Overview
ISO/TS 10128:2023 - Graphic technology - Methods of adjustment of the colour reproduction of a printing system to match a set of characterization data - defines standardized methods to adjust digital input data so printed output from multiple presses or marking systems matches a chosen set of characterization data. The technical specification describes four distinct adjustment approaches and provides procedures for establishing aim conditions, determining correction curves, and comparing method applicability. It applies to CMYK colourant systems across printing, proofing and digital marking technologies.
Key topics and requirements
- Four adjustment methods:
- Matching of tone value curves (TVI and CTV) - align press tone response with an aim curve.
- Use of near‑neutral scales - maintain grey balance by adjusting CMY scales.
- Colour‑optimised correction curve set - derive plate curves optimized for colour appearance.
- CMYK→CMYK multi‑dimensional transforms - use device‑link (multi‑dimensional) transforms such as ICC device‑link profiles for complex mappings.
- Establishing aim conditions: procedures for defining the target characterization data and printing conditions that correction curves will aim to reproduce.
- Determination of correction curves: methods to derive one‑dimensional plate curves or multi‑dimensional transforms for press calibration.
- Press evaluation and calibration workflows: guidance on evaluating press behaviour and applying each adjustment method in production.
- Scope and intended systems: explicitly for systems using CMYK colourants, including traditional ink on paper, proofers and digital printers.
- Terminology and metrics: introduces and formalizes measures such as colour tone value (CTV) and tone value increase (TVI) consistent with ISO measurement practices.
Practical applications and users
ISO/TS 10128:2023 is useful for:
- Prepress and colour specialists who need to harmonize output across multiple presses or sites.
- Print production managers implementing cross‑site colour consistency and quality control.
- Proofing providers and digital print operators aligning proofs and digital runs to press aims.
- Press manufacturers and integrators designing calibration and correction workflows.
- Trade associations and color labs establishing common aim conditions and exchange workflows.
Benefits:
- Achieve consistent colour reproduction, reduced rework and predictable print matching.
- Integrate with process control data (solid density, TVI/CTV tracking) and ICC‑based workflows.
- Select the optimal method (plate curves vs. device‑link) based on workflow complexity and repeatability.
Related standards
- ISO 13655 - Spectral measurement and colorimetric computation for graphic arts
- ISO 15076 - Colour management architecture and ICC profile format
- ISO 20654 - Measurement and calculation of spot colour tone value (CTV)
- ISO 12647 (series) and ISO 2846‑2 - referenced standards for characterization data and ink specifications
Keywords: ISO/TS 10128:2023, colour reproduction, tone value curves, CTV, TVI, CMYK to CMYK, press calibration, characterization data, colour‑optimised correction curves, graphic technology.
