Prepress in Fogra's research, testing & certification

We deal with the preparation of print and media data including correct colour management. Other areas such as digital transformation, using artificial intelligence or 3D printing are also covered.

Fogra core competence prepress technology

The research projects deal with all aspects of the media production workflow. Colour – i.e. colour management – is the most important factor in image acquisition, data preparation, visual appraisal and both soft and hard copy proofing.

Research

3D-Quality

Prepress technology 02/06/2025

The research project aims to develop an evaluation methodology for the image quality of graphic 3D prints.

Visual and metrological characterization of metallic effects to increase process reliability in packaging printing

Prepress technology 05/31/2024

The aim is to clarify which properties in human perception are responsible for the expression of the metallic effect.

Professional colour communication in multiprimary printing

Prepress technology 05/13/2024

This project aims to develop important prerequisites for a predictable and industrial multi-color workflow.

D50noUV

Prepress technology 03/25/2024

This project investigates the impact of the introduction of UV-free LED technology on sampling.

3D-FarbSim

Prepress technology 08/24/2022

The goal is a 3D Softproof for an accurate simulation of volumetric light transport effects and geometric errors in 3D prints.

ISO-Score

Prepress technology 08/24/2022

The aim of this project is to develop a cross-process print quality assessment procedure (ISO score)

3D-Softproof

Prepress technology 10/31/2020

This project is dedicated to the implementation of a colour-accurate prediction of the final 3D printed object on the screen.

Improving textile colour communication

Prepress technology 06/01/2020

The TextileRGB research project aims to develop basic principles for the colour characterization of digitally printed textiles.

Barcode

Prepress technology 03/31/2020

Improving the printability and legibility of 1D and 2D codes in inkjet printing.

Image Quality

Digitaldruck 10/01/2015

Basis for standardization of digital production printing using toner based and large format inkjet printers.

We evaluate any type of print artefacts or the coordination between prepress and press. This includes prints that are erroneously referred to as contract proofs, but which are not colour-binding and can therefore lead to serious approval problems.

We also thoroughly check raster images as well as complex PDF files. Complications and complaints are usually caused by print data that has not been prepared correctly.

Another focus is on expert opinions that help print buyers to objectively assess their CI colours and help the relevant print service providers to implement these specifications.

Especially in data preparation there is not always the standard solution. We advise you individually, if data and print do not want to match (again).

testing

print proof with colour measurement device

Prerequisites for professional colour communication are perfect print data, colour-accurate proof prints and correct matching conditions. Do not leave it to chance, but rely on the FograCert test programme.

Certification

Contract Proof Creation

Do not rely on a colored printout or an old print called a “proof”. Only the Fogra Media Wedge CMYK V3 and compliance with the tolerances of the established ISO 12647-7 ensure a legally compliant and colour-accurate digital proof.

Contract Proofing System

This certification is aimed at test pressure system providers and serves as proof of the conformity of their product with the criteria of ISO 12647-7.

Validation Print Creation

Following the model of the proofing standard ISO 12647-7, the criteria and tolerances for design proofs were defined in ISO 12647-8. Rely on more binding and predictable colours already in the creation process!

Validation Printing System

This certification is aimed at digital printing system providers and serves as proof of the conformity of their product with the criteria of ISO 12647-8.

Softproof Monitor

A colour-consistent display on the monitor is no magic trick, even if there are many pitfalls in practice. We have developed the necessary criteria and tolerances in our research projects and have decisively initiated the corresponding ISO standards 12646 (Monitor Cert) and 14861 (Softproof System).

Fogra employee works on sampling of colours

Colour Viewing

“Colours are actions of light” said Goethe - and whoever reads on finds the expression “ ... actions and suffering”. Compliance with all criteria of ISO 3664 prevents deeds from becoming suffering. Insist on the FograCert certification!

Proofing Susbstrates

With this certification, manufacturers prove that their test print substrate (proof paper) conforms to ISO 12647-7 and is suitable for test print production with regard to desired reference printing conditions.