For Immediate Release
March 7, 2019
Contact: Kate Achelpohl, SGIA
703-359-1364
kate@sgia.org
Printers, manufacturers, software designers, color experts will contribute expertise.
Fairfax, Va. — The Specialty Graphic Imaging Association (SGIA) is convening some of the biggest names in color to address a serious need in the printing industry: color specifications for digital printing. A new working group will include representatives from companies including WestRock, FUJIFILM and Nazdar.
“There is a big gap in the specification arena in the printing industry,” said Ray Weiss, Director of Digital Print Programs, SGIA. “While color specifications such as SWOP and GRACol are based on offset presses running traditional CMYK inks, digital printing is the Wild West, with substrates and ink sets varying tremendously.”
Ultimately, Weiss said the new targets will reduce waste, leading to more satisfied customers.
SGIA’s working group brings together professionals from all walks of printing: manufacturers of inks, media and presses, software designers, printers and color experts.
Additionally, the Sonoco Institute at Clemson University will provide measurement data, and SGIA Chief Economist Andrew D. Paparozzi will oversee the statistical calculations involved.
“This is a challenging project, but we have some of the best color people in the industry working on it,” Weiss said. The following are participating:
- Travis Barcelona, Nazdar
- Bruce Bayne, SpotOn!
- Tim Bolton, Ricoh
- Dave Brewer, Image Options
- Tom Cooper, WestRock
- Ann Crum, Phoenix Ink
- Dan Gillespie, Alder Technology
- Josh Hope, Mimaki, USA
- Mike Mentone, 3M
- Chris Padilla, Mutoh
- Peter Pretzer, FUJIFILM
- Jim Raffel, ColorCasters
- Bruce Ridge, Nazdar
- Paul Roba, Avery Dennison
- Toby Satterfield, Ricoh
- Mary Schilling, Schilling Inkjet Consulting and Inkjet Insight
- Max West, Holland and Crosby
“We have the knowledge base, and we have the support of manufacturers and printers. The time is right to take action,” Weiss said.
SGIA — Supporting the Leaders of the Printing Community
Specialty Graphic Imaging Association (SGIA) is the trade association of choice for professionals in the industrial, graphic, garment, textile, electronics, packaging and commercial printing communities looking to grow their business into new market segments through the incorporation of the latest printing technologies. SGIA membership comprises these diverse segments, all of which are moving rapidly towards digital adoption. As long-time champions of digital technologies and techniques, SGIA is the community of peers you are looking for to help navigate the challenges of this process. “Whatever the medium, whatever the message, print is indispensable. Join the community — SGIA.”