The journey to producing the perfect print comprises many steps, such as data check, prepress, offset printing, digital printing, postpress, trimming and shipping. To achieve best possible results, Onlineprinters uses state-of-the-art technology, qualified employees and continuous quality control. We were one of the first printers in Europe to have our production department certified by independent auditors according to the most important certification schemes in the printing industry.
Our practices in industrial online printing were successfully certified by the auditors. This enables us to produce a variety of printed products with fast turnover and achieve repeatable, predictable results.
ProcessStandard Offset (PSO)
ProcessStandard Offset (PSO) describes an industry-focused and standardised method for the production of printed products based on the international ISO 12647 standard series. PSO is the "gold standard" in the printing industry. It is used to assure the quality of printing processes from data acquisition all the way through to the final product.
This means that the production processes are monitored, controlled and checked before they are certified in a last step.
ProcessStandard Digital (PSD)
During PSD certification, the print result must satisfy standardised ISO printing and proofing conditions: The standard-compliant measurements assure process control and quality assurance and correlate well with the perception of the human eye. The quality management comprises all organised processes and quality assurance activities in digital printing aimed at improving products, processes or services.
Postpress
To achieve optimum print results, trimming, folding, stitching and adhesive binding are very important. The quality audit for the certification of the postpress operations examines exactly these steps during preparation and implementation in production.
The following criteria have to be met: marks for trimming, folding and collating, dry and abrasion-proof inks, quality control systems and clean workplaces.
Our quality features
When applying the ink, all four colours must be exactly on top of each other to prevent register errors.
Not too much, not too little: The machine operator must know how to apply the perfect amount of ink to the respective substrate.
The colour quality of each sheet is verified under a standard light source.
Among others, the sheet needs a sheet signature mark, crop marks, registration marks and print control strips.
The paper is folded parallel to the grain direction of the paper to prevent ugly edges.
Different types of postpress require different quality features.
Four-colour offset printing (CMYK) uses aluminium plates that are exposed. Their register accuracy must be less than 53 micrometres.
Certified companies must prove that they have a quality management manual and continuously control the quality of their processes and services.
To prevent that residue from previous print jobs contaminates the current print, the workplace must be kept clean at all times.
About the certifying bodies
About Ugra which performed our PSO and postpress certification
Ugra, the accredited Swiss Center of Competence for Print and Media Technology, promotes the standardisation of the international printing industry. An accredited certification body in Switzerland, the work of Ugra focuses on research and auditing activities.
Since 1986, Ugra has been an active member of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and represents Switzerland in the ISO committees ISO TC 130 (printing industry) and ISO TC 6 (paper industry).
About Fogra which performed our PSD certification
The Fogra Research Institute for Media Technologies in Munich promotes the research, development and application of printing technology. The association is a member of the ISO TC 130 (printing industry) committee and advocates the standardisation of printing standards.
About CtP & Print
The focus of CtP & Print QualityControl is to optimise processes according to the ISO printing standard and quality assurance for the printing and media industry across processes. Founded by Thomas M. Schnitzler in 2004, the company introduced the first European postpress certification at Onlineprinters in 2017 together with Ugra.