Gaining Approval

Any vendor who seeks 3DAP approval is welcomed by the committee as it is essential that as wide a choice of vendors as possible is available to the magazine publishing industry.

It is important to remember that the guidelines issued by 3DAP are issued in accordance with the stated objectives, in summary a predictable workflow. Therefore proofs must match to the target proofs within “a window of acceptability”, this window is defined as “what is commercially acceptable”.

The easiest way for a proof vendor to proceed after reading this document is to contact David Bowman via email dbowman@sinnottbros.com.au. However, if after reading this document a vendor understands the procedure they can choose to approach one of the three endorsed proof providers and order their Cromalin target proofs. After matching the targets the next step is to contact the committee to attend an approval meeting. Normally these meetings are held at 3pm on the 15th of each month (as required) at Showads, Sydney and it is advisable to contact David Bowman a week prior to this date to ensure that the committee is aware of your intention to attend.

Procedure for Proof Vendors seeking approval by 3DAP

Vendors wishing to become 3DAP compliant must complete the following procedure:

1. Order the 3DAP compliance package from Sinnott Bros. Greenwich, Show Ads Sydney or Seven Sydney. The package includes 11 Eurosprint Cromalin analogue proofs and 3 CD’s containing the PDF files for each of the Cromalin proofs. The package would cost $1,100 (plus GST).
   
   In some instances, a Vendor may need to use a specific spectral target that may not be included in the package. If this is the case, the film will be output at Sinott Bros. and a Cromalin proof created at an additional cost to the Vendor.
   
2. Produce 11 digital proofs from the supplied 3DAP CD’s that match the Eurosprint Cromalin analogue proofs.
   
3. Document the system procedure required for matching the Digital proofs to the Eurosprint Cromalin proofs including the proofing substrate, ink or dye, baseline calibration on the digital proofing device and also the colour-profiling table loaded into the device. It is also advisable to include the hardware and software used in the production of the digital proofs.
   
4. Submit the matching Digital proofs, with documentation, to the 3DAP committee for approval. It is important to produce all proofs, as each proof contains elements that are crucial in examining the total performance of a proofing system.
   
5. The vendor will keep the Cromalin target proofs used in the process. 3DAP will archive the approved digital proofs.
   
6. At the end of twelve months the vendor is obligated to re-submit a new master proof and a fresh Cromalin to the committee to keep their approved status current.
   
7. Approved vendors will be published on the website and receive a written confirmation from 3DAP.
   
8. The proof vendor agrees to not release a 3DAP control strip to a customer (pre-press supplier) until they are reasonably satisfied that:
   

The sample proof produced by the pre-press supplier matches the vendor master proof


The pre-press supplier understands their responsibility to monitor proof consistency


The pre-press supplier uses the control strip knowing that it obligates them that the proof supplied with the control strip will be produced in accordance with procedure set out by the proof vendor and complies with the documented QC tolerance


The pre-press supplier is aware that a 3DAP compliant proof must be proofed directly from the file supplied to the publisher/printer


The pre-press supplier identifies the source of the proof in the space provided in the 3DAP control strip

Procedure for users of proofing systems seeking 3DAP approval

Any users of proofing systems are wishing to become 3DAP compliant must follow the procedure set out below:

1. Request QC systems procedure from proof vendor including the recommended set-up and quality control, baseline calibration, 3DAP characterization profile, 3DAP control strip file and the GATF target proof file.
   
2. Produce a proof of the GATF form using the proof vendor’s QC system procedure guidelines and measure the 3DAP control-strip and record the Delta-E values. The Delta E values must conform to the manufacturers tolerance.
   
3. Supply proof to the proof vendor for approval.
   
4. Proof vendor instructs Advertiser/Pre-press that use of 3DAP control strip obligates them to QC to standard procedure and monitoring.
   

NB: To ensure the accuracy and consistency of proofs, it is essential that the calibration of equipment used to produce proofs is monitored and kept within the manufacturer’s guidelines.

Approval Procedure for 3DAP Committee

Members of the 3DAP committee must are required to follow the procedure below when processing proofs for approval:

3DAP sub-committee will approve the submitted vendor proofs by visual comparison to the master Cromalin proofs. A quorum of four sub-committee members is required, and must have one print representative, one publisher and a tradehouse representative present.

1. Measure and record Lab readings, from the 3DAP control strip on the digital proofs, for Publisher and Printer QC procedure.
   
2. File approved digital proofs at Greenwich.
   
3. Establish the Delta E tolerance for the submitted proofing system in concert with the particular supplier concerned
   
4. Make the recorded Lab readings available for publishers and/or printers use for QC check.

Continuing Certification for Proofing Systems

Each vendor must re-submit a single proof for approval in April each year to ensure accreditation is continued. Any queries about re-certification should be directed to David Bowman via email dbowman@sinnottbros.com.au

Click for larger diagram.