IDEAlliance Launches Digital Press Certification Program

Program to certify capabilities of the world's leading digital presses

<May 17, 2011, Rosemont, IL> At its 46th Annual Technical Conference, IDEAlliance announced the immediate launch of a comprehensive multi-part Digital Press Certification Program, certifying the capabilities of digital production presses. The first phase of the IDEAlliance Digital Press Certification Program will certify the capabilities of the world's leading Commercial Production xerographic and inkjet devices to meet specific print standards. Multiple system examinations are currently underway, with the first of the certifications to be announced in the coming weeks and posted to the IDEAlliance website.

Over the next twelve months, additional phases of the Digital Press System Certification Program will include Wide Format/Grand Format inkjet devices and Digital Textile printing devices. The framework for evaluating the capabilities of these digital devices is based on upcoming international standards ISO 12647-8, 15311, and 15339.

IDEAlliance regularly certifies technology systems and software to assure they meet the latest industry standards and to assist their members in making informed technology choices. The Digital Press Certification program consists of testing and certification in areas of color, print properties and print production. The program considers the entire press system, including the digital front-end, print engine, and paper. Elements of the Digital Press Certification Program examination include:

  • Colorimetric Evaluation
  • Uniformity Within the Press Run
  • Visual Evaluation
  • Short and Long-term Repeatability
  • Uniformity Accross a Press Sheet
  • Density Loss During Abrasion
  • Registration of CMYK Separations
  • Minimum Font Size
  • Measurement of Gloss
  • Application Data Sheets

Joe Fazzi, Vice President, Media Production Technologies for IDEAlliance remarked, "Digital press technology has been advancing steadily over the last decade and has now reached a level of maturity and stability. Digital presses are no longer a “moving target” and it is now appropriate to determine realistic certification procedures and tolerances."

From IDEAlliance President and CEO, David Steinhardt, "There is an urgent need for independent system verification for digital press technologies and IDEAlliance has considerable experience in this area. We look forward to helping our members enhance their understanding and application of digital printing, as well as assist suppliers in continuing to improve their technologies."

Full details are available online, including pricing and procedures, at http://www.idealliance.org/certifications/digital-press

Date: 
May 31, 2011