Charlotte, NC – A planned FFTA online auction to fund operator certification scholarships got a major boost recently -- a new Phantom Proofer System donated by HarperScientific, the printing and coating supplies division of global anilox supplier Harper Corporation of America.

The spring 2011 auction will generate scholarships for those individuals interested in pursuing a FIRST 'Press' or 'Prepress' Operator Certification. The certification program, sponsored by the Foundation of Flexographic Technical Association (FFTA), is a curriculum composed of multi-level coursed designed and assess specific flexographic skill sets and knowledge via online course study and examinations.

In soliciting auction-worthy donations, FFTA has expressed particular interested in signature items such as press equipment/accessories, ancillary supplies, idle press time and direct mail services. The HarperScientific contribution meshes well with FFTA auction goals.

The Phantom Proofer is a precision ink delivery device that incorporates a laser engraved ceramic anilox roll, doctor blade metering and a rubber transfer roll.  This combination lays down a specific amount of ink onto the substrate producing a proof that can be used for density or ?E measurements. HarperScientific's donation includes the Phantom proofer assembly, a standard traditional laser-engraved ceramic roll, one 45 or 55 durometer rubber transfer roll, a storage case as well as accessory parts.     

"Support for education initiatives and formal certification within the printing and coating industry is an ongoing interest for us," said Jim Harper, Vice President of the HarperScientific division. "We're proud to help advance the good work FFTA stands for; we hope the auction will attract all the interest and participation such a worthy event deserves."