ISO 12040-1997 PDF

Full title and description

Graphic technology — Prints and printing inks — Assessment of light fastness using filtered xenon arc light. This International Standard specifies a method for assessing the light‑fastness (light stability) of prints and printing inks by defining general test requirements for prints and special test requirements for inks, using a filtered xenon‑arc light source to simulate daylight exposure in accelerated tests.

Abstract

ISO 12040:1997 defines an accelerated light‑fastness test procedure for printed materials and printing inks using a filtered xenon arc lamp. The standard gives specimen preparation and exposure conditions, guidance for substrates and inks, and criteria for evaluating the effects of simulated light exposure on colour and appearance. It is intended to provide a reproducible laboratory test that relates to outdoor or indoor daylight aging.

General information

• Status: Published (confirmed international standard).
• Publication date: March 1997 (Edition 1, published March 1997 / 6 March 1997 in multiple bibliographies).
• Publisher: International Organization for Standardization (ISO).
• ICS / categories: 87.080 (Inks, printing inks; Graphic technology).
• Edition / version: Edition 1 (1997).
• Number of pages: 5 pages.

Key bibliographic details above are taken from ISO’s record for ISO 12040:1997 and standard bibliographies.

Scope

Applies to the assessment of light‑fastness of prints and printing inks on all common print substrates (paper, board, thin metal sheets/plates, plastic films) and for all printing processes. The procedure describes general test requirements for prints and additional, specific requirements for inks, using filtered xenon‑arc exposure to reproduce daylight conditions in a controlled, accelerated laboratory test.

Key topics and requirements

• Use of a filtered xenon‑arc lamp to simulate daylight for accelerated light‑fastness testing.
• General test requirements for printed specimens (preparation, mounting, orientation, and conditioning).
• Special test requirements and specimen handling for printing inks.
• Specification of exposure conditions (irradiance, temperature, humidity where applicable) and duration to produce reproducible results.
• Guidance on substrates covered (paper, board, metal sheets, plastic films) and applicability to different printing processes.
• Evaluation criteria to assess changes in colour and appearance after exposure (comparative assessment and reporting requirements).

These topics summarize the principal technical content and requirements described in the standard.

Typical use and users

Manufacturers of printing inks and printed products, print quality laboratories, test houses, material suppliers, converters and brand owners use this standard to assess and compare light‑fastness performance of inks and printed articles, support quality control, and evaluate resistance to daylight exposure in accelerated laboratory conditions. Test laboratories use it to provide reproducible comparative data for product development and specifications.

Related standards

ISO 12040:1997 sits within ISO/TC 130’s suite of graphic technology standards (colour measurement, ink testing and print quality). Related standards commonly referenced with light‑fastness and print/instrument testing include other ISO methods for colourfastness, weathering and accelerated ageing tests and ISO documents on specimen preparation and conditioning within graphic technology. (Consult ISO/TC 130 publications for exact cross‑references.)

Keywords

Light‑fastness, xenon arc, accelerated ageing, prints, printing inks, print substrates, colour stability, graphic technology, ISO/TC 130, lightfastness testing.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ISO 12040:1997 is an International Standard that specifies a method for assessing the light‑fastness of prints and printing inks using filtered xenon‑arc light exposure in a laboratory setting.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers general test requirements for printed specimens and special test requirements for inks, including specimen preparation, exposure conditions with a filtered xenon‑arc lamp, and evaluation of changes in colour and appearance. It applies to a wide range of substrates and printing processes.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Ink manufacturers, print houses, independent test laboratories, material suppliers and brand owners use it for product development, quality control and comparative testing of light‑fastness performance.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The ISO bibliographic record shows ISO 12040:1997 as published in 1997 (Edition 1) and confirmed in ISO’s review process (confirmed status in recent systematic reviews). There are no widely listed amendments or a published superseding edition as of the ISO record for this standard. Users should check the official ISO catalogue or their national standards body for the absolute current status before procurement.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: It is part of the body of ISO standards within graphic technology managed by ISO/TC 130; while not a numbered multi‑part series itself, it is conceptually linked to other ISO methods for colour and durability testing used in print and ink evaluation.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Light‑fastness, xenon arc, accelerated ageing, prints, printing inks, colour stability, print substrates.