Overview
ISO 1009:2000 - "Photography - Paper dimensions - Rolls for printers" defines dimensional and handling requirements for rolls of black-and-white and colour photographic paper used in contact and projection printers. The standard sets the aim dimensions and tolerances for roll widths, rules for slitting, splice and core specifications, winding orientation, measurement conditions, and package marking information to ensure interchangeability and reliable machine handling.
Key topics and requirements
- Measurement conditions: Dimensions and tolerances apply at manufacture when equilibrated to (23 ± 2) °C and (50 ± 5) % RH (ISO 554). Instrument calibration at 20 °C (ISO 1).
- Preferred and recognized widths: The standard lists preferred roll widths (aim values and tolerances) and temporarily recognized widths; it also provides slitting/tolerance rules for other nominal widths.
- Slitting rules: Specific aim/tolerance classes are provided by nominal width ranges (see Table 3 of the standard).
- Splice limits and quality:
- Preferred maximum one splice per roll; allowances for up to 2 splices (>100 m), 3 (>250 m), 4 (>350 m).
- Splice tape must be chemically inert to processing solutions.
- Splice thickness: generally not more than double the paper thickness; overlapping splices may exceed this by up to 0.10 mm.
- Overlap length ≤ 13 mm; weld across full width without raised edges.
- Splice detection slot: precise slot geometry and placement are defined to enable automatic detection (dimensions A, B, C, D, E with limits).
- Rolls must be lengthened by at least (A + 300 mm) for each splice.
- Core dimensions: Internal diameter specified as 76.1 mm (with allowed tolerance). Core width should be less than paper width; any protrusion ≤ 1 mm.
- Winding: For rolls < 50.8 cm preferred sensitized-side-out; for rolls > 50.8 cm preferred sensitized-side-in. Paper should not be attached to core. Effective roll width must not exceed slitting maximum by more than 1 mm.
- Package marking: Packages must show product name/size, safelight and storage/shipping conditions, batch/parent roll number, expiry/inventory codes, winding indication, and may indicate compliance using the wording: “Complying with ISO 1009”.
Applications and who uses it
ISO 1009 is used by:
- Photographic paper manufacturers (to spec roll widths, splices, cores, and marking)
- Printer and darkroom equipment designers and OEMs (to design feed, splice-detection, and handling systems)
- Photographic labs and service bureaus (for purchasing and machine compatibility)
- Distributors, archivists, and quality managers (for storage, traceability, and compliance verification)
Benefits include improved machine compatibility, reduced jams and processing defects, and consistent product labelling for supply-chain control.
Related standards
- ISO 1:1975 - Standard reference temperature for length measurements
- ISO 554:1976 - Standard atmospheres for conditioning/testing
- ISO 6221:1996 - Determination of dimensional change (referenced for conditioning times)
Keywords: ISO 1009, photographic paper rolls, paper widths, splices, core dimensions, winding orientation, package marking, photography standards.