ISO 12647-4:2014

Overview

ISO 12647-4:2014 - Graphic technology - Process control for the production of half-tone colour separations, proof and production prints - Part 4: Publication gravure printing - defines process parameters and measurement requirements for four‑colour publication gravure printing. It covers the full workflow from colour separation and creation of the printing forme (engraved cylinder), through proof production, to production printing for magazines, catalogues and commercial publications. The standard is intended to ensure predictable, repeatable colour and tonal appearance of gravure prints and compatible off‑press proofs.

Key technical topics and requirements

• Scope and workflow: Parameters are chosen for the entire gravure process chain - colour separation, engraving, proofing and on‑press printing.
• Printing conditions & substrate categories: Defines substrate categories (S1–S5) and gamut types to associate typical coated, lightweight coated, super‑calendered and newsprint papers with target colour gamuts.
• Data and file requirements: Digital files should conform to PDF/X (ISO 15930‑4/6/7) or ISO 12639 and must identify the intended printing condition; inclusion of an ICC output profile or characterization data (ISO 12642‑2) is required.
• Proofing: Off‑press hardcopy proofing shall follow ISO 12647‑7; proofs must include control patches (solid primaries/secondaries, half‑tone patches, tertiary grey patches) to simulate gravure results.
• Engraving pitch: Specified ranges for cell frequency per colour (e.g., yellow, cyan, magenta, black) to guide cylinder engraving.
• Tone value and totals: Maximum tone value sum is specified (typically <340 % unless otherwise agreed).
• Image data resolution: Continuous‑tone raster data and line‑work resolutions are specified to ensure appropriate quality for cylinder engraving.
• Grey reproduction & balance: Requires determination of grey balance per printing condition (see informative Annex B) because a single grey condition may not suit all substrates/inks.
• Regional guidance: For North America, preparation and proofing should default to CRPC‑5 (ANSI CGA/TS 21‑2) unless otherwise agreed, with the gravure printer responsible for matching appearance.

Practical applications and users

Who uses ISO 12647-4:2014:

• Gravure printers producing magazines, catalogues and commercial publications
• Prepress specialists creating separations and engraving data
• Colour management professionals and proofing houses creating gravure‑predictive proofs
• Publishers and brand owners requiring consistent colour across proof and press Practical benefits include improved colour predictability, fewer press iterations, clearer supplier‑buyer specifications, and better alignment between proof and final gravure print.

Related standards

• ISO 12647‑1 (parameters & measurement methods)
• ISO 12647‑7 (digital proofing)
• ISO 12642‑2 (characterization data)
• ISO 15930‑4/6/7 (PDF/X exchange)
• ISO 13655 (spectral measurement and colourimetric computation)

Keywords: ISO 12647-4:2014, publication gravure printing, process control, colour separation, proofing, gravure, halftone, ICC profile, engraving pitch, grey balance.