Flexo Quality Consortium (FQC)
Flexo Quality Consortium (FQC)
The FQC, acting as a select standing committee of the Foundation of Flexographic Technical Association (FFTA), aims to provide the industry with a better understanding of the factors controlling the quality of a flexographic image.
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FQC Projects
FQC projects can run for months or years and investigate selected printing variables in flexographic printing technology. FQC actively participates in the global graphic standards committees and associations in researching and representing the flexographic printing process and Flexographic Image Reproduction Specifications & Tolerances (FIRST ).
Current projects include:
Optimal Print Order Project
Project Lead: James Dye and Erica Kirinovic
LED Impact on Lighting Conditions Project
Project Leads: Steve Cooney and Allen Sanders
Dimensional Stability of Plates and Press Project
Project Leads: Alix Guyot and Nathan Rank
2D Barcode Verification Project
Measurable Slur Target Project
Project Leads: Jinkai Qian and Kenny Tucker
Propose an FQC Project
Complete the form below.
Become an FQC Project Volunteer
Who can volunteer to be on an FQC project? You can! Each project is a little different and the team members may differ, based on those varying needs.
FQC Project Reports
Upon the completion of a project undertaken by the FQC, any findings are put into a project report. These project reports are either published in FLEXO Magazine or presented at an FTA event like FORUM or Fall Technical Conference.
See Past FQC Project Reports ↴
- Ink Temperature Study. The goal of the project was to apply inks at certain temperatures to see the impact that temperature has on the quality of the print. Download the final project report
- Magenta Conundrum. The goal of the project was to print, measure, and document how the overall printed color gamut and print quality change based on magenta pigment selection. Download the final project report
- CxF Color Characterization Comparison, presented at FORUM 2017 by Steve Smiley and Dr. Sam Ingram. The goals of the project were to compare profile accuracy of the CxF characterization to the Standard IT8.7/4 characterization process
- High-Resolution Printing: Part B (Narrow Web), presented at FORUM 2017 by Ann Michaud and Alexander James. The goals of the project were to compare the impact of various technical approaches to higher-resolution flexo printing based on output metrics in Part A, and report out what kinds of end results can be anticipated and what process steps are necessary to achieve them. Download the final project report
- High-Resolution Printing: Part A, presented at FORUM 2015 by Ann Michaud and Alexander James. The goals of the project were to define and implement a new target image; define new tests, methods, and criteria of excellence; and design a new data collection sheet for characterizations and tests. Download the final project report
- Postprint Near Neutral Dataset Assessment Gamut Alignment, presented at FORUM 2015 by Steve Smiley and Shawn Oetjen. Read about the project, published in the October 2015 issue of FLEXO Magazine and authored by Steve Smiley and Shawn Oetjen
- Open Cell Anilox Gauge Repeatability and Reliability (R&R), presented at FORUM 2014 by Dan Reilly. The goals of the project were to determine the repeatability and reliability of current anilox measurement devices on commercial open structures. Additionally, as there is no ANSI standard, deviation between instruments was to be determined and potential calibration established
- Expanded Gamut Color Selection, presented at Fall Conference 2012 by Danny Rich, Ph.D. Read about the project, published in the December 2012 issue of FLEXO Magazine and authored by Danny Rich, Ph.D.
- Anilox Roller Volume Measurement Gauge Study, presented at FORUM 2011 by Dan Reilly. Read about the project, published in the December 2012 issue of FLEXO Magazine and authored by Dan Reilly
- Defining the Reference Characterization Dataset for Flexo Narrow Web, presented at FORUM 2011 by Shawn Oetjen, Mike Buystedt and Steve Smiley. Read about the project, published in the October 2012 issue of FLEXO Magazine and authored by Shawn Oetjen
- UV Ink Spitting, presented at Fall Conference 2011 by Sean Teufler. Read about the project, published in the February 2012 issue of FLEXO Magazine and authored by Sean Teufler
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