3DAP (Digital Data Delivery for Australian Publications) is an industry group committee formed to ensure that advertising material prepared by different sources for use in publication printing can be faithfully reproduced together on the same press sheet. It is also important for the same material inserted in multiple publications to be consistent.

The 3DAP Committee has released "roll-out" details on version 3 (V3) of their new proofing standards click here for details. For the latest 3DAPv3 downloads click here. Please refer to this website for regular updates.

Note: 3DAPv2 is no longer valid - please ensure you are using the latest 3DAPv3 settings for publication work. To find out more about 3DAP and the release of version 3 contact the 3DAP Chairman: James Hawkes; Colour Manager; ACP Magazines Ltd  Jhawkes@pblmedia.com.au

The 3DAP committee are to release version 3 (v3) of their proof guidelines.

In announcing "roll-out" details of Version 3, the Committee has adopted the Australian version of the international printing standard ISO 12647-2, and will incorporate the ISO 12647-7 tolerances for proofing quality control.  3DAPv3 will enable greater control in the printing processes by making available via their website, recommended separation profiles to suit the final printing requirements.
The change has been driven by Australia’s printers adopting the AS 12647-2 ISO printing standard and one of the many benefits is a common colour space for both web and sheet-fed print applications which will narrow the divide between the two printing methods depending on paper type.
The updated 3DAP standards will provide many benefits to the pre-press, publishing, and printing industries, giving a more predictable proofing and printing environment. The standards will encompass two different ISO paper types which will cover the majority of magazine printing requirements.  

ISO paper stocks have been separated into five different paper types which are defined by the shade or brightness of the stock and its printing characteristics (expected dot gain). 3DAP has adopted two of these paper types - 1 and 3 - which are most commonly used in commercial / magazine printing in Australia.

Paper Type 1 is typically a higher brightness coated stock and may be used for most magazine stocks printed sheetfed, as well as the higher brightness web offset stocks.

Paper Type 3 is typically a mid to high brightness coated stock, generally with a lower mass per area weight (gm).

It is important to discuss the relevant paper types with your Publisher prior to the production of advertising material. This will ensure you utilise the correct separation profiles and produce the correct proofs for the printing process.

There will be a cross over period from 3DAPv2 to 3DAPv3 until April 2 2009, advertisers responsible for the management and placement of repeat advertising will be encouraged to adopt the 3DAPv3 standard as soon as possible, in an effort to avoid any colour issues on press with editorial pages produced using the 3DAPv3 standard. This could lead to unnecessary colour compromises and disappointment on press. 
The 3DAP committee has representatives from all the major publishers in Australia on the committee, as well as the web offset print groups. It is the industry committee endorsed by the MPA.

With the help of the proofing device vendors who seek 3DAP approval, the delivery of calibrated proofing from disparate devices is possible.  The vendor’s task is to administer a QC system that will ensure a standardized proof can be produced correctly by their customers.  The result is consistent proofs delivered to advertisers, publishers and printers that represent an achievable result on press.

Important Points:

• Version 2 (v2) proofs will be acceptable as well as v3 until 2 April 2009 after this only v3 proofs will be accepted by participating magazine publishers in Australia.
• Proof originators: Speak to your proof vendor about the v3 set up procedures to comply with v3 guidelines, v3 does not mean that new equipment must be purchased to render a v3 proof.
• Proof vendors: Please contact 3DAP at info@3DAP.com.au or dbowman@sinnottbros.com.au for further information on compliance procedure.

3DAP v3 Control Strip

In order to verify that a proof is actually a 3DAP v3 proof, each proof must have the following new 3DAP endorsed Control Strip displayed beside the advertising material.  Use of the strip obligates the user to follow the QC procedures supplied by proof vendors to the user after approval of their individual device.

3DAP v3 Control Strip:

This wedge is only available to users of 3DAP approved proofing systems and must show:

• The proofing vendor’s name /logo
• The RIP
• The proofing device used
• The proof originator’s company name /logo

The control strip must be placed beside the advertising page prior to proofing as an element- ensuring that the correct simulation profile is applied to the control strip.