ASTM_F_1445_-_00_2009.pdf

Designation:F144500(Reapproved 2009)Standard Test Method forDetermining Static Thermal Sensitivity of Direct ThermalMedia1This standard is issued under the fixed designation F1445;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()indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.1.Scope1.1 This test method covers the static thermal response ofdirect thermal media(paper,film,and paper/film laminates)todetermine temperatures required for activation,functional andsaturated densities.Static thermal response is a key test fordetermining heat stability characteristics of direct thermalmedia.1.2 The instrument described in this test method may beusedtodevelopproductspecifications,specificationacceptance,product development,or research applications.1.3 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regardedas standard.The values given in parentheses are mathematicalconversions to SI units that are provided for information onlyand are not considered standard.1.4 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 ANSI Standard:IT 2.17-1995 Density Measurements Geometric Condi-tions for Reflection Density23.Terminology3.1 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:3.1.1 functional temperaturetemperature which generatesan optical density of 1.00.3.1.2 static thermal responsethe generation of the thermalresponse of a thermal media within a given printing systemover a specific range of temperature levels.4.Summary of Test Method4.1 This test method is intended to determine the staticthermal response of direct thermal media.The temperatureversus density curve obtained is a characterization of a givencoating and media substrate.Curves can be used to determineuniformity within and between direct thermal media lots.Thetest equipment and test procedures are not intended to simulatethermal response under actual end-use conditions in a directthermal printer.Although no specific manufacturers have beenidentified for this equipment,any temperature controller,tem-perature sensor,and test fixture with equivalent signal outputcapabilities would be suitable.4.2 To determine the static thermal response of directthermal media,a sample is inserted into the test fixture with thecoated surface up towards the heated platens.When fullyinserted,a switch is tripped clamping the test media in contactwith the heated platens under a given pressure for a prescribedlength of time set with a timing mechanism.4.3 The temperature controllers allow the heated platens tobe adjusted to specific surface temperatures.4.4 The thermal response or density saturation curve can beobtained by exposing samples from given direct thermal mediato various temperatures for a specified time period.5.Significance and Use5.1 This test method enables static thermal response com-parisons between direct thermal media and facilitates processcontrol.5.2 Comparisons can be made between and within thermalmedia production lots from the same manufacturer.5.3 Comparisons can be made between thermal mediaproduct grades from different manufacturers.5.4 This test method is useful in predicting heat stability forend-use applications.6.Interferences6.1 Wide variations in environmental conditions(especiallyrelative humidity)will affect the resulting image density withthis test method.1This test method is under the jurisdiction ofASTM Committee F05 on BusinessImaging Products and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee F05.06 onCarbonless and Thermal Imaging Products.Current edition approved Oct.1,2009.Published October 2009.Originallyapproved in 1992.Last previous edition approved in 2004 as F1445 00(2004).DOI:10.1520/F1445-00R09.2Available from American National Standards Institute(ANSI),25 W.43rd St.,4th Floor,New York,NY 10036,http:/www.ansi.org.Copyright ASTM International,100 Barr Harbor Drive,PO Box C700,West Conshohocken,PA 19428-2959.United States1 6.2 The length of elapsed time between sample exposure tothe heated plate and density readings may affect actual read-ings.For best results,density readings should be made within30 min of imaging.6.3 Since direct thermal media are sensitive to lightexposure,samples should be covered or otherwise protectedfrom light between tests.Excessive exposure to light can affectfinal test results.6.4 Variations in the length of time direct thermal mediacontact the heated platens will affect the resulting imagedensity.6.5 Very large differences in the basis weight of directthermal media samples and coating thickness may have asignificant affect on the results obtained.6.6 This test method is not use