X-Rite Pantone is launching Offset360, a color management solution designed for sheetfed offset printers. The U.S.-based manufacturer, which specializes in colorimetric technologies, aims to address the challenges faced by printers dealing with long makeready times, frequent manual adjustments, or color variations between jobs and production sites.
According to Shajith Ambalathody, an application engineer and technical specialist at X-Rite Pantone, the problem doesn't always stem from the press itself. "Disconnected workflows and manual adjustments can slow down production, increase waste, and make it difficult to maintain consistent color across jobs and locations."
Offset360 combines the IntelliTrax2 measurement system, MeasureColor software, reporting tools, and X-Rite?s ink presetting technologies. The solution is based on closed-loop control: spectral data collected from the printed sheet is automatically sent back to the ink keys to correct color deviations.
The system can be installed on most modern offset presses as well as on older models.
It also supports process controls based on G7 and ISO standards.
X-Rite claims that this unique approach would reduce the initial investment by up to 60% compared to purchasing several standalone systems
A 15% reduction in color-related issues, according to feedback from the Spanish company Cartonajes Pans
Cartonajes Pans, a Spanish manufacturer of packaging for the pharmaceutical industry, is already using Offset360. "We've seen improvements in several areas. One of the main ones is the reduction in setup time, which is perhaps the most important to me." , says Enrique González García, the company?s printing manager. "More than waste reduction, machine time is the most critical factor: that is where true productivity lies. Today, operators are no longer trained as they used to be, when training took 10 to 15 years. The current market no longer allows for that. Thanks to these measurement systems, we can guarantee that if the color is not within three degrees of the standard, the operator cannot continue."
Since 2023, he estimates that color-related issues have been reduced by about 15%. He also highlights the value of more structured measurement systems in print shops where extensive training for press operators is becoming less common.
X-Rite supports the installation process with a production audit, tool configuration, operator training, and regular inspections.
