FQC Update: Bimonthly, Tech Focus Webinar Set for February Debut

The Flexo Quality Consortium (FQC) is very engaged in several projects at present. We’ve been challenged to get our research done during this unprecedented time, but where there’s a will there’s a way!

Enter Zoom meetings, limited on-site engagement, print trials at essential businesses and some lab work at universities. Yes, we’re getting it done.

And, you’ll be able to hear about all of our results at FORUM 2021 during the FQC session. Projects include:

• Opacity Measurement
• Effects of Ink Temperature on Print Quality
• Increase in Color Gamut Using the Recommended Magenta Ink Pigment
• Predicting Plate Life Using Measured Variables

You can also look forward to hearing about the research being conducted by our student scholarship recipients and the Phoenix Challenge College Competition-winning team! Mark your calendars!

But Wait, There’s More!

We are so excited to introduce our latest initiative, a bimonthly FQC/FIRST Tech Focus webinar! The FQC/FIRST Tech Focus will showcase specific technical content from the Flexographic Image Reproduction Specifications & Tolerances (FIRST) document, identify its importance to the industry and discuss how it is used. Additionally, FQC committee representatives will examine worldwide standards currently in development and/or redevelopment that are directly related to the technical content presented. Attendees will be invited to comment on the standards to provide necessary feedback. This will be your opportunity to associate and understand relevant standards to FIRST recommendations to incorporate into your workflow.

Join us for this 60-minute presentation on Feb. 12 at 10 a.m. CT, as we examine the current Multicolor Printing Specifications found in FIRST sections 12.9 Process Color: Print Characteristic Measured, 14.4.2 The IT8/74 Characterization Target, 20.0 Job Specific Print Variables, 20.2.4 Optimizing the Process Color Gamut, and ISO/DTS 21328.2 Graphic technology – Guidelines and requirements for multi-colour (CMYKOGV) print characterization.

Register to attend at FTA’s website. Plan on being there to take advantage of this opportunity to learn from the experts!

About the Author

Jean Engelke is chair of the Foundation of FTA’s Board of Trustees. She is also the chair of FTA’s Flexo Quality Consortium (FQC) and a member of FTA’s Board of Directors. She has earned an AAS in graphic and design technology, a B.A. in printing management, an MBA and an M.A. in industrial engineering management. Jean started her career teaching printing and paper science at Western Michigan University. She has held positions in R&D, engineering and global product marketing with Appleton Papers, Alcan Packaging and Kodak. Most recently, she served as the business development manager – packaging group for RR Donnelley. In 2017, she received the FTA President’s Award.