Technical Information

Compared to traditional four-color printing, Extended Gamut Color (ECG) inks offer significant advantages. ECG inks are revolutionizing the way colors are reproduced on a wide range of substrates, enhancing both the visual appeal and accuracy of printed materials.

ECG Ink Enhances Color Reproduction

One of the most significant advantages of extended-gamut inks is their ability to reproduce a wider range of colors with greater precision. Traditional four-color printing relies on the CMYK color model—cyan, magenta, yellow, and black—which often struggles to accurately capture certain hues, particularly vibrant shades of orange, green, and purple, as well as subtle tones and deep, rich colors. ECG inks address this limitation by incorporating additional ink colors—such as orange, green, and purple—during the printing process. This expanded palette enables more accurate color matching and the reproduction of previously unattainable hues, resulting in printed images that are richer, more dynamic, and strikingly lifelike.

Using ECG ink, the printer can achieve 90% of Pantone standard colors, whereas traditional CMYK inks cover only 40%.

Four-color (CMYK) vs. Seven-color (CMYK+OGV)

ECG Color-Coding Steps

Before introducing the steps, we need to understand why good color separation is essential—it helps us address issues like registration problems, instability when printing with multiple colors, and unexpected color shifts that may occur after printing.

Steps:

• Choose the printing method

 

Choosing a Color Separation Method for Wide-Gamut Printing

• Choose ink

Orange / Red	Green	Blue / Violet
Pantone Orange 021 C	Pantone Green C	Pantone Violet C
Pantone Warm Red C		Pantone Reflex Blue C
Pantone Red 032 C		Pantone Blue 072 C

 

• Describe your print

4 x 4c charts with one channel always changed

7c chart (e.g., from IDEAlliance or GMG)

4c chart + spot patches

P2P EG

Mini charts

 

• Calculate color space

Comparison of the coverage of a typical spot color library with industry standards (e.g., GRACoL)

 

• Color Separation

Intuitive Color Comparison

 

• Control Your Quality

Seamlessly integrated with the proofing process:

Large Color Space Inkjet Printer

High-quality proofing media

High-quality RIP capable of precisely simulating spot color overprinting.

Proofing and print matching both achieve wide-gamut color reproduction.

A wider color range can deliver more consistent results.

Consistency is key to printing, especially when producing large quantities or replicating branded materials. Extended-gamut inks can enhance color consistency across different printing jobs, substrates, and printing conditions. With a broader range of colors available, printers can achieve more uniform results, reducing the need for frequent color adjustments—and ensuring that printed materials maintain their intended appearance, regardless of the printing method or substrate used. This consistency is crucial for preserving brand integrity and guaranteeing that all printed materials accurately reflect the brand’s visual identity.

More colors allow for greater design flexibility.

Extended-gamut inks open up new possibilities for designers by delivering a broader spectrum of colors. Thanks to the limitations of traditional CMYK printing, designers no longer have to compromise on either color accuracy or vibrancy. Instead, they can fully unleash their creativity, experiment with innovative design concepts, and trust that their vision will be faithfully reproduced in the final print. Whether it’s crafting stunning photographic images, intricate illustrations, or bold graphic designs, extended-gamut inks equip designers with the tools they need to bring their ideas to life—with enhanced vibrancy and precision.

Enhance image quality with finer color gradients.

Extended Color Gamut (ECG) ink not only enhances color reproduction but also improves overall image quality. Finer color gradients and smoother tonal transitions help produce prints that are sharper, more detailed, and brimming with greater depth and dimensionality. Whether printing high-resolution photos, intricate patterns, or delicate text, ECG ink delivers exceptional image quality that captivates viewers. This results in prints that are not only more vibrant but also showcase unparalleled clarity and fine detail, making them particularly effective for applications with demanding visual requirements.

Using CMYK and ECG for image output

Reduce the impact on the environment

Extended color gamut printing benefits not only businesses but also the environment. By reducing the need for spot colors and minimizing ink waste, ECG ink helps lower overall ink consumption and lessen environmental impact. Moreover, the improved color accuracy and consistency of ECG printing can cut down on reprints and paper waste, further reducing the carbon footprint of printing operations. This eco-friendly approach not only supports sustainable development initiatives but also enhances the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of the printing process, making it a responsible choice for both businesses and the environment.

Simplify inventory management

Extended Color Gamut (ECG) printing significantly reduces the need for additional spot colors, simplifying inventory management. Traditionally, the four-color process often requires adding special spot colors for each individual job. To account for potential shortages, companies typically order excess spot colors—leaving them sitting unused after jobs are completed. This leads to inventory aging, consuming valuable storage space until those specific colors are needed again or can be repurposed.

As the number of tasks increases, so does the demand for spot colors, making inventory management more complex. In contrast, the seven-color electrocardiogram system can significantly reduce reliance on spot colors, simplifying inventory and lowering storage requirements. This approach not only optimizes storage space but also minimizes waste and enhances overall operational efficiency.

Extended-gamut ink represents a groundbreaking advancement in the printing industry, delivering enhanced color reproduction, greater consistency, increased design flexibility, and exceptional image quality. As printers and designers continue to embrace this technology, the possibilities for creative expression and visual communication are significantly expanded. ECG ink not only empowers businesses and creators to produce more vibrant, accurate prints but also supports sustainable practices by reducing ink waste and simplifying inventory management.

Whether it's creating marketing materials, packaging designs, or artistic prints, extended-gamut inks enable businesses and creators to leave a lasting impression on every piece of printed work. This technology bridges the gap between digital design and physical reproduction, ensuring that designers' visions are faithfully and vividly brought to life. As the industry continues to embrace ECG printing, we can look forward to printed materials becoming even more captivating, consistent, and environmentally friendly in the years to come.