The prepress department also produces custom test targets and services such as plate evaluation and test form assembly. The Kronenberg Paper and Bassemir Ink Labs at GATF work both independently and in conjunction with on-press testing to offer a complete evaluation of materials interaction. Among the many materials that can be evaluated are paper, paperboard, blankets, and ink. Print quality can also be evaluated. Equipment includes scanning densitometers, colorimeters, spectrophotometers, plate measuring instruments, measuring devices, microscopes, image analysis instruments, computer workstations, print analysis software, and statistical and database software.
Product testing provides physical testing of graphic arts supplies and equipment.
Testing can focus on paper printability and runnability, ink performance, fountain solutions and additives, plates, rollers, blankets, competitive testing of products, and troubleshooting of printing problems. Click on the Lab Testing brochure for a list of printing equipment. Individual companies can also benefit from customized press tests performed on the Foundation's web offset and sheetfed presses or internal testing programs that can be conducted in-plant. The GATF research department conducts research both for the private sector and state and federal government agencies. Press research projects, e.g., environmental impact, print quality, runnability, etc.