Addressing Recruitment and Training Challenges with Virtual Reality

One of the most common problems we hear from printing companies is the inability to attract new press operators. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the printing industry has seen a 25 percent decrease in employment over the last decade, an issue shared with most manufacturing sectors. Discussions on how to attract the next … Continued

International Standard Provides New Color Management System

RESTON, VA—The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) has announced the completion of the development of ISO 20677, Image technology colour management — Extensions to architecture, profile format and data structure. The ISO Technical Committee 130, Joint Working Group 7 (TC130/JWG7) that developed this international standard works closely with the International Color Consortium (ICC) on standards … Continued

3M Reveals Process Behind Adopting Color Management

For years, the print industry has been managing color visually with the help of press operators, various analog proofing systems and color chip books. Unfortunately, there is a lot of variability in this process. However, over the last decade we have been witness to many advancements in color measurement equipment, processes and standards. These advancements … Continued

Better Together: Restoring Order in the Packaging Design & Print World

The relationship between designers, printers and consumers can often emulate that of a “superhero” blockbuster movie. But who is the superhero and who will restore order? Creating the perfect match between how a design is envisioned and how that design appears in print can be challenging and grueling. But it is worth the fight to … Continued

Using VR and AR to Measure Consumer Behavior and Inform Packaging Design

Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR)—No doubt you’ve heard both of these terms, but what’s the difference between them and why do they matter when it comes to flexography and packaging? In simple terms, virtual reality completely replaces what you’re seeing with virtual objects, while augmented reality overlays those virtual objects or information on … Continued

NPES Rebrands as Association for Print Technologies

RESTON, VA—NPES, The Association for Suppliers of Printing, Publishing and Converting Technologies, announces a name change to the Association for Print Technologies (APT). The new identity is a nod to the association’s signature annual event, PRINT, and signifies progress toward the completion of its Strategic Business Plan for the industry that launched in January 2017, … Continued