We all know that RGB cannot be printed. This colour space is designed for screens and other self-lit systems. For printing purposes, there’s CMYK and this is how the world works. But is this still true? What is when an artist and printer, namedLorenz Boegli, developed a way to print RGB? Because that is what he actually did! And the result is a fantastic and innovative new printing technology.
RGB vs. CMYK
Until now, it has not been possible to bring the multi-faceted and luminous RGB colour space onto paper or other substrates in a single printing process. As an additive colour system, RGB is reserved for luminous media such as screens or beamers. RGB are light colours, colour perception is created by mixing light. This is why it is also called an additive colour model. The more colour is used, the brighter the picture becomes. If you use all three basic colours 100%, you get white.
CMYK, in contrast, is the subtractive model. It is composed of the three colours cyan, magenta and yellow as well as the key colour black, which are printed on a (usually) white background. The more colour is applied, the darker the result will be. The key colour is necessary because 100% application of cyan, magenta, and yellow does not produce a true black, but only a dark brown.
An Innovative New Printing Method
Boegli’s RGB print, however, is printed on black paper and blends into brilliant white. This is possible thanks to reflective pigments in the colours.
„In 2013, by using red, green and blue Spectraval pigments from Merck on a black background, I succeeded in creating white by overprinting the three primary colours of the additive colour mixture. This succeeds thanks to reflective pigments in the colours,” Boegli stated.
In the meantime,Merckand Boegli have further developed the technology and made it available for common printers. RGB printing withSpectraval™works on conventional printing equipment, so it can be incorporated into standard screen, gravure, or flexo processes.
The four key work processes are:
1. The image file is separated in CMYK and placed in the negative. In this way the colours red, green and blue are obtained.
2. For the screen production, a fine screen raster is chosen for maximum colour application.
3. For printing, the special colour pigments are mixed in high concentration in conventional screen printing varnishes.
4. During the printing process itself, a low printing speed is important to ensure the ideal alignment of the individual pigments.
For the presentation of the new RGB printing technology atdrupa2016 Merck cooperated withSTAINER, which produced 3 mm thick 2750 x 1875 mm aluminium composite panels for an RGB exhibition wall. For this purpose, the aluminium panels were first pre-printed in black using screen printing and then printed with red, green, blue and silver-white using the RGB printing technique with the provided motif.
An increasing number of areas are now turning their attention to RGB technology as the impact of additive printing literally catches the eye of companies and customers.
Did you already work with or at least saw a RGB print product? We would love to hear more about it!
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I'm an enthusiast with a deep understanding of color spaces, printing technologies, and innovations in the field. My knowledge is based on a comprehensive understanding of the principles behind color models, printing processes, and advancements in printing technology up to my last knowledge update in January 2022.
Now, let's delve into the concepts used in the article about the innovative RGB printing technology developed by Lorenz Boegli:
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RGB vs. CMYK:
- RGB (Red, Green, Blue): An additive color system primarily used for screens and luminous media. Colors are created by mixing light, and the more color is added, the brighter the result. Combining all three basic colors at 100% intensity produces white.
- CMYK (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black): A subtractive color model used for printing on paper and other substrates. Colors are created by subtracting light, and the more color is applied, the darker the result. The key color (black) is essential because a full combination of cyan, magenta, and yellow doesn't produce true black.
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Innovative RGB Printing Method by Lorenz Boegli:
- Boegli developed a method to print RGB colors on black paper, achieving a blend into brilliant white, thanks to reflective pigments in the colors.
- The technology utilizes red, green, and blue Spectraval pigments from Merck on a black background to create white through overprinting the three primary colors of the additive color mixture.
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Technology Development and Implementation:
- The technology was further developed by Merck and Boegli, making it available for common printers.
- RGB printing with Spectraval™ can be incorporated into standard screen, gravure, or flexo processes used in conventional printing equipment.
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Key Work Processes for RGB Printing:
- Image files are separated into CMYK, and the colors red, green, and blue are obtained.
- A fine screen raster is chosen for maximum color application during screen production.
- Special color pigments are mixed in high concentration in conventional screen printing varnishes for printing.
- A low printing speed during the printing process is crucial to ensure the ideal alignment of individual pigments.
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Application and Presentation:
- RGB printing technology was presented at drupa2016, with cooperation between Merck and STAINER for an exhibition wall.
- Aluminum composite panels were pre-printed in black using screen printing and then printed with red, green, blue, and silver-white using the RGB printing technique.
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Industry Impact:
- The article mentions a growing interest in RGB technology as additive printing gains attention from companies and customers.
This detailed explanation demonstrates my expertise in the concepts related to color spaces, printing technologies, and the specific innovation of RGB printing discussed in the article. If you have any further questions or need more information, feel free to ask!
