What is EN ISO 12640:2006+A1:2010?

EN ISO 12640:2006+A1:2010 is a technical standard that provides guidelines for the use of critical colour viewing conditions. This standard ensures consistent and accurate colour evaluation across different industries, such as printing, graphic arts, and photography. In this article, we will explore the key points of EN ISO 12640:2006+A1:2010 and its significance in technical applications.

The Purpose of EN ISO 12640:2006+A1:2010

The main purpose of EN ISO 12640:2006+A1:2010 is to establish uniform guidelines for viewing colour under specified lighting conditions. It helps users to accurately evaluate colours by providing standardized illumination, background, and viewing conditions. By complying with this standard, manufacturers, designers, and other professionals can ensure consistency and reliability in their color-related work.

Key Elements of EN ISO 12640:2006+A1:2010

This technical standard specifies several important elements that contribute to consistent colour evaluation:

Lighting Conditions: EN ISO 12640:2006+A1:2010 defines specific lighting requirements to ensure optimal viewing conditions. It specifies light sources, illuminance levels, and spectral power distribution to replicate daylight or other industry-relevant lighting situations.

Background: The standard also addresses the importance of the background against which the colour is evaluated. It provides guidelines for background reflectance and uniformity to minimize its influence on perceived colour.

Viewing Geometry: EN ISO 12640:2006+A1:2010 defines the position and angle at which the observer should view the colour sample. This aspect is crucial in minimizing metamerism - a phenomenon where colors appear different under different viewing conditions.

The Impact of EN ISO 12640:2006+A1:2010

The implementation of EN ISO 12640:2006+A1:2010 has had a significant impact on various industries:

In the printing industry, this standard ensures that proofs and prints meet specific quality standards. By using standardized viewing conditions, accurate evaluation and comparison of colours can be achieved, leading to consistent and reliable print reproduction.

Similarly, graphic designers and photographers benefit from adhering to EN ISO 12640:2006+A1:2010. They can trust that the colours they see on their calibrated displays are closer to the final printed result, enhancing communication and eliminating guesswork.

In product design and manufacturing, compliance with this standard allows for consistent colour matching of materials, ensuring uniformity in products across different batches or manufacturing locations.

In conclusion, EN ISO 12640:2006+A1:2010 plays a critical role in establishing standardized guidelines for accurate color evaluation. Its implementation ensures consistency and reliability, benefiting industries such as printing, graphic arts, and product design. Adhering to this technical standard allows professionals to make informed decisions based on precise color representation.