Overview
ISO 3772:2000 - "Photography - Rolls of sensitized material for the pre-press industry - Dimensions and related requirements" defines dimensional, mechanical and marking requirements for rolls of photographic sensitized material used in the pre-press (graphic arts, image-setting and scanner output) industry. The standard covers roll widths and lengths, core and disposable cassette dimensions, winding configuration, splice rules, pull-out forces, package marking and compliance statements.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Measurement conditions: Dimensions and tolerances apply at manufacture and are measured at (23 ± 2) °C and (50 ± 5) % RH (ISO 554). Instrument calibration at 20 °C (ISO 1).
- Roll widths and cutting rules: Preferred cutting rules and recognized historic widths are specified; tolerances depend on width (typical tolerances include ±0.25 mm, ±0.5 mm, ±0.8 mm for increasing width ranges).
- Roll lengths: Preferred lengths - disposable cassettes: 30 m (film), 45 m (paper); non-cassette nominal: 60 m. A list of recognized nominal lengths is provided.
- Core internal diameters and length: Preferred core bores: 50.7 ± 0.3 mm and 71.9 ± 0.5 mm; additional recognized sizes listed. The core shall not protrude or be recessed by more than 3.0 mm.
- Disposable cassettes: Dimensions and layout requirements are given (including that cassette dimension W shall never be less than E). Pull-out force limits after initial manual release: max 10 N for rolls ≤150 mm nominal width and max 14 N for wider rolls.
- Splices and winding: No splices permitted in pre-press rolls. Overall roll width (including widthwise winding deviations) must not exceed nominal width by more than 2 mm.
- Package marking and traceability: Packaging must indicate product name/size, safelight, shipping/storage conditions and may include manufacturer name, catalogue number, barcode, batch/parent roll number, expiry/develop-before date, recommended storage and winding indication.
- Compliance statement: Use the phrase “COMPLYING WITH ISO 3772” to indicate conformity.
Applications and who uses it
ISO 3772 is used by:
- Manufacturers of sensitized film and paper for the pre-press, printing and publishing industries
- Consumable suppliers producing disposable cassettes and cores
- Equipment manufacturers (image-setters, scanners, film handling systems) who need compatible roll and cassette interfaces
- Quality, purchasing and compliance teams ensuring dimensional compatibility, packaging labeling and traceability
Practical benefits include improved interchangeability between media and equipment, predictable handling performance (pull-out forces, winding), and consistent labeling for safe use.
Related standards
- ISO 6221 - dimensional change testing for films and papers
- ISO 14535 - room-light loading packages for electronic scanner/image-setting film and paper rolls
- ISO 11312 - sheets of sensitized material for pre-press industry
Keywords: ISO 3772, sensitized material, pre-press, roll dimensions, disposable cassette, core diameter, package marking, dimensional stability.