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ISO News
ISO TC 130 represents the international standardization body for the printing industry. International experts active in prepress, press, materials and work safety met in Tokyo at the end of September.
Prepress and data exchange (WG 2):
One focus of interest was the discussion on the „XML-Paper-Specification“ – XPS, originally developed by Microsoft to be published as an ISO Standard. Therefore a joint working group with Ecma TC46 the responsible committee within the European Computer Manufacturers Association will be established to be able to ensure an active participation of the printing industry.
In addition new standardized images for colour spaces with an extended gamut were discussed (ISO 12640-4/5). Part 3 of this Standard defines CIELAB-test images (16-Bit TIFF) and is now available at www.beuth.de. Task force 3 (variable data printing) began their deliberations concerning the enhancement of the PDF-Standards (“VPDF”) providing necessary mechanisms for variable data workflows. We expect exciting advances especially for cross-media web2print solutions.
The PDF/X-Standards PDF/X-4 and PDF/X-5 defining blind data exchange are presently under ballot for final publication by the end of this year. Detailed information regarding PDF/X may be found at
http://www.callassoftware.com/prepress/doku.php/de:news:pdfx
Process control and related metrology (WG3):
The committee delt with the following working items:
Viewing condition standard (ISO 3664)
Colour measurement standard (ISO 13655)
Digital proofing standard (ISO 12647-7)
Softproofing standard (ISO 12646)
Further improvements regarding the Offset standard (ISO 12647-2)
Report on progress in paper categorization.
ISO 3664:
More stringent requirements regarding viewing cabinets have been incorporated into the current draft. An additional annex will be introduced providing a working example including necessary calculations. The publication of the Standard is expected by mid 2008.
ISO 13655:
Final comments on this draft were resolved, publication as a Draft International Standard is expected soon. Three different measurement conditions are defined:
“M1” – makes provisions for illuminant D50
“M2” – makes provisions for UV-cut measurements
“M3” – extends “M2” by provisions for measurements using polarisation filters.
It is therefore possible to unambiguously identify the correct measurement conditions within any process standard (e.g. ISO 12647-2) in order to facilitate the individual tasks such as the definition of the solid coloration.
ISO 12647-7
While the standard is currently under ballot for final publication (end of october) the so called „Design Proof“ has been discussed. It is part of an immediately revision also under balloting as an NWI (new work item). This is caused and mainly supported by the industry needs to have a defined colour reference in the design process. It was discussed to not call this less stringent category “Proof” rather than “Validation Print”. Final publication of this standard is not expected before 2009.
ISO 12646
Final marginal comments have been resolved. This document will be send to ISO for publication as final standard. It will be available early 2008.
ISO 12647-2
The pro and cons of a single or a additional TVI-curve (tone value increase) has been discussed elaborately. It was agreed on that a second amendment would be initiate including an additional curve reflecting CtP plate making. The further use of existing and successfully used TVI-curves (e.g. for FOGRA39) could find consenus.
In this light the technical specification TS10128 has been initiated as a working draft. It mainly describe three different method of process calibration namely the “TVI-method”, a “grey balanced method” and a “method using device link profiling”.
Paper categorisation
TaskForce 1 within WG3 is dealing with the paper categorisation. Existing and new work has been discussed. Because of the complex matter of the proof to print match over the entire process control chain it was agreed that further developments needs to be done. It is planed to set up an internet website to serve as a central point for coordination and information.
Media and Materials (WG4):
Final consensus could be found in the standard ISO 12635 stipulating dimensional properties of printing plates for offset printing. Critical issues were related to plate thickness, cutting burr, edge waviness and plate edge straightness. Among others these parameter have a fundamental impact on the resulting print quality, a safe handling within the imager as well as the integrity of the blanket.
The committee further discussed improvements concerning the preparation of test prints for screen printing (ISO 2834-3).
The standard s dealing with colour and transparency of printing inks (ISO 2846-3) as well as the assessment of resistance of prints to various agents (ISO 2836) could be confirmed.
The committee encourages a liaison with ISO TC 6 (Paper, board and pulps) concerning the work on printability testing. Finally a new work item defining test methods on chemical ghosting has been initiated.
Next Meetings: 14. – 19. April 2008 (Paris)
22. – 27. September 2008 (Amsterdam)
Dr. U. Bertholdt & A. Kraushaar
NA 017 Printing and Graphic Technology Standards Committee
Information
To Printing and Graphic Technology Standards Committee