Digital Commons Network^™

Lightfastness Of Water-Based Inks Vs. Latex Water-Based Inks, David Lopez Lopez

Theses

This study focused on the lightfastness properties of non-latex water-based inkjet inks and latex inkjet inks for conventional process colors, i.e., cyan, magenta, yellow, and black. Lightfastness is defined as the property of ink that describes the degree of resistance to fading when exposed to light. Lightfastness varies among inks based on their formulation. The degradation of inks caused by light happens when the light is absorbed by the pigments and reacts with the pigments and molecules in the printed substrate. This research evaluated the lightfastness degree of water-based inkjet inks vs. latex inkjet inks. The experiment used printed samples …

Assessing The Degree Of Agreement Between Polarized And Unpolarized Densitometry In Offset Lithographic Applications, Devin J. Schneider

Theses

Automated color measurement systems have become significant components of offset lithographic printing presses for better process control and reduced job waste. In Europe, printers have broadly adopted polarized densitometry, which is uncommon in US standard operating procedures. It is recognized that some European press manufacturers provide automated color measurement instrumentation limited to polarized density readings. Introducing polarized densitometry into an environment where unpolarized densitometry is utilized can be problematic. The increasing significance of this issue has motivated print professionals to look for a solution. The present study applies the Bland-Altman method together with other statistical analyses to determine if a …

Pulsed Photonic Sintering Of Lithium Doped Potassium Sodium Niobate (Knn) For Flexible Energy Harvesting Devices, Sara Hernandez Juarez

Theses

In this work, KNNL was sintered as a lead-free alternative to PZT using a pulsed photonic sintering method. The KNNL post-sintering composition remained close to theoretical composition indicating minimal volatilization of alkali metals. Furthermore, a remnant polarization was observed in the processed material. Energy and time demands were greatly reduced using the pulsed photonic sintering method versus conventional furnace sintering.

Piezoelectric materials can produce electric current when bent or compressed. Currently lead zirconium titanate (PZT) is the most widely used piezoelectric material. A promising lead-free alternative is sodium potassium niobate (KNN), which can be doped with lithium (KNNL) to improve …

Barriers To Implementation Of Lean Techniques In Printing Firms And The Impact Of Implementation, Sandeep Yellinedi

Theses

Lean practices including 5S Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma DMAIC and Value Stream Mapping are gaining more and more importance in a wide range of industries. Firms in various industries have implemented one or more of the techniques that comprise Lean techniques and have realized reduced wastes that in turn has contributed to increased profits. The researcher, being associated with the field of printing, has observed the Lean techniques practicing trends in the printing industry. This report builds upon the previously published research that has examined the implementation of Lean Methodologies, including studies that have investigated the impact of the adoption …

Hand Operated Tabletop Letterpress Assembly Instructions 1.0, George Chiu, Brendan Domos, Spencer Herzog, Nathan Sandidge, Kevin Weinstein

Theses

A group of RIT Mechanical Engineering students spent the 2014-2015 academic year in their senior design class collaborating with the RIT Cary Graphic Arts Collection to design and fabricate a 21st century hand-operated platen press.

The press that was designed during this engineering exercise met several requirements:

• be under 30 lbs
• fit in a 24 inch square table top space
• be manufactured with a majority of components which could be purchased from a standard parts supplier
• be able to print with commonly manufactured ink rollers, ink, letterpress chases, spacing and furniture
• the platen and packing had to be adjustable to …

Quantifying A Fused Deposition Modeling System’S Dimensional Performance Through Its Addressability, Nathan Ostrout

Theses

As additive manufacturing becomes widely adopted for prototyping and part manufacturing, the need for controlling quality becomes crucial for this technology to continue its development in the manufacturing industry. Many studies over the last decade have been conducted to find suitable means to gauge and improve accuracy and performance for additive manufacturing systems. Prior research has experimented with benchmark tests, printer calibration, standardized test targets, and performance optimization based on critical printer parameters to find solutions to this problem.

The goal of this study was to investigate the effect of printer parameters on dimensional accuracy through the most fundamental element …

Proof-To-Print Match: Effectiveness Of Substrate-Corrected Colorimetric Aims In Soft Proofing, Peng Cheng

Theses

Soft proofing is an effective solution for clients and printers that decreases production cost and cycle time. However, print buyers are increasingly specifying brighter papers, which contain optical brightening agents (OBAs). One potential concern facing adopters of soft proofing systems is that they fail to consider the influence of OBA when rendering color images. Proofing systems are largely based on existing published specifications and their ICC profiles. These specifications and ICC profiles -- such as SWOP 3 and GRACoL 2006-- do not account for the influence of OBA-loaded printing papers, and therefore could cause a mismatch between the soft proof …

Predicting The Adoption Of Digital Printing In The Label Printing Industry: A Reasoned Action Study, Trevor S. Schroeder

Theses

The package printing industry is a vibrant and growing industry and digital printing technology is improving quickly--yet the adoption of digital printing has not fully penetrated the label printing market, a subset of packaging, and digital printing has seen slower adoption in its decade-long history in labels than expected. This research attempts to explain why this may be the case by understanding the factors affecting the intention to adopt digital printing. This study utilizes Fishbein and Ajzen's Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) in a cross-sectional survey of individuals in a decision-making role in label printing companies. The study was intended …

Spatiotemporal Variability: Process-Independent Analysis Of Printing Uniformity, Saleh A. Abdel Motaal

Theses

This work explores printing uniformity from a quality standpoint. The study proposes a conceptual framework, quantitative models and a testing method for the measurement and analysis of printing uniformity independent from the printing process and press design.

The proposed framework encompasses construct and indicators concerning the printing accuracy and printing precision dimensions of uniformity. The proposed models are derived for each of the indicators in the framework comprising a cohesive set of device- and process-independent image quality metrics (IQMs) for benchmarking and evaluating the spatial-temporal uniformity of printing systems relative to standard industry tolerances. The proposed test method builds on …

Current State Of Chinese Direct Mail Industry, Jinkai Qian

Theses

Indicated by the Direct Marketing Association (DMA), direct mail marketing expenditures in the USA were nearly $61.3 billion USD in 2008, which was much higher than that of China's $1.57 billion USD in the same time period (Chinese Graphic Arts Net). Direct mail products---as defined by DMA---include catalogs, letters, brochures, pamphlets, circulars and preprinted inserts, video and audiotapes, diskettes, promotional items and communications sent through the mail or other delivery services. In order to better understand the state of direct mail in China, the researcher conducted six detailed interviews with five Chinese printers and one advertising agency. The result showed …

Trends In Soft Proofing Utilized As Contract Proofs In Commercial Lithographic Printing, Xi Yang

Theses

The proofing market has changed dramatically in recent decades. The introduction of Soft Proofing Systems--with the ability to quickly produce proofs at each step in the color reproduction process for a lower cost than conventional proofs--has been cited as a factor in changing the economies of this market. According to a research project conducted by Print Industries Market Information and Research Organization (PRIMIR, 2005) titled Dynamics and Trends in Color Proofing 2005-2010, only 1% of the final contract proofs made by respondents were color-managed monitor proofs. This percentage was expected to increase 8% by 2010. A pertinent question as to …

An Investigation Of Ink Usage In Offset Process Printing, Jiayi Zhou

Theses

With the trend of sustainable printing in the print industry, reducing ink usage is considered a win-win solution for printers who are seeking sustainable printing strategies, and in the meantime, a way of cutting costs. This research focuses on ink-saving strategies for process printing using color management technology in the prepress stage. Two ink-saving methods are discussed in this research. First method is reducing the AIC (Average Ink Coverage) in graphic design. A case study is carried out and verifies the rule that high AIC requires more ink usage than low AIC does. However AIC and ink usage are not …

Factors Contributing To The Success Of Commercial Printers, Diana Watkins

Theses

Printing had been the uncontested primary media format for over five hundred years--with the commercial printing industry also thriving--until the late 1990s, when abnormal cost patterns and disruptive new media technologies worked together to permanently change the world economy and media landscape. Romano (2010a) estimated that 20% of all print production in the US had disappeared between 1995 and 2010. Many different theories have been posited to commercial printers as to how best to survive, but the overall message has been relatively consistent: print companies cannot rely on economic growth to regain business. Instead, they must adapt to the changing …

An Analysis Of The Factors Influencing Paper Selection For Books Of Reproduced Fine Art, Brian Gamm

Theses

Toner-based digital presses are now capable of matching offset lithographic presses in image and print quality. Current trends show increased interest in printing fine art books on digital presses. It is necessary to understand the extent to which digital printing systems are capable of accurately rendering fine-art reproductions. This research analyzed paper properties that maximize image quality and preference for digitally printed fine art reproductions. Four images, representing four art media, were printed on twelve papers using two digital presses. The twelve papers represented different combinations of color, print-show-through, roughness and gloss. A psychophysical experiment was conducted in which observers …

A New Framework For An Electrophotographic Printer Model, Fermín A. Colón-López

Theses

Digital halftoning is a printing technology that creates the illusion of continuous tone images for printing devices such as electrophotographic printers that can only produce a limited number of tone levels. Digital halftoning works because the human visual system has limited spatial resolution which blurs the printed dots of the halftone image, creating the gray sensation of a continuous tone image. Because the printing process is imperfect it introduces distortions to the halftone image. The quality of the printed image depends, among other factors, on the complex interactions between the halftone image, the printer characteristics, the colorant, and the printing …

Designing For Digital: Skill Sets Needed To Design For Variable Data, Jessica Jordan

Theses

Variable data printing (VDP) is a key technology in the production of unique and personalized products. Derived from digital printing, the three key components in a successful VDP workflow are the creative aspect, the database management, and the print production. A designer needs to be familiar with all three in order to obtain the skills needed to design for VDP. However, VDP's trend for growth is not as rapid as the industry had projected. This research examined how a variable data workflow was set up in a print production environment. The production workflow and the skills needed to properly design …

Implementing Lean Manufacturing Into Newspaper Production Operations, Marianne Engum

Theses

The evolution of technology and new media has, over a long period of time, had an influence on the newspaper industry. This development has particularly affected the printed newspaper with a decline in circulation; forcing newspaper printers to be more efficient and to look for methods of increasing profit and reducing costs. Lean Manufacturing strategy, which includes waste elimination, can help the newspaper printers to achieve these goals. Lean Manufacturing has gotten an increased focus in the printing industry. However, the number of newspapers implementing Lean is still minimal. This research has sought to determine the level of knowledge of …

Reasons For The Low Usage Of Scheduling Software And The Difference In Production Performance Between Users And Nonusers Of Scheduling Software From A Lean Manufacturing Perspective, Sandra Yveborg

Theses

It is more important than ever for printers to improve efficiency and productivity, and the means for doing so are available. Computer-assisted scheduling is one method that is claimed to increase throughput speed and reduce costs, among other benefits. Recently, scheduling applications have started to increase in popularity, and many management information systems (MISs) have built-in scheduling features. However, only 15% of the companies that own scheduling software utilize it. The first part of this research project seeks to determine the reasons for the low usage. Another way to increase efficiency is through Lean manufacturing, a strategy for eliminating non-value-added …

A Study Of Production Workflows, Technology And Hybrid Printing Models In Small Newspaper Companies, Claudia Cristina Alvarez Casanova

Theses

During the past five to ten years, the evolution of different media, and especially Internet-related services, has had a direct impact on the printed newspaper. Companies that have remained stable for several years are today exploring and employing new mechanisms to increase efficiency while maintaining their audiences. Although web offset has been for long the basic production process for printing newspapers, the latest developments implemented in equipment and software for newspaper production have achieved a high degree of automation in prepress, press, and post-press. At the same time, the demand of younger audiences for increasingly diverse and personalized products—as well …

Automatic Image Registration And Defect Identification Of A Class Of Structural Artifacts In Printed Documents, Kartheek Chandu

Theses

The work in this thesis proposes a defect analysis system, which automatically aligns a digitized copy of a printed output to a reference electronic original and highlights image defects. We focus on a class of image defects or artifacts caused by shortfalls in the mechanical or electro-photographic processes that include spots, deletions and debris missing deletions. The algorithm begins with image registration performed using a logpolar transformation and mutual information techniques. A confidence map is then calculated by comparing the contrast and entropy in the neighborhood of each pixel in both the printed document and corresponding electronic original. This results …

A Comparison Study Of Concentric Screening Versus Conventional Am Screening And Fm Screening In Offset Printing, Eugenio Carvajal

Theses

A new screening technology from Artwork Systems, Concentric screening, was evaluated against conventional AM and FM Staccato screening. The main feature of Concentric screening is to have very small concentric white circles inside AM halftone dots. Test targets were used in order to get information about different aspects of screening, such as: sensitivity to changes in ink film thickness; color gamut size, particularly for pastel colors; and detail rendering. A comparison was made between AM, FM, and Concentric screening. The results indicate that Concentric tints are more resistant to ink variation than conventional AM screening. Thus, the dot gain stability …

A Comparative Analysis Between The Rit Contrast Resolution Test Target And The Gutenberg Test Target, Deepak Dubey

Theses

In addition to color, the other two most important properties that determine quality of reproduction of a printing/imaging system are contrast and resolution. Contrast and resolution limitations of an output device partially define output quality. These limitations can be attributed to various factors such as the screening method used by the RIP, the image transfer method of the output device, the substrates used, and capabilities of the postscript interpreter or a combination of all these factors. This study introduces a new test target for quality evaluation called the Gutenberg Test Target. A comparative analysis between the Gutenberg Test Target and …

A Study Of Company-Initiated Training In Us And Swedish Printing Firms Relative To Prepress, Press, And Finishing Operations, Jonas Hedman

Theses

Company-initiated training has become an increasingly important activity in printing firms because of the digital revolution in the industry which started in the mid 1980's. Previously, almost every step in prepress, press and finishing was analog, but today the workflow can be 100 percent digital until the information reaches the paper on the press. The computer is the principal part of the workflow, and it is essential for a printing firm to continuously train its workforce in the new technologies in order to develop the company's human resources, and thereby to improve the workflow and even ultimately to ensure the …

Modelling The Tone Reproduction Characteristics Of Digital Printers Using Continuous Tone Model, Prashant Mehta

Theses

Traditional halftone models have been used to characterize the tone reproduction characteristics of digital printers. These models can be corrected to incorporate system parameters like light scattering, softer dot edge etc. This thesis work explores the possibility of applying the modified continuous tone model to characterize the tone reproduction of high addressibility printers. Both the continuous tone model and the modified halftone model will be compared for how well they characterize the tone reproduction characteristics of the printer.

A Study Of The Development Of Higher Education Programs In Graphic Arts Technology According To The Needs Of The Printing Industry, Mahadzir Mohamad

Theses

None provided.

Toner Usage Characteristics Of Electrophotography, Jon Cardin

Theses

Accurately estimating the amount of image area on a printed page provides a necessary factor for determining the cost of a given printed job. In conventional printing, the cost of the ink is relatively low in comparison to other factors such as paper. In electrophotography, having the cost associated with the colorant is substantially higher per sheet, it is more important to obtain a more accurate estimate of the amount of toner to be used. This higher toner cost often rivals paper for the highest cost-per-sheet item. The scope of this study is to determine what functional relationship exists between …

Spectral Modeling Of A Six-Color Inkjet Printer, Lawrence Taplin

Theses

After customizing an Epson Stylus Photo 1200 by adding a continuous-feed ink system and a cyan, magenta, yellow, black, orange and green ink set, a series of research tasks were carried out to build a full spectral model of the printers output. First, various forward printer models were tested using the fifteen two color combinations of the printer. Yule- Nielsen-spectral-Neugebauer (YNSN) was selected as the forward model and its accuracy tested throughout the colorant space. It was found to be highly accurate, performing as well as a more complex local, cellular version. Next, the performance of nonlinear optimization-routine algorithms were …

An Investigation Into Justification And Hyphenation Methodologies In Quarkxpress And Adobe Indesign, Michael Stone

Theses

Adobe's newest page layout program, InDesign, includes a "multi-line composing engine." This feature has been highlighted in presentations and preliminary literature about the program by Adobe. The claim being made by Adobe is that the multi-line composing method will produce visible improvements over traditional line-by-line justification methods, such as that employed by the current most-popular page layout program, QuarkXPress. Text produced using line-by-line justification methods tends to exhibit significant variances in interword spacing from one line to the next. Text often appears too loose or too tight in parts, and visual effects such as rivers of white space running through …

Implementing An Icc Printer Profile Visualization Software, Stone Xianfeng Zhao

Theses

Device color gamut plays a crucial role in ICC-based color management systems. Accurately visualizing a device's gamut boundary is important in the analysis of color conversion and gamut mapping. ICC profiles contain all the information which can be used to better understand the capabilities of the device. This thesis project has implemented a printer profile visualization software. The project uses A2B 1 tag in a printer profile as gamut data source, then renders gamut of device the profile represents in CIELAB space with a convex hull algorithm. Gamut can be viewed interactively from any view points. The software also gets …

An Investigation Into The Effect Of Plate Hardness, And Surface Speed Differential On Flexographic Gear Marking, Wisit Wirojrungson

Theses

Gear marking is a print defect in flexography. It appears as a uniformly spaced pattern of lateral alternating dark and light bands along the web length corresponding to the distance between gear teeth. A comprehensive definition characterizes gear marking as a regular pattern attributable to metal burrs, nicks, debris, or other flaws that lead to unsmooth movement somewhere in the mechanical system of the press. Gear marking can be caused by a multitude of different factors. In most cases, gear marking results from more than one phenomenon. The objective of this study was to investigate some factors that were expected …