registered in 2012 and is one of Fortune Magazine’s World’s Most Admired Companies in 2013. In 2012, Canon U.S.A. has received the PCMag.com Readers’ Choice Award for Service and Reliability in the digital camera and printer categories for the ninth consecutive year, and for camcorders for the past two years. Canon U.S.A. is committed to the highest level of customer satisfaction and loyalty, providing 100 percent U.S.-based consumer service and support for all of the products it distributes. Canon U.S.A. is dedicated to its Kyosei philosophy of social and environmental responsibility. To keep apprised of the latest news from Canon U.S.A., sign up for the Company’s RSS news feed by visiting www.usa.canon.com/rss and follow us on Twitter @CanonUSA.

About GMG
GMG is a leading developer and supplier of high-end color management software solutions, founded in 1984 and located in Tuebingen, Germany. With more than 25 years of experience in the graphic arts industry, the GMG brand is synonymous with a guarantee for high-quality solutions for everything to do with color. GMG’s goal is to provide complete solutions for standardizing and simplifying the color management workflow in order to achieve consistent colors on all media types and with any printing technology. Today, more than 11,000 systems are in use among customers around the globe. These span a wide range of industries and application areas including advertising agencies; prepress houses; offset, flexo, packaging, digital, wide format and gravure printers. GMG is represented by branches and authorized dealers the world over.

About IDEAlliance, SWOP and GRACol
IDEAlliance (International Digital Enterprise Alliance) is a not-for-profit membership organization that has been a leader in information technology and publishing since 1966. IDEAlliance advances core technology to develop standards and best practices to enhance efficiency and speed information all facets of publishing—creation, production, management and delivery of knowledge-based content—digitally and in print. SWOP was initiated in 1975 as a response to the printing industry’s need for uniform specifications and tolerances to ensure consistency and quality of material in publications. In 2005, SWOP merged with IDEAlliance. The GRACol Committee was formed in 1996 to develop maintain and publish printing guidelines that have since become de facto standards in many pressrooms.

Source: Canon.