ISO 12642-2:2006

Overview

ISO 12642-2:2006 - Graphic technology - Input data for characterization of 4‑colour process printing - Part 2: Expanded data set - defines a standardized set of ink value combinations for characterizing four‑colour (CMYK) process printing. The expanded data set (1 617 ink value combinations) is intended as a robust, process‑neutral basis for color characterization across a wide range of printing methods (offset, gravure, flexography, metal‑decorating, etc.). It can also be used with any three chromatic inks plus a dark ink. ISO 12642-2 is an alternate to ISO 12642-1 where denser sampling is required.

Key topics and technical requirements

• Data set definition: A comprehensive collection of CMYK ink value sets covering tone scales, neutral/near‑neutral combinations, multi‑colour overprints and highlight/shadow detail suitable for general and packaging printing.
• Size and composition: The full expanded set totals 1 617 combinations, incorporating the 1 485 elements of the ECI 2002 dataset and the essential elements of ISO 12642‑1, with controlled duplication to preserve visual symmetry.
• Flexibility of layout: ISO 12642‑2 specifies ink value combinations only - users may arrange patches in any layout. When exchanging targets, a mapping table (row/column ↔ ID) must be provided.
• Default layouts: Two recommended layouts are provided (Annex A): a logical “visual” layout and a randomized layout to minimize localized ink interactions. Reference CSV files (e.g., 12642‑2_default.csv, 12642‑2_summary.csv) document ID ↔ CMYK mappings.
• Flesh‑tone supplement: Annex B includes a 112‑element flesh tone data set for additional skin‑tone sampling (not part of the core 1 617 set).
• Data identification: Recommended exchange identifiers - ISO12642-2, ECI2002, ISO12642-1, ISO12642-2AnnexB.
• Intellectual property note: The document flags a claimed patent (Konica Minolta) associated with aspects of the data; ISO records licensing willingness by the patent holder.

Applications and who uses it

ISO 12642-2 is used wherever accurate color characterization and profiling of printing processes are needed:

• Color management engineers developing ICC profiles and device characterizations
• Prepress and production teams setting up presses and verifying tone reproduction
• Packaging and commercial printers needing denser highlight/shadow sampling
• Software and instrument vendors creating targets, measurement workflows, or QA tools
• Research labs and standards bodies comparing process performance across substrates and technologies

Practical benefits include improved profiling accuracy, consistent exchange of characterization data, and a common baseline for cross‑process quality control.

Related standards

• ISO 12642‑1:1996 - Initial data set for 4‑colour process printing
• ECI 2002 / DIN 16614:2004 - A related expanded dataset (1 485 elements) incorporated into ISO 12642‑2

Keywords: ISO 12642-2, CMYK, four‑colour process printing, color characterization, print profiling, ECI 2002, ISO 12642-1, ink value sets, printing standards, packaging print quality.