1、Designation: F1320 01 (Reapproved 2011)Standard Test Method forEvaluating Thermal Paper Employing a Facsimile ThermalPrinter as a Test Instrument1This standard is issued under the fixed designation F1320; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year oforiginal adoption or, in
2、the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. Asuperscript epsilon () 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 pr
3、inter 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 th
4、eresponsibility 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:2F335 Terminology Relating to Electrostatic I
5、magingF360 Practice for Image Evaluation of Electrostatic Busi-ness CopiesF556 Test Method for Curl of Carbonless Copy PapersF909 Terminology Relating to Printers2.2 ANSI Standards:PH2.17 Density MeasurementsGeometric Conditions forReflection Density3PH2.18 Density MeasurementsSpectral Conditions32.
6、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 visible
7、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 F335 and F909.4. Summary of Test Method4.1 This test method consists of using a facsimile printer incopy mode under specified
8、 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 thermal pa
9、pers 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 thermal p
10、apersdesigned 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 quality
11、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.6.3 Densitometry readings can also be affected
12、by voltagefluctuations 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 the1This test method is under the jurisdiction ofASTM Committee F05 on BusinessImaging Products and is the
13、 direct responsibility of Subcommittee F05.06 onCarbonless and Thermal Imaging Products.Current edition approved Oct. 1, 2011. Published March 2012. Originallyapproved in 1991. Last previous edition approved in 2006 as F132001(2006). DOI:10.1520/F1320-01R11.2For referenced ASTM standards, visit the
14、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. 43rd St.,4th Floor, New York, NY 10
15、036.4Available 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.sample during the time required to make the measurement.Some units will cause the sample
16、to darken (image).6.5 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 c
17、ore and the amount ofpaper 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 o
18、f copies. For example, 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 proportionatel
19、y to the number of copies 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 theevaluatio
20、n. Older rolls of paper, 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 cu
21、rl which relate to the 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 r
22、equire varyinglengths 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
23、 diameter of the instrument 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
24、evaluation ofthermal 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 F360regarding development of test targets.
25、8.2.2 Standardized test 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 toasses
26、s the transmission performance 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
27、normally processed at 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 Bef
28、ore starting the test, 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
29、Where possible, set 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.
30、1 In some facsimile 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 ma
31、y slow down to protect 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 oper
32、ated in thecopy mode 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,
33、 paper jams, non-cut pages, abnormal images, or other unusual behavior ornoises which occur during operation. Record any interruptionsin the test and the reason on a log sheet.10.5 Inspect the print head and feed rollers for presence ofany residue and record. Rate the amount of residue on a threepoi
34、nt scale, where 0 is no residue and 3 is significant residue.If a residue is noticed, clean the machine as described inSection 9.5Available from the Omnicon Institute, 115 Park St., SE, Vienna, VA 22180-4607.F1320 01 (2011)210.6 Evaluate the curl characteristics of the imaged sampleat ambient condit
35、ions employing the curl classifications de-scribed in Test Method F556.10.7 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 measurem
36、ents.10.9 If a printhead 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 ev
37、aluation):11.1.1.1 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
38、 instructions supplied 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.
39、To determine the interval 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 apert
40、ure of the densitometer.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 improv
41、e statistical sig-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
42、 make sure the unit 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
43、be checked visually.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
44、of thermal paper tested.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
45、 the print head.12.1.1.4 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,
46、feeding problems, 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 pap
47、er samples on five 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 a
48、ll precision parameters. 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 o
49、f the experiment and sum-mary of the analysis of the data employing Practice E691 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 densi
