ESMA Objectives
· To raise the quality standards of specialist printing through the development and standardisation of the different process parameters.
· To ensure greater technical reproducibility through test and measurement procedures.

Accomplishments
The TDS-Committee has a continuous programme to develop recommendations for the standardisation of screen printing and the results are reflected in:
· ESMA test film to establish optimum exposure time.
· Standard formats for frames and machines.
· Standard stencil for CD printing.
· Standard stencil marking.
· Standard minimum distance of printed image to inner frame edge.
· Standard evaluation of fabric tension.
· A paper on 'The easier transfer of squeegee pressure to various machines and/or N/cm squeegee lengths.'
· A data sheet to record the most important parameters considering all technical aspects of a printing job.
· Possible Test Methods - Drying or Curing of UV-Inks.
· Research programme on standard frame sizes.
· Pin Registration system.
· Adjustment and calibration of energy sensors for UV light sources.
· An article on stencil exposure.
· Methods for testing the age of lamps.
· Work on digital and pad printing issues.
· Complete review of CTS system (Computer To Screen) with all existing solutions.

Current Projects
In order to further improve reproducibility and transferability of screen printing, the TDS-Committee is working on five important and complex projects:

· Emulsion Coating Parameters.
· An article on "Outdoor LIfe of Inks".
· A study about design of UV Driers
· Stretching systems : review the best way(s) of stretching.
· Digital Prepress : review of all different systems

Value to ESMA Members
· Advance information on future standards and the opportunity to influence standards.
· Uniform procedures for members' own research and product development.
· Increased communication resulting in more focused innovations.

Benefits to the user of Specialist Printing
Through standardisation, materials and equipment from manufacturers become more compatible, resulting in more economical production.

ESMA Objectives
· To represent members' interests by negotiating with suppliers and regulatory bodies (eg European Commission) on a wide range of health, safety and environmental issues.
· To act as a centralised source of information on best practice and regulations regarding health, safety and environmental protection.

Accomplishments
· Established a network of e-contacts for Health and Safety across the EU.
· ESMA has worked to ensure Community directives are acceptable and workable within our industry.
· Communication of the results of a project initiated to establish best practice in the using of screen cleaning solvents.
· Regular information on a number of issues including:
o European regulations on the control of solvents.
o Packaging recovery arrangements established in various EU countries.
o Safety and health concerns on a wide range of chemicals and their relevant marking standards.
o Published Information on Chemical Hazards, Dermatitis, Environmental Labelling, Hazardous Waste, Phthalates, Use of Personal Protective Equipment, Understanding Material Safety Data Sheets, Vegetable Cleaning Solvents, etc.
o Established Best Practice standards of labelling and data sheet presentation for all ESMA members.
o Transportation of dangerous goods.

Current Projects
· Eco-labelling
· Implementation Consequences of the Dangerous Preparations Directive.
· Dermatitis in Screen Printing.
· Acrylate Classification.
· The new European Chemicals Policy.
· Global Harmonisation of Supply Labelling.
· Various chemical issues such as; NVP - latest EC Report; Solvent Health Effects and Glycol Ethers - EC Risk Assessment in Printing - SAICM - Seveso II directive.

Value to ESMA Members
· The opportunity to influence decisions of EU authorities.
· The interpretation, collation and communication of up-to-date information and forthcoming regulation.
· Standardisation of best practice amongst our members.
· Fast, efficient and effective solutions to many health, safety and environmental problems.

Benefits to Specialist Printers
· The confidence of having the best advice on health, safety and environmental issues when buying from an ESMA member.
· Contribution to lowering running costs by the skilful interpretation of regulations by our members.

ESMA Objectives
• To promote the strengths and in particular newest innovations of screen, digital, and pad printing to users of these technologies whether they be traditional or industrial.

Accomplishments
• GlassPrint - an Industry event to promote the specialist technologies for glass
• An on-going programme of factory visits and studies amongst a range of industries including
electronics, CD, glass, and pre-press technologies.
• Identification of the working parameters within specialist printing applications through industry surveys.
• A programme for improved communication with industry.
• Seminars for members on a variety of specialized uses of specialist printing techniques.


Value to ESMA Members
• The universal promotion of specialist printing technologies leading to an increased awareness of their value for the user
• The identification of new markets through a closer understanding of the special needs of specialist printers.
• Inter-active association of ESMA members, contributing to improved productivity and increased customer base.

Benefits to Screen Printers
• Contact to state-of-the-art technologies from Europe's leading suppliers
• An increased awareness of the value specialist printing offers users of these technologies for traditional but in particular industrial printers
• Users gain from the activities of ESMA and from a steadily increasing access to the more generalised world of screen, digital, and pad printing.
• Graphics printers benefit from a knowledge of the technical requirements of industrial users.