Wide Format System Certification

The Wide Format System Certification evaluates original equipment manufacturers’ roll-fed and flatbed large format printing systems. Systems are evaluated for printing, production, and application qualities for a specific ink and media combination.

Overview and Benefits

Manufacturers may submit for a Wide Format System Certification by printing a series of test forms according to the given criteria. The forms are sent to Rochester Institute of Technology’s Printing Applications Laboratory for evaluation, where they are measured and compared against predetermined tolerances. Systems that pass all tests are awarded certification, the supplier system details are published, and the supplier can display the certification logo on their product collateral. Potential customers will recognize the certification logo and have confidence when considering purchase of a certified system.

Policies

A wide format press system consists of the Digital Front End (DFE), roll-fed or flatbed large format print engine, substrate, and inks.
Full payment is required to process the application (nonrefundable). Fees cover certification submission with accompanying services.
Successful certifications are posted to the PRINTING United Alliance certification website and sent official certification.
A “silent” submission can be made for your internal use as necessary for product testing, research, and advance product marketing.
Certification is for the system evaluated. Major version changes require separate certification.
Maintaining system certification requires an annual license fee, which covers recertification incremental version updates and continued compliance with industry standards, ensuring the product remains competitive and recognized.

What We Certify To

A number of test procedures and colorimetric measurements will be conducted using specified instruments, measurement conditions, and measurement geometry according to:
- ISO 12647-8 Validation print processes working directly from digital data.
- ISO 15311 Graphic Technology — Requirements for printed matter utilizing digital printing.
- ISO15311-1 Graphic technology — Part 1: Measurement methods and reporting schema technologies for commercial and industrial production.
- ISO 15339 Graphic Technology — Printing from digital data.
- Requirements for print durability according to ASTM 1478.
- ISO 19799 and ASTM.
- D7163-05 Information technology — Gloss uniformity on printed pages.

How to Get Certified

Technology providers apply for system certification and are billed for the appropriate certification fees.
Once application, data, documentation, and fees are collected by PRINTING United Alliance, the system will be authorized for analysis.
Application and verification will be conducted by PRINTING United Alliance’s independent 3rd party analysis lab.
Upon successful evaluation, certification will be granted.
Certification is maintained annually.

Steps to Apply

Download the PRINTING United Alliance Digital Press Wide Format Certification Packet. Download includes certification protocol, Application Data Sheet (ADS) and Digital Press Certification Print Targets.
Complete the application form below.
Instructions will then be provided to coordinate shipment of printed samples to the Alliance’s third-party evaluation laboratory. An invoice will also be generated, and once payment is received, evaluation will occur.
Upon successful completion, certification will be granted.

Shipping

Coordinate logistics for shipment of printed samples with PRINTING United Alliance. Details will be provided upon completion of the form below.