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SMS for design and advertising Getting started with SMS colours SMS BLOCKS

SMS for print Printers (in all categories) SMS READY - or not?

SMS test patches to test accuracy in printing, painting or dying to SMS standards

Printshops:

In July of 2024 we simplified and streamlined the process for Printshops, paint manufacturers/paint shops and textile manufacturers etc. to become SMS READY.

Instead of a large testform, that we used before, we have reduced the test down to a few colour patches that printers can insert into any job - or all jobs if they like, to see where they stand alongside or right above or below the standard colourbar.

These SMS colour patches can also be used to do a quick visual quality test to track colour consistency between forms in print production - even between papertypes, since the light bluegray colour should remain exactly the same, whether you are printing Standard, ECO or MAX colours.

If a Printshop would like to match all the 7 patches for a quick visual and instrumental check across papertypes, simply use the ECO patches for this purpose, since they should remain the same on just about any substrate, from newspaper up to Fogra 51.

The measureable part of each patch is approx. 10 x 7 mm, which is well suited for general printing on paper.

For digital printing on textile, we have created an enlarged version of the patches, where each patch is in excess of 5 x 7 cm, which is useful, especially for uneven surfaces or for instruments that have larger apertures. The patches may be reduced as needed by each user. 

These large patches are also useful for ink manufacturers, paint manufacturers, dye manufacturers and plastic manufacturers that wish to match and offer SMS colours to their customers.

The new SMS patches look like this and are delivered in sRGB format. 

Download - for printing on paper         Download patches for textile

Download - for printing on paper         Download patches for textile

Download - for printing on paper         Download patches for textile

An SMS READY Expert can convert the file to any CMYK format.

If there is no SMS READY Expert working for the Printshop, the first step will be to order training for a key member of the staff, who will be responsible for correct reproduction of SMS colours on behalf of the Printshop and will report and coordinate with Spot-Nordic to ensure that printing of SMS colours goes smoothly.

Once an SMS READY Expert has graduated and been appointed, he or she will convert the sRGB colour patches to the print conditions of the Printshop. Spot-Nordic will check all files before test printing starts.

Information about our SMS READY Expert certification is available here.

In the case of analog printing, each printing press that prints SMS colours should preferably have a minimum of an open loop spectral colourbar reader and software to ensure quick measurement and instant correction of colours that trend out of density during production.

For best results we recommend a closed loop or inline system for automated correction of ink adjustment in all ink zones, - such as the Rutherford or InkZone systems, which both are available from Spot-Nordic for offset printing for most offset press types, newer and older.

If you wish to offer printing of Standard and ECO colours, it is sufficient to print the Standard patches.

If you wish to offer printing of the SMS MAX colours, you will need to print the MAX colour patches.

When applying for your SMS READY certification, please include the international standards your customers can safely use, when preparing CMYK jobs for printing as well as any other standards you offer to your customers (custom CMYK icc profiles).

Send a copy of all CMYK icc profiles that the intention is to use for printing of SMS colours at the Printshop so we can check them against our own icc profiles.

Please write your LAB values with an accuracy of 0.01 if possible (Example L=25.38, A=44.26, B=78.56.

Scan the sheet and send in jpg format to sms@spot-nordic.com.

If all CIELAB values of the SMS colours are within a dE00 of 3, you are eligible to subscribe to SMS and apply for your SMS READY badge.

We will take into account the actual white point of you paper.

Please apply for the badge (standard and tolerance) that safely applies in your opinion:

Available badges are:

Gold: MAX dE2000 of 1 or less from target to print.

Silver: MAX dE2000 of 2 or less from target to print.

Bronze: MAX dE2000 of 3 or less from target to print.

SMS colours for your displays

Anyone that works professionally with SMS colours should consider investing in a display calibrator to keep their displays correct.

Good screen calibrators from Calibrite or Datacolor are available in the price range from 200-400 Euros.

Printed SMS colours for inspiration for your customers

SMS READY Printshops, are allowed to print their own SMS colour guides for promotion and gifts to their customers, as well as for inhouse work.

Please contact sms@spot-nordic.com if this is of interest and we will be happy to assist.

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SMS and the environment         SMS news         Interesting links      SMS: How, why and when       SMS Q&A