10.20.14
Flexographic Technical Association (FTA) has announced the release of the newly updated FIRST 5.0 (Flexographic Image Reproduction Specifications & Tolerances).
The continual advancements in the flexographic printing process have necessitated revisions to the industry’s primary reference guide. FTA’s FIRST Committee, under the management of chair Mark Mazur, DuPont Packaging Graphics, and co-chair Robb Frimming, SCHAWK!, orchestrated the update.
FTA reorganized, restructured and revised the content to ensure that FIRST 5.0 included the latest international industry standards, practices and terminology.
The opening chapter now explicitly details FIRST methodology. In previous versions, much of this information was found in the Print section.
The Implementation & Communication chapter has seen major revisions to its Optimization, Press Fingerprint, Process Control, Press Characterization and Process Improvement sections. In addition, the Internal and External Communication sections features a complete “How-to” guide that aligns with the material found in FTA’s Flexography: Principles & Practices 6.0 (FP&P), the leading textbook for flexographic package printing and converting for the past 50 years.
Moreover, every portion of the Design section has seen refinements in order to reflect best practices and remove obsolete references and terminology. The sections on Template Layout/Die Cut Specifications, Types of Proofs: Contract Proofs and Understanding Color Management, now all include a reference to profile synchronization. The section on Typography also now includes additional considerations when handling small stroked type and PDF’s.
FIRST 5.0’s Prepress chapter highlights best practices for vignettes, gradations and transparency and effects, in addition to boasting a significant amount of material on screening options (circular, fogra-round, hybrid and solid screening).
The Print section has been completely rewritten, making it more user-friendly and aligned with the material espoused in FP&P 6.0. Plus, a new section has been introduced—Optimizing the Process Color Gamut—which delves into ISO 12647-6 “Flexographic Printing” and ISO 12647-2 “Graphic Technology” standards.
FIRST 5.0 now addresses Creative Briefs and Style Guides, QR codes, Data Matrix Codes, and snap tags, as well.
The continual advancements in the flexographic printing process have necessitated revisions to the industry’s primary reference guide. FTA’s FIRST Committee, under the management of chair Mark Mazur, DuPont Packaging Graphics, and co-chair Robb Frimming, SCHAWK!, orchestrated the update.
FTA reorganized, restructured and revised the content to ensure that FIRST 5.0 included the latest international industry standards, practices and terminology.
The opening chapter now explicitly details FIRST methodology. In previous versions, much of this information was found in the Print section.
The Implementation & Communication chapter has seen major revisions to its Optimization, Press Fingerprint, Process Control, Press Characterization and Process Improvement sections. In addition, the Internal and External Communication sections features a complete “How-to” guide that aligns with the material found in FTA’s Flexography: Principles & Practices 6.0 (FP&P), the leading textbook for flexographic package printing and converting for the past 50 years.
Moreover, every portion of the Design section has seen refinements in order to reflect best practices and remove obsolete references and terminology. The sections on Template Layout/Die Cut Specifications, Types of Proofs: Contract Proofs and Understanding Color Management, now all include a reference to profile synchronization. The section on Typography also now includes additional considerations when handling small stroked type and PDF’s.
FIRST 5.0’s Prepress chapter highlights best practices for vignettes, gradations and transparency and effects, in addition to boasting a significant amount of material on screening options (circular, fogra-round, hybrid and solid screening).
The Print section has been completely rewritten, making it more user-friendly and aligned with the material espoused in FP&P 6.0. Plus, a new section has been introduced—Optimizing the Process Color Gamut—which delves into ISO 12647-6 “Flexographic Printing” and ISO 12647-2 “Graphic Technology” standards.
FIRST 5.0 now addresses Creative Briefs and Style Guides, QR codes, Data Matrix Codes, and snap tags, as well.