Extended Colour Gamut (ECG), also known as Expanded Gamut Printing, takes colour reproduction beyond the traditional limits of CMYK.
By integrating Orange, Green, and Violet (OGV) into the process, Extended Gamut delivers a significantly wider, more vibrant range that matches over 90% of Pantone spot colours.
Instead of mixing yellow and magenta to merely approximate an orange, you utilise a dedicated orange ink. The result is cleaner, more accurate, and remarkably consistent.
Why Switch to Extended Gamut Printing?
The move to Extended Color Gamut is a smart choice for efficiency.
Spot colour printing often creates delays, as you have to wash the press and change inks between every job. This takes time and costs money.
ECG printing is different. You use the same set of inks and anilox rolls for multiple runs, bringing three clear benefits:
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Less Downtime: You spend less time setting up the press.
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Faster Speed: You get your products ready sooner.
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Sustainability: You produce less waste from leftover spot inks.
Why Anilox Quality Control Is Non-Negotiable
Extended Gamut Printing offers great rewards, provided you understand the condition of your anilox rolls. It works best when your rolls deliver the exact amount of ink needed.
As a fixed palette is used in this process, you cannot adjust the inks on the press to fix a poor roll. If your cell volume is wrong then your brand colours will also be wrong. To prevent this, you must know the condition of your rolls before you use them.
The AniCAM HD™ Plus is the solution. It provides you with detailed 3D scans of every roll, confirming if your rolls are ready for the job.
How to Make Extended Gamut Work
Getting Extended Gamut right is very simple. You can achieve flawless results if you keep a close watch on four specific areas.
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Colour Management: You need to keep your builds consistent across every single material you use.
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Ink Consistency: It is vital to monitor the viscosity and density carefully throughout the run.
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Plate Registration: You must ensure your plates align perfectly to avoid any gaps.
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Substrate Control: You should match the surface tension to ensure stable and reliable printing.
Gain Confidence with AniCAM HD™ Plus
Extended Gamut printing relies heavily on absolute precision. The AniCAM HD™ Plus allows you to measure each anilox roll to ensure it delivers the exact ink film thickness you require.
This specific accuracy leads to fewer reprints and ensures superior colour matching from the very first sheet to the last. It helps you find potential issues early before they become expensive headaches.
Better Control with TMS
You get the best results when the AniCAM HD™ Plus works with the Troika Management System (TMS). This smart system stores the inspection data for your entire inventory.
It allows you to track wear over time and smartly plan your maintenance. This helps you manage your stock across different sites with ease.
The Benefit to Your Business
Extended Gamut Printing becomes faster and cheaper when you have the right tools in your corner. The AniCAM HD™ Plus and TMS give you the control you need to succeed. You can reduce waste significantly and keep your quality consistently high.
Take the next step today. Request a demo to see how simple it is to improve your printing process.
