UK's First Digital Print Collaboration Centre Open

The UK's first Centre for Industrial Collaboration (CIC) in Digital Printing has been established at the University of Leeds.

The UK's first Centre for Industrial Collaboration (CIC) in Digital Printing has been established at the University of Leeds.

The university said that its aim with the CIC is to help businesses improve profitability and enhance performance,whilst giving them the tools to flourish with digital technology.

Operating out of the University's Department of Colour and Polymer Chemistry, the CIC aims to be a one stop shop for printing and print related industries, said the university.

The CIC is being headed up by Dr Long Lin, who has 20 years' experience in the research and development of print and packaging.

As head of the Digital Print CIC, he is responsible for a variety of research projects, from anti-counterfeit print and food packaging, to the printing of bio-chemicals on blood glucose test strips for the health sector.

Dr Lin will be supported by commercial manager, Dave Williams and administrator, Trevor Lambourne.

Dr Lin explained: "The University of Leeds is one of the world's leading centres of expertise in colour management and digital imaging, so it made sense to open the first Centre for Industrial Collaboration there.

Working with a highly experienced industry and post-graduate team, my role will be to transfer that knowledge and expertise to the print industry, through training, seminars and consultancy and to work with the sector to devise innovative new products in digital print and imaging.

Commenting on the role of the centre, commercial manager, Dave Williams said: "The centre will solve technical and development queries, including the integration of digital front-ends that improve productivity and increase flexibility.

From identifying efficient printing processes to colour management and quality control, we can help businesses refine their systems, and troubleshoot technical problems that arise during print.

He added that the centre will also partner with businesses to develop new digital print and digital imaging technologies to give companies a competitive advantage in the marketplace.

With resources such as micro level analysis of print and ink and substrate assessment, the centre can provide support, with a collaborative approach, to develop the most efficient and cost effective print systems, which can save both time and money.

He concluded: "The Digital CIC will also deliver a whole spectrum of services from trouble-shooting consultancy and training to technology transfer for the print and print-related sector.

We offer world class research and development resources, so when a business needs help with any aspect of its digital print activity, the centre can work towards the solution.

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