CENTER FOR INK and PRINTABILITY: PRINTABILITY RESEARCH
AND TESTING
Directors: Alexendra
Pekarovicova and Dan
Fleming
Western Michigan University
Department of Paper Engineering, Chemical Engineering and Imaging
A-108 and A-109 Parkview Campus, Kalamazoo, Michigan 49008
Phone: (269) 276-3521 or (269) 276-3511 Fax: (269) 276-3501
Email: pekarovicova@wmich.edu or dan.fleming@wmich.edu
Mission
Since the implementation of ISO 9000 and widespread use of SPC (Statistical
Process Control) in the printing industry, printers and suppliers have
begun to examine the variables which effect printability and runnability.
Runnability is defined as the performance of materials, inks and the press
as the image is being applied to the substrate. Printability is directly
related to the quality of the printed image.
Goals
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To support the academic mission of the Department by maintaining state
of art testing laboratories and facilities, by participating in laboratory
sections of academic courses under faculty direction, by mentoring students
in conjunction with faculty a nd student research.
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To serve as the impetus for the presentation of continuing education
courses by the Department's faculty and staff in printing related areas.
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To serve as an unbiased evaluator of printability and runnability for
the printing industry and it's suppliers.
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To develop new instrumentation to quantitatively measure printability
and runnability either in the laboratory or on the printing press.
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To serve as the focal point for the transfer of printability and runnability
research and technology to the printing industry, its suppliers, and government
agencies.
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To compile, evaluate and publish quantitative test methods for measuring
printability.
Research and Testing Capabilities, Instrumentation.
Printability Testing (on printed product):
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Print (Optical Density)
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Mottle
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Tonal Response
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Printed Gloss
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Delta Gloss
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Abrasion
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Image Analysis
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Dynamic Absorption (Contact Angle)
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L*a*b and Spectral Color
Material Analysis:
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Rheology
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Surface Tension
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Wettability
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Smoothness
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Porosity and Pore Size Distribution
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Emulsification Testing
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Ink Tack-TMI Inkometer
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Fineness of Grind
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Chemical Compatibility
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Research and Development
