1、Designation: F 92 93 (Reapproved 2003)Standard Practice forDetermination of Character Yield of Inked Fabric Typewriterand Printer Ribbons1This standard is issued under the fixed designation F 92; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of originaladoption or, in the case
2、of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A superscriptepsilon (e) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.1. Scope1.1 This practice covers the determination of the usableimage producing life of an inked fabric
3、typewriter ribbon or aninked fabric printer ribbon expressed as the number of impres-sions obtainable from a given unit.1.2 This practice is not applicable to one-time typewriterribbons such as carbon ribbons.1.3 This practice is suitable for narrow printer ribbons witha width of 2 in. (50.8 mm) or
4、less.1.4 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regardedas the standard. The SI units given in parentheses are forinformation only.1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of thesafety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is theresponsibility of the user of this standard t
5、o establish appro-priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.2. Referenced Documents2.1 ASTM Standards:D 685 Practice for Conditioning Paper and Paper Productsfor Testing2D 725 Method for Identification of Wire Side of Paper3D 3460 Spec
6、ification for White Watermarked and Unwater-marked Bond, Mimeograph, Duplicator, and XerographicCut-Sized Office Papers2F 149 Terminology Relating to Optical Character Recogni-tion2F 221 Terminology Relating to Carbon Paper and InkedRibbon Products and Images Made Therefrom2F 497 Practice for Use of
7、 the Electric and Electronic Type-writer as a Test Instrument2F 1174 Practice for Using a Personal Computer as a TestInstrument22.2 ANSI Standards:PH 2.17 Density MeasurementsGeometric Conditions forReflection Density4PH 2.18 Density MeasurementsSpectral Conditions43. Terminology3.1 Definitions:3.1.
8、1 For definition of terms related to this practice refer toTerminology F 149 and F 221.3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:3.2.1 hot spottingprinted images produced with an inkedfabric ribbon where occasional individual images are darkerthan those around them. This condition occurs wh
9、en theamount of ink is not consistent throughout the fabric ribbon.4. Summary of Practice4.1 This practice consists of testing a ribbon under simu-lated use conditions by employing a programmed electrictypewriter or computer printer to use the ribbon completely.5. Significance and Use5.1 This practi
10、ce is used to determine the number of usefulimpressions obtainable under normal operating conditions of agiven typewriter or printer ribbon. It is suitable for serviceevaluation or research and development. This practice isgenerally not considered practical for manufacturing controlspecification acc
11、eptance because of the length of time requiredto obtain results.5.2 Interpretation of the test result is to be made on acomparative basis, not on the basis of absolute values.6. Interferences6.1 Different typewriters, printers, print speeds, platens,type or font styles, impact adjustments, and print
12、 modes willcause variation in results. Calibration as described in Section10 will give the same results.6.2 Type, thickness, and weight of fabric will cause varia-tions in image quality.1This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F05 on BusinessImaging Products and is the direct respo
13、nsibility of Subcommittee F05.02 on InkedTransfer Imaging Products.Current edition approved Feb. 15, 1993. Published June 1993. Originallypublished as F 92 68. Last previous edition F 92 84.2Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 15.09.3Discontinued 1980; replaced by D5039 in 1990.4Available from Americ
14、an National Standards Institute, 11 West 42nd Street,13th Floor, New York, NY 10036.1Copyright ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.6.3 Each specimen should be tested using equal time sched-ules and equivalent environmental condition
15、s.6.4 Ribbons with reinking systems may exhibit fluctuationsin image density that will effect the reliability of graphicanalysis as described in 14.2.6.5 Cartridge internal construction can cause variation inprint density.7. Apparatus7.1 Electronic Typewriter or Printer, that has been condi-tioned a
16、nd calibrated in accordance with Sections 10 and 11 ofPractice F 497, or in accordance with Sections 9 and 10 ofPractice F 1174.7.2 Reflection DensitometerA reflection densitometermeeting the geometric conditions of PH 2.17 and the spectralconditions of PH 2.18. The specimen shall be backed with ani
17、nfinite pad of the paper.7.3 Typewriter or Printer DriverAn electro-mechanicalrobot device or computer program to activate the print mecha-nism to produce a uniform, repeatable print pattern at aconstant speed.7.4 Type Font, which produces a printed image with a strokewidth exceeding 0.008 in. (0.2
18、mm).7.5 Alarm Clock, or other time-measurement device.8. Materials8.1 Paper, in accordance with Specification D 3460, Type 1,bond, in roll or fanfold form, single part. Other paper, asnormally used in typewriters or printers may also be selected.It is important that the same paper be used in all com
19、parisontests as the paper type may effect the result.9. Test Specimen9.1 The test specimen should be a ribbon or known portionthereof that is unused and fresh (not subject to excessivehandling or abnormal storage conditions).10. Calibration and Standardization10.1 Adjust the typewriter or printer us
20、ed to conduct thecharacter yield test in accordance with Practice F 497 orPractice F 1174.10.2 Typewriter or Printer DriverIf an electro-mechanical robot device is used, adjust in accordance with theinstructions supplied by the manufacturer. If a computer or selftest program is used, prepare for app
21、ropriate start-stop cycles.10.3 Calibrate the densitometer (see 7.2) in accordance withthe manufacturers instructions for visual measurement.11. Conditioning11.1 Condition the samples to be tested and test paper inaccordance with Method D 685.11.2 If standard condition is not available, make certain
22、 thatwide changes in temperature and humidity do not take placewhile test is conducted.12. Procedure12.1 Insert the sample ribbon in the typewriter or printer inthe normal manner prescribed by the manufacturer. Be certainthat the imaging ribbon feeds properly and is taut across theprint head.12.2 In
23、sert the test paper in the normal manner using pindrives if available. Insert the paper in such a manner so that thetest pattern is produced on the felt side of the paper if possible.Refer to Method D 725 to determine wire or felt side of paper.If paper side cannot be determined, always use the same
24、 side asdrawn from package or box.12.3 Adjust the bail rails, margin guides, and platen settingsto ensure free travel of paper and production of a uniform,unimpeded print pattern.12.4 Determine the test pattern.12.5 Time ScheduleThe time schedule selected shouldapproximate the actual use condition o
25、f the printer. Examplesof time schedules: 1-h run, 15-min wait, repeat, and 4-h run,30-min wait, repeat. A nonstop wear test may be conductedshould the printing condition require continuous printing toexhaustion. Set alarm clock or other time-measurement deviceto ensure adherence to the time schedul
26、e.12.6 Operate the typewriter or printer at the print speedrecommended by the manufacturer. Where a printer can be setat varying speeds, choose a mid-range setting to duplicateaverage use. The characters must be even with proper spacingboth vertically and horizontally between them. They must notover
27、lap.12.7 Following the selected time schedule, continue runningthe test print pattern until printed image is illegible or unsat-isfactory. A predetermined measurement can be agreed upon asthe point of illegibility between concerned parties. (See Ap-pendix.)NOTE 1Different inks may have differing col
28、or tones that will affectthe visual appearance as compared to reflectance readings. For bestresults, continue running the test pattern well past the agreed point ofillegibility.12.8 Number pages beginning at “1” and at convenientintervals (50, 100, etc). If roll paper is used, each 11 in. (279mm) is
29、 equivalent to a standard letter size page.12.9 Remove the paper upon which the test pattern has beenproduced from the typewriter or printer being careful to avoidany smudging of the pattern.13. Interpretation of Results13.1 Image Density Requirements:13.1.1 Standardize the reflection densitometer a
30、s selected in7.2.13.1.2 Place the test specimen under the viewing head of theinstrument and read the value of the reflection density asfollows:13.1.3 Initial WriteAt the top of page 1, measure thedensity of the beginning impressions in at least three areasacross the top of Page 1. Record the resulti
31、ng average as“D1Initial Write.”13.1.4 Progressive WearMeasure additional density val-ues at set intervals, that is, every 50 pages, every 100 pages.Measure characters in the middle of the page using the samecharacters on each page. Record the resulting average as“D2,”“ D3,” etc.NOTE 2The time schedu
32、le chosen in 12.5 should be compatible withthe intervals chosen for measurement.F 92 93 (2003)213.1.5 Final WriteAt the last page of the test run, measurethe density of the last line of impressions. Record the resultingaverage as “DFFinal Write.”13.2 Count the number of impressions per page or per 1
33、1-in.length if roll paper. Total the number of satisfactory impres-sions produced to the predetermined limit (see 12.7).13.3 Plot the reflection density versus the number of im-pressions to show rate of image density loss.14. Report14.1 Report the number of impressions per unit tested,14.2 Plot the
34、results (D1 . DF) with reflection density unitson the vertical axis and number of impressions on the horizon-tal axis of the graph.14.3 A horizontal line may be drawn to indicate the bottomlimit of reflection density producing impressions (see 12.7).Any of several methods of depicting results may be
35、 usedprovided all interested parties agree. Possible methods are: thesimple chain linking of data points, the drawing of a straighttrend line, statistical analysis by means of a root-mean-squarefit of the best straight line, the best fitting r-m-s curve, andwhatever else is agreed on.14.4 Report tem
36、perature and relative humidity of test cli-mate.14.5 Report time schedule used for wear test.14.6 Report test conditions such as model of printer ortypewriter used, print speed, type font, pitch, and impactpressure setting.15. Precision and Bias15.1 This practice provides repeatable ranking order re
37、sultsor repeatable relationship to a control within a laboratory usingthe same typewriter or printer and operator.15.2 Rank order and comparative results may not necessar-ily be reproduced between laboratories because of differencesin operators, typewriter, printers, ambient conditions, andend-point
38、 determination (see 12.7).16. Keywords16.1 fabric ribbon; longevity; printer ribbon character yield;typewriter ribbon; typewriter ribbon character yield; wear offabric ribbonsAPPENDIX(Nonmandatory Information)X1. DETERMINATION OF THE END POINT IN FABRIC RIBBON CHARACTER YIELD TESTINGX1.1 GeneralWhen
39、 determining the character yield of afabric loop ribbon, 12.7 suggests: “Following the selected timeschedule, continue running the test print pattern until printedimage is illegible or unsatisfactory. A predetermined measure-ment can be agreed upon as a point of illegibility.” Thisappendix suggests
40、a possible method for establishing endpoint/illegibility parameters.X1.2 Sample PreparationUsing this method, run the rib-bon until exhaustion. Ensure samples have unfamiliar text andthe same font or typeface (Courier 10 is the most widelyavailable). Using a densitometer, measure the reflection dens
41、ityon eight characters located on the same area on each page.Average and record the readings for each page.X1.3 Prepare a Survey:X1.3.1 Establish a base of a minimum of 15 survey partici-pants. It is recommended to select the participants from variousbackgrounds such as: marketing/sales; editorial;
42、technical;shipping/receiving; and data processing. This will ensure thesolicitation of information from users who have a variety ofprinting needs. Explain to each participate that theoretically,this is the only printer available for them to use and do notcompare the output with that of any other pri
43、nting technology.Select a sampling of pages produced per ribbon with reflectiondensity ranging from 0.01 to 0.2. Query each participant as to:which sample page represents the lower limit of readability orwhen they would change the ribbon themselves; and whichsample page is no longer readable.X1.3.2
44、From the results of the survey, average the reflectiondensity of the samples chosen. Two reference points can beestablished:X1.3.2.1 Useful Ribbon LifeThat is, the lower limit oftext readability or the point at which the ribbon should bechanged.X1.3.2.2 Ribbon LifeThat is, the point at which the tex
45、t isno longer readable.X1.4 Establish an End Point:X1.4.1 Use the reflectance density figures for “ribbon life”derived from the survey to establish an end point in testing.One laboratory, upon using the methodology in this appendixderived figures of:X1.4.1.1 Useful Ribbon LifeA reflection density of
46、 lessthan 0.09.5X1.4.1.2 Ribbon LifeA reflection density of less than0.036.5X1.5 ReportPlot a graph of density versus characteryield. Include reference lines on the graph for “useful ribbonlife” and “ribbon life.” Use these reference points as an aid incomparing the character yield of one ribbon ver
47、sus another.5Using a reflection densitometer equipped with 3.4-mm aperture.F 92 93 (2003)3ASTM International takes no position respecting the validity of any patent rights asserted in connection with any item mentionedin this standard. Users of this standard are expressly advised that determination
48、of the validity of any such patent rights, and the riskof infringement of such rights, are entirely their own responsibility.This standard is subject to revision at any time by the responsible technical committee and must be reviewed every five years andif not revised, either reapproved or withdrawn
49、. Your comments are invited either for revision of this standard or for additional standardsand should be addressed to ASTM International Headquarters. Your comments will receive careful consideration at a meeting of theresponsible technical committee, which you may attend. If you feel that your comments have not received a fair hearing you shouldmake your views known to the ASTM Committee on Standards, at the address shown below.This standard is copyrighted by ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959,United Stat
