Guides published to simplify offset ISO standard

Standardised Print Production is a series of four, easy-to-understand guides that aim to simplify ISO 12647-2 implementation.

ISO 12647-2 is the international standard to define process control requirements for offset printing. The latest version specifies a number of process parameters and their values to be applied when preparing color separations for four-color offset printing or when producing four-color prints using: heat-set web, sheet-fed or continuous forms process printing, or proofing for one of these processes; or offset proofing for half-tone gravure.

The guides have been published by Digital Dots, an independent graphic arts research company and publisher. It said many printers and print buyers know that ISO standards can improve business performance and product quality, but added that too many find ISO standards difficult to understand and implement.

The Standardised Print Production series explains in plain language what print firms need to do to achieve compliance to ISO 12647-2. The series comprises four parts, covering document preparation and pre-press, press set-up, quality management and an executive summary.

They are also designed to help printers and their customers make workflows more efficient, tighten up process controls, reduce errors and waste, and improve color control and consistency.

Digital Dots technical director Paul Lindström said: ‘These guides are an inexpensive and accessible way for printers and their customers to understand ISO 12647-2 and to get to grips with implementing the standard. They provide printers and buyers with the knowledge they need to improve workflow efficiencies, color management and overall business performance.’