The National Printing Ink Research Institute (NPIRI) is holding its 2011 Summer Course, July 10-15 at Fox Valley Technical College in Appleton, WI. This joint effort presented by ink companies and Technical Associate Members (TAMs) through NPIRI, is intended to provide a platform that encourages a common understanding of fundamentals and a more effective working relationship between suppliers and customers.

The Summer Course provides comprehensive, in-depth, yet flexible, coverage of the subject matter. The course is designed to bring new employees, both technical and sales, up to speed quickly and provide more experienced employees with the fundamental understanding necessary to improve, update and expand their skill sets. Whether it is in the lab, the plant or the printer’s pressroom, the course is designed to maximize productivity by improving employee’s technical skills. Because of the increase in recent regulatory initiatives, a session on regulatory issues for ink manufacturers has been added to the 2011 syllabus.

“This course is unique in its focus on printing ink from a technical and formulator perspective,” said George Fuchs, director – regulatory affairs and technology, National Association of Printing Ink Manufacturers (NAPIM). “There is no other course that goes into the level of detail. Previous attendees are impressed with the facility and the quality of the instructors. We moved it to Fox Valley because the venue allowed students to do training on flexo and offset presses. “

The instructors of the course have diverse experience throughout the industry including technical and manufacturing experience at ink companies, raw material suppliers and commercial printers. “This gives students a comprehensive overview of the printing and packaging industry as a whole,” said Kim Kroncke, senior research chemist. INX – Appleton lab manager. “The course covers a very broad range of topics. Students will learn everything from printing processes and preparations to raw materials choices and chemistry, ink formulations, quality testing procedures and new developments in the industry.

“It seems to be the only course offering an in-depth look at all aspects and characteristics of ink from the components to the finished application on the substrate,” said Matthew Kulengosky, group leader at Superior Printing Ink and a Summer Course attendee. “ Attendees can expect to gain a thorough understanding of ink composition, manufacturing and laboratory processes, printing and finishing.”

“There is a misconception that this course is only for technical people,” Mr. Fuchs continued. “Because it starts with the basics and goes all the way through, it’s good for sales and marketing people who want to learn more.”

Key Features of the Printing Ink Technology Course:

• This is the only course available which 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.