FIRST Live

NEW in-person, hands-on training

Designed to provide foundational knowledge in flexographic printing, FIRST Level 1: Introduction to Flexography is now available as an in-person training experience—delivered at the customer’s facility by an FTA-certified instructor. The new offering is available to any company in the industry and is ideal for groups as small as five employees.

The program covers key concepts such as flexo terminology, printing press components, ink and substrate basics, and print quality evaluation. Companies can use this on-site training to onboard new hires, reinforce internal standards, or build a shared understanding of best practices across teams.

In-Person

Hands On

Perfect for Small and Large Groups

All About the FIRST Methodology

Flexographic Image Reproduction Specifications-and Tolerances (FIRST) supports the methodical approach to process control, optimization, fingerprinting, characterization and process improvement as outlined in CGATS TR 012-2003 (Graphic Technology – Color Reproduction and Process Control for Packaging Printing). While each organization may use its own workflow based upon its specific needs, there are certain fundamentals universal to the flexographic printing process.

With a firm understanding and application of the FIRST methodology, flexographers can: identify potentially troublesome issues, benchmark press performance, utilize statistical analysis to maintain optimal conditions, perform accurate device calibrations, identify improvement opportunities and preserve stable conditions for repeatable results—all with the end result of satisfactorily reproducing the graphic design.

Earning Certification: A Three-Step Process

Level One - New in-person training, and offered online

Whether you’ve been on the job for two days or 27 years, Level I teaches the foundational building blocks crucial for every flexographer.

Level Two - Offered Online

Every job has its own function. Level II becomes more specific to the user’s specific roles, applications and equipment.

Level Three - Offered Online

Level III demonstrates how to apply the science of FIRST methodology by running to the numbers to control the process.

Cancellation Policy: All cancellation requests must be submitted to FTA in writing no later than 30 days prior to the event and are subject to a 30% fee. No refunds will be issued for cancellations received within two weeks of the event. Substitutions are permitted and must also be submitted in writing. No-shows will not be eligible for refunds

NEW! Flexo Fundamentals for
Non-Production Roles

Flexo Fundamentals gives non-production professionals a clear understanding of flexographic printing—equipping them to communicate confidently and collaborate more effectively across the packaging workflow.

REGISTRATION OPEN!

REGISTRATION OPEN!

Explore the early schedule lineup!