One of the joint efforts presented by ink companies and Technical Associate Members (TAMs) through the National Printing Ink Research Institute (NPIRI) is the Printing Ink Technology Course. It is intended to provide a platform that encourages a common understanding of fundamentals, and from that, a more effective working relationship with your suppliers and customers. The NPIRI Summer Course will held July 8-13 at Fox Valley Technical College in Appleton, WI.

“The NPIRI Summer Course is an exceptionally unique educational opportunity which appeals to both experienced ink technicians and those new to the field,” said George Fuchs, director – environmental affairs and technology for the National Association of Printing Ink Manufacturers (NAPIM). “The scope and depth of the NPIRI Summer Course is unmatched by any other course or seminar. This is the course to learn about printing ink”

The Summer Course will provide comprehensive, in-depth yet flexible coverage of the subject matter and is intended for those involved in the technical and sales side of the ink industry. The course is designed to bring new employees up to speed quickly, as well as provide more experienced employees the fundamental understanding necessary to improve, update and expand their skill sets.

“Attendees can expect an ‘immersion’ type environment in which introductory and advanced concepts are reinforced with multiple practical/hands-on applications in an informal and interactive format,” said Mr. Fuchs. “This course is also an exceptional value among training courses of its type. The registration fee covers the course tuition – 5 full days of instruction, evening receptions, all meals (except dinner on July 11) and daily transportation from Appleton Holiday to Fox Valley Technical College.”

Whether it is in the lab, the plant or the printer’s pressroom, maximizing productivity by improving employee technical skills is what these courses are all about. Because of the dramatic increase in recent regulatory initiatives, a session on regulatory issues for ink manufacturers has been added to the 2012 syllabus.

The Summer Course is unique in several ways. This is the only course available that covers in detail where, how and why raw materials are used. Formulation, testing and application of printing inks are linked to raw material characteristics. It provides first-hand exposure to printing presses (offset, flexo and digital) interlaced with lectures and demonstrations. A notebook containing a comprehensive set of notes is provided to serve as a working tool after returning to the company. This book is exclusive to course attendees. Presented by industry experts from both ink companies and suppliers who know the language of the industry and the fundamental science.

“This course has been conducted by NPIRI since the mid-1960s,” said Mr. Fuchs. “Over time it has been modified to include newer technologies and instructional techniques but one thing hasn’t changed – the all but unanimous positive reviews from its attendees”

Members of NAPIM are entitled to a reduced registration fee. For more information contact George Fuchs at NAPIM office at 732-855-1525 or visit the 2012 NPIRI Summer Course page on its website at www.napim.org.