Newspapers and Technology March 2000
Lab can help newspapers
with ink problems
By Kevin Juhasz
Editor
Ink is a never-ending battle for newspapers.
Quality, correct color, getting the right mix and strength -- achieving these is always a challenge. It wouldn't hurt to have a referee to call whether the newspaper or the ink is currently leading.
Helping make that call is the Newspaper Association of America Ink Lab at The Rochester Institute of Technology.
The lab is designed to provide a third-party evaluation for newspapers looking at the quality of materials or for a way to help to set standards for ink.
Users call the ink lab ahead of time and give them an idea of what problems they are facing with ink. The Ink Lab will recommend procedures and explain to the newspaper the steps they need to take to prepare their sample for testing.
Test results are faxed to newspapers. It normally takes approximately 10 business days for testing to be completed. Newspapers can get a response in five days for a 25 percent premium, or results the next day at a 50 percent premium.
Test prices are based upon what results the newspaper requires:
- Color test, shade and strength -- $120
- Viscosity, Laray falling rod or Brookfield spindle -- $60
- Ink Tack -- $40
- Ink Grind -- $30
- Emulsification, water pick-up -- $150
Both organizations have several decades of experience in helping newspapers deal with quality issues.
RIT has evaluated printing industry processes and materials for over 40 years through its Printing Applications Lab. NAA has offered testing for an equal number of years -- supplying personnel and instrumentation, as well as setting testing and product specifications.
NAA Ink Lab at RIT
716.475.5247
John D'Alessandro
703.902.1858