ISO 11084-2:2006

Overview

ISO 11084-2:2006 is an international standard developed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) under the technical committee ISO/TC 130 for graphic technology. This standard specifically addresses register pin systems for plate making used in graphic industries. It defines the shapes, dimensions, and positions of pins and holes in register systems that ensure accurate image positioning during printing plate preparation. ISO 11084-2:2006 is vital for producing printing formes of size equal to or larger than A2 (420 mm × 594 mm) and supports plate-bending equipment and transfer systems to convert between various register pin arrangements.

Key Topics

• Two-pin Register System: The standard details a two-pin register system involving a combination of a circular register hole and a slotted register hole. This combination is designed to ensure precision alignment of printing plates, critical to consistent print quality.

• Pin and Hole Specifications: ISO 11084-2:2006 specifies exact dimensions and positions for the register pins and corresponding holes. The circular hole is always positioned to the left when the plate is image side up, and the holes ensure the plate is aligned parallel to its edge.

• Register Hole Types:

  • Circular Register Hole: Precisely sized for sliding fit with corresponding pins.
  • Slotted Register Hole: Rectangular or extended slot-shaped hole that accommodates tolerance in positioning, aiding in plate bending.

• Register Pins: Pins may be rounded or tapered at the top to aid handling, with detailed diameter specifications ensuring a secure yet adjustable fit within register holes.

• Applicability: Primarily for printing plate preparation in prepress operations, but also applicable to plate-bending tools and registers incorporated in printing presses.

Applications

Adopting ISO 11084-2:2006 enhances the efficiency and reliability of printing plate preparation by standardizing register pin systems in graphic technology. Practical applications include:

• Prepress Operations: Enables consistent, error-reduced positioning of photographic materials, foils, and paper during plate making, improving workflow efficiency.
• Printing Plate Manufacture: Ensures precise alignment during image transfer and plate edge bending, which is crucial for high-quality, repeatable print results.
• Equipment Standardization: Supports compatibility among different plate-bending machines and transfer systems, facilitating smooth interchangeability and reducing consumables waste.
• Quality Control: Minimizes misregistration errors and material wastage by providing exact tolerances and pin-hole configurations.
• Printing Press Processes: By analogy, assists in aligning plates on presses that use pin register systems, contributing to accurate and stable printing runs.

Related Standards

• ISO 11084-1:2006 - This part covers the three-pin register systems for photographic materials, foils, and paper mainly used with non-metallic materials. Together with Part 2, these standards provide comprehensive coverage for most register pin applications in graphic technology.

• ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2 - Governs the drafting and structure of International Standards including ISO 11084 series.

• Other graphic technology standards within ISO/TC 130 cover various aspects of materials and equipment for printing and prepress processes, promoting interoperability and industry-wide consistency.

Keywords: ISO 11084-2, graphic technology, register pin systems, plate making, printing forme, prepress registration, printing plate preparation, plate-bending equipment, register holes, printing press register systems, printing quality control.