1、Designation: F 1405 08Standard Test Method forDetermining the Dynamic Thermal Response of DirectThermal Imaging ProductsAtlantek Method1This standard is issued under the fixed designation F 1405; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year oforiginal adoption or, in the case
2、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 the measurement of thermalresponse of various direct thermal imaging
3、 papers or otherthermal-coated substrates used for facsimile, labels, medicalrecorders, plotters, and printers.1.2 The Atlantek Thermal Response Tester Model 200described in this test method may be used for specificationacceptance, product development, and research applications.1.3 This standard doe
4、s not purport to address all of thesafety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is 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 specificprecautionary statement
5、s, see Section 8.2. Referenced Documents2.1 ASTM Standards:2D 685 Practice for Conditioning Paper and Paper Productsfor TestingE 691 Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study toDetermine the Precision of a Test MethodF 1623 Terminology Relating to Thermal Imaging Products2.2 ANSI Standards:3P
6、H 2.17 Density MeasurementsGeometric Conditions forReflection DensityPH 2.18 Density MeasurementsSpectral Conditions2.3 Operators Manual:Atlantek Operators Manual for Model 200 Thermal Re-sponse Test System43. Terminology3.1 Symbols:3.1.1 Tcyclethe time between printed lines. The larger theTcycleval
7、ue, the more time between printed lines. The result isslower print speeds. Smaller Tcyclevalues correspond to fasterprint speeds. Time between printed lines equals dot “ on” timeplus dot “off” time (Tcycle= Ton+ Toff).3.1.2 Tonthe amount of time that the heating elements(dots) on the printhead are e
8、nergized. Typically, this value is inmilliseconds. Tonis also called strobe time.4. Summary of Test Method4.1 This test method involves imaging direct thermal prod-uct using an Atlantek Model 200 Thermal Response TestSystem. The system is designed to provide thermal responsemeasurements using printh
9、eads commonly used in facsimileunits, label printers, medical recorders, plotters, and otherprinters. This system is based on a special purpose controllerboard which drives a standard thermal printhead and a pro-grammable stepping drive controller. This system includesprovisions for mounting standar
10、d performance printheads. Apersonal computer controls the system with parameter pro-gramming accomplished from menu-driven software designedspecifically for thermal response and performance character-izations.4.2 To determine thermal response, thermal product in rollor sheet form is fed into the pri
11、nter. From the Main Menu, thetest system is configured to the Test Mode. Again from theMain Menu, Execute a Test is chosen. A standard existing testfile can then be loaded and the New Test can be given a filename or default standard test conditions can be used. The testthermal product (media) is ide
12、ntified, printhead voltage set, andthe test executed. Densitometer measurements can then beentered into the test file (manually or automatically). Data inthe test file created can then be used to graphically display thethermal response of the test thermal product.1This test method is under the juris
13、diction ofASTM Committee F05 on BusinessImaging Products and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee F05.06 onCarbonless and Thermal Imaging Products.Current edition approved Jan. 1, 2008. Published January 2008. Originallyapproved in 1992. Last previous edition approved in 2002 as F 1405 98 (2
14、002).2For referenced 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 (A
15、NSI), 25 W. 43rd St.,4th Floor, New York, NY 10036, http:/www.ansi.org.4Available from Printrex, 276 East Gish Rd., San Jose, CA 95112, http:/ ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.5. Significance and Use5.1 The Atlantek test system a
16、llows simulation of directthermal printers in the marketplace. Thus, this system is usefulin matching direct thermal product performance to variousprinter configurations.5.2 This test system is useful for new product development.Direct thermal printer manufacturers can design print controlalgorithms
17、 to match particular thermal imaging products.Thermal imaging product manufacturers can formulate anddesign products (media) to provide a match with certain printerdesigns.5.3 Manufacturing process control can make thermal re-sponse comparisons relative to process changes.5.4 Customers for thermal p
18、roducts can use this test methodto compare supplies from various manufacturers.5.5 The test system can be used to evaluate thermal re-sponse of facsimile, label, medical recorder, plotter, and otherdirect thermal products (media).5.6 Performance differences between printheads and mediacombinations c
19、an be measured and presented graphically.6. Interferences6.1 Testing under controlled environmental conditions isrecommended. Wide variations in temperature and relativehumidity can effect image density measurements.6.2 Printhead loading and alignment is important to achievereliable and reproducible
20、 results.6.3 When testing new and experimental coatings, the print-head must be visually inspected for any residue or buildup andcleaned if required. Residue may prevent intimate printheadcontact with the thermal imaging surface, resulting in lowerimage density and may cause printhead damage.6.4 The
21、rmal products are sensitive to prolonged exposure tolight and should be protected from exposure prior to testing.7. Apparatus7.1 Atlantek Thermal Response Test System, Model 200.37.2 IBM PC/AT, or true compatible with the followingconfiguration: 512K RAM minimum, 12 mhz clock, 20 mega-byte hard disk
22、, 1.2 M floppy disk, standard keyboard, mono-chrome or color system, parallel port (two required for plottingoption) and serial port (two required for automatic densitom-eter readings).7.3 Densitometer, Macbeth Model RD-914 (spectral re-sponse: black and white, visual) or equivalent. A serial inter-
23、face is required for entering density measurements automati-cally to the test data file.7.4 Software, Tech*Graph*Pad or equivalent (optional forplotting graphs).7.5 Plotter, HP Colorpro with Centronics parallel printer orequivalent to prepare graphs.8. Hazards8.1 Printhead VoltageKeep applied voltag
24、e at or belowthat specified for each printhead to avoid printhead damage.Before powering up the system and applying power, thevoltage adjustment knob on the front panel should be turnedfully counter-clockwise. This ensures that applied voltage willbe below the maximum value recommended for the print
25、head.8.2 The Tcyclevalue must be at least four times the Tonvaluewhen in full-width printing mode or two times the Tonvalue inreduced-width mode. The operating system software checksfor this value.8.3 Maximum Tonvaries with printhead resistance. See thetable from the Atlantek Operators Manual for su
26、pplied print-head to ensure that the maximum value is not exceeded.8.4 Prior to running a nonstandard test, consult documenta-tion for each printhead with regard to maximum recommendedTon, energy, and printhead voltages.8.5 Changing PrintheadsNever attempt printhead re-placement with the power on. T
27、he printhead should first beelectrically disconnected from the printer by removing theprinthead interface and printhead power connectors on the leftside panel of the mechanism.8.6 Computer ConnectionsDo not make or break anyconnections while the computer is powered up.9. Test Specimen9.1 The test sp
28、ecimen (media) shall be sheets or a roll ofthermal product which has not been adulterated since it wasmanufactured.9.2 Test specimens in sheet form should be cut into indi-vidual strips 812 in. wide with a recommended length of 13 in.(minimum length is 11 in.).9.2.1 If test specimens are less than 8
29、12 in. in width with aminimum width of 4 in., they can be tested by enablingReduced Width and Narrow Header. To initiate this changefrom the Test Menu, strike F8, Configure Output Image.10. Calibration and Standardization10.1 DensitometerCalibrate the densitometer in accor-dance with the manufacture
30、rs recommendations.10.2 Printhead Dot Line AlignmentAdjust the printheaddot line alignment over the platen roller and set in accordancewith the manufacturers recommendations.10.3 Printhead PressureMeasure the printhead pressurewith a force gage and set in the range from 7 to 8.5 lb (see Note1). The
31、pressure measurement is not precise. If the pressure isin this range, do not adjust.11. Conditioning11.1 Although no special conditioning of thermal productsamples is required, it would be prudent to compare only testsrun under the same environmental and aging conditions (seeMethod D 685).NOTE 1Sinc
32、e the nominal printhead width is 8.5 in., the pressureshould be 0.8 to 1.0 lb/linear in.12. Establishment of Test Parameters12.1 ROHM KF2008-B1 and Kyocera KST-216-8MPD1Thermal PrintheadsSee the table from theAtlantek OperatorManual for recommended nominal printhead voltages forvarious resistances o
33、f the supplied printheads. Set TcycleandTonas specified for each printhead and set printhead tempera-ture at 27.5C (Head HeatingOn).NOTE 2There is no provision for printhead cooling.F140508213. Procedure13.1 With the computer powered up and the printerswitched on, the Entry Screen will appear on the
34、 monitor.Select Thermal Response Test and strike the Enter key.NOTE 3Before striking the Enter key again, insert a formatted,high-density diskette into Drive A. This diskette is required for test anddata storage.13.2 The next screen message is to switch on the thermalresponse test system before stri
35、king the Enter key. Striking anyother key will return the program to DOS.13.3 Upon striking the Enter key, the computer will checkfor the presence of a formatted diskette in Drive A and presentthe Main System Menu. The monitor screen will appear asshown in Fig. 1.13.4 Configure Test SystemChoose Con
36、figure Test Systemby striking the F8 key. The screen will appear as shown in Fig.2. From this menu, select Option F1, Enable Test System.Strike the F1 key and the screen will return to the Main SystemMenu.13.5 Test Specimen LoadingThe software test programrefers to the thermal product test specimen
37、as media.13.5.1 Roll FormSee Fig. 3 for a side view of the testapparatus. Support the media roll on the spindle and thread themedia under the metal bar (C) and between the printheadassembly and platen roller. The thermal imaging surface mustbe facing up. When roll media threading is complete, align
38、themedia under the printhead. Next, rotate the cam lever down toplace the printhead in contact with the media imaging surface.13.5.2 Sheet FormLoading the media is similar to theprocedure described in 13.5.1. Again the thermal imagingsurface must be facing up and a little more care is needed toprope
39、rly align the media between the printhead assembly andplaten roller. When sheet threading is complete, rotate the camlever down to place the printhead in contact with the mediaimaging surface.13.6 Execute a TestChoose Execute a Test by striking theF1 key. The following prompt will appear:You may now
40、 load an existing file or define a new file bytyping in a File Name of up to 8 alphanumeric characters:13.6.1 Name a new test file and enter test parametersestablished in Section 12 or recall an existing test file withestablished test parameters.13.6.2 If the file name is not found on the diskette,
41、thescreen will go directly to the Test Menu which will display thestandard default settings for the installed printhead.13.6.3 If the file name is found on the diskette, the followingscreen prompt will appear:The parameters have been loaded from the existing file,please type the name of the file int
42、o which you wish to savethis test (up to 8 alphanumeric characters):Type New File Name: _Upon entering the new file name, the Test Menu will appear onthe screen.13.7 Test MenuScreen appears as shown in Fig. 4.13.7.1 Test ParametersA wide variety of test parametersare available with this test unit. F
43、or example, test parametersmight be selected as given in Table 1.13.7.2 Changing and Defining Test ParametersIf the testparameters as defined in the Test Menu are correct, proceed to13.7.3.13.7.2.1 Pattern TypeChoose the pattern type option bystriking the F2 key and the following prompt will appear:
44、Do you wish to change Test Pattern type? (Y/N): _FIG. 1 Main System MenuFIG. 2 Configure Test SystemFIG. 3 Atlantek Model 200 (Side View) Test Specimen (Media)LoadingRoll FormF1405083If Yes, the menu appears as shown in Fig. 5. Choose thecheckerboard pattern by striking the F1 key and the new menuwi
45、ll appear as shown in Fig. 6. Choose 10 % pattern by strikingthe F1 key and the screen will return to the Test Menu.13.7.2.2 Dot Pulse Duration (Ton)Choose the dot pulseduration (Ton) option by striking the F3 key. The followingprompt will appear:Do you wish to sequence this parameter? (Y/N): _Selec
46、t Yes and the following prompt appears:You have chosen to sequence the Dot Pulse DurationPlease type the maximum value of this parameter inmilliseconds (0.01 to 2.0):? _Enter the desired value and the following message appears:This parameter will be sequenced from 10 % value to100 % (100 % represent
47、ing the value just typed in) in stepsof 10 %. This will appear as a single 8 by 11 sheet with 10fields of output appearing as horizontal stripes for eachvalue in the sequence and with increasing values appearingalong the paper direction.Strike any key to continue Striking any key returns the screen
48、to the Test Menu.13.7.2.3 TcycleChoose the Tcycleoption by striking the F4key and the following prompt appears:Do you wish to sequence this parameter? (Y/N): _Select No and the screen appears as shown in Fig. 7. Choosethe desired option and the screen returns to the Test Menu.13.7.2.4 Printhead Temp
49、eratureA printhead set tempera-ture above that of room temperature should be established tocontrol this variable. The Head Heating and Waiting forPrinthead Temperature options should be toggled On (F6 andF7 keys, respectively).13.7.3 Printhead VoltageCheck head measurement valueand adjust printhead voltage to desired value.NOTE 4If the adjusted value is greater than 10 % above the nominalFIG. 4 Test MenuTABLE 1 Example Test ParametersParametersROHMKF2008-B1Kyocera KST-216-8MPD1Pattern type: 10 %D
