With the Ugra/Fogra Media Wedge CMYK the aim values for standard print proceedures and paper types are supplied.
A proof classified as a contract proof must exhibit a Ugra/Fogra Media Wedge CMYK. Its color values must correspond to the nominal values of the printing conditions of the standard series ISO 12647, and/or to the tolerances for the test process of digital data, as these were specified in ISO 12647-7. The guidelines are the basis for a smooth technical cooperation between clients, prepress service providers and printing companies.
The Ugra/Fogra Media Wedge CMYK consists of 72 patches, which are defined with area coverages of the process colors C (Cyan), M (Magenta), Y (Yellow) and K (Black). For each patch, colorimetric aim values according to ISO 12647 are defined, depending on the printing proceedure and the printing substrate.
At present, the Ugra/Fogra Media Wedge CMYK is the recognized control tool worldwide for the contract proof.
For a professionally produced contract proof it is essential and therefore also integrated in many proof systems and RIPs as licensed component. Additionally the Ugra/Fogra Media Wedge CMYK V3.0 can be used also as digital control tool in the workflow, in order to observe the effect of an image process in the CMYK mode and other prepress work.
Currently the following aim values for the different print proceedures and paper types according to ISO 12647 are available:
- Offset printing paper type 1 and 2: glossy or matte coated over 70 g/m2 (ISO 12647-2)
- Offset printing paper type 3: glossy coated web offset paper, 60 to 70 g/m2 (ISO 12647-2)
- Offset printing paper type 4: uncoated white paper (ISO 12647-2)
- Offset printing for newspapers: newsprint (ISO 12647-3)
- Rotogravure on LWC paper (ISO 12647-4)
- and many more
Layout Versions and File Format
The standard package of the Ugra/Fogra Media Wedge CMYK V3.0 consists of only two layout versions supplied as a combination. Thus it is possible for the user to check the entire process chain at any time. This is recommended, when new user programs, new program versions are used or modifications in the procedure/operations have been made. Testing of the workflow as well as of the proofing system is necessary for a secure and color-reliable output in order to assure that the image content undergoes the same color transformation as the Ugra/Fogra Media Wedge CMYK. A test of the output systems alone is not sufficient to consistently avoid problem cases.
Supplied file formats: EPS and TIFF are supplied in combination.
The MediaStandard Print recommends to use the TIFF version, since this data format can be used without restrictions with ICC based color management systems. The EPS version is solely needed, if the compete workflow is to be examined for correct color reproduction. It must be however guaranteed that the color management system profile can enclose EPS data.
