ISO 12647-6:2020

Overview

ISO 12647-6:2020 - Graphic technology - Process control for the production of half-tone colour separations, proofs and production prints - Part 6: Flexographic printing defines the data exchange and information requirements needed to set and communicate the colourimetric aims for four‑colour flexographic printing. Rather than prescribing fixed print condition aims, the standard requires the use of colour characterization data (ICC or equivalent) to specify targets, assigns responsibilities between providers and receivers, and specifies recommended tolerances and verification methods for critical flexo process parameters.

Key topics and requirements

• Scope: Applicable to publication flexography (magazines, catalogues, newsprint) and packaging flexography (labels, boxes, flexible packages), and to half‑tone and continuous‑tone proofing processes that predict flexo results.
• Colour characterization: Printing aims must be defined by a characterization data set (ICC profile or registered dataset) so printed output matches the agreed reference.
• Data formats: Digital data should be supplied as CMYK, CMYK + spot colours, or CMYK with spot‑colour replacements; where non‑standard process inks are used, colourimetric definitions and profiles must be supplied.
• Proofing: Deliverables (film, digital file or printing forme) shall be accompanied by a contract proof or agreed soft proof that simulates the intended finishing and conforms to ISO 12647‑7 unless waived by agreement.
• Spot colours: Guidance for spot‑colour definition uses spectral data exchange (CxF/X) as per ISO 17972‑4; Annex A provides normative communication rules.
• Process control elements: Topics include halftoning parameters, tone value increase (TVI), ink set colour and gloss, print substrate characterization, reproducibility and positioning tolerances.
• Communication & responsibility: The standard specifies what must be communicated (characterization data, control strips, profiles) and clarifies provider/receiver responsibilities. Distortion correction methods must be agreed between parties.

Applications and users

ISO 12647-6:2020 is used by:

• Printers, converters and prepress houses working in flexographic printing
• Packaging designers and brand owners who require consistent colour across substrates
• Proofing labs producing contract proofs that predict flexo output
• Quality managers implementing process control and colour management for labels, boxes, flexible packaging, magazines and commercial print

Practical benefits include improved colour consistency across production runs and platforms, clearer contractual proofing, and more reliable communication of spot and process colour aims.

Related standards

• ISO 12647‑7 (proofing processes)
• ISO 17972‑1 / ISO 17972‑4 (CxF/X spot colour exchange)
• ISO/TS 10128 (methods for adjustment of reproduction)
• ISO 13655 (spectral measurement and colourimetry)

Keywords: ISO 12647-6:2020, flexographic printing, colour characterization, process control, CMYK, spot colour, proofing, ICC profile, packaging printing.