International standards terminology is often very difficult to comprehend, but its importance is invaluable to optimizing processes and producing superior quality print. Flexographic Technical Association’s (FTA) upcoming Forum 2015 will devote an entirely new session to focus on breaking down the complex technical language inherent with most standards documentation. Audience members will gain a clear understanding of standards and can put them into practical use.

The session, “De-Geek the Geeks: From Cloudy to Clear,” will take place on Monday, May 4 from 8:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. and is chaired by Malcolm Keif, California Polytechnic State University and Joe Tuccitto, FTA.

“Standards allow us to all play together in the sandbox. But let’s face it, standards can be rough to interpret. Often, they involve highly technical language and what appears to be a ridiculous amount of detail. This session will dive into the complex world of critical standards with the intent to demystify and translate, so that the average printer can apply them,” says Keif.

A host of experts, fluent in standards terminology and implementation, will describe two important standards: ISO 12647-6 (Graphic Technology — Process Control for the Production of Half-tone Color Separations, Proofs and Production Prints — Part 6: Flexographic Printing) and ISO DIS 3664:2009 (Graphic Technology and Photography – Viewing Conditions), which are critical for streamlining communication and producing accurate, repeatable results. Then, a panel of interpreters will clarify the terminology, so that attendees understand 12647-6 and 3664, without getting hung up on complicated language and definitions.

The panel of geeks include:

    Steve Smiley, SmileyColor & Associates, LLC
    Danny Rich, Sun Chemical Corporation

The panel of translators includes:

    Steve Balchi, Printpack
    Mark Mazur
    Richard Black, All Printing Resources
    Lon Robinson, Tension Corp.
    Robb Frimming, Schawk

FTA’s Annual Forum, themed “Hitting the Perfect Harmony,” will take place on May 3-6 at the Omni Nashville Hotel in Nashville, TN. Coinciding with Forum is the annual INFO*FLEX Exhibition (May 4-5; Music City Center), which features 280 exhibit spaces showcasing hundreds of the latest products and services for the package printing and converting industry.