Bringing U.S. Color Standards in Line

Most printers in Europe prove compliance of quality color printing standards through a rigorous auditing process, but there exists no such certification process for printers in North America. To ensure North American printers achieve a color reproduction workflow that meets international printing standards, Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) will develop and offer process audits and certification services to North American printers.

The program will be rolled out in two phases. The first phase involves RIT conducting a printing standards survey to determine the extent printers conform to well-defined printing standards. In May, the university will launch an Internet-based survey and host a free printing conformance clinic. Participants will take an online survey, download test forms, conduct a press run and submit color acceptable sheets to RIT for a free “check-up.” Upon completion of the color measurement and analysis, RIT will offer feedback to the participant, similar to a medical lab report, in terms of value, aim point and tolerances. Once survey results are compiled, RIT will present its general findings to the Printing Industry Center partners at its annual meeting in November 2010.

In the second phase, RIT will consult with auditing bodies in Europe and work with printing experts in the ISO/TC130 committee to develop process audit and certification services protocols that reflect the best practice for all. RIT will also offer public seminars to train companies about the importance of printing standards, methods and tools that are needed to achieve conformance.