Monday, March 16, 2026
APTech, the Association for Print Technologies, today announced that the availability of Data Set Development - December 2025. The document was authored by the Committee for Graphic Arts Technologies Standards (CGATS).
This document describes the methods used to produce a characterized print condition (CPC). A CPC describes the color behavior of a printing device. A CPC can be used in 2 ways: as a “color management reference”, allowing that specific printing condition to be simulated on another output device and; as a set of numerical “aim values” to be used as a target for determining compliance. CPC aims may be used to gauge overall compliance and may also be used as process control aims during the print production process.
CPC data can further be compared to industry-standard reference data, such as GRACoL and SWOP, to understand how close a print condition is to an existing industry standard. In some cases, printers may be using print processes or substrates that cannot meet acceptable tolerances for any existing industry-standard references. In these cases, users and organizations may wish to nominate their CPC to become a CRPC (Characterized Reference Print Condition).
This document outlines the key steps to create a new CPC dataset, and includes the additional requirements for establishing the new CRPC dataset.
The documented is available a free download on APTech's Standards Development Website https://www.printtechnologies.org/standards/recommended-industry-practices
Wednesday, March 4, 2026
APTech, the Association for Print Technologies, today announced that Donald Schroeder, Senior Director of the Professional Services and Technical Solutions Department at FUJIFILM North America, Business Innovation Division, and Chair of the US TAG and US Head of Delegation to ISO/TC130, will present at the upcoming TAGA 2026 NextGen Conference. Schroeder will be joined by his FUJIFILM North America colleague, Ben Lubin.
This presentation will provide an update on ISO's worldwide objectives and the current goals of USA TC/130, including an overview of ISO TC 130's structure and active working groups. It offers an up‑to‑date review of current and emerging ISO TC 130 standards, examined through both technical and business‑impact lenses. The presentation highlights recent and planned updates to ISO 12647‑2, including the proposed inclusion of Near Neutral Calibration (G7) alongside traditional TVI‑based press controls, and discusses ongoing development of the Universal Characterization Dataset (UCD). An interactive Q&A will address questions about ISO TC 130 standards and how industry stakeholders can participate in and influence future standardization.
The TAGA NextGen Conference is a premier event focused on emerging technology, innovation, and the future of the printing industry. TAGA NextGen 2026 runs March 17–19, 2026 and features some of the most innovative minds in the industry. There are sessions on cutting-edge research—from measuring metallics and improving flexo uniformity to printing in space (yes, outer space)—as well as “technology in action” topics that tackle issues faced by many printing professionals every day. The NextGen Conference is free of charge for all attendees, thanks to the support of industry sponsors.
For more information visit https://taga.org/conference
Monday, February 9, 2026
APTech, the Association for Print Technologies, today announced that its Spring 2026 CGATS and US TAG meeting will be held on March 24, 2026.
FUJIFILM North America will host the meeting at its Hanover Park, IL facility.
APTech supports and administers the activities of CGATS, a committee working to improve the efficiency of national standards development, facilitating information exchange, coordinating multi-discipline standards activities, and acting as liaison for international standards development.
APTech is accredited by ANSI to administer the US TAG to ISO/TC130. The US TAG consists of experts from the industry who provide guidance to ANSI on the development of the U.S. position on international standards relating to printing and the graphic arts, including those of terminology, evaluation of visual appearance and product quality, data exchange, process control, management, conformity assessment, impacts on the environment, as well as requirements on and testing of the related materials, equipment, and systems.
Those interested in becoming part of national or international graphic arts standards development, please contact [email protected].
Friday, January 23, 2026
APTech, the Association for Print Technologies, today announced that Ray Cheydleur has retired from the Chair position of both the Committee for Graphic Arts Technologies Standards (CGATS) and U.S. Technical Advisory Group (US TAG) to the International Organization for Standardization Technical Committee 130 (ISO/TC130) as of January 1, 2026.
APTech is pleased to announce that Dr. Mark Bohan, Director Color Solutions, Konica Minolta Business Solutions U.S.A., Inc. has been confirmed as the new Chair of CGATS and Donald Schroeder, Senior Director, Professional Services and Technical Solutions Department, FUJIFILM North America, Business Innovation Division, has been confirmed as the new Chair of US TAG and the Head of Delegation to ISO/TC130.
APTech supports and administers the activities of CGATS, a committee working to improve the efficiency of national standards development, facilitating information exchange, coordinating multi-discipline standards activities, and acting as liaison for international standards development. "My first introduction into standards was through CGATS some 25+ years ago," says Mr. Cheydleur. "My first meeting was an eyeopener. Not only the breadth of topics being covered but the expertise in the room was amazing. Then there were the acronyms and numbers clearly these experts spoke in their own language – fortunately they were a friendly bunch and worked hard to get me my own secret decoder ring." Mr. Cheydleur was voted chair of the CGATS committee in 2011. "For nearly 15 years, Ray has led CGATS in an insightful and effective manner, shaping the work to the industry needs as these have evolved," says Dr. Bohan on assuming the chair seat. "I am humbled to follow in his steps with the vote of my peers and expand upon the important industry work that is done within CGATS."
APTech is accredited by ANSI to administer the US TAG to ISO/TC130. The US TAG consists of experts from the industry who provide guidance to ANSI on the development of the U.S. position on international standards relating to printing and the graphic arts, including those of terminology, evaluation of visual appearance and product quality, data exchange, process control, management, conformity assessment, impacts on the environment, as well as requirements on and testing of the related materials, equipment, and systems. Face-to-face ISO TC/130 meetings happen twice a year at locations all over the globe. "My first US TAG experience in 2003 was similar to CGATS but by then I had a partially working decoder ring which helped," he quipped. "My first lesson was to show up early! Not only to get a seat but if the agenda changed, you might not be able to fully discuss some of the proposals. And discussion in the room, at lunch and at dinner really facilitated knowledge transfer and the creation of standards that would reflect the industry." Mr. Cheydleur took over as US TAG Chair and Head of Delegation in 2014, serving the dual role of Chair of both CGATS and US TAG from that time until his retirement.
Don Schroeder says he is honored to have been asked to serve as Chair of the US TAG and Head of Delegation for the United States to ISO TC/130 through a vote of industry colleagues. "Many of the past leaders of US TAG have been significant role models to me, and I deeply respect the legacy they have established. Taking over from Ray Cheydleur, who has done a phenomenal job leading and guiding the USA delegation over these past years, is a significant responsibility. Ray's cool, calm, and collected demeanor is something I greatly admire and will strive to embody as I undertake this role."
Dr. Bohan and Mr. Schroeder share readiness to get to work in their new chair roles. "One of my goals with CGATS is to expand the scope across a wider range of the graphic communications industry where standards and technical reports are greatly needed to support users," says Dr. Bohan. "I look forward with enthusiasm to working with Don on US TAG and all of the experts in the committees." Mr. Schroeder is equally enthusiastic. "Looking ahead, I see my role as a steward for the print industry—championing what is right for the betterment and sustained growth of print, including advancing standards that reflect the evolving print environment, ensuring they remain relevant and supporting the current and future generations of print professionals," he says, adding, "and I'm committed to expanding involvement by attracting more print providers, consultants, and vendors to participate actively in standards development, helping to keep the USA at the forefront globally."
Those interested in becoming part of national or international graphic arts standards development, please contact [email protected].
Association for PRINT Technologies is a member-driven association that along with its independent subsidiary, WhatTheyThink, is a premier source of print industry news and analysis; media production; specialty events; and educational content on all facets of today's print industry. APTech is ANSI-accredited to support national and international standards development for the print industry, including B65, CGATS and US TAG to ISO/TC 130.
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