ISO 1004-2-2013 PDF

Full title and description

Information processing — Magnetic ink character recognition — Part 2: Print specifications for CMC7. This International Standard specifies print shapes, dimensions and tolerances for characters (digits, letters and symbols) to be printed with magnetic ink for automatic character recognition using the CMC7 font.

Abstract

ISO 1004-2:2013 defines the shapes, nominal dimensions and tolerances for the ten digits (0–9), a set of symbols and the 26 letters when printed in magnetic ink using the CMC7 system. The standard describes printing defects and permitted tolerances, printing considerations affecting magnetic reading, and includes specifications for signal level measurement and acceptable print quality for reliable magnetic ink character recognition.

General information

• Status: Published (International Standard, confirmed).
• Publication date: June 2013 (Edition 1, 2013-06).
• Publisher: International Organization for Standardization (ISO).
• ICS / categories: 35.240.40 (Information processing — magnetic recording and related technologies).
• Edition / version: Edition 1 (2013).
• Number of pages: 32 (ISO bibliographic record).

Scope

ISO 1004-2:2013 applies to the design and print-production characteristics of CMC7 magnetic-ink characters intended for automatic magnetic recognition. It specifies the nominal shapes, dimensional tolerances, allowable printing defects and signal-level measurement criteria necessary to ensure reliable MICR (magnetic ink character recognition) performance in CMC7-using systems. The standard is intended for use where CMC7 magnetic-ink printing is required for automated reading and processing.

Key topics and requirements

• Definition of the CMC7 character set: digits 0–9, five symbols and 26 letters (nominal shapes and proportions).
• Dimensional tolerances and geometric construction rules for each character element.
• Permitted printing defects, their classification and acceptable limits for reliable read rates.
• Magnetic signal level measurement specifications and guidance for assessing magnetic readability.
• Printing and production considerations (ink formulation, substrate interaction and print registration) that affect MICR performance.

Typical use and users

Banks, cheque and payment processors, MICR printer and equipment manufacturers, quality and test laboratories, document printers and national standards bodies typically use ISO 1004-2 when implementing or validating CMC7 magnetic-ink printing for automated reading systems. It is used both for new implementations and for procurement/specification of print and read equipment.

Related standards

ISO 1004-2:2013 is one part of the ISO 1004 series addressing magnetic ink character recognition. Key related documents include ISO 1004-1:2013 (Part 1: Print specifications for E13B) and the earlier consolidated ISO 1004 (superseded by Parts 1 and 2 in 2013). National adoptions and identical versions include BS ISO 1004-2:2013 and other national equivalents.

Keywords

ISO 1004-2, MICR, CMC7, magnetic ink character recognition, magnetic ink, cheque processing, character tolerances, print specifications, signal level measurement.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ISO 1004-2:2013 is an International Standard that defines print specifications for the CMC7 magnetic-ink character set used in magnetic ink character recognition (MICR) systems.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers the nominal shapes, dimensions and tolerances for digits, symbols and letters printed in magnetic ink using CMC7; it also describes permitted printing defects, print-production considerations and magnetic signal-level measurement criteria required for reliable automated recognition.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Typical users include banks and payment processors, MICR printer and hardware manufacturers, print-production specialists, and testing/standards organizations involved in cheque and payment document processing.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: ISO 1004-2 was published in June 2013 (Edition 1) and is published/confirmed as an active International Standard. The ISO bibliographic record indicates the publication is maintained and has been subject to regular ISO review cycles.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — it is Part 2 of ISO 1004. Part 1 (ISO 1004-1:2013) covers print specifications for the E13B MICR font; together the parts replaced the earlier unified ISO 1004 editions.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: CMC7, MICR, magnetic ink, character recognition, print tolerances, cheque processing, ISO 1004-2.