Printability testing equipment, procedures and standards are used by all structured companies in the world including India. The standard tests generally used by printers and converters include tests for pick and rub resistance, gloss, ink penetration, roughness and scuff and rub resistance. Ink tests include color, print smoothness and set-off. At the last
Labelexpo IGT together with X-Rite demonstrated the combined efficiency of the flexo ink matching process on label substrates using instruments from both companies. IGT will again be at Labelexpo Europe and will be showing its F1 flexo and gravure printability testers as well as its flexible multipurpose instruments.
In fact in India, beyond the usual paper testing equipment most of the leading converters now have ink kitchens that use IGT ink testing equipment. Many Indian companies actually fear buying the sophisticated testing instruments not knowing that in fact, IGT also manufacturers simpler instruments that can serve the purpose of smaller plants for as little as Euro 1000 – 1200 range.
Digital print testing project
With more than 1,300 digital label presses currently installed and the number increasing by 20% each year, and the importance of fixed 6-color and 7-color sets becoming apparent it is now incumbent to introduce standardization and testing processes to digital label
printings as well. Finat and IGT Testing Systems, the world-leading manufacturer of printability testers, headquartered in Amsterdam, have indicated that they are interested in working with the label and packaging industry’s associations, materials suppliers, press manufacturers, printers and converters to establish a program of digital printability. The project could include testing assessment, equipment feasibility, equipment development, test guidelines and other technical standards and recommendations.
In order to establish a technical digital label printability testing group, Finat, the worldwide association for manufacturers of self-adhesive labels is hosting an initial meeting in the Netherlands at the end of August. This is expected to include representatives of the main
paper and filmic face materials suppliers, pressure-sensitive label substrate suppliers and IGT Testing Systems. Over 20 companies including the major digital press suppliers covering liquid toner, dry toner and inkjet, as well as pre-press suppliers and key digital label converters in Europe have so far expressed interest in participating. Companies and or individuals interested in the project should contact Jules LeJeune, Finat managing
director at info@finat.com.
