Through many years of experience in the graphic arts industry and on the side of the printer manufacturers Erna Leenaars has build a specific expertise in digital printing. Technical and commercial. The gathered knowledge is now being used in forensic document research, training and advice. Facilitating training in recognizing printing techniques is one of the core elements nowadays.

A range of specialised training modules has been developed to guide document examiners and professionals into the field of digital printing technologies. These programmes provide both theoretical foundations and practical application, enabling participants to recognise, analyse, and interpret the characteristics of various digital printing processes used in modern document production.
Viaderna continuously updates its training materials to reflect the latest technological developments in the graphic arts and security printing industries. By maintaining close contact with manufacturers, research institutes, and forensic practitioners, each training remains aligned with current innovations and professional standards

Trainingmodules recognizing digital printing techniques

Basic and Advanced Training Modules
Our training programme offers both foundational and advanced modules in printing technologies. Each module provides a structured balance between theoretical understanding and practical examination, ensuring participants develop a comprehensive knowledge of the various printing processes relevant to document production and forensic analysis.

Basics – Conventional Printing Techniques
This foundational module introduces participants to the conventional printing techniques commonly used in the market. The training covers lithographic offset printing, intaglio, rainbow printing, gravure, letterpress, screen printing, and pad printing. Participants gain insight into the working principles, visual characteristics, and forensic relevance of each process.
Duration: 1 day

Basics – Digital Printing Techniques
This module focuses on the most frequently used digital printing technologies applied in identity and security documents. Participants learn to identify and distinguish between offset, toner, and inkjet printing (both drop-on-demand and continuous inkjet), as well as dye sublimation, thermal mass transfer, dot matrix, laser engraving, and photographic techniques. Emphasis is placed on recognising the specific output characteristics associated with each method.
Duration: 1 day

Basics – Digital Input
This training explains how digital image files are translated into printed output, highlighting the differences between printing processes and their impact on document characteristics. Participants acquire foundational knowledge of colour metrics, halftoning techniques (AM and FM — Amplitude Modulated and Frequency Modulated), image resolution, and the distinction between vector and bitmap data. Upon completion, participants will be able to trace and interpret the production method of printed elements with confidence.
Duration: 1 day

Advanced – Digital Printing Techniques
Building upon the ‘Basics’ training, this advanced module provides an in-depth exploration of a broader range of digital printing technologies. In addition to officially recognised techniques used in ID documents and banknotes, participants are introduced to alternative and emerging methods such as Phase Change/Solid Ink, Zink, Nanography, Direct Thermal, UV Printing, Magnetography, CrystalPoint, Line Plot, and Pictrography. Together, these sessions provide a complete overview of all major digital printing processes in use today.
Duration: 1 day

MASTER CLASSES: 

The Master Class programme offers a series of specialised one-day training sessions, each focusing on a specific printing or document analysis technique. These modules are designed for professionals seeking to deepen their technical knowledge and practical understanding of the materials, methods, and technologies used in the field.

TONER
This module provides comprehensive insight into various toner technologies, including Electrophotography, Magnetography, and CrystalPoint. Participants will examine the properties of different toner types — both dry and liquid — and gain an understanding of the specific characteristics associated with major industry brands.
Duration: 1 day

LIQUID TONER
This specialised workshop focuses on liquid toner (ElectroInk) technologies, such as HP Indigo, and explores their potential applications in security printing. Participants will gain a detailed understanding of the printing process, system capabilities, and the unique advantages of liquid toner in the production of secure documents.
Duration: 1 day

INKJET
This module covers the principles and applications of Continuous Inkjet and Drop-on-Demand Inkjet systems. Differences between Thermal and Piezo inkjet technologies are explained, alongside an overview of prominent systems such as MEMJet, HP PageWide, and Kodak Prosper. The training also examines the properties of UV-curable and other ink formulations.
Duration: 1 day

SECURITY
Security printing integrates a wide range of authenticity features, such as watermarks, holograms, UV-reactive elements, and optically variable inks (OVI). However, as the saying goes: if you can make it, you can fake it. This training explores how counterfeit features are produced, how they can be detected, and what tools and methods are used in the authentication process.
Duration: 1 day

EQUIPMENT
This practical session focuses on the tools and systems used in document examination and forensic analysis. Participants will work with various instruments — including microscopes, scanners, multi-light forensic systems, photospectrometers, and digital magnifiers — to understand their differences, capabilities, and optimal applications. The training also covers how to document and communicate research findings effectively.
Duration: 1 day

Update and Customised Training
It is possible to combine or adapt the above modules to create a tailored training programme that aligns with specific organisational needs, timeframes, or areas of expertise. Please contact us to discuss a customised programme that best suits your objectives.

Online training modules.

In recognition of the international scope of our training activities, the programme is also available in an online format. This approach facilitates the participation of professionals from multiple countries concurrently, while eliminating the need for travel and thereby reducing logistical costs.
To safeguard the academic and practical integrity of the training, all necessary materials — including samples and a microscope — are dispatched to participants in advance. The virtual sessions are designed to integrate theoretical instruction with applied exercises, enabling participants to consolidate and demonstrate their understanding through practical assignments. 

Upon completion, the distributed samples constitute a distinctive and enduring reference collection that supports continued professional development and future research.

KvK nr 17207081