The Graphic Communication Institute at Cal Poly (GrCI), Carlsbad, CA, has a new laboratory testing service: the Ink Quality Assurance program (IQa). The program includes a suite of fundamentally important ink tests (performed to ASTM standards) that are designed to analyze and track the most pertinent visual and functional attributes of paste or fluid printing inks.
GrCI says the program can track the quality of ink over time as determined through multiple tests, which can alert ink buyers to unannounced changes in formulation or performance. The program also can satisfy ISO 9000 testing requirements with an independent, third-party examination performed in compliance with published industry standards.
The IQa's Paste Edition testing suite provides laboratory testing for ink tack, hue difference, chroma difference, gloss, tinting strength, NPIRI grind test, and a detailed laboratory testing report. The Fluid Edition testing suite provides laboratory testing for viscosity, hue difference, chroma difference, gloss, tinting strength, NPIRI grind test, pH, and a detailed laboratory testing report. For more information about participating in the program, contact Hal Hinderliter at GrCI, Cal Poly State University, San Luis Obispo, CA 93407, 805-756-5170, e-mail: hhinderl@calpoly.edu, Web: www.grci.calpoly.edu.