To participate, you simply download the following Excel questionnaire by CLICKING HERE.

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.

Is registration important in high speed inkjet?

Registration is just as critical in inkjet as with any other printing process and can very with press installation and then with head replacement.  The press should be checked at regular intervals.  This is relatively simple to do using a series of register marks and either a microscope or high-power viewing glass with a Vernier scale.  It is important to ensure that during the process the ink channels remain separate.  In a number of controllers, the 400 percent converted to black only, giving perfect registration.  To overcome this issue, use a series of targets comprises of two colors only.

What steps do I need to follow to ensure shore hardness is measured correctly?

Shore hardness is used to measure the hardness of materials such as roller sleeves made of rubber, flexographic printing plates, etc., defined in accordance with ISO standards.  To ensure that this is measured correctly, the durometer should be in good condition, the measurement made in the vertical position, and any rocking or motion needs to be eliminated from the measurement.

With some employees, the problem isn't a matter of ability, it's a matter of attitude -- everything from quiet disobedience to outright insubordination. How should managers respond? Rather than becoming entangled in a debate about the employee's dysfunctional attitude, it's wise to address the situation as a behavioral problem.

These tips can help:

Put problem people in perspective. Don't take their antics personally.

Be assertive. Don't expect an employee to read your mind. Let him or her know when you are annoyed, upset or disappointed.

Give and request feedback. Don't stew over what an employee may be thinking. Ask.
Deal directly and discreetly. Choose face-to-face talks in private to discuss an employee's attitude or behavior.

Always document all communications to prevent lies or faulty recollections from taking over later.

Be straightforward. Remain matter-of-fact and you won't encourage an employee to play games.

Be gracious. Rudeness doesn't give you the right to respond in kind.

Source: Managing People at Work

Printing companies today need to grow in order to remain healthy.  As adding volume organically continues to be a challenge, growing by acquisition is a very realistic growth strategy.

Merging with or acquiring another company is a viable method of strengthening your company's financial position and provides the added volume necessary to stabilize pricing to attract and retain customers.

This 90 minute program will cover:

• The methods, advantages and pitfalls of employing acquisitions as a business growth strategy

• What to look for in a potential merger or acquisition

• How to best position your company should you wish to sell