Ask The Tech Experts is a resource of PIA's Center for Technology and Research that features the responses to questions covering a wide gamut of topics. 

If you would like to ask a technical question, simply email Dillon Mooney at  dmooney@printing.org or call PIA's toll-free hotline at 1-800-910-4283.

In flexographic printing I am starting to see ghosting appear in the prints.  Why?

This is often a featured caused by a dirty anilox roll.  In the first instance, clean the anilox roll.

How do I apply scents using an offset press?

Scented coatings consist of encapsulated scents that are included typically in a coating or varnish.  These come in a wide array of predefined scents, and in certain instances, new scents can be created by the manufacturer.  They are applied typically on the last printing unit or the coating unit using either a transfer blanket or flexo printing plate.  Solutions are available for conventional and UV applications.

What is the formula for web tension on a web press?

A general formula wold be: normal paper 6 lbs per linear inch; board 10 lbs per inch; newsprint 3 lbs per inch.  If you are using metric settings on our web press here is a conversion - 1 pound = 0.453592 kilograms.

Raise your prices?  In the face of all of the competition?  You must be joking?  But according to Bob Lindgren, it's easier than you think.

Your pricing process begins with your estimating software, so begin with making small adjustments in the factors in the system - the $200/hour press is now $208/hour, etc. When you do this make the changes small and do it without sharing the change with the sales reps (as they are already spooked by the competition) and certainly not with the clients.  Remember that the estimating system is the starting point of the price setting process which should focus on getting the order for as much as the client will pay.  All that you are doing is re-basing that process slightly upward and chances are that it will produce additional revenue with minimum pain.  Those additional dollars are pure profit as the cost of product is unchanged.  Remember also that we are custom manufacturers and while the estimating software thinks that all 32 page, four color brochures are the same, they look different and have different purposes.  That is a terrific advantage for us as it makes comparison difficult for the client.

The Presidents Conference of Printing Industries of America is the premier event for business leaders, top managers, and owners of companies that offer printing services.  Join us as we help enforce leadership skills and provide essential information on the latest industry trends and technologies through high profile speakers and three enticing tracks.

The program will be held at the stunning J.W. Marriott Resort in Palm Desert, California from March 6-9.  Register by January 29th and save $100!

Enjoy unparalleled networking opportunities with industry peers at one of America's finest resorts.

CLICK HERE to visit the conference website for more details.

    

We all know that our people are our greatest assets yet how often do we let them know just how valuable they are - particularly in front of their peers?

 

Each week, E-Connects shares incredible photos on just how lax individuals can be when it comes to safety. 

The goal - to keep a safe work environment front and center on the minds of all of your employees.

Pictured: Not a job for vertigo sufferers.

If you come across a funny safety pic you think should be featured, email Michael Makin at mmakin@wsprint.org.

Send your news to Michael Makin at  mmakin@wsprint.org. 

"Happiness lies in the joy of achievement and the thrill of creative effort."

Franklin D. Roosevelt