Rochester Institute of Technology has extended the deadline until the end of June for its online survey for printers. The survey submissions are the first phase as the university determines the extent printers conform to well-defined printing standards. RIT is developing process audits and certification services for printers.

Since RIT launched the survey in May, nearly 150 printers from around the world have responded including printers from the United States, Spain, Canada, China, Denmark and Mexico.

Participants take an online survey, download test forms, conduct a press run and submit printed sheets to RIT for a free “checkup.” The online survey and free press sheet checkup are available until June 30. To participate and learn more about the printing standards audit, visit www.printlab.rit.edu/psa.

“The goal of RIT’s print standards survey is to capture the impact of standards and certification on printing operations around the world,” says Bob Chung, Gravure Research Professor in RIT’s School of Print Media. “We are well on our way to fulfilling this goal and hope more printers take the opportunity to complete the survey before the June 30 deadline.”

Upon color measurement and analysis, RIT will offer feedback to the participant, similar to a medical lab report, in terms of value, aim point and tolerances. Individual results are confidential and will only be disclosed to the particular printing firm. Once survey results are compiled, RIT will present its general findings (no specific company and scores will be mentioned) to all participating printers so they can evaluate how their results compare against other survey respondents.

In the second phase, RIT will partner with IDEAlliance, consult with auditing bodies in Europe and work with printing experts in the ISO/TC130 committee to develop process audit and certification services protocols that reflect the best practice for all. RIT will also offer public seminars to train companies about the importance of printing standards, methods and tools that are needed to achieve conformance.