Overview
ISO 12637-3:2009 - Graphic technology - Vocabulary - Part 3: Printing terms is an international vocabulary standard published by ISO in 2009. It provides clear, unambiguous definitions for terms used across printing systems and processes. Part 3 focuses specifically on printing terminology (offset, gravure, flexography, screen, electrophotography, ink‑jet, thermal transfer and related processes) to support consistent communication in the graphic arts industry.
Key topics
This part of ISO 12637 collects and standardizes terms related to printing systems and processes. Representative technical topics and entries include:
- Printing processes & equipment: offset, gravure, flexographic, screen printing, laser printers, piezo and thermal ink‑jet systems, magnetic printers.
- Press components & consumables: anilox roller, gravure cylinder, blanket, impression cylinder, doctor blade, ink fountain, ink ribbon.
- Ink, transfer & drying phenomena: bleeding, blocking, mottle, halo, ghost image, dry back, anti‑setoff powder, ink transfer.
- Measurement & setup terms: mesh count, open mesh area percentage, dot area, coating thickness, off‑contact distance, make‑ready.
- Electrophotography & fusing: charging roller, corona transfer, non‑contact fusing, oil‑less fusing, capsule toner.
- Print quality & process control: overprint, gear mark, pick, double sheet detector, OK sheet.
The standard aims to give rigorous, easily understood definitions to avoid ambiguity in international technical documentation, procurement, translation and training.
Practical applications
ISO 12637-3:2009 is used to:
- Standardize terminology in technical manuals, specifications and training materials for printing operations.
- Improve clarity in contracts, procurement documents and equipment specifications between manufacturers, converters and buyers.
- Support quality management, troubleshooting and cross‑discipline communication on pressrooms and finishing lines.
- Assist translators and multinational teams to use consistent equivalents of printing terms across languages.
Who should use this standard
- Printing press operators and print shop managers
- Prepress and postpress engineers and technicians
- Graphic technologists, product designers and package developers
- Equipment and consumables manufacturers, R&D teams
- Technical writers, trainers and standards bodies
Related standards
- ISO 12637 (other parts): Part 1 (Fundamental terms), Part 2 (Prepress terms), Part 4 (Postpress terms)
- Produced by ISO/TC 130 (Graphic technology)
Keywords: ISO 12637-3:2009, graphic technology, printing terms, printing vocabulary, printing systems, printing processes, printing standard.
