1、Designation: F 1486 96 (Reapproved 2008)Standard Practice forDetermination of Abrasion and Smudge Resistance ofImages Produced from Office Products (GA-CAT Method)1This standard is issued under the fixed designation F 1486; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year oforigin
2、al adoption 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 practice covers the procedure for determining theabrasion a
3、nd smudge resistance of images produced from officeproducts using a GA-CAT comprehensive abrasion tester.1.2 This practice is applicable to images produced frombusiness imaging products such as typewriters, copiers, impactprinters, and nonimpact printers.1.3 Other test methods using the Crockmeter,
4、Sutherlandrub tester, and Taber Abrader can be employed to evaluatesmudge and abrasion characteristics. The results obtained bythese units are not necessarily equivalent to those obtained withthe GA-CAT.1.4 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regardedas the standard. The values given in
5、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 to establish appro-priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-bility of regulatory limi
6、tations prior to use.2. Referenced Documents2.1 ASTM Standards:2D 685 Practice for Conditioning Paper and Paper Productsfor Testing3. Terminology3.1 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:3.1.1 abrasion resistancethe ability of an image to with-stand the frictional forces attempting to remov
7、e the surfacematerial.3.1.2 receptorfilm or paper of standard abrasiveness ontowhich material removed from the specimen is deposited duringthe abrasion testing process.3.1.3 smudgethe tendency of an image to smear or streakonto an adjacent area when rubbed. Smudge involves theredeposition of abraded
8、 material.3.1.4 smudge resistancethe ability of an image to with-stand smudging.4. Summary of Practice4.1 The test print and a receptor are sandwiched in the panelholder of the GA-CAT comprehensive abrasion tester, clampedtogether with a known force, and made to slide over each otherat a known frequ
9、ency and over a known distance for apredetermined time period.4.2 The test specimen is examined for the degree of printdegradation and the receptor for the amount of image materialtransferred from the specimen surface. The results may be ratedrelative to a comparative control run in the identical ma
10、nner, orthey may be quantified by comparison to a ranking scalenumbered from zero to ten (with zero being the most abrasion/smudge resistant and ten being the least abrasion/smudgeresistant).5. Significance and Use5.1 Abrasion and smudge resistance during handling, trans-port, and storage is essenti
11、al to prevent the marring orsmudging of images produced from business imaging products.Recognizing that the actual amount of abrasion/smudge occur-ring depends on relative humidity, temperature, and a host ofother variables, this practice provides a means for comparingthe abrasion and smudge resista
12、nce of images produced frombusiness imaging products under laboratory conditions.5.2 This practice may be used to determine the abrasion andsmudge resistance of images produced from business imagingproducts such as typewriters, copiers, impact printers, andnonimpact printers.5.3 This practice may al
13、so be used to evaluate the relativeabrasion and smudge resistance of various ribbons, inks, andtoners.1This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F05 on BusinessImaging Products and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee F05.04 onElectrostatic Imaging Products.Current edition ap
14、proved Jan. 1, 2008. Published February 2008. Originallyapproved in 1996. Last previous edition approved in 2002 as F 1486 96 (2002).2For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, orcontact ASTM Customer Service at serviceastm.org. For Annual Book of ASTMStandards volume infor
15、mation, refer to the standards Document Summary page onthe ASTM website.1Copyright ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.5.4 This practice may be used for control of product quality,comparative analysis of machines, or as a research a
16、nddevelopment tool.6. Interferences6.1 Anumber of factors may affect specimen image creationand contribute to inconclusive results. It is recommended thatthe following factors be taken into consideration:6.1.1 Resistance to abrasion and smudge of images mayvary as a result of the sequential position
17、 of a given print orcopy in a series of prints or copies. For example, the abrasionand smudge resistance of the third copy or print of a run of 20copies or prints may be different from that of the 15th copy orprint.6.1.2 The fusing temperature of the laser printer, copier, orother toner-based unit w
18、ill affect the degree of abrasion andsmudge resistance. If the temperature is low, the toner may notbe fused properly to the substrate and may be abraded orsmudged easily.6.1.3 If the temperature of the head on a thermal transferprinter is low, or too high, the image may not be affixedproperly to th
19、e substrate and may be abraded or smudgedeasily.6.1.4 Extreme variations in temperature and humidity mayaffect both the degree of image fixing and the copy quality. Forthis reason, it is recommended that the environmental condi-tions be noted when conducting comparison tests betweenmachines or suppl
20、ies. For the most accurate comparisons, theenvironment should be kept as constant as is reasonablypossible during the entire test.7. Apparatus7.1 GA-CAT Comprehensive Abrasion TesterSee Fig. 1.37.2 Ranking Book,3containing specimens whose degree ofruboff is ranked from 0 (no ruboff) to 610 (most rub
21、off).7.3 Test Copier or Printer, adjusted and equipped withappropriate ribbons, paper, toner, fuser oil, and other suppliesas required. If the copier or printer is to be used to evaluate asupply item, all other supply items should be unchanged duringthe duration of the comparison test.7.3.1 If compa
22、rison tests are being made between copiers orprinters, all supply items should be as specified by themanufacturer. Unless otherwise specified by the manufacturer,the same paper should be used in each machine.7.4 Copier Test Target, available from ASTM. This testtarget incorporates designs suitable f
23、or various smudge andabrasion testers. Consult Fig. 2 for a printed example of thetarget. A suitable alternative may be used.7.5 Printer Test Target Diskettes,4available for severaltypes of personal computer systems. The diskette allows thegeneration of an image comparable to the Copier Test Target.
24、A suitable alternative may be used.8. Materials8.1 Standard Receptors, approximately 4 by 412 in. (102 by114 mm), of an appropriate grade, as follows:3Available from Gavarti Associates, Ltd., 9240 N. Sleepy Hollow Lane,Milwaukee, WI 53217.4Available from Industry Analysts, Inc., Technical Services D
25、ivision, 1275Bloomfield Avenue, Building 3, Suite 50 C, Fairfield, NJ 07004.FIG. 1 GA-CAT Comprehensive Abrasion TesterFIG. 2 Abrasion Test TargetF 1486 96 (2008)28.1.1 C-53A nonglossy paper.8.2 Foam Sheeting,3two pieces, each approximately564 in.(2 mm) thick and cut to 4 by 412 in. (102 by 114 mm).
26、NOTE 1The use of foam sheeting as a backing for the test specimenand the receptor is recommended to provide uniform pressure over the testsurfaces and to prevent ink or other particles from becoming embedded inthe sensitive surface of the panel holders.8.3 Comparative Control:8.3.1 An office or labo
27、ratory print, preferably having knownabrasion and smudge resistance. The comparative control musthave the same substrate, color(s), and subject matter as the testprint.8.3.2 Two or more test samples (produced by the sameequipment under the same conditions) so results can becompared.8.3.3 If all test
28、s were performed under the same conditions(for example, paper, time, frequency, span, and offset), use theRANKING BOOK (7.2). If tests were performed under differ-ent conditions (for example, paper, time, frequency, span, andoffset), note the variables in the final report.9. Test Specimen and Condit
29、ioning9.1 Specimen preparation and conditioning can have adramatic effect on the test results. It is recommended that thefollowing be taken into consideration:9.1.1 The specimen length and width must not exceed 412in. (114 mm). Care should be taken to avoid contaminating thetest surface with fingerp
30、rints during specimen cutting andhandling.9.2 Condition the specimens in accordance with PracticeD 685 or in the same atmospheric conditions as those in whichthe test is to be conducted (see 9.3). Record the temperatureand relative humidity of the conditioning atmosphere.9.3 All comparison tests sho
31、uld be run under the sameconditions of temperature and humidity. If a standard conditionis not available, ensure that wide changes in temperature andhumidity do not occur while the test is conducted. Record thetemperature and relative humidity at the start and end of thetest.10. Preparation of Appar
32、atus10.1 Set the abrasion tester on a sturdy bench, preferably ina room conditioned at the temperature and relative humidityprescribed in 10.2. Ensure that the three-prong power cord isconnected correctly.10.2 Periodically check the liquid level in the hydraulicpressure system. Follow the instructio
33、ns in the manufacturersmanual if not full.11. Procedure for Abrasion Testing11.1 Loading the Instrument:11.1.1 Move the tray containing the four panel holders tothe front black support shelf. Ensure that the inscribed “L”appears on the upper left side of the panel and the “R” in theupper right side
34、of the right panel holder (see Fig. 3). Thereshould be a space of at least12 in. (12.7 mm) between the twocenter panel holders.11.1.2 Face the test specimen on the receptor (selected in8.2) and sandwich it between the foam sheets. Take care thatthe sandwich does not extend below the bottom of the pa
35、nelholders.11.1.3 Push the four panel holders together into an uprightparallel position. Ensure that the sandwich is not pinched at thebottom of the panel holders; otherwise, it will tend to slidedown during the test. Grab the pins and move the tray insidethe instrument so that the two retaining pin
36、s drop into thecarriage holes. If the pins do not drop into their respectiveholes, recenter the panel holders on the sample tray.11.1.4 Apply side pressure by turning the lower blackspindle until the corresponding dial reads 20 psi (138 kPa). Donot apply top pressure at this time.11.1.5 The carriage
37、 inside the instrument is meant to movebetween two limit switches (used for centering) approximately2 in. (50.8 mm) apart. If the carriage is not situated betweenthese limits, manually center the carriage.11.2 Testing Under the Preset Mode:11.2.1 Turn the power switch on by pressing the upper sideof
38、 the flip switch at the right side of the instrument.11.2.2 After the control box window (LCD) displays “GA-CAT Ready,” press “CNTR;” the LCD will read “check limits”to ensure that the carriage is within the range of the limitswitches. Press “CNTR” again, and the LCD will read “Re-lease top pressure
39、.” Press “CNTR” once more, and the carriagewill move to the extreme right (limit switch) and then back tostop exactly in the center. At this point, the LCD will show thatthe carriage has been centered by showing a flashing squareafter “GA-CAT READY.”11.2.3 After the instrument is centered, apply the
40、 toppressure of 40 psi (276 kPa).11.2.4 Push the “STRT” button. The LCD will read “COM-PUTING,” and after 3 s, the instrument will run under thefollowing default values:Time: 5.0 sFrequency: 2.0 HzSpan: 1.0 in.(25.4 mm)Offset: 0.0 in.11.2.5 When the instrument stops, release the top pressure,ensurin
41、g that the pressure plate is high enough to clear thepanel holders. Push the “CNTR” button to re-center thecarriage. Release the side pressure and pull the panel holdersFIG. 3 Panel HoldersF 1486 96 (2008)3out of the carriage. Remove the sandwich and examine the testspecimen and the receptor.11.2.6
42、To continue running the test with the same settings,reload the instrument as in 11.1, apply the top pressure as in11.2.3, and push “STRT.” When the instrument stops, followthe procedure given in 11.2.5. Turn the switch off only at theconclusion of testing.11.3 Changing the Default Values:11.3.1 In t
43、he event that testing produces inconclusive re-sults, the test should be repeated using a different set ofconditions until a satisfactory set is produced. The defaultvalues for time, frequency, span, and offset may be changed toany of the following settings. For example, if no smudge orabrasion occu
44、rs, increase the settings; if excessive smudge andabrasion occurs, decrease the settings. If the default settingsmust be changed, the settings used must be noted in the finalreport.Time: Continuous from 1 to 3600 sFrequency: 0.2 to 3.0 Hz (cycles per second) with a resolu-tion of 0.1 HzSpan: 0.1 to
45、1.3 in. (2.54 to 3.3 mm) with a resolution of0.1 in. (2.54 mm)Offset: 0.1 to 0.4 in. (2.54 to 10.1 mm) in increments of0.1 in. (2.54 mm)11.3.2 In order to change a setting, press the “MODE”button until the LCD displays the default value to be altered.Enter the new value on the number buttons, and th
46、en press“ENTER.” The LCD will read “NEW VALUE?.” If the valueis correct, press “ENTER” a second time. If incorrect, enteranother value, or press “CLEAR” and start over again.NOTE 2The instrument reverts to the original default values bypressing “RESET” and any time the instrument is turned off.12. I
47、nterpretation of Results12.1 Run the test material and the comparative control in anidentical manner. Examine each print for the degree of degra-dation (smudge) and each receptor for the amount of materialtransferred from or on the print. Report results for bothabrasion and smudge relative to the co
48、mparative control asequal, slightly or appreciably less, or slightly or appreciablygreater.12.2 If all tests were performed under the same conditions(for example, paper, time, frequency, span, and offset), anumerical record of degree of abrasion/smudge ranging fromzero to ten can be obtained from a
49、comparison of the testspecimen with examples in the RANKING BOOK (7.2). Iftests were performed under different conditions (for example,paper, time, frequency, span, and offset), note variables in thefinal report.13. Report13.1 Report the following information:13.1.1 Printer or copier make and model;13.1.2 Test specimen type and physical specifications;13.1.3 Standard receptor type (8.1.1);13.1.4 Conditioning atmospheric conditions (9.2);13.1.5 Testing atmospheric conditions at the beginning andend of test (9.3);13.1.6 GA-CAT values (11.2.4 to 11.3.2); and13.1.7 Data f
