Q I’m after a printer to produce 60,000-100,000 copies of a broadsheet job of 600x420mm that folds down with three folds to A5 4/4 on 70-80gsm stock. 
David Cook
Via phone

A Sounds like it might be one for some of the smaller contract web offset printers. Try Apple Web Offset on 01925 285700 (www.tradermediaprintgroup.co.uk/apple) or Mortons Print on 01507 529255 (www.mortonsprint.com). Failing those, maybe get Webmart on the case, www.webmartuk.com.

Q My silkscreen business has taken on digital textile printing to broaden its services. The technology is rather new to us so what software do we need to consider?
Name and address supplied

A There’s plenty of textile-specific software out there, so I’ll take you through some factors to consider when handling textile design images, so that shopping around won’t be so daunting. Make sure the software accepts textile industry file formats such as CAD and screen separation programs such as CST, as well as common graphic file formats like TIFF. You need print layout functions such as ‘step and repeat’, design coordinates, multi-image placement, etc. The software needs to be able to manage expanded ink sets beyond CMYK, depending on your printer. Ink control functions need to be able to manage higher ink densities required for colour saturation of fabric. Screen print simulation features would be useful, if the digital output needs to match to production. To get you started, here are a few firms that develop or sell digital textile printing software: DGS Dua Graphic Systems, DigiFab Systems, DPInnovations, DuPont Ink Jet, Image Technologies, and Wasatch.

FOGRA #2
On 11 July I quoted Paul Sherfield as saying there is no certification to ISO 12647/2 (the standard required to achieve Fogra certification) other than by unapproved bodies. Ian Reid has been in touch to say that UK printers can become Fogra-certified with Bodoni Systems. He goes on to say that, while the Fogra certification, officially called Fogra Process Standard Offset (PSO) certification, is based on ISO 12647-2, it incorporates more than just print and requires control and measurement of displays, proofs, plates and lighting, as well as print.