Wilhelm Imaging Research New Certified Image Permanence Testing Program and Seal Standardize Results to Better Inform the Customer
GRINNELL, Iowa--Feb. 20, 2005--Responding to the worldwide need for uniform test methods to evaluate and rate the permanence of digitally printed photographs, the leading independent image stability testing laboratory, Wilhelm Imaging Research, Inc. (WIR), today announced the establishment of the WIR Image Permanence Testing Program and WIR Test Certification Seals that will be awarded to qualified papers, inks, and printers.To qualify for use of the seal, a product must have a minimum WIR Display Permanence Rating of 25 years and a WIR Album/Dark Storage Rating at least equal to the display rating. Complete results and details of WIR test methods are available at www.wilhelm-research.com. Updated information, including ratings for ozone resistance, resistance to high humidity during display and storage, and water resistance will be posted on the WIR website as data becomes available.
Leading printer manufacturers Epson, HP, and Lexmark have been awarded the first certification seals for use with selected products. The seals will be shown at the Photo Marketing Association International (PMAI) Convention in Orlando, Florida, February 20-23, 2005. Other companies are expected to qualify for the WIR Certification program in the near future.
Read the full Wilhelm press release.
