Wide/Grand Format Inkjet Technology RoundUP & Certification Programs

IDEAlliance is advancing the wide/grand format inkjet industry… Serving both print suppliers and service providers 

3-Phase Program

Phase 1: Inkjet Pilot Program (completed) 

Phase 2: Inkjet RoundUP (Summer 2013) 

Phase 3: Inkjet Certification (Fall 2013) 

IDEAlliance has launched an initiative of technical testing and evaluation of inkjet devices, as used in the signage, POP, and display graphics markets. The results of this extensive evaluation will serve to: 

• Move the industry forward by establishing the tolerances for excellence in wide and grand format inkjet system printing, and 

• Help print service providers navigate the sea of inkjet technologies to make informed buying decisions. 

Phase 1: Inkjet Pilot Program
Completed March 2013 

Preliminary testing was conducted of inkjet systems from AGFA, Roland, Fujifilm, Mutoh, HP Scitex, HP Designjet, EFI Vutek, Mimaki, and Océ, using RIPs from SAi, Wasatch, ONYX, Roland, ColorGATE, Fiery XF, Caldera, Ergosoft, etc. Tests targets were printed on paper, board, vinyl, coroplast and styrene. Systems were measured for color accuracy, GRACoL^®, uniformity, rub resistance, and repeatability from day 1 to day 2. 

View Webex recording of April 9, 2013 conference call describing the results of our phase 1 evaluation and next steps in the program

Phase 2: Inkjet RoundUP
(REGISTER INTENT TO PARTICIPATE) 

This program is open to all inkjet suppliers who may choose their leading device-RIP-media combination. Suppliers will be invited to participate, there will be a registration fee following which suppliers will be provided with test images to print. The test prints will be evaluated at a leading University color laboratory. This is a unique first-time opportunity for the wide format inkjet market – every Director of Marketing will want to be part of this report. 

Benefits of participation in Phase 2: 

• Receive an independent validation of your system’s maximum capabilities 
• Your technicians will receive independent test data from qualified instruments and expert evaluations for use in system upgrades 
• The resulting data will provide an extraordinary promotional tool for your marketing communications and sales teams 
• Receive 20 copies of the Results Report for internal and external distribution 
• Influence the process of defining industry tolerances for excellence 
• Your branding will be displayed in all online materials, Results Report, media releases, and planned educational sessions. 
• Price for participation is nominal compared to the branding opportunity, with 10’s of thousands of branding impressions to qualified buyers of inkjet systems. 

REGISTER INTENT TO PARTICIPATE IN PHASE 2

Phase 3: Inkjet Certification
(coming in Fall 2013) 

The Digital Press Certification procedure is governed by IDEAlliance via its Print Properties & Colorimetric Council. The framework is based on evolving international standards including ISO 15311. 

The Digital Press Certification program consists of testing and certification in areas of color, print properties and print production. Systems that pass all tests are awarded certification, the supplier system details are published on the IDEAlliance web site and the supplier is able to display the certification logo on their product collateral. Potential customers are able to recognize the certification logo and have confidence when considering purchase of a certified system. Certification for a given configuration does not expire. 

While the market for large format inkjet is large and established, international standards for printing and process control are still being developed. Inkjet devices have been advancing steadily over the last decade and have now reached a level of maturity and stability; large format inkjet is no longer a “moving target” and it is now appropriate to determine and award certification. 

CONTACT FOR DETAILS 

Dr. Abhay Sharma Tel: 416 979 5000 x7598 E-mail: sharma@ryerson.ca