Discussion: View Thread

Hello guys
Do climate conditions matter for the warehouse where general offset  printing raw materials are kept?

Are these specified somewhere in ISO ?

In other words, if a printer is located in a city whose temperature or climate conditions tend to be  extremist in nature ie during the day if outside temperature is hot, tends to be very hot there, and when it's cold, also day becomes very cold too; does it's warehouse located in the back, with just the wall and roof protecting it from outside climatic conditions; does that warehouse needs to have some kind of relative humidity and temperature controls, if all printing raw materials are kept there ie process and pantone inks, fount solution, IPA, rollers and plate wash, ctp thermal plates, gum, ctp plate developer chemistry etc etc

If they do, generally speaking how would print be affected if general  warehouse holding period for those raw materials is around 15 to 45 days and sometimes ctp plates for example would be stored in such conditions up to 60days before the box is opened and plates burned for press, taking into consideration that the other raw materials being used in that workflow would have been subjected between 15 to 45 days inside the warehouse without climate controls?

Generally speaking, your thoughts will be greatly appreciated because when they print, they are experiencing variations in inexplicable total press impressions output before a breakdown is reported by press operators ?? Sometimes 5000 others 13000, 24000, 70000 etc before a breakdown is experienced.

Thanks in advance 

Regards

Edward Duwariti 

G7 Exper

------------------------------
Edward Duwariti
Nationwide Training and Compunet Services SA de CV
Reforma
email us
------------------------------

YES

Extreme temperatures and humidity can affect all of those things in the warehouse. Thermal ctp storage temperature recommended (from one manufacturer) is 15-27 degrees celsius. Same with the ink. The humidity levels can really affect paper.

------------------------------
John Barnhart
IT/Prepress
Mines Press
Cortlandt Manor NY
(800) 447-6788
------------------------------

Temperature and humidity control in warehousing is indeed critical for most printing materials.

ISO Standards and Requirements

Several ISO standards address storage conditions for printing materials:

- ISO 12647 (Process control for offset printing) references material storage indirectly
- ISO 2846 (Printing ink specifications) includes storage recommendations
- ISO 12218 (Process control for offset platemaking) provides specific guidelines for plate storage
- ISO 20654 covers storage conditions for printing substrates

Generally, these standards recommend:
- Temperature: 20-25°C (68-77°F) with maximum daily variation of ±2°C
- Relative humidity: 50-60% with maximum daily variation of ±5%

Effects of Improper Storage on Specific Materials

CTP Thermal Plates
Plates are particularly sensitive to environmental conditions. When stored in fluctuating temperatures:
- Photosensitive coatings may deteriorate prematurely
- Humidity can cause oxidation of the aluminum base
- Temperature cycling can lead to dimensional instability
- Shelf life can be reduced from 12-18 months to as little as 2-3 months

The 60-day storage period you mentioned is particularly concerning for plates in uncontrolled environment

Printing Inks
Inks stored in extreme conditions exhibit:
- Viscosity changes affecting ink transfer and trapping
- Separation of components in process inks
- Unstable drying characteristics
- Color shift in pantone formulations

Chemistry (Developers, Fountain Solutions, IPA)
Chemical solutions are severely affected by temperature extremes:
- Accelerated evaporation of volatile components
- Precipitation of active ingredients
- Reduced effectiveness of wetting agents
- Altered pH balance in fountain solutions

Press Components (Rollers, Blankets)
- Rubber compounds harden or soften outside optimal temperature range
- Dimensional changes affect nip settings
- Accelerated aging reduces resilience

Connection to Press Breakdowns

The variation in impressions before breakdown (5,000 to 70,000) strongly indicates materials degradation from environmental exposure. The correlation between storage time and performance suggests cumulative damage from climate fluctuations.

Press problems typically manifest as:
- Inconsistent ink transfer
- Premature plate wear
- Poor dampening system performance
- Roller stripping or glazing
- Variable print quality throughout runs

Recommendations

1. Install basic climate control in the warehouse (even if not to full ISO specifications)
2. Monitor temperature and humidity with data loggers
3. Consider shorter inventory cycles for sensitive materials
4. Create a smaller climate-controlled room for plates and chemicals if a full warehouse system isn't feasible
5. Implement first-in-first-out inventory management
6. Store materials in their original packaging until needed

These improvements would likely result in more consistent press performance and predictable maintenance intervals.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

------------------------------
Michael Soli
FxColor
Miami FL
(772) 203-2254
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 3/11/2025 10:20:00 AM
From: Michael Soli
Subject: RE: Best Climate or Warehouse Conditions for Printing Raw Materials

Temperature and humidity control in warehousing is indeed critical for most printing materials.

ISO Standards and Requirements

Several ISO standards address storage conditions for printing materials:

- ISO 12647 (Process control for offset printing) references material storage indirectly
- ISO 2846 (Printing ink specifications) includes storage recommendations
- ISO 12218 (Process control for offset platemaking) provides specific guidelines for plate storage
- ISO 20654 covers storage conditions for printing substrates

Generally, these standards recommend:
- Temperature: 20-25°C (68-77°F) with maximum daily variation of ±2°C
- Relative humidity: 50-60% with maximum daily variation of ±5%

Effects of Improper Storage on Specific Materials

CTP Thermal Plates
Plates are particularly sensitive to environmental conditions. When stored in fluctuating temperatures:
- Photosensitive coatings may deteriorate prematurely
- Humidity can cause oxidation of the aluminum base
- Temperature cycling can lead to dimensional instability
- Shelf life can be reduced from 12-18 months to as little as 2-3 months

The 60-day storage period you mentioned is particularly concerning for plates in uncontrolled environment

Printing Inks
Inks stored in extreme conditions exhibit:
- Viscosity changes affecting ink transfer and trapping
- Separation of components in process inks
- Unstable drying characteristics
- Color shift in pantone formulations

Chemistry (Developers, Fountain Solutions, IPA)
Chemical solutions are severely affected by temperature extremes:
- Accelerated evaporation of volatile components
- Precipitation of active ingredients
- Reduced effectiveness of wetting agents
- Altered pH balance in fountain solutions

Press Components (Rollers, Blankets)
- Rubber compounds harden or soften outside optimal temperature range
- Dimensional changes affect nip settings
- Accelerated aging reduces resilience

Connection to Press Breakdowns

The variation in impressions before breakdown (5,000 to 70,000) strongly indicates materials degradation from environmental exposure. The correlation between storage time and performance suggests cumulative damage from climate fluctuations.

Press problems typically manifest as:
- Inconsistent ink transfer
- Premature plate wear
- Poor dampening system performance
- Roller stripping or glazing
- Variable print quality throughout runs

Recommendations

1. Install basic climate control in the warehouse (even if not to full ISO specifications)
2. Monitor temperature and humidity with data loggers
3. Consider shorter inventory cycles for sensitive materials
4. Create a smaller climate-controlled room for plates and chemicals if a full warehouse system isn't feasible
5. Implement first-in-first-out inventory management
6. Store materials in their original packaging until needed

These improvements would likely result in more consistent press performance and predictable maintenance intervals.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

------------------------------
Michael Soli
FxColor
Miami FL
(772) 203-2254
------------------------------

Yes, climate matters. Extreme temperature or humidity can affect inks, plates and chemicals, leading to inconsistent print results. Controlled storage is recommended.

------------------------------
Alfred George
NORTH ROCKS NSW
03197702011
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 11/13/2025 5:03:00 AM
From: Alfred George
Subject: RE: Best Climate or Warehouse Conditions for Printing Raw Materials

Yes, climate matters. Extreme temperature or humidity can affect inks, plates and chemicals, leading to inconsistent print results. Controlled storage is recommended.

------------------------------
Alfred George
NORTH ROCKS NSW
03197702011
------------------------------

I would like to acknowledge the above recommendations. I have attached an SOP in word format connected to climate requirement for printing industry. The content can be slightly modified to suit the press room. 

------------------------------
K. Panthala Selvan
Managing Director
Pressman Solutions - Idealliance South Asia/India
Chennai, Tamil Nadu
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 11-14-2025 07:51 AM
From: Dariusz Kogut
Subject: Best Climate or Warehouse Conditions for Printing Raw Materials

The climate conditions in which inks are stored and printing occurs play a critical role in maintaining color consistency and the chemical stability of materials. Two key factors-temperature and humidity-have the greatest impact:

 

• Temperature: Inks are sensitive to heat and cold. High temperatures can cause inks to thin, leading to excessive flow and color shifts, while low temperatures can make inks too viscous, resulting in poor transfer and uneven coverage. Ideally, inks should be stored and used in a controlled environment, typically between 18°C and 24°C (64°F–75°F).
• Humidity: Moisture levels affect both inks and paper. High humidity can cause paper to absorb moisture, leading to curling, wrinkling, and ink bleeding. Low humidity, on the other hand, can make paper brittle and increase static, causing feeding issues. Maintaining relative humidity between 45% and 55% is recommended for optimal print quality.
•  

Failure to control these conditions can result in color inconsistencies, chemical imbalances, and compromised paper integrity-all of which lead to poor print quality and increased waste.

 

Dariusz Kogut Production Development Manager
301 Arthur Court, Bensenville, IL USA 60106
Main: (630) 616-2750 Ext. 346
Fax: (630) 616-9371
www.VictorEnvelope.com

Disclaimer

The information contained in this communication from the sender is confidential. It is intended solely for use by the recipient and others authorized to receive it. If you are not the recipient, you are hereby notified that any disclosure, copying, distribution or taking action in relation of the contents of this information is strictly prohibited and may be unlawful.

This email has been scanned for viruses and malware, and may have been automatically archived by Mimecast, a leader in email security and cyber resilience. Mimecast integrates email defenses with brand protection, security awareness training, web security, compliance and other essential capabilities. Mimecast helps protect large and small organizations from malicious activity, human error and technology failure; and to lead the movement toward building a more resilient world. To find out more, visit our website.

Original Message:
Sent: 11/13/2025 5:03:00 AM
From: Alfred George
Subject: RE: Best Climate or Warehouse Conditions for Printing Raw Materials

Yes, climate matters. Extreme temperature or humidity can affect inks, plates and chemicals, leading to inconsistent print results. Controlled storage is recommended.

------------------------------
Alfred George
NORTH ROCKS NSW
03197702011
------------------------------

Thanks very much Dariusz
Noted

Regards,
Edward

@Sent from my iPhone Exchange Sync


Original Message:
Sent: 11/14/2025 7:52:00 AM
From: Dariusz Kogut
Subject: RE: Best Climate or Warehouse Conditions for Printing Raw Materials

The climate conditions in which inks are stored and printing occurs play a critical role in maintaining color consistency and the chemical stability of materials. Two key factors-temperature and humidity-have the greatest impact:

 

• Temperature: Inks are sensitive to heat and cold. High temperatures can cause inks to thin, leading to excessive flow and color shifts, while low temperatures can make inks too viscous, resulting in poor transfer and uneven coverage. Ideally, inks should be stored and used in a controlled environment, typically between 18°C and 24°C (64°F–75°F).
• Humidity: Moisture levels affect both inks and paper. High humidity can cause paper to absorb moisture, leading to curling, wrinkling, and ink bleeding. Low humidity, on the other hand, can make paper brittle and increase static, causing feeding issues. Maintaining relative humidity between 45% and 55% is recommended for optimal print quality.
•  

Failure to control these conditions can result in color inconsistencies, chemical imbalances, and compromised paper integrity-all of which lead to poor print quality and increased waste.

 

Dariusz Kogut Production Development Manager
301 Arthur Court, Bensenville, IL USA 60106
Main: (630) 616-2750 Ext. 346
Fax: (630) 616-9371
www.VictorEnvelope.com

Disclaimer

The information contained in this communication from the sender is confidential. It is intended solely for use by the recipient and others authorized to receive it. If you are not the recipient, you are hereby notified that any disclosure, copying, distribution or taking action in relation of the contents of this information is strictly prohibited and may be unlawful.

This email has been scanned for viruses and malware, and may have been automatically archived by Mimecast, a leader in email security and cyber resilience. Mimecast integrates email defenses with brand protection, security awareness training, web security, compliance and other essential capabilities. Mimecast helps protect large and small organizations from malicious activity, human error and technology failure; and to lead the movement toward building a more resilient world. To find out more, visit our website.