ASTM_F_1225_-_99_2003.pdf

Designation:F 1225 99(Reapproved 2003)Standard Test Method forMeasuring the Ribbon Exit Force for Film and FabricCartridges1This standard is issued under the fixed designation F 1225;the number immediately following the designation indicates the year oforiginal 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 test method determines the exit force for typewriterand impact printer cartridges using film and fabric inkedribbons.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 safety and health practices and determine the applica-bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.2.Referenced Documents2.1 ASTM Standards:2F 221 Terminology Relating to Carbon Paper and InkedRibbon Products and Images Made Therefrom3.Terminology3.1 Definitions of terms in this standard are in accordancewith Terminology F 221.4.Summary of Test Method4.1 Fully assembled typewriter cartridges containing eitherfilm or fabric-inked ribbons are placed on a flat surface.Theappropriate measuring gage is attached to the exit side of thecartridge ribbon and pulled at a constant rate taking 3 to 4 s tomove 1 ft(10 to 13 s to move 1 m)until the gage scale reachesa consistent or repeated maximum reading.5.Significance and Use5.1 This test method can be used to evaluate the exit forcefor film or fabric typewriter ribbon and impact printer car-tridges from one or more lots produced by one or severalmanufacturers.This test method may be applied to specifica-tion acceptance,manufacturing control,or research.6.Interferences6.1 Before testing,each cartridge should be thoroughlyexamined.A poorly designed or badly fabricated cartridge cancause dragging of the ribbon against it during transport.7.Apparatus7.1 Force GagesAny suitable force gages which arescaled in the ranges from 0.1 to 1 oz(3 to 30 g)and 0.1 to 3oz(3 to 90 g).Gages should be designed to work vertically orhorizontally,depending on the application.8.Fabric Cartridge Procedure8.1 Position the scale on the force gage so as to be readableand on the zero point.8.2 Pull out at least 1 ft(0.30 m)of ribbon from the exit sideof the cartridge.8.3 Clip the clamp of the force gage to the exit side of thecartridge ribbon.8.4 Place the cartridge on a flat surface in a vertical mannerand hold with one hand.If needed,the cartridge can be held bya vice or other holding device provided it does not compressthe cartridge so as to alter the test result.8.5 Hold the force gage with the other hand,the scaleperpendicular(up and down)with the cartridge directly in lineunder it.See Fig.1.8.6 Holding the cartridge stationary,pull the force gage upat a rate taking 3 to 4 s to move 1 ft(10 to 13 s to move 1 m)and observe the point on the gage where a consistent orrepeated maximum reading results.Be sure that the ribbongoing into the opposite leg of the cartridge is slack.Refer toNote 1.NOTE1Exit force measurements may vary widely as ribbon isexhausted or restuffed depending on the type of cartridge.For meaningfulresults,record force measurements according to the described procedureafter advancing the ribbon 25,50,75,and 90%of its total length.(Thiscannot be done for those ribbons in a continuous loop form.)Consistencyof force measurement throughout is indicative of a well functioningmechanism.8.7 Record the result from the force gage and include allpertinent data regarding the sample tested,that is,source,typeof ribbon,and the like.1This test method is under the jurisdiction ofASTM Committee F05 on BusinessCopy Products and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee F05.02 on InkedRibbons and Carbon Paper.Current edition approved July 10,1999.Published September 1999.Originallypublished as F 1225 89.Last previous edition F 1225 94.2For 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.1Copyright ASTM International,100 Barr Harbor Drive,PO Box C700,West Conshohocken,PA 19428-2959,United States.8.8 Disconnect the clip from the ribbon.Apply alcohol to arag and clean all stray marks from the gage.9.Film Cartridge Procedure9.1 Follow the same procedure as outlined in 8.1 through8.3.9.2 Place the cartridge on a flat surface(such as a table topedge)in a horizontal manner and hold with one hand.9.2.1 For film type ribbons,it may be necessary to build aspecial fixture which simulates actual machine conditions inwhich the ribbon is to be used.This is because certain cartridgecomponents may be installed to prevent ribbon unwindingduring transport(shipment)and subsequently may becomedisengaged when installed into a typewriter while other ten-sion