ISO Photo Book Test Method Now Available

18948_Photo Books_2018_FDIS_Page_01_crop A new ISO standard describing test methods for photo books issued on November 13, 2018. While this standard, ISO 18948:2018, stops short of providing a specification for long-term permanence, it does provide specific test methods that manufacturers can use to evaluate photo books.

Page pull test
Peeling and lamination durability
Book block attachment to the cover
Page stability, including storage and vehicle transportation
Deformation caused by humidity

Photo book manufacturers have resisted the development of standards giving requirements for photo books intended for long-term preservation; consequently the best information that is available comes from the publishing industry with ISO 11800:1998. This standard provides specific requirements for manufacturing durable and long-lasting books. Much of the information is also relevant to photo books.

I have also previously provided information on Photo Book Construction and Preservation in All About Images and in the related presentation.

About Mark Mizen

I have over twenty years professional experience in all aspects of photography and digital imaging. I am Chair of the ISO WG5 TG2 committee responsible for physical properties and durability of imaging material and am currently with HID Global working on systems for security printing for IDs, licenses, and credit cards. Previously, I was Director of Digital Development at Creative Memories from 2009 to 2012 and was responsible for the Creative Memories digital products and services. I also established and directed the Creative Memories Technology Center, which evaluated new products prior to product introduction, assisted with production difficulties, and provided technical information to support product sales.

View all posts by Mark Mizen →

1 Response to ISO Photo Book Test Method Now Available

Bunnie Cleland says:

November 26, 2018 at 6:11 pm

This is excellent information that I would be difficult to find on my own. Thank you for your interesting posts.