The intention of Flexographic Image Reproduction Specifications & Tolerances (FIRST) is to provide all participants in the flexographic reproduction process with a common set of guidelines, tutorials and data that can be used as communication and production tools.
 Prior to FIRST, many of our customers, out of frustration, were creating specifications for the reproduction of their packaging. While these individual attempts at creating specifications helped improve their process, there were problems with this approach. It was felt that the generation of too many individualized specifications would become overwhelming to the industry with the end result being mass confusion and the specifications would no longer be of value. At this point, the FTA membership reached out to our customers’, the consumer product companies, and asked them for their help.
The aim of FIRST is to create a common set of specifications and communication protocols for the industry. This platform should establish common communication and identify the responsibility of the provider(s). The FIRST Committee and the FTA Consumer Advisory Council together have dedicated themselves and agreed to the following creed:
Mission
To understand our customers’ graphic requirements for reproduction and translate their aesthetic requirements into specifications for each facet of the flexographic printing processes.
Objective
- Identify key basic flexographic procedures and guidelines to be used from beginning of the process to the end; including designers, consumer product companies, prepress providers, raw material and equipment suppliers and printers.
- Improve quality and consistency through improved communications and measurement procedures.
- Reduce cycle time and minimize rework.
- Control production costs.
- Enable consumer product companies to obtain true flexographic capabilities, which are equal to or exceed offset lithography and gravure printing.
FIRST is a set of specifications, not standards. When adhered to, the specifications are meant to produce a predictable consistent result. It is the responsibility of our customers to determine where, when and how these specifications are to be implemented. This does not imply that a printer’s capabilities cannot exceed FIRST, or that the printer is limited to these specifications as a maximum quality level. The processes and specifications outlined in FIRST are intended to improve quality, develop better raw materials and grow the overall flexographic industry.
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 Watch for FIRST 4.0!
The enhanced FIRST 4.0 book features: A new and improved user-friendly format; Expanded cross references and index; Improved workflows; Updated best practices and technical information; Quick online references and electronic tools; and more.
More details soon!
Advance order your copy of FIRST 4.0 Book today and receive a free copy of FIRST 3rd Edition on CD-ROM! Visit www.ftastore.com for more details. |
