Graphic technology -- Process control for the production of half-tone colour separations, proof and production prints -- Part 2: Offset lithographic processes

ISO 12647-2:2004 specifies a number of process parameters and their values to be applied when preparing colour separations for four-colour offset printing or when producing four-colour prints by one of the following methods: 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 parameters and values are chosen in view of the complete process covering the process stages colour separation, film setting, making of the printing forme, proof production, production printing and surface finishing.
ISO 12647-2:2004 is
directly applicable to proofing and printing processes that use colour separation films as input;
directly applicable to proofing and printing from printing formes produced by filmless methods as long as direct analogies to film production systems are maintained;
applicable to proofing and printing with more than four process colours as long as direct analogies to four-colour printing are maintained, such as for data and screening, for print substrates and printing parameters;
applicable by analogy to line screens and non-periodic screens.

Technologie graphique -- Maîtrise des procédés pour la fabrication des séparations de couleur en ton tramé, des épreuves et des tirages en production -- Partie 2: Procédés lithographiques offset

Grafična tehnologija - Vodenje procesa izdelave rastriranih barvnih izvlečkov, preskusnih in proizvodnih odtisov - 2. del: Procesi v ofsetnem tisku

Ta del ISO 12647 določa vrsto in vrednosti parametrov procesa, ki veljajo pri pripravi barvnih izvlečkov za štiribarvno ofsetno tiskanje ali pri proizvodnji štiribarvnih odtisov z eno od naslednjih metod: z rotacijskim tiskanjem, tiskanjem na pole, ali neprekinjenim tiskanjem ali s poskusnim tiskanjem za enega od teh procesov; ali z ofsetnim poskusnim tiskanjem za rastrirani globoki tisk. Parametri in vrednosti se izberejo glede na celoten proces, ki vključuje stopnje »barvne separacije«, »nastavitve filma«, »priprave oblike tiskanja«, »izdelave preskusnega odtisa«, »izdelave proizvodnih odtisov« in »površinske dodelave«. Ta del ISO 12647 – neposredno velja za procese poskusnega tiskanja in tiskanja, pri katerih se kot vhodni material uporabljajo filmi z barvnimi izvlečki; - neposredno velja za poskusno tiskanje in tiskanje iz obrazcev za tiskanje, ki nastanejo z metodami brez filma, če se ohranja neposredna analogija s sistemi proizvodnje filma; - velja za preskušanje in tiskanje z več kot štirimi procesnimi barvami, če se ohranja analogija s štiribarvnim tiskanjem, kot velja pri podatkih in projiciranju, za substrate za tisk in parametre tiskanja; - po analogiji velja za vrstične rastre in neperiodične rastre.

General Information

Status
Withdrawn
Publication Date
31-Dec-2004
Withdrawal Date
23-Jan-2014
Technical Committee
Current Stage
9900 - Withdrawal (Adopted Project)
Start Date
15-Jan-2014
Due Date
07-Feb-2014
Completion Date
24-Jan-2014

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INTERNATIONAL ISO
STANDARD 12647-2
Second edition
2004-11-15

Graphic technology — Process control
for the production of half-tone colour
separations, proof and production
prints —
Part 2:
Offset lithographic processes
Technologie graphique — Maîtrise des procédés pour la fabrication des
séparations de couleur en ton tramé, des épreuves et des tirages en
production —
Partie 2: Procédés lithographiques offset




Reference number
ISO 12647-2:2004(E)
©
ISO 2004

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ISO 12647-2:2004(E)
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ii © ISO 2004 – All rights reserved

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ISO 12647-2:2004(E)
Contents Page
Foreword. iv
Introduction . v
1 Scope. 1
2 Normative references. 1
3 Terms and definitions. 2
4 Requirements. 2
5 Test methods — Tone value and tone-value increase of a print. 12
6 Reporting of printing conditions . 12
Annex A (informative) Methods for establishing the colour of a standard ink on the paper types . 14
Annex B (informative) Dependence of the tone value increase of press prints on screen frequency. 16
Annex C (informative) Grey balance. 18
Bibliography . 19

© ISO 2004 – All rights reserved iii

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ISO 12647-2:2004(E)
Foreword
ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) is a worldwide federation of national standards bodies
(ISO member bodies). The work of preparing International Standards is normally carried out through ISO
technical committees. Each member body interested in a subject for which a technical committee has been
established has the right to be represented on that committee. International organizations, governmental and
non-governmental, in liaison with ISO, also take part in the work. ISO collaborates closely with the
International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) on all matters of electrotechnical standardization.
International Standards are drafted in accordance with the rules given in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2.
The main task of technical committees is to prepare International Standards. Draft International Standards
adopted by the technical committees are circulated to the member bodies for voting. Publication as an
International Standard requires approval by at least 75 % of the member bodies casting a vote.
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this part of ISO 12647 may be the subject of
patent rights. ISO shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
ISO 12647-2 was prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 130, Graphic technology.
This second edition cancels and replaces the first edition (ISO 12647-2:1996), which has been extensively
revised. The revisions include the following:
a) introduction of digital data as input;
b) reduction of the tone value increase by roughly 3 %;
c) changes in the colouration of the primary and secondary solids (Table 2);
d) introduction of an additional measurement condition with a specified white backing;
e) general clean-up.
In view of the misconceptions about the use of density and grey balance values, it was decided to move this
information to an informative annex.
ISO 12647 consists of the following parts, under the general title Graphic technology — Process control for
the production of half-tone colour separations, proof and production prints:
 Part 1: Parameters and measurement methods
 Part 2: Offset lithographic processes
 Part 3: Coldset offset lithography and letterpress on newsprint
 Part 4: Publication gravure process
 Part 5: Screen printing
 Part 6: Flexographic printing

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ISO 12647-2:2004(E)
Introduction
Part 1 of ISO 12647 serves to provide definitions, the general principles, the general order of the material to
be covered in the subsequent parts 2 to 6, the definition of the data, the measurement conditions and the
reporting style.
This part of ISO 12647 lists values or sets of values of the primary parameters specified in ISO 12647-1 and
related technical properties of a half-tone offset lithographic print. Primary parameters include the screening
parameters, the tone value increase, the colours of the solids and the print substrate. Conformance to the
specified values in proof and production printing assure, in principle, a good visual match between specimens
produced. Exceptions from this general observation are discussed in the following paragraph.
The purpose of a proof print is to simulate the visual characteristics of the finished print product as closely as
possible. In order to visually match a particular print, off-press proofing processes often require values for
solid-tone coloration and tone-value increase that are different from those of the printing process they are
meant to simulate. This is caused by differences in phenomena such as gloss, light scatter (within the print
substrate or the colorant), metamerism and transparency. Such differences are likely for those off-press
proofing processes in which the print substrate, the colorants and the technology for applying them are
significantly different from offset press printing. In such cases the user or the supplier needs to ensure that
appropriate corrections are specified.
Another problem area is the matching of a digital off-press proof on an opaque substrate to a double-sided
print on a less-than-opaque, lightweight printing paper as used in heat-set web printing. If the proof is made
with colour management profiles based on measurements with white backing, there will be an unavoidable
difference between proof and production prints, placed on a black backing in accordance with the
specifications of this part of ISO 12647. The possible occurrence of such differences needs to be well
communicated, in advance, to the parties concerned.

© ISO 2004 – All rights reserved v

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INTERNATIONAL STANDARD ISO 12647-2:2004(E)

Graphic technology — Process control for the production of
half-tone colour separations, proof and production prints —
Part 2:
Offset lithographic processes
1 Scope
This part of ISO 12647 specifies a number of process parameters and their values to be applied when
preparing colour separations for four-colour offset printing or when producing four-colour prints by one of the
following methods: 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 parameters and values are chosen in view of the complete process covering the process stages “colour
separation”, “film setting”, “making of the printing forme”, “proof production”, “production printing” and “surface
finishing”.
This part of ISO 12647 is
 directly applicable to proofing and printing processes that use colour separation films as input;
 directly applicable to proofing and printing from printing formes produced by filmless methods as long as
direct analogies to film production systems are maintained;
 applicable to proofing and printing with more than four process colours as long as direct analogies to four-
colour printing are maintained, such as for data and screening, for print substrates and printing
parameters;
 applicable by analogy to line screens and non-periodic screens.
2 Normative references
The following referenced documents are indispensable for the application of this document. For dated
references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references, the latest edition of the reference document
(including any amendments) applies.
ISO 5-3:1995, Photography — Density measurements — Part 3: Spectral conditions
ISO 8254-1:1999, Paper and board — Measurement of specular gloss — Part 1: 75° gloss with a converging
beam, TAPPI method
ISO 12642:1996, Graphic technology — Prepress digital data exchange — Input data for characterization of
4-colour process printing
ISO 12647-1:2004, Graphic technology — Process control for the production of half-tone colour separations,
proof and production prints — Part 1: Parameters and measurement methods
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ISO 12647-2:2004(E)
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the definitions given in ISO 12647-1 and the following apply.
3.1
positive-acting plate
〈offset printing〉 offset printing plate for use with positive-polarity film
3.2
negative-acting plate
〈offset printing〉 offset printing plate for use with negative-polarity film
3.3
four-colour continuous forms printing
offset process performed on small width web-fed presses for use with personalized mailings
3.4
commercial/speciality printing
general-purpose sheet-fed and non-magazine heat-set web offset printing
3.5
heat-set web printing
lithographic offset printing on web-type print substrates with printing ink that requires heat for drying
3.6
tone value
〈printing forme〉 percentage of surface area that appears to be receptive to printing ink
NOTE 1 With some plate types, the tone value thus defined is smaller than the percentage of surface area that is
visibly distinct from the background.
NOTE 2 Formerly known as the film printing dot area. “Dot area” is now a deprecated term.
4 Requirements
4.1 General
The following subclauses are arranged in accordance with the order set out in ISO 12647-1; they also depend
on this part for the general principles, the definition of the data, the measurement conditions and the reporting
style.
4.2 Data files, colour-separation films and printing formes
4.2.1 General
Data delivered for printing shall be in the colour formats CMYK or three-component. In all cases, digital data
files or colour separation film sets delivered for printing should be accompanied by a proof print that simulates
the intended printing condition and that conforms to 4.3. This fact shall be verifiable by measuring a well-
specified control strip or a similar control device that is printed on the proof print along with the subject.
In the case of digital data, the intended printing condition shall be indicated. Where the latter is included in the
registry of characterizations maintained by the ICC and the digital data is CMYK, the name used in the ICC
registry is usually used for identification in lieu of including an ICC output profile. If the intended printing
condition is not included in said registry, an ICC output profile shall be included. If the data are other than
CMYK, the data shall be defined colorimetrically using an ICC input profile or another mechanism and an ICC
CMYK output profile shall be included. The rendering intent to be used with the output profile shall be
communicated.
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ISO 12647-2:2004(E)
4.2.2 Film or printing forme quality
In order to permit the reproduction of at least 100 tone-value steps, the resolution of the image setter or plate
setter should be set accordingly.
−1
EXAMPLE 1 If, for a screen employing single half-tone cell modulation, the intended nominal screen ruling is 70 cm ,
−1
the resolution of the image setter or the plate setter should not be smaller than 700 cm (1 800 dpi). For a screen with
super-cell technology, it is possible to set the resolution to a smaller value.
Unless otherwise specified, the core density of colour-separation films shall be at least 2,5 above the
transmission density of the clear film (film base plus fog). The transmission density in the centre of a clear
half-tone dot shall not be more than 0,1 above the corresponding value of a large clear area. The transmission
density of the clear film shall not be higher than 0,15. Both measurements shall be made with a (UV)
transmission densitometer whose spectral products conform to ISO type 1 printing density as defined in
ISO 5-3.
NOTE 1 The clear-film density requirement is based on the understanding that the density range of the clear areas of
all films that are to be exposed onto the same plate are not expected to exceed 0,10. Note further that 0,05 represents the
lowest commonly found value for ISO type 1 printing density. For half-tone films with clear film densities outside this range,
agreements between the supplier of colour separations and the recipient are required. Contacting or duplicating can also
be used to bring half-tone films with dissimilar clear film densities into agreement.
NOTE 2 As a practical guide, a core density of 2,5 above the clear-film density will normally be achieved if the density
of large solid areas is more than 3,5 above the clear-film density.
NOTE 3 If a user wishes to use a blue filter for transmission density measurements on colour-separation films, it is
necessary to determine, for the particular film type and processing conditions, the correlation between densities obtained
with the blue filter and those obtained with an ISO type 1 printing density instrument; for the measurement of core density,
an ISO type 2 printing instrument is applicable.
The fringe width of a colour-separation film shall not be greater than one-fortieth of the screen width.
A half-tone dot that is produced by several exposures of a focal spot shall be fully rendered and not be split up
into distinct parts. This requirement also applies to direct platemaking.
Other than for the clear-film density requirement, the colour-separation film quality shall be evaluated
according to the informative Annex B of ISO 12647-1:2004.
4.2.3 Screen frequency (film or printing forme)
-1 -1
For four-colour work, the screen ruling (screen frequency) should be within the range 45 cm to 80 cm .
Preferred nominal screen rulings are
-1 -1
a) 45 cm to 70 cm for web-offset periodical printing;
-1 -1 –1
b) 52 cm to 70 cm for continuous-forms process printing on coated paper, 52 cm for uncoated paper;
-1
c) 60 cm and higher for commercial/speciality printing.
-1 -1
NOTE 1 Outside of the range 45 cm to 80 cm , the general principles specified in ISO 12647-1 remain valid but
specific values might differ.
NOTE 2 With computer-generated screening, the “screen frequency” is often varied slightly from one process colour to
-1 -1
another in order to minimize moiré patterns. For example, there might be a difference of 3 cm or 4 cm between the
colours C, M, Y.
NOTE 3 For the black or yellow colour half-tone, a screen ruling is sometimes used which is substantially finer than the
-1 -1
nominal screen ruling of the remaining colours, for example, 84 cm versus 60 cm .
© ISO 2004 – All rights reserved 3

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ISO 12647-2:2004(E)
4.2.4 Screen angle (film or printing forme)
For half-tone dots without a principal axis, the nominal difference between the screen angles for cyan,
magenta, and black shall be 30°, with the screen angle of yellow separated at 15° from another colour. The
screen angle of the dominant colour should be 45°.
For half-tone dots with a principal axis, the nominal difference between screen angles for cyan, magenta and
black shall be 60°, with the screen angle of yellow separated by 15° from another colour. The screen angle of
the dominant colour should be 45° or 135°.
The preparation of colour-separation films for half-tone gravure printing should avoid screen angles between
75° and 105° with colours other than yellow.
NOTE See Note 2 in 4.2.3.
4.2.5 Dot shape and its relationship to tone value (film or printing forme)
Circular, square or elliptical half-tone dot shapes shall be used. For half-tone dots with a principal axis, the first
link-up shall occur no lower than at 40 % tone value and the second link-up no higher than at 60 % tone value.
4.2.6 Image size tolerance (film or printing forme)
For a set of colour-separation films or printing formes in common environmental equilibrium, the lengths of the
diagonals shall not differ by more than 0,02 %.
NOTE This tolerance includes image or plate-setter repeatability and material stability.
4.2.7 Tone value sum (digital data file or film)
Unless otherwise specified, the tone-value sum should be less than but shall not exceed 350 % for sheet-fed
and 300 % for heat-set web printing.
NOTE At high levels of tone-value sum, press problems such as poor ink trapping, back transfer and set-off due to
insufficient ink drying might be encountered.
4.3 Proof or production print
4.3.1 General
Colorimetric characterization data provided for the “basic set” array of patches, as specified in ISO 12642,
contain all the data to be specified in accordance with 4.3.2.1, 4.3.2.3, 4.3.3 and 4.3.5 of this part of
ISO 12647.
4.3.2 Visual characteristics of image components
4.3.2.1 Print substrate colour
The print substrate used for proofing should be identical to that of the production. If this is not possible, the
properties of the print substrate should be a close match to those of the production in terms of colour, gloss,
type of surface (coated, uncoated, super-calendered, etc.) and mass-per-area. Press proofing should be
carried out on the closest match, with regard to the attributes listed as normative, selected from five typical
paper surface types whose attributes are listed in Table 1. For off-press proofing, the print substrate should be
selected to conform as closely as possible to the attributes listed in Table 1 for the paper type representing the
envisaged production paper. The type of paper shall be stated.
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ISO 12647-2:2004(E)
Table 1 — CIELAB coordinates, gloss, ISO brightness and tolerances for typical paper types
Item Characteristic
a a a b c d

a* b*
L* Gloss ISO brightness Mass-per-area
2
1 1
1 % % g/m
Paper type
1: gloss-coated, wood-free 93 (95) 0 (0) -3 (-2) 65 89 115
2: matte-coated, wood-free 92 (94) 0 (0) -3 (-2) 38 89 115
3: gloss-coated, web 87 (92) 3 (5) 55 70 70
-1 (0))
4: uncoated, white 92 (95) 0 (0) 6 93 115
-3 (-2)
5: uncoated, slightly yellowish 88 (90) 0 (0) 6 (9) 6 73 115
Tolerance — —
± 3 ± 2 ± 2 ± 5
e
Reference paper 94,8 -0,9 2,7 70 to 80 78 150
NOTE 1 In terms of gloss and colour, the paper types listed in Table 1 are representative of the range of print
substrates used for the processes covered in this part of ISO 12647, with the following exceptions:
— the paper types 1 and 2 are not typical for web-fed magazine printing except for covers;
— paper types 3 and 5 are not typical for four-colour business forms printing.
NOTE 2 If the final product is subjected to surface finishing, this might severely affect the print substrate colour. See
also note 2 in 4.3.2.2.
NOTE 3 For prints on papers or boards whose surface properties are identical to those of paper types 1 to 5 but
whose mass per area is appreciably higher, the CIELAB colour coordinates given in brackets can be used.
NOTE 4 The mass per area specified for paper type 3 represents a compromise between web production papers with
2 2 2
typically 60 g/m to 65 g/m and a well-known web proofing paper with 90 g/m . When measured with black backing,
2 2
the difference in DL* for papers that are similar but have mass-per-areas of 70 g/m and 90 g/m equals 0,7.
NOTE 5 Although less commonly used, some web papers in the mass-per-area range of type 3 papers have b* values
in the range 0 to -3.
a
Normative: Measurement in accordance with ISO 12647-1:2004 only of the following: D50 illuminant, 2° observer,
0/45 or 45/0 geometry, black backing. The values in brackets pertain to measurements on a white backing as
[4]
described in CGATS.5 and are informative only.
b
Normative: Measurement in accordance with ISO 8254-1:2003, TAPPI method.
c
Informative only. ISO 2470:1999, substrate backing.
d
Informative only.
e [1]
Informative only: Paper used for ink set test. Original values given in ISO 2846-1:1997 of L* = 95,5, a* = �0,4, and
b* = 4,7 as measured on substrate backing are informative only. Note that some values differ slightly from
ISO 2846-1 due to the black backing used for the purpose of this part of ISO 12647.

4.3.2.2 Print substrate gloss
The gloss of the print substrate used for proofing should be a close match to that of the production print
substrate. If this is not possible, press proofing may be carried out on the closest match selected from the
paper types listed in 4.3.2.1.
NOTE 1 The gloss values of the paper types described in 4.3.2.1 are given in Table 1.
NOTE 2 If the final product is subjected to surface finishing, this will severely affect the gloss. In critical cases, the
result of the colour-separation stage is best judged by means of a proof that closely matches the gloss of the final surface-
finished print product. For processes with off-press finishing, in order to facilitate the matching of the production image to
the proof image at the make-ready stage, it is a good plan to provide the press operator with two proof prints: a proof print
whose gloss matches that of the (unfinished) production print substrate and a proof print which closely matches the gloss
of the final surface-finished print product.
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ISO 12647-2:2004(E)
4.3.2.3 Ink set colours
For the five paper types defined in 4.3.2.1, the CIELAB colour coordinates of the process-colour solids on the
proof shall agree with the aim values specified in Table 2, within the deviation tolerance specified in Table 3.
The colour coordinates of the two-colour overprints and the three-colour overprint, both without black ink,
should agree with Table 2.
The primary colour solids of digital-proof prints should agree with Table 2 within one half of the deviation
tolerance specified in Table 3.
The deviation of the process-colour solids of the OK print of the production run is restricted by the condition
that the colour differences between proof and OK print shall not exceed the deviation tolerances specified in
Table 3. If no conforming proof is supplied, the colour values of Table 2 shall provide the aim.
The variability of the process-colour solids in production is restricted by the following condition. For at least
68 % of the prints, the colour differences between a production copy and the OK print shall not exceed, and
should not exceed one half of, the pertinent variation tolerances specified in Table 3.
NOTE 1 Conformance to the CIELAB values given in Table 2 usually requires the use of an ink set that conforms to
[1]
ISO 2846-1 and the printing sequence cyan, magenta, yellow.
*
NOTE 2 The distribution of ∆E values is not gaussian but skewed. For reasons of consistency, the variation
ab
tolerance is defined here as the upper limit for 68 % of the production copies. This is analogous to a gaussian distribution
where 68 % are within plus or minus one standard deviation of the mean.
NOTE 3 Comparison of the values in Table 2 for black and white (in brackets) backing shows that the colour
coordinates a* and b* remain largely the same. However, the L* values are between 2 and 3 higher, depending on paper
opacity.
NOTE 4 Density values can be very valuable for process control during a print run, where the instrument, the ink and
[3]
the print substrate remain the same; see ISO 13656 . However, in a general situation, density values do not define a
colour to the required degree. Therefore, for the purpose of this part of ISO 12647, reflection density values are only
[3]
recommended for the determination of tone values. Following ISO 13656 , the production press operator first achieves
the correct colour of the solids on the press, then reads the densities with the instrument from the OK print. The densities
are then used as aim values for process control during the production run.
NOTE 5 If the final print is subjected to surface finishing, the final colours might deviate appreciably from those of the
unfinished print. See also Note 2 of Table 1 and Note 2 in 4.3.2.2.
NOTE 6 The secondary colours red, green, blue depend on conditions that include the printing sequence, the
rheological and transparency properties of the inks, the mechanics of the press and the surface characteristics of the print
substrate. Thus, conformance of the primaries C, M, Y to Table 2 is not sufficient for the conformance of the secondary
colours to Table 2.
NOTE 7 Tolerances for special (spot) colours and for package printing need be lower than those given in Table 3,
especially for the colour difference attributable to differences of L*.
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ISO 12647-2:2004(E)
Table 2 — CIELAB coordinates of colours for the printing sequence cyan-magenta-yellow
unit: 1
a,b
Paper type
1, 2 3 4 5
Colour
Coordinates Coordinates Coordinates Coordinates
b,c b,c b,c b,c b,c b,c b,c b,c b,c b,c b,c b,c
L* a* b* L* a* b* L* a* b* L* a* b*
16 0 0 20 0 0 31 1 1 31 1 2
Black
(16) (0) (0) (20) (0) (0) (31) (1) (1) (31) (1) (3)
54 −36 −49 55 −36 −44 58 −25 −43 59 −27 −36
Cyan
(55) (−37) (−50) (58) (−38) (−44) (60) (−26) (−44) (60) (−28) (−36)
46 72 −5 46 70 −3 54 58 −2 52 57 2
Magenta
(48) (74) (−3) (49) (75) (0) (56) (61) (−1) (54) (60) (4)
88 −6 90 84 −5 88 86 −4 75 86 −3 77
Yellow
(91) (−5) (93) (89) (−4) (94) (89) (−4) (78) (89) (−3) (81)
47 66 50 45 65 46 52 55 30 51 55 34
Red,
M+Y
(49) (69) (52) (49) (70) (51) (54) (58) (32) (53) (58) (37)
49 33 48 31 52 16 49 16
−66 −64 −46 −44
Green,
C+Y
(50) (−68) (33) (51) (−67) (33) (53) (−47) (17) (50) (−46) (17)
20 25 21 22 -46 36 12 33 12
−48 −32 −29
Blue,
C+M
(20) (25) (−49) (22) (23) (−47) (37) (13) (−33) (34) (12) (−29)
Overprint 18 3 0 18 8 6 33 1 3 32 3 1
of
(18) (3) (0) (19) (9) (7) (33) (2) (3) (32) (3) (2)
C+M+Y
a
Paper types according to 4.3.2.1.
b
The values without brackets are measurements in accordance with ISO 12647-1: D50 illuminant, 2° observer, 0/45 or 45/0
[5]
geometry, black backing. Values in brackets pertain to measurement on the white backing specified by CGATS.5 and are
informative only.
c [1]
The colours were derived from those of ISO 2846-1 by the method given in the informative Annex A of this part of ISO 12647.
© ISO 2004 – All rights reserved 7

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ISO 12647-2:2004(E)

Key
X CIELAB red-green coordinate a*
Y CIELAB yellow-blue coordinate b*
1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 paper types
NOTE The data are taken from Table 2.
Figure 1 — Colour gamut for offset lithographic printing
*
Table 3 — CIELAB ∆E tolerances for the solids of the process colours
ab
unit: 1
Parameter Colour
a a a
Black
Cyan Magenta Yellow
Deviation tolerance 5 5 5 5
a
4 4 4 5
Variation tolerance
a
The contribution of the hue difference shall not exceed 2,5.

4.3.2.4 Ink set gloss
The gloss of solid tone colours may be specified if deemed necessary.
The specular gloss of the print substrate o
...

SLOVENSKI STANDARD
SIST ISO 12647-2:2005
01-januar-2005
*UDILþQDWHKQRORJLMD9RGHQMHSURFHVDL]GHODYHUDVWULUDQLKEDUYQLKL]YOHþNRY
SUHVNXVQLKLQSURL]YRGQLKRGWLVRYGHO3URFHVLYRIVHWQHPWLVNX
Graphic technology -- Process control for the production of half-tone colour separations,
proof and production prints -- Part 2: Offset lithographic processes
Technologie graphique -- Maîtrise des procédés pour la fabrication des séparations de
couleur en ton tramé, des épreuves et des tirages en production -- Partie 2: Procédés
lithographiques offset
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: ISO 12647-2:2004
ICS:
37.100.01 *UDILþQDWHKQRORJLMDQD Graphic technology in
VSORãQR general
SIST ISO 12647-2:2005 en
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.

---------------------- Page: 1 ----------------------

INTERNATIONAL ISO
STANDARD 12647-2
Second edition
2004-11-15

Graphic technology — Process control
for the production of half-tone colour
separations, proof and production
prints —
Part 2:
Offset lithographic processes
Technologie graphique — Maîtrise des procédés pour la fabrication des
séparations de couleur en ton tramé, des épreuves et des tirages en
production —
Partie 2: Procédés lithographiques offset




Reference number
ISO 12647-2:2004(E)
©
ISO 2004

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ISO 12647-2:2004(E)
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ii © ISO 2004 – All rights reserved

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ISO 12647-2:2004(E)
Contents Page
Foreword. iv
Introduction . v
1 Scope. 1
2 Normative references. 1
3 Terms and definitions. 2
4 Requirements. 2
5 Test methods — Tone value and tone-value increase of a print. 12
6 Reporting of printing conditions . 12
Annex A (informative) Methods for establishing the colour of a standard ink on the paper types . 14
Annex B (informative) Dependence of the tone value increase of press prints on screen frequency. 16
Annex C (informative) Grey balance. 18
Bibliography . 19

© ISO 2004 – All rights reserved iii

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ISO 12647-2:2004(E)
Foreword
ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) is a worldwide federation of national standards bodies
(ISO member bodies). The work of preparing International Standards is normally carried out through ISO
technical committees. Each member body interested in a subject for which a technical committee has been
established has the right to be represented on that committee. International organizations, governmental and
non-governmental, in liaison with ISO, also take part in the work. ISO collaborates closely with the
International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) on all matters of electrotechnical standardization.
International Standards are drafted in accordance with the rules given in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2.
The main task of technical committees is to prepare International Standards. Draft International Standards
adopted by the technical committees are circulated to the member bodies for voting. Publication as an
International Standard requires approval by at least 75 % of the member bodies casting a vote.
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this part of ISO 12647 may be the subject of
patent rights. ISO shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
ISO 12647-2 was prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 130, Graphic technology.
This second edition cancels and replaces the first edition (ISO 12647-2:1996), which has been extensively
revised. The revisions include the following:
a) introduction of digital data as input;
b) reduction of the tone value increase by roughly 3 %;
c) changes in the colouration of the primary and secondary solids (Table 2);
d) introduction of an additional measurement condition with a specified white backing;
e) general clean-up.
In view of the misconceptions about the use of density and grey balance values, it was decided to move this
information to an informative annex.
ISO 12647 consists of the following parts, under the general title Graphic technology — Process control for
the production of half-tone colour separations, proof and production prints:
 Part 1: Parameters and measurement methods
 Part 2: Offset lithographic processes
 Part 3: Coldset offset lithography and letterpress on newsprint
 Part 4: Publication gravure process
 Part 5: Screen printing
 Part 6: Flexographic printing

iv © ISO 2004 – All rights reserved

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ISO 12647-2:2004(E)
Introduction
Part 1 of ISO 12647 serves to provide definitions, the general principles, the general order of the material to
be covered in the subsequent parts 2 to 6, the definition of the data, the measurement conditions and the
reporting style.
This part of ISO 12647 lists values or sets of values of the primary parameters specified in ISO 12647-1 and
related technical properties of a half-tone offset lithographic print. Primary parameters include the screening
parameters, the tone value increase, the colours of the solids and the print substrate. Conformance to the
specified values in proof and production printing assure, in principle, a good visual match between specimens
produced. Exceptions from this general observation are discussed in the following paragraph.
The purpose of a proof print is to simulate the visual characteristics of the finished print product as closely as
possible. In order to visually match a particular print, off-press proofing processes often require values for
solid-tone coloration and tone-value increase that are different from those of the printing process they are
meant to simulate. This is caused by differences in phenomena such as gloss, light scatter (within the print
substrate or the colorant), metamerism and transparency. Such differences are likely for those off-press
proofing processes in which the print substrate, the colorants and the technology for applying them are
significantly different from offset press printing. In such cases the user or the supplier needs to ensure that
appropriate corrections are specified.
Another problem area is the matching of a digital off-press proof on an opaque substrate to a double-sided
print on a less-than-opaque, lightweight printing paper as used in heat-set web printing. If the proof is made
with colour management profiles based on measurements with white backing, there will be an unavoidable
difference between proof and production prints, placed on a black backing in accordance with the
specifications of this part of ISO 12647. The possible occurrence of such differences needs to be well
communicated, in advance, to the parties concerned.

© ISO 2004 – All rights reserved v

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INTERNATIONAL STANDARD ISO 12647-2:2004(E)

Graphic technology — Process control for the production of
half-tone colour separations, proof and production prints —
Part 2:
Offset lithographic processes
1 Scope
This part of ISO 12647 specifies a number of process parameters and their values to be applied when
preparing colour separations for four-colour offset printing or when producing four-colour prints by one of the
following methods: 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 parameters and values are chosen in view of the complete process covering the process stages “colour
separation”, “film setting”, “making of the printing forme”, “proof production”, “production printing” and “surface
finishing”.
This part of ISO 12647 is
 directly applicable to proofing and printing processes that use colour separation films as input;
 directly applicable to proofing and printing from printing formes produced by filmless methods as long as
direct analogies to film production systems are maintained;
 applicable to proofing and printing with more than four process colours as long as direct analogies to four-
colour printing are maintained, such as for data and screening, for print substrates and printing
parameters;
 applicable by analogy to line screens and non-periodic screens.
2 Normative references
The following referenced documents are indispensable for the application of this document. For dated
references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references, the latest edition of the reference document
(including any amendments) applies.
ISO 5-3:1995, Photography — Density measurements — Part 3: Spectral conditions
ISO 8254-1:1999, Paper and board — Measurement of specular gloss — Part 1: 75° gloss with a converging
beam, TAPPI method
ISO 12642:1996, Graphic technology — Prepress digital data exchange — Input data for characterization of
4-colour process printing
ISO 12647-1:2004, Graphic technology — Process control for the production of half-tone colour separations,
proof and production prints — Part 1: Parameters and measurement methods
© ISO 2004 – All rights reserved 1

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ISO 12647-2:2004(E)
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the definitions given in ISO 12647-1 and the following apply.
3.1
positive-acting plate
〈offset printing〉 offset printing plate for use with positive-polarity film
3.2
negative-acting plate
〈offset printing〉 offset printing plate for use with negative-polarity film
3.3
four-colour continuous forms printing
offset process performed on small width web-fed presses for use with personalized mailings
3.4
commercial/speciality printing
general-purpose sheet-fed and non-magazine heat-set web offset printing
3.5
heat-set web printing
lithographic offset printing on web-type print substrates with printing ink that requires heat for drying
3.6
tone value
〈printing forme〉 percentage of surface area that appears to be receptive to printing ink
NOTE 1 With some plate types, the tone value thus defined is smaller than the percentage of surface area that is
visibly distinct from the background.
NOTE 2 Formerly known as the film printing dot area. “Dot area” is now a deprecated term.
4 Requirements
4.1 General
The following subclauses are arranged in accordance with the order set out in ISO 12647-1; they also depend
on this part for the general principles, the definition of the data, the measurement conditions and the reporting
style.
4.2 Data files, colour-separation films and printing formes
4.2.1 General
Data delivered for printing shall be in the colour formats CMYK or three-component. In all cases, digital data
files or colour separation film sets delivered for printing should be accompanied by a proof print that simulates
the intended printing condition and that conforms to 4.3. This fact shall be verifiable by measuring a well-
specified control strip or a similar control device that is printed on the proof print along with the subject.
In the case of digital data, the intended printing condition shall be indicated. Where the latter is included in the
registry of characterizations maintained by the ICC and the digital data is CMYK, the name used in the ICC
registry is usually used for identification in lieu of including an ICC output profile. If the intended printing
condition is not included in said registry, an ICC output profile shall be included. If the data are other than
CMYK, the data shall be defined colorimetrically using an ICC input profile or another mechanism and an ICC
CMYK output profile shall be included. The rendering intent to be used with the output profile shall be
communicated.
2 © ISO 2004 – All rights reserved

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ISO 12647-2:2004(E)
4.2.2 Film or printing forme quality
In order to permit the reproduction of at least 100 tone-value steps, the resolution of the image setter or plate
setter should be set accordingly.
−1
EXAMPLE 1 If, for a screen employing single half-tone cell modulation, the intended nominal screen ruling is 70 cm ,
−1
the resolution of the image setter or the plate setter should not be smaller than 700 cm (1 800 dpi). For a screen with
super-cell technology, it is possible to set the resolution to a smaller value.
Unless otherwise specified, the core density of colour-separation films shall be at least 2,5 above the
transmission density of the clear film (film base plus fog). The transmission density in the centre of a clear
half-tone dot shall not be more than 0,1 above the corresponding value of a large clear area. The transmission
density of the clear film shall not be higher than 0,15. Both measurements shall be made with a (UV)
transmission densitometer whose spectral products conform to ISO type 1 printing density as defined in
ISO 5-3.
NOTE 1 The clear-film density requirement is based on the understanding that the density range of the clear areas of
all films that are to be exposed onto the same plate are not expected to exceed 0,10. Note further that 0,05 represents the
lowest commonly found value for ISO type 1 printing density. For half-tone films with clear film densities outside this range,
agreements between the supplier of colour separations and the recipient are required. Contacting or duplicating can also
be used to bring half-tone films with dissimilar clear film densities into agreement.
NOTE 2 As a practical guide, a core density of 2,5 above the clear-film density will normally be achieved if the density
of large solid areas is more than 3,5 above the clear-film density.
NOTE 3 If a user wishes to use a blue filter for transmission density measurements on colour-separation films, it is
necessary to determine, for the particular film type and processing conditions, the correlation between densities obtained
with the blue filter and those obtained with an ISO type 1 printing density instrument; for the measurement of core density,
an ISO type 2 printing instrument is applicable.
The fringe width of a colour-separation film shall not be greater than one-fortieth of the screen width.
A half-tone dot that is produced by several exposures of a focal spot shall be fully rendered and not be split up
into distinct parts. This requirement also applies to direct platemaking.
Other than for the clear-film density requirement, the colour-separation film quality shall be evaluated
according to the informative Annex B of ISO 12647-1:2004.
4.2.3 Screen frequency (film or printing forme)
-1 -1
For four-colour work, the screen ruling (screen frequency) should be within the range 45 cm to 80 cm .
Preferred nominal screen rulings are
-1 -1
a) 45 cm to 70 cm for web-offset periodical printing;
-1 -1 –1
b) 52 cm to 70 cm for continuous-forms process printing on coated paper, 52 cm for uncoated paper;
-1
c) 60 cm and higher for commercial/speciality printing.
-1 -1
NOTE 1 Outside of the range 45 cm to 80 cm , the general principles specified in ISO 12647-1 remain valid but
specific values might differ.
NOTE 2 With computer-generated screening, the “screen frequency” is often varied slightly from one process colour to
-1 -1
another in order to minimize moiré patterns. For example, there might be a difference of 3 cm or 4 cm between the
colours C, M, Y.
NOTE 3 For the black or yellow colour half-tone, a screen ruling is sometimes used which is substantially finer than the
-1 -1
nominal screen ruling of the remaining colours, for example, 84 cm versus 60 cm .
© ISO 2004 – All rights reserved 3

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ISO 12647-2:2004(E)
4.2.4 Screen angle (film or printing forme)
For half-tone dots without a principal axis, the nominal difference between the screen angles for cyan,
magenta, and black shall be 30°, with the screen angle of yellow separated at 15° from another colour. The
screen angle of the dominant colour should be 45°.
For half-tone dots with a principal axis, the nominal difference between screen angles for cyan, magenta and
black shall be 60°, with the screen angle of yellow separated by 15° from another colour. The screen angle of
the dominant colour should be 45° or 135°.
The preparation of colour-separation films for half-tone gravure printing should avoid screen angles between
75° and 105° with colours other than yellow.
NOTE See Note 2 in 4.2.3.
4.2.5 Dot shape and its relationship to tone value (film or printing forme)
Circular, square or elliptical half-tone dot shapes shall be used. For half-tone dots with a principal axis, the first
link-up shall occur no lower than at 40 % tone value and the second link-up no higher than at 60 % tone value.
4.2.6 Image size tolerance (film or printing forme)
For a set of colour-separation films or printing formes in common environmental equilibrium, the lengths of the
diagonals shall not differ by more than 0,02 %.
NOTE This tolerance includes image or plate-setter repeatability and material stability.
4.2.7 Tone value sum (digital data file or film)
Unless otherwise specified, the tone-value sum should be less than but shall not exceed 350 % for sheet-fed
and 300 % for heat-set web printing.
NOTE At high levels of tone-value sum, press problems such as poor ink trapping, back transfer and set-off due to
insufficient ink drying might be encountered.
4.3 Proof or production print
4.3.1 General
Colorimetric characterization data provided for the “basic set” array of patches, as specified in ISO 12642,
contain all the data to be specified in accordance with 4.3.2.1, 4.3.2.3, 4.3.3 and 4.3.5 of this part of
ISO 12647.
4.3.2 Visual characteristics of image components
4.3.2.1 Print substrate colour
The print substrate used for proofing should be identical to that of the production. If this is not possible, the
properties of the print substrate should be a close match to those of the production in terms of colour, gloss,
type of surface (coated, uncoated, super-calendered, etc.) and mass-per-area. Press proofing should be
carried out on the closest match, with regard to the attributes listed as normative, selected from five typical
paper surface types whose attributes are listed in Table 1. For off-press proofing, the print substrate should be
selected to conform as closely as possible to the attributes listed in Table 1 for the paper type representing the
envisaged production paper. The type of paper shall be stated.
4 © ISO 2004 – All rights reserved

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ISO 12647-2:2004(E)
Table 1 — CIELAB coordinates, gloss, ISO brightness and tolerances for typical paper types
Item Characteristic
a a a b c d

a* b*
L* Gloss ISO brightness Mass-per-area
2
1 1
1 % % g/m
Paper type
1: gloss-coated, wood-free 93 (95) 0 (0) -3 (-2) 65 89 115
2: matte-coated, wood-free 92 (94) 0 (0) -3 (-2) 38 89 115
3: gloss-coated, web 87 (92) 3 (5) 55 70 70
-1 (0))
4: uncoated, white 92 (95) 0 (0) 6 93 115
-3 (-2)
5: uncoated, slightly yellowish 88 (90) 0 (0) 6 (9) 6 73 115
Tolerance — —
± 3 ± 2 ± 2 ± 5
e
Reference paper 94,8 -0,9 2,7 70 to 80 78 150
NOTE 1 In terms of gloss and colour, the paper types listed in Table 1 are representative of the range of print
substrates used for the processes covered in this part of ISO 12647, with the following exceptions:
— the paper types 1 and 2 are not typical for web-fed magazine printing except for covers;
— paper types 3 and 5 are not typical for four-colour business forms printing.
NOTE 2 If the final product is subjected to surface finishing, this might severely affect the print substrate colour. See
also note 2 in 4.3.2.2.
NOTE 3 For prints on papers or boards whose surface properties are identical to those of paper types 1 to 5 but
whose mass per area is appreciably higher, the CIELAB colour coordinates given in brackets can be used.
NOTE 4 The mass per area specified for paper type 3 represents a compromise between web production papers with
2 2 2
typically 60 g/m to 65 g/m and a well-known web proofing paper with 90 g/m . When measured with black backing,
2 2
the difference in DL* for papers that are similar but have mass-per-areas of 70 g/m and 90 g/m equals 0,7.
NOTE 5 Although less commonly used, some web papers in the mass-per-area range of type 3 papers have b* values
in the range 0 to -3.
a
Normative: Measurement in accordance with ISO 12647-1:2004 only of the following: D50 illuminant, 2° observer,
0/45 or 45/0 geometry, black backing. The values in brackets pertain to measurements on a white backing as
[4]
described in CGATS.5 and are informative only.
b
Normative: Measurement in accordance with ISO 8254-1:2003, TAPPI method.
c
Informative only. ISO 2470:1999, substrate backing.
d
Informative only.
e [1]
Informative only: Paper used for ink set test. Original values given in ISO 2846-1:1997 of L* = 95,5, a* = �0,4, and
b* = 4,7 as measured on substrate backing are informative only. Note that some values differ slightly from
ISO 2846-1 due to the black backing used for the purpose of this part of ISO 12647.

4.3.2.2 Print substrate gloss
The gloss of the print substrate used for proofing should be a close match to that of the production print
substrate. If this is not possible, press proofing may be carried out on the closest match selected from the
paper types listed in 4.3.2.1.
NOTE 1 The gloss values of the paper types described in 4.3.2.1 are given in Table 1.
NOTE 2 If the final product is subjected to surface finishing, this will severely affect the gloss. In critical cases, the
result of the colour-separation stage is best judged by means of a proof that closely matches the gloss of the final surface-
finished print product. For processes with off-press finishing, in order to facilitate the matching of the production image to
the proof image at the make-ready stage, it is a good plan to provide the press operator with two proof prints: a proof print
whose gloss matches that of the (unfinished) production print substrate and a proof print which closely matches the gloss
of the final surface-finished print product.
© ISO 2004 – All rights reserved 5

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ISO 12647-2:2004(E)
4.3.2.3 Ink set colours
For the five paper types defined in 4.3.2.1, the CIELAB colour coordinates of the process-colour solids on the
proof shall agree with the aim values specified in Table 2, within the deviation tolerance specified in Table 3.
The colour coordinates of the two-colour overprints and the three-colour overprint, both without black ink,
should agree with Table 2.
The primary colour solids of digital-proof prints should agree with Table 2 within one half of the deviation
tolerance specified in Table 3.
The deviation of the process-colour solids of the OK print of the production run is restricted by the condition
that the colour differences between proof and OK print shall not exceed the deviation tolerances specified in
Table 3. If no conforming proof is supplied, the colour values of Table 2 shall provide the aim.
The variability of the process-colour solids in production is restricted by the following condition. For at least
68 % of the prints, the colour differences between a production copy and the OK print shall not exceed, and
should not exceed one half of, the pertinent variation tolerances specified in Table 3.
NOTE 1 Conformance to the CIELAB values given in Table 2 usually requires the use of an ink set that conforms to
[1]
ISO 2846-1 and the printing sequence cyan, magenta, yellow.
*
NOTE 2 The distribution of ∆E values is not gaussian but skewed. For reasons of consistency, the variation
ab
tolerance is defined here as the upper limit for 68 % of the production copies. This is analogous to a gaussian distribution
where 68 % are within plus or minus one standard deviation of the mean.
NOTE 3 Comparison of the values in Table 2 for black and white (in brackets) backing shows that the colour
coordinates a* and b* remain largely the same. However, the L* values are between 2 and 3 higher, depending on paper
opacity.
NOTE 4 Density values can be very valuable for process control during a print run, where the instrument, the ink and
[3]
the print substrate remain the same; see ISO 13656 . However, in a general situation, density values do not define a
colour to the required degree. Therefore, for the purpose of this part of ISO 12647, reflection density values are only
[3]
recommended for the determination of tone values. Following ISO 13656 , the production press operator first achieves
the correct colour of the solids on the press, then reads the densities with the instrument from the OK print. The densities
are then used as aim values for process control during the production run.
NOTE 5 If the final print is subjected to surface finishing, the final colours might deviate appreciably from those of the
unfinished print. See also Note 2 of Table 1 and Note 2 in 4.3.2.2.
NOTE 6 The secondary colours red, green, blue depend on conditions that include the printing sequence, the
rheological and transparency properties of the inks, the mechanics of the press and the surface characteristics of the print
substrate. Thus, conformance of the primaries C, M, Y to Table 2 is not sufficient for the conformance of the secondary
colours to Table 2.
NOTE 7 Tolerances for special (spot) colours and for package printing need be lower than those given in Table 3,
especially for the colour difference attributable to differences of L*.
6 © ISO 2004 – All rights reserved

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ISO 12647-2:2004(E)
Table 2 — CIELAB coordinates of colours for the printing sequence cyan-magenta-yellow
unit: 1
a,b
Paper type
1, 2 3 4 5
Colour
Coordinates Coordinates Coordinates Coordinates
b,c b,c b,c b,c b,c b,c b,c b,c b,c b,c b,c b,c
L* a* b* L* a* b* L* a* b* L* a* b*
16 0 0 20 0 0 31 1 1 31 1 2
Black
(16) (0) (0) (20) (0) (0) (31) (1) (1) (31) (1) (3)
54 −36 −49 55 −36 −44 58 −25 −43 59 −27 −36
Cyan
(55) (−37) (−50) (58) (−38) (−44) (60) (−26) (−44) (60) (−28) (−36)
46 72 −5 46 70 −3 54 58 −2 52 57 2
Magenta
(48) (74) (−3) (49) (75) (0) (56) (61) (−1) (54) (60) (4)
88 −6 90 84 −5 88 86 −4 75 86 −3 77
Yellow
(91) (−5) (93) (89) (−4) (94) (89) (−4) (78) (89) (−3) (81)
47 66 50 45 65 46 52 55 30 51 55 34
Red,
M+Y
(49) (69) (52) (49) (70) (51) (54) (58) (32) (53) (58) (37)
49 33 48 31 52 16 49 16
−66 −64 −46 −44
Green,
C+Y
(50) (−68) (33) (51) (−67) (33) (53) (−47) (17) (50) (−46) (17)
20 25 21 22 -46 36 12 33 12
−48 −32 −29
Blue,
C+M
(20) (25) (−49) (22) (23) (−47) (37) (13) (−33) (34) (12) (−29)
Overprint 18 3 0 18 8 6 33 1 3 32 3 1
of
(18) (3) (0) (19) (9) (7) (33) (2) (3) (32) (3) (2)
C+M+Y
a
Paper types according to 4.3.2.1.
b
The values without brackets are measurements in accordance with ISO 12647-1: D50 illuminant, 2° observer, 0/45 or 45/0
[5]
geometry, black backing. Values in brackets pertain to measurement on the white ba
...

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