‘Test Targets 10’ focuses on broad array of print media issues

by Kevin Fuller

The standardization of printing, process control and color management are all at the center of the latest edition of the popular printing industry publication Test Targets 10, published by Rochester Institute of Technology.

The publication contains six papers, authored by School of Print Media faculty, students and industry professionals. Two papers focus on printing standardization and conformity assessment, two papers look at the effects of paper containing optical brightening agents, one paper discusses ink verification and another looks at a press calibration comparison.

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Second monograph in 2011-2012 research agenda is released to the public

A newly released research monograph from the Printing Industry Center at RIT analyzes the factors contributing to the selection of paper for books of reproduced fine art printed on digital presses. Titled “An Analysis of the Factors Influencing Paper Selection for Books of Reproduced Fine Art Printed on Digital Presses” (PICRM-2012-02) the monograph is authored by Brian Gamm, a graduate student in the Munsell Color Science Laboratory; Franziska Frey, Ph.D., former McGhee Distinguished Professor, School of Print Media; and Susan Farnand, staff scientist, Carlson Center for Imaging Science.

The research involved three stages: first, interviews with 13 professionals involved in the production of fine art books; second, a psychophysical experiment in which observers ranked images on the basis of image quality; and third, physical measurements of the sample papers. The experimentation used a set of four images—representing four types of art media—which were printed on twelve papers using two digital presses. Results from the psychophysical experiment were analyzed, and a model was developed to predict the probability that a paper was ranked in the top three.

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In a recent European survey, paper proved to be the still favored medium of all age groups -- including young adults -- for reading and safe keeping of documents. Read the full Fast Fact here.

First monograph in 2011-2012 research agenda is released to the public

A newly released research monograph from the Printing Industry Center at RIT studies the amount of personalized print produced by printing companies in Europe. Titled “Personalization in Europe” (PICRM-2012-01) the monograph is authored by Jeanette Bredsten, a graduate student in the School of Print Media, and Patricia A. Sorce, Ph.D., Fawcett Distinguished Professor, School of Print Media.

The survey-based study investigated the amount of personalized print produced by printing companies in Europe, the challenges these printers are facing when producing personalized jobs, and how the market for personalized printing in Europe differs from that in the US. The survey was sent to members of the International Confederation of Printing and Allied Industries (Intergraf), with a total of 37 companies participating.

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by Kevin Fuller

Photographing a historic Rochester landmark in grand and unique fashion is the goal of this year’s Big Shot at Rochester Institute of Technology.

As part of RIT’s 27th annual Big Shot, photographers and light painters alike will head to Seabreeze Amusement Park to make the nighttime photograph on May 3.

“We’re really excited to be able to photograph part of Rochester’s rich history,” says RIT faculty member Michael Peres, who co-organizes the event. “This year we are going to stage a huge production because of the venue and we’re always thrilled to have the greater Rochester community involved.”

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