1、Designation: F 1424 92 (Reapproved 2006)Standard Test Method forEstimating Toner Usage in Full-Color Copiers Utilizing DryMono- or Dual-Component Toners1This standard is issued under the fixed designation F 1424; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year oforiginal adoption
2、 or, in 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 describes a procedure for estimatingthe number of copies t
3、hat can be produced for a given unit oftoner in a full-color copier using dry mono- or dual-componentdevelopment.1.2 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 to establish appro-priate sa
4、fety and health practices and determine the applica-bility of regulatory limitations prior to use. For specifichazards, see Section 9.2. Referenced Documents2.1 ASTM Standards:2D 5039 Test Method for Identification of Wire Side of PaperF 335 Terminology of Terms Relating to ElectrostaticCopying3F 87
5、5 Test Method for Evaluation of Large Area Densityand Background on Office Copiers32.2 ASTM Adjuncts:Density Target Test Sheet (F 875)3Toner Yield Test Target (F 1424)43. Terminology3.1 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:3.1.1 dual-component developmenta mixture of dry tonerand iron oxid
6、e developer that is used for developing electro-static images in copiers (see Terminology F 335).3.1.2 full-color copierscopiers that can reproduce colororiginals containing gradations of color. Full-color copiers mayhave up to four individual color developing units containingfour different color to
7、ners. These colors are frequently cyan,magenta, yellow, and black. The original is scanned by meansof an analog system using a series of color filters or by meansof a digital scanning process. The full-color copier may requireup to four scans to read the original. The copier individuallyapplies one
8、or more color toners to a transfer drum/belt orphotoconductor, or both, which is in turn deposited on thepaper.3.1.3 mono-component developmenta single componentdry toner used for developing electrostatic images in copiers(see Terminology F 335).3.1.4 toner usageamount of toner (milligrams per copy)
9、removed from the toner reservoir during the copy process.4. Summary of Test Method4.1 A full-color copier is set up to standard operatingparameters and operated under a controlled job stream andenvironment for a length of time sufficient for stable perfor-mance (see Fig. 1). A known, or estimated qu
10、antity of toner isused over the length of the test and this result along with thetotal number of copies generated is used to estimate the numberof copies produced per unit of toner.4.2 A full-color copier may have up to four individualdeveloping units containing up to four different color toners(usu
11、ally cyan, magenta, yellow, and black). In some cases, theblack developing unit may be dual-component while the colordeveloping units may be mono-component (or vice versa). Thistest method is intended to address the toner yield of each typeof development systems (mono- or dual-component).5. Signific
12、ance and Use5.1 This test method can be used to evaluate the perfor-mance of different toners in a common machine. It can also beused to evaluate the economics of toner usage when makingmachine-to-machine cost-per-copy comparisons.5.2 This test method provides only a point of estimate thatis subject
13、 to a significant number of variables that are not easilymeasured. Toner-based imaging systems are not 100 % effi-cient. Some toner is lost to the surroundings (inside or outsideof the copier). This loss may be significant enough to affect thetotal number of copies produced by a specific amount of t
14、oner.1This test method is under the jurisdiction ofASTM Committee F05 on BusinessImaging Products and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee F05.04 onElectrostatic Imaging Products.Current edition approved June 1, 2006. Published June 2006. Originallyapproved in 1992. Last previous edition app
15、roved in 2001 as F 1424 92 (2001).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 ASTM Intern
16、ational Headquarters. Order Adjunct No.ADJF0875. Original adjunct produced in 1994.4Available from ASTM International Headquarters. Order Adjunct No.ADJF1424. Original adjunct produced in 1992.1Copyright ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United
17、 States.Anyone making a decision based on the results of this testmethod should carefully consider the accuracy of the resultsand other pertinent data.5.3 Actual use of the copier in normal operating conditionswill most likely result in toner usage values different fromthose generated in this test m
18、ethod.6. Interferences6.1 Variations in toner usage will occur for many reasons,such as the following:6.1.1 Machine adjustments.6.1.2 Operating environment.6.1.3 Varying use of special copy products.6.1.4 Number of copies on the photoconductor or developer,or both.6.1.5 Variations in copy paper.6.1.
19、6 Operator variability.6.1.7 Batch-to-batch toner and developer variability.6.1.8 Machine-to-machine variability.6.1.9 Variations in document area coverage.7. Apparatus7.1 Balance, reading to the nearest 1 g.7.2 Reflection Densitometer or Reflectometer, capable ofmeasuring a 6-mm solid circle.8. Rea
20、gents and Materials8.1 Sufficient quantities of paper, toner, developer (if re-quired), and photoconductor to run the test (refer to 11.6).8.2 Test Targets:8.2.1 Density Target Test Sheet, as shown in Fig. 1 of TestMethod F 875.38.2.2 “ks” with Graphic Elements/Toner Yield Test Target,as shown in Fi
21、g. 2.49. Hazards9.1 Machine-to-machine comparisons should be made, ifpossible, with the same manufacturing lot of toner or devel-oper, or both.9.2 Any comparisons between machines or toners shouldcarefully take into consideration the test conditions used andthese conditions should be documented.9.3
22、The test must be controlled as described in this testmethod. Casual use of the copier during the test will affect theresults.9.4 The toner usage estimated with this test method may notaccurately predict actual field results. Actual results willdepend not only on those interferences listed in Section
23、 6, butalso on a number of additional variables:9.4.1 Type of originals used.9.4.2 Machine and service variability.9.4.3 The users image quality requirements.9.4.4 The number of copies per original.9.4.5 The use of secondary receivers.9.4.6 Variations in copy papers.9.4.7 A copier that produces a lo
24、wer average print densitymay have a lower average toner usage than a similar copierproducing a higher average print density. This is especiallyimportant to note when making copier-to-copier comparisonsusing the same toner.FIG. 1 Sample Data SheetFIG. 2 “ks” with Graphic ElementsF 1424 92 (2006)210.
25、Conditioning10.1 Condition the paper (in wrapper), toner, developer,photoconductor, and copier in the test environment for 24 hprior to initiating the test.11. Procedure11.1 Control the environment in which the following pro-cedure is carried out to reduce adverse effects. Control thetemperature wit
26、hin 65F around the mean temperature se-lected for the test. Control the relative humidity within 610 %around the mean relative humidity selected for the test.11.1.1 Measure the actual temperature and relative humidityperiodically during the test and record for any future compari-son tests.11.2 The m
27、achine in which the toner usage will be measuredshould be thoroughly cleaned by an authorized service repre-sentative. Perform any prescribed preventative maintenanceprior to loading the test toner.11.2.1 Adequately service the machine to increase theprobability of a long copy run without failure.11
28、.3 Set up the full-color copier to the manufacturersspecifications with a new photoconductor and each developingunit with new developer (if applicable).11.4 Design a log sheet on which to record significantevents during the running of the test.11.5 Record the initial copy count from the appropriatec
29、ounter before the toner is loaded into the machine.11.6 Record the color of the toner under test and select thecopy color desired on the copier control panel.11.7 The procedure requires that the machine and toner beused long enough to provide stable performance. Use thesample data sheet (Fig. 1 and
30、Fig. 3) or the procedures outlinedin 11.8 to 11.11, or both, to verify stable performance. Thelength of the verification process is defined as: (a) onedeveloper life according to the manufacturers recommendedreplacement schedule, (b) 50 times the rated machine speed incopies per hour, or (c) whichev
31、er comes first. For mono-component development machines, the length of the verifica-tion process is defined as: 50 times the rated machine speed incopies per hour. Throughout the test, sequentially add the tonerbeing evaluated.11.8 Determine the estimated toner usage by one of thefollowing ways depe
32、nding on the copier being used and thedegree of serviceability.11.8.1 Some machines, with possible assistance from themanufacturers service representative, allow for the weighingof all components of the toning subsystem. In this case, recordthe following measurements during the procedure.11.8.1.1 We
33、ight (Wo) to the nearest 1 g of the toningsubsystem components including any installed toner.11.8.1.2 The copy counter reading at the start (Co).11.8.1.3 Net weight (Ti) to the nearest1gofeach unit oftoner added to the toning subsystem during the procedure. Thiscan be done by directly weighing the t
34、oner container before itis loaded in a copier and after it is removed.11.8.1.4 Weight (Wf) to the nearest1gofthetoningsubsystem components including any remaining toner at theend of the test.11.8.1.5 Copy counter reading at the end of the test (Cn).11.8.1.6 Total weight (Wt) of the toner used during
35、 the testcan be calculated by adding the initial weight of the toningsubsystem components and the total net toner added during thetest, and then subtract the final weight of the toning subsystemas shown in the following equation:Wt5 Wo1 T11 T21 T31 . 1 Tn! 2 Wf(1)11.8.1.7 Calculate the actual toner
36、usage in milligrams/copyby dividing the total toner used in grams 3 1000 by thenumber of copies (Wt3 1000)/(Cn Co).11.8.2 With some copiers, it is not physically possible toweigh the components of the toning subsystem, or serviceassistance may not be readily available to provide access tothese compo
37、nents. Because potentially useful (available) tonerin the toning system cannot be measured, it will be necessaryto estimate toner usage over some steady-state period ofoperation. For this method, record the following measurementsduring the procedure.11.8.2.1 Record the machine copy count (Ci) as eac
38、h unit oftoner is installed to replenish the development unit. Add thetoner only when the replenishment sensor indicates an “addtoner” condition.11.8.2.2 Calculate and record the new weight (Ti) in gramsof each unit of toner added in accordance with 11.8.1.3.11.8.2.3 Estimate the toner usage in mill
39、igrams/copy usingthe following equation:toner usage 5 1000! 3 T21 T31 . 1 Tn21! / Cn2 C2! (2)11.8.2.4 Note that the test is considered to begin with theaddition of the second unit of test toner. The first unit is usedto set the copier into a steady-state condition. The initial tonerweight and copy c
40、ount is recorded to indicate the establishmentof a steady-state condition.11.9 Conduct the test using the standard toner usage testtarget identified in 8.2.2. This test method provides a constantjob stream and eliminates one source of variability. Use thesame selected document for all tests in the c
41、omparison.FIG. 3 Sample Data SheetF 1424 92 (2006)311.10 Rotate the toner usage test target 180 on the platenevery 500 copies to reduce the potential of fatiguing thephotoconductor.11.11 Make all copies exclusively on either the wire or feltside of the paper (see Methods D 725).11.12 Monitor the ima
42、ge quality during the test as a checkon copy uniformity. Use the density and background test targetin accordance with 8.2.1 at the beginning of the test and atintervals equal to the number of copies that can be made in 2h of machine operation. Record the density data and copycount at each measuremen
43、t. Readjust the copier if the densitychanges by more than 5 %.11.13 Repeat 11.1 to 11.11 for each resident color develop-ing unit.12. Interpretation of Results12.1 The estimated toner usage determined by this testmethod relates only to the relatively limited and controlledconditions under which the
44、test method is used. It is useful inmaking comparisons between machines or toner only underthese conditions. Variations in machines, toners, service, andoperating conditions may result in toner usage values differentfrom those estimated by this test method.13. Precision13.1 The precision of the proc
45、edure for estimating the tonerusage in full-color copiers is being determined. Using this testmethod, one laboratory has begun testing in order to gathermean-range data.14. Keywords14.1 dual-component development; full-color copier; mono-component development; toner; toner usageASTM International ta
46、kes 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 of the validity of any such patent rights, and the riskof infringement of such rights, are entirely their own r
47、esponsibility.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. Your comments are invited either for revision of this standard or for additional standardsand should be addre
48、ssed 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 t
49、he address shown below.This standard is copyrighted by ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959,United States. Individual reprints (single or multiple copies) of this standard may be obtained by contacting ASTM at the aboveaddress or at 610-832-9585 (phone), 610-832-9555 (fax), or serviceastm.org (e-mail); or through the ASTM website(www.astm.org).F 1424 92 (2006)4
