WAN-Ifra has closed its print quality laboratory at RIND’s premises in Chennai, transferring the testing equipment to nearby Anna University.
An agreement hands the IGT Printability Tester to the Chennai university’s CEG printing and packaging technology department, together with the technical knowledge to operate it. Both parties will explore opportunities for joint projects, with WAN-Ifra retaining access to the equipment for future testing requirements.
The IGT testing equipment simulates printing conditions to assess ink performance and paper printability, with the High Speed Printing Unit IV evaluating ink performance and paper runnability at press speed. An IGT AIC 2-5 printability tester measures ink consumption, drying, colour reproduction and other print quality parameters, helping publishers predict print quality, reduce paper breaks during production and improve efficiency.
Head of CEG’s printing and packaging technology department Dr. M. Kanchana said the printability tester will provide students with hands-on experience facilitate research on print quality optimisation and the development of innovative, sustainable printing materials. “We look forward to translating this collaboration into meaningful research outcomes aligned with the evolving needs of the printing industry.”
WAN-Ifra has enjoyed a longstanding collaboration with the department, with most recently, it contributing to the evaluation and jury process for the International Colour Quality Club 2026–2028 competition: “This initiative reinforces our commitment to industry-academia collaboration and nurturing future talent for the printing industry, said WAN-Ifra South Asia managing director Magdoom Mohamed.