1、Designation: F 1320 01 (Reapproved 2006)Standard Test Method forEvaluating Thermal Paper Employing a Facsimile ThermalPrinter as a Test Instrument1This standard is issued under the fixed designation F 1320; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year oforiginal adoption or, i
2、n the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. Asuperscript epsilon (e) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.1. Scope1.1 This test method covers a standardized procedure utiliz-ing the facsimile thermal
3、 printer as an imaging device formeasuring the performance properties of direct thermal paper.1.2 This test method may also be used to evaluate someimaging properties of facsimile printers.1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of thesafety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is
4、 theresponsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-bility of regulatory limitations prior to use. For a specificwarning statement, see 9.1.2. Referenced Documents2.1 ASTM Standards:2F 335 Terminology Relating to Electrostat
5、ic ImagingF 360 Practice for Image Evaluation of Electrostatic Busi-ness CopiesF 556 Test Method for Curl of Carbonless Copy PapersF 909 Terminology Relating to Printers2.2 ANSI Standards:PH2.17 Density MeasurementsGeometric Conditions forReflection Density3PH2.18 Density MeasurementsSpectral Condit
6、ions32.3 IEEE Standard:167 A Facsimile Test Chart43. Terminology3.1 Definitions:3.2 thermal facsimile printera type of non-impact printerthat uses special paper coated with materials which react toheat applied by electrical resistance elements; the heat causesthe materials in the coating to form a v
7、isible image; the unit isused to transmit and receive information in hard copy formover telephone lines.3.2.1 For definitions of other terms used in this test method,see Terminology F 335 and F 909.4. Summary of Test Method4.1 This test method consists of using a facsimile printer incopy mode under
8、specified conditions to produce images forthe evaluation of direct thermal paper on a comparative basis.The method is not intended for manufacturing control testing.The method also examines curl, feeding characteristics, coatingresidue, and possible operational problems which may beassociated with t
9、hermal papers from different manufacturers.5. Significance and Use5.1 This test method will permit the user to make compari-sons of image quality and machine performance for thermalpaper. This test method is not intended for manufacturingcontrol testing.5.2 This test method is designed to test only
10、thermal papersdesigned for use with facsimile machines. The test method isnot appropriate for the evaluation of thermal papers designedfor use with calculators, chart recorders, and other thermalprinters.6. Interferences6.1 Some facsimile printers in different modes may operateat various speeds. The
11、 quality of the imaging and performanceof the thermal paper can differ depending on the speed andmode of operation.6.2 Facsimile printers default setting is recommended toeliminate variations in quality of output due to electrical andtelephone line interference.1This test method is under the jurisdi
12、ction ofASTM Committee F05 on BusinessImaging Products and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee F05.06 onCarbonless and Thermal Imaging Products.Current edition approved June 1, 2006. Published June 2006. Originallyapproved in 1991. Last previous edition approved in 2001 as F 1320 01.2For re
13、ferenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, orcontact ASTM Customer Service at serviceastm.org. For Annual Book of ASTMStandards volume information, refer to the standards Document Summary page onthe ASTM website.3Available from American National Standards Institute (ANSI), 25 W.
14、43rd St.,4th Floor, New York, NY 10036.4Available from IEEE Service Center, 445 Hoes Lane, P.O. Box 1331,Piscataway, NJ 08855-1331.1Copyright ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.6.3 Densitometry readings can also be affected by volt
15、agefluctuations requiring similar precautions to be taken as de-scribed in 6.2.6.4 When making density readings with some densitom-eters, care must be taken that the unit does not damage thesample during the time required to make the measurement.Some units will cause the sample to darken (image).6.5
16、 Machine damage results may occur if the grade ofthermal paper to be tested is not matched to the requirementsof the facsimile unit given by the facsimile printer manufac-turer.6.6 When evaluating the curl characteristics of the thermalpaper, differences in the diameter of the core and the amount of
17、paper on the roll should be considered. Some machines featurerollers that attempt to reverse the amount of curl in the paper.This should also be taken into consideration during theevaluation.6.7 Imaging can vary as a function of the sequence positionof a given copy in a series of copies. For example
18、, the imageof the third copy of a run of 20 copies on a given machine maybe different from that of the fifteenth copy of that same run.6.8 Most machines make only one copy unless they havememory. Consequently, the mechanical condition of the origi-nal deteriorates proportionately to the number of co
19、pies cre-ated. Multiple originals may be required to test a full roll. Thevariation between originals, if any, must be considered in theevaluation. Any variation in density can be examined usingreflection spectrometry.6.9 The age of the paper should be considered in theevaluation. Older rolls of pap
20、er, especially if stored unwrappedin high heat or humidity conditions, may result in poorerimaging and subsequently incorrect results. Older rolls mayalso experience transport problems due to changes in moisturecontent or curl if stored unwrapped. There can be other causesfor curl which relate to th
21、e coating operation and storage.6.10 Variation in print density can occur due to resistancevariation in the print elements across the print head. Densitymeasurements should be made in the same relative positions onsets of test samples.6.11 Different brands of thermal paper may require varyinglengths
22、 of time until the final density is reached.7. Apparatus7.1 Facsimile Printer, used to prepare images. The unit incopy mode shall be employed for the application. Adjust theunit to the manufacturers specifications.7.2 Reflection Densitometer, with proper calibration. Theaperture diameter of the inst
23、rument should not be larger thanthe imaged areas to be measured.7.3 Magnifying Lens,5or103.8. Materials8.1 Thermal Paper, of the grade recommended by thethermal paper producer or by the facsimile printer manufac-turer.8.2 Test Target:8.2.1 Various test targets are available for evaluation ofthermal
24、paper depending on the specific objectives of the study.Test targets can be prepared which range from normal printingto ones which include resolution targets, large printed areas orfigures and pictures with half tones. Refer to Practice F 360regarding development of test targets.8.2.2 Standardized t
25、est targets have been developed byComite Consultatif International Telegraphique et Telepho-nique (CCITT)5and Institute of Electrical and ElectronicEngineers (IEEE). The CCITT test targets include informationon the interpretation of results. Both test targets are designed toassess the transmission p
26、erformance of facsimile units but aresuitable for testing the performance of thermal paper.8.2.3 The user may consider employing a series of second-ary test targets to reduce the “wear and tear” to the main testtarget.8.2.4 The user may choose to intersperse examples ofdocuments normally processed a
27、t the users location with thetest target. The frequency with which the test target is repeatedshould be established by the experimental design. If this optionis chosen, the same test set should be used with each roll ofthermal paper being tested.9. Preparation of Apparatus9.1 Before starting the tes
28、t, the facsimile printer should beexamined. Clean the print head and feed rollers following themanufacturers recommended procedure. Some models offacsimile printers may not allow access to the print head forinspection, cleaning, or adjustments.NOTE 1The print head may be hot.9.2 Where possible, set
29、speed, contrast, resolution, andgrayscale as desired and record. Standard settings are recom-mended. Use the same settings throughout the test.10. Procedure for Preparing the Image10.1 Insert the roll of thermal paper in the facsimile ma-chine and check for proper operation.10.1.1 In some facsimile
30、units, the copy mode may operateat a different speed compared to standard transmission modeoperation which can affect thermal paper performance. Ifpossible, adjust the copy mode speed to be equivalent to thespeed at standard transmission mode. In some units, theoperating speed may slow down to prote
31、ct the thermal headfrom overheating.10.1.2 To reduce the possibility of electrical interference, anisolation transformer or other voltage stabilization device canbe used. To eliminate the influence of telephone line interfer-ence on the results the facsimile printer shall be operated in thecopy mode
32、 using default settings.10.2 Load the test target(s) in the document feeder.10.3 Operate the unit in the copy mode.10.4 Continue to operate the unit using the same test targetsuntil the roll of thermal paper is exhausted. Record the numberof images produced, any feeding problems, paper jams, non-cut
33、 pages, abnormal images, or other unusual behavior ornoises which occur during operation. Record any interruptionsin the test and the reason on a log sheet.5Available from the Omnicon Institute, 115 Park St., SE, Vienna, VA 22180-4607.F 1320 01 (2006)210.5 Inspect the print head and feed rollers for
34、 presence ofany residue and record. Rate the amount of residue on a threepoint scale, where 0 is no residue and 3 is significant residue.If a residue is noticed, clean the machine as described inSection 9.10.6 Evaluate the curl characteristics of the imaged sampleat ambient conditions employing the
35、curl classifications de-scribed in Test Method F 556.10.7 Repeat 10.1 to 10.7 for other rolls of thermal paper.Allow the machine printhead to cool for 30 min before startingthe next test.10.8 Allow at least 30 min for the image to develop beforemaking any visual or density measurements.10.9 If a pri
36、nthead burns out or is damaged during the test,the test must be repeated.11. Procedure for Evaluation of Image Quality11.1 Visual Means:11.1.1 Visually compare the facsimile images to the originaltest document(s) for the following properties (5 or 103magnification may aid in the evaluation):11.1.1.1
37、 Intensity of image,11.1.1.2 Sharpness and resolution,11.1.1.3 Voids or streaks, and11.1.1.4 LengthShorter or longer than original.11.1.2 Compare the quality of the images throughout therun.11.2 Reflectance Density:11.2.1 Calibrate and operate the densitometer in accordancewith the instructions supp
38、lied by the manufacturer, includingline voltage, warm up time, and adjustment of the scale.11.2.2 Establish a plan for the selection of the samples formeasurement. A minimum of thirty samples should be em-ployed to provide statistical results according to the CentralLimit Theorem. To determine the i
39、nterval between samplesselected for measurement, n, utilize the total number of imagesproduced and divide by the number of samples desired. Selectthe first sheet and every nth sheet thereafter.11.2.3 For measurements, choose areas on the imagedsamples that are larger than the aperture of the densito
40、meter.Select at least five areas for measurement on each sample inseparate imaged areas of the specimen. Place an imagedspecimen under the viewing head of the reflection densitometerand read the density obtained. Average the readings taken.Additional readings may be taken to improve statistical sig-
41、nificance.11.2.4 Repeat with additional samples until a set of datarepresentative of the thermal papers characteristics has beenestablished. Make measurements in the exact same locations asmade in 11.2.3 to minimize any variation due to the print head(refer to 6.10).11.2.5 Check to make sure the uni
42、t is not darkening thesample by placing a sample of the thermal paper under thereading head for several minutes. If the density reading slowlydrifts, then readings will need to be taken rapidly. If the drift isrelatively rapid, another instrument must be chosen. Thesample can also be checked visuall
43、y.11.3 Establish a ranking order for the characteristics evalu-ated by comparing paired samples on the basis of equal to,above, or below.12. Report12.1 Report the following information:12.1.1 The relative value and ranking order of the images ascompared to the target for each roll of thermal paper t
44、ested.Note any trends in the data. The results should include:12.1.1.1 Reflection Density or Visual IntensityAverage,standard deviation, minimum and maximum values.12.1.1.2 Sharpness and resolution.12.1.1.3 Voids or streaks indicative of possible wear, residuebuild-up, or damage to the print head.12
45、.1.1.4 Variation in length.12.2 The presence of any residue on either the feed rollersor the print head.12.3 The average and maximum curl measured for each roll.12.4 The equipment configuration, operating parametersincluding speed, test conditions, temperature, relative humid-ity, feeding problems,
46、and any unusual behavior (for example,a “popping” noise indicative of a sticking problem) encoun-tered during the test.13. Precision and Bias13.1 PrecisionAn interlaboratory study of this testmethod was conducted in 1990 by operators in four laborato-ries involving four thermal paper samples on five
47、 facsimileunits with meduim printhead energy classifications. A rankingorder was repeatable between the laboratories. One sample hada significantly lower average density than the other threesamples. The data demonstrates an inverse relationship be-tween average density values and all precision param
48、eters. Forsamples with average density values ranging from 1.0 to 1.3,the within-laboratory standard deviation varied between 0.036and 0.007 (or 3.6 and 0.6 %); the between-laboratories stan-dard deviation varied between 0.087 and 0.017 (or 8.7 and1.3 %), respectively. The design of the experiment a
49、nd sum-mary of the analysis of the data employing Practice E 691 aregiven in the research report.6Based on statistical analysis ofthe results, the following criteria should be used for judging theacceptability of results at the 95 % confidence level:13.1.1 RepeatabilityTwo average density results, each theaverage of ten measurements consisting of five individualvalues obtained by the same operator, should be consideredsuspect if they differ by more than 0.1 density unit or 10 %relative. If the density measurement is between 1.25 and 1.30,two average density results should
