1974 |
A group of concerned industry experts
meet to explore the possibility of forming a committee
to write specifi cations for material supplied to
web offset publication printers. |
1975 |
Representatives of various graphic
arts industry segments agree to form a review committee
and write specifications. It is decided that unanimous
agreement of all endorsing organizations was required
for approval of the specifications and all future
updates. This becomes the core concept on which
the SWOP Specifications are founded. |
1976 |
Specifications for Web Offset Publications
and its acronym, SWOP, are first used. Specification
booklet updates are published in 1977, 1978, 1981,
1986, 1988, 1993, 1997 and 2001. |
1986 |
The 1986 booklet edition updates the
specifications, and for the first time includes
guidelines for the web printing of publications.
In cooperation with GAA (Gravure Association of
America) SWOP specifications are adopted by the
gravure process, which allows advertisers to produce
fi lm that can be used interchangeably. |
1988 |
SWOP is incorporated as a not-for-profit
corporation, and a board of directors is formed. |
1993 |
SWOP specifications begin to address
electronic file preparation and the transfer of
graphic arts data in a digital workflow. Off-press,
analog and digital proofing are covered in more
detail, including the development of SWOP Application
Data Sheets that help users make a proper proof.
|
1997 |
In the eighth edition of the booklet
and in a subsequent brochure, "Digital Specifications
and Requirements," SWOP addresses computer-to-plate
as an important production method for publication
printers across the country. |
1999 |
SWOP debuts the SWOP Certification
Program for Off Press Proofing Systems. |
2000 |
SWOP, Incorporated becomes affiliated
with the Digital Distribution of Advertising for
Publications (DDAP) for the purpose of creating
synergy with other industry standards groups. |
2003 |
"SWOP" becomes registered as a trademark
of SWOP, Inc. |
2004 |
SWOP and IDEAlliance form a coalition
to support print media through the coordinated development
of standardized specifications and guidelines, certification
programs, software tools, educational seminars,
and peer support networks. SWOP 10th edition published,
with an orientation toward the Computer-to-Plate
workflow. |
2005 |
SWOP merges with IDEAlliance and becomes
a Program within IDEAlliance. |
2006 |
SWOP adopts a new #3 grade
paper (such as Fortune Gloss).
SWOP adopts the G7
Proof-to-Print Process.
The IDEAlliance Print
Properties Working Group conducts first web press
runs to characterize publication printing on a #3
sheet and a #5 sheet and develops characterization
data sets for each sheet.
IDEAlliance forms a research
alliance with Rochester Institute of Technology
Printing Applications Laboratory
IDEAlliance launches a combined SWOP/GRACoL Hard
Copy Proofing Systems Certification Program |
2007 |
IDEAlliance launches a
combined SWOP/GRACoL Proofing Summit to gather
industry feedback to guide the proofing
certification programs
IDEAlliance launches a combined SWOP/GRACoL
monitor proofing certification program |