SGIA Takes the Lead on Digital Inkjet Specs

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 standards 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
•    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.