ColorLok papers are engineered with special additives that result in faster drying time, more vivid colors and bolder blacks. These additives chemically react with inkjet inks, causing the ink to absorb more deeply into the paper while holding the pigment close to the surface.
Papers will be sent directly to and tested by the Printing Applications Laboratory (PAL).
Qualification Program Details
- Inkjet-specific performance
- Ink Draw Down test
- Ink Drop test
- Black line Raggedness test
- Bristow wheel Test
- Laser-specific performance
- Smoothness
- Electrical Surface Resistivity
- Filler Particle Size
- Wax Pick
- Physical properties
Applicable for performance on both Inkjet and Laser technologies- Basis weight
- Coefficient of Friction
- Moisture Content
- Stiffness
- Edge-cut quality
- Pre-print curl
Frequently Asked Questions
How long would it take to test the samples?
It will take approximately 2 weeks after paper samples are received to provide results if there is no backlog. PAL will confirm the testing schedule with each Paper Company upon receipt of the paper required for testing.
What is the qualification process?
1. Paper Company completes ColorLok Paper Qualification Testing Program Request Form and submits to:
- Rochester Institute of Technology
Printing Applications Laboratory
Attn: Barbara Giordano
bagter@rit.edu
or
Fax: 585-475-2690
2. Paper Company provides Qualification Paper Sample to PAL from every paper machine looking to get qualified. A paper machine will be qualified using the highest whiteness or Brightness paper produced on that paper machine. By qualifying the highest whiteness C/2 or highest Brightness ( GE/TAPPI or ISO ) paper, all other lower whiteness and brightness papers produced in that same paper machine will be qualified automatically. Note: Every conversion unit must be qualified in the case that Paper Company uses more than one conversion unit to finish the paper product.
The Qualification Paper Sample is 2 cartons of actual paper produced from the paper company without any printing required. The Qualification Paper Sample should include 1 carton of sample from the beginning of the production run, and 1 carton of sample from the end of the production run.
Ship required paper to:
- Rochester Institute of Technology
Printing Applications Laboratory
Building 78, Dock #5, Room 1535
Attn: Dan Clark/ ColorLok Paper Qualification Testing Program
66 Lomb Memorial Drive
Rochester, NY 14623
Material originating from outside the U.S. must include an original commercial invoice, and/or a bill of lading. This will assist with clearing the material through customs and reduce shipping delays.
4. PAL will confirm receipt of paper and testing schedule upon receipt of required paper and completed ColorLok Paper Qualification Testing Program Request form.
5. PAL will perform the tests required to assess if the paper meets the specifications set by the program.
6. Upon completion of testing, PAL will provide a summary report back to the Paper Company indicating pass/fail result.
What are the tests and methodology used?
The qualification program includes 3 main parts:
- Inkject-specific performance
- Dot gain
- Print Density
- Dry time
- Edge acuity
- Laser-specific performance
- Smoothness
- Electrical Surface Resistivity
- Filler Particle Size
- Wax Pick
- Physical properties applicable for performance on both Inkjet and Laser technologies
- Basis weight
- Coefficient of Friction
- Moisture content
- Stiffness
- Edge-cut quality
- Pre-print curl
Who developed these tests and the passing specifications?
HP developed these tests with the support and input from major paper and printer companies.
If a paper passes all tests, does a paper company automatically get the right to use the ColorLok logo?
No, passing PAL testing does not mean Paper Company can automatically obtain the rights to use the ColorLok logo. A Trademark License Agreement has to be signed to obtain the rights to use the ColorLok Logo. For details on this agreement please:
- For USA and Asia contact:
Kim Elliot
(858) 655-3847
Kim.elliot@hp.com
For Europe and Latin America contact:
Juan Castellanos
(858) 655-6003
Juan.castellanos@hp.com
Does PAL make the final determination as to who passes or fails the qualification?
Yes, PAL will make the final determination on whether the particular sample passes or fails the qualification. All tests must get a pass from PAL before proceeding further with the Trademark Licensing Agreement. If a Qualification Paper Sample fails the tests, there is a specific set of requirements for sample resubmission. Representation of the sample sent for qualification over multiple brands/weights/brightnesses/whiteness of the paper products, as well as other aspects of the production, will be specified further in the referred document. For more details, please contact us.
Would my samples and testing results be kept confidential by PAL?
Yes, PAL will not share your name or testing results with anyone unless Paper Company authorizes PAL to do so; however PAL will notify the Trademark Licensor if the paper passes or fails the tests as this is one of the requirements to get the rights to use the ColorLok trademark.
Are the qualification testing fees or costs subsidized by other companies or organizations?
No, the qualification cost will be covered by each individual paper company and be paid directly to PAL.
