ASTM_F_2294_-_03_2009.pdf

Designation:F229403(Reapproved 2009)Standard Practice forDetermining the Writeability of Print Media1This standard is issued under the fixed designation F2294;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 practice covers a method for determining thewriteability of print media.1.2 Writeability is determined by writing on the face sideand backside of print media with a variety of writing imple-ments and visually assessing the writing quality and thepropensity of the writing material to smear.1.3 This practice can be used to evaluate the writeability ofa variety of print media including inkjet media,electrophoto-graphic media,silver halide media and printing paper.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.Terminology2.1 Definitions:2.1.1 smearingthe spreading of the writing implementswriting material.2.1.2 writeabilitythe ability of writing implements towrite legibly on print media without smearing.3.Significance and Use3.1 In practical applications,customers often write informa-tion on the face side and back side of print media using variouswriting implements.It is desirable that that the writing imple-ments write legibly and do not skip or smear.This test isperformed using writing implements commonly used in thehome and office to ensure that good writing quality is obtained.3.2 This practice may be used to determine the writeabilityof a variety of print media including inkjet media,electropho-tographic media,silver halide media and printing paper.3.3 Seven different writing implements are used to deter-mine writeability;three types of balpoint pens,No.2 pencil,washable marker,marker(regular tip),crayons.Additionalwriting implements may be used as appropriate.NOTE1Pens should have regular point tips.Ballpoint pens fromseveral manufacturers should be used.3.4 Writeability is determined visually.3.5 Test results are useful for specification acceptancebetween producer and user,for quality control,and for researchand product development.4.Interferences4.1 A variety of print media may be used depending on thepurpose of the test.Follow manufacturer/suppliers instructionsto determine the face side and backside of the print media.4.2 Interpretation of results should be made by one evalua-tor.4.3 All comparative tests should be performed under thesame environmental and viewing conditions.4.4 Visual interpretations of results may vary from oneindividual to another.5.Apparatus5.1 Single Sheet,of each print media to be tested.5.2 Kimwipe Tissues.5.3 Writing Implements.6.Test Specimen6.1 A standard sheet of print media shall be used.7.Conditioning7.1 Condition the printer,writing implements and printmedia for 24 h in the same atmospheric conditions as thosepresent where the test is to be conducted.8.Procedure8.1 Lay the print out on a flat surface.8.2 Write the respective name of each implement with thatimplement,on the face side and back side of each print mediabeing tested.8.3 Evaluate writeability using the following scale:1=Good=Legible and no skipping2=Poor=Not legible and/or skipping3=None=Does not write on media1This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F05 on BusinessImaging Products and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee F05.03 onResearch.Current edition approved Oct.1,2009.Published October 2009.Originallyapproved in 2003.Last previous edition approved in 2003 as F2294 03.DOI:10.1520/F2294-03R09.Copyright ASTM International,100 Barr Harbor Drive,PO Box C700,West Conshohocken,PA 19428-2959.United States1 8.4 Using a Kimwipe,gently rub the written area withconstant pressure.8.5 Evaluate smear using the following scale:1=Pass=No smearing is evident2=Fail=Smearing is evident9.Report9.1 Report the print media tested and lot numbers.9.2 Report the temperature and relative humidity.9.3 Report which writing implements were used.9.4 List a description of the types and brands of ballpointpens,markers,or crayons used.9.5 Report the results for each of the writing implementsaccording to the scales in 8.3 and 8.5.10.Keywords10.1 media;writeabilityASTM International takes 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 responsibility.This standard is subject to revision at any time by the responsible technical committee and must be reviewed every five years andif no