Offset Printing
Printmaster QM 46 Is Centerpiece of Appalachian University Program
Tuesday 10. November 2009 - The Graphic Arts and Imaging Technology (GAIT) program at Appalachian State University in Boone, NC (http://www.tec.appstate.edu/gait/index.htm), is the proud owner of a Heidelberg Printmaster QM 46 2-color press, which has quickly become the centerpiece of its graphic arts curriculum.
“Its good for students to experience the newest technology in the form of this state-of-the-art small-format press,” said Dr. John R. Craft, Professor and Program Coordinator. Later on, he added, that experience could translate into improved job prospects, “because it sends human resource officers and future employers a message that theres a quality program underway at Appalachian State.”
Not only are students attracted to the press for its contemporary look and design, automated features and ease of use, Craft said, but several students also have logged significant extracurricular time on it for special independent projects, some of which have won awards. Classroom lab assignments have included the production of limited quantities of newsletters and postcards, but the program also works with Appalachian States Printing and Publishing in-plant to produce longer-run materials for the University at large.
Appalachian State University is one of 16 campuses that comprise the University of North Carolina System. The Graphic Arts and Imaging Technology program has been training and educating students for more than 40 years, and currently graduates about 20 students a year. Around 150 students rotate through the program at any given time, not including 11 students with declared minors in the field. Appalachian States Graphic Arts and Imaging Technology facility is presently the largest of any program at the University, Craft noted, with obvious pride. The program actively supports the annual SkillsUSA partnership of students, teachers and industry representatives working together to ensure America has access to a skilled work force, which also has enjoyed the longstanding enthusiastic participation of Heidelberg.
The programs choice of a Heidelberg Printmaster QM 46-2 to upgrade and enhance its student offerings was a no-brainer, Craft said. “Heidelberg presses are built for the ages. I cant think of a better investment.”