ASTM_F_2357_-_10.pdf

Designation:F235710Standard Test Method forDetermining the Abrasion Resistance of Inks and Coatingson Membrane Switches Using the Norman Tool“RCA”Abrader1,2This standard is issued under the fixed designation F2357;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 describes the procedure for subjectinginks or coatings on membrane switches to an abrasive mediumat a specified force.1.2 Within certain limitations,as described in this docu-ment,this test method is applicable for materials including,butnot limited to:printed or coated polyester,polycarbonate,andsilicone rubber.The samples can be either flat or contoured.1.3 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:3F2112 Terminology for Membrane Switches3.Terminology3.1 Definitions:3.1.1 final breakthroughthe number of cycles until com-plete removal of the first surface ink or coating being tested.3.1.2 membrane switcha momentary switching device inwhich at least one contact is on,or made of,a flexiblesubstrate.3.1.3 wear limitin testing membrane switches,the numberof cycles until an underlying layer of different color may beseen through the first layer(not applicable for transparentcoatings).4.Significance and Use4.1 Membrane Switch keys are subjected to repeated actua-tions,usually by a human finger.They are also subjected toother conditions(for example,wiping,cleaning,rubbing)during handling,end-use,shipment,or storage that may causeabrasion damage.The result may be a significant removal ofthe coatings,text or decorative inks.4.2 This test method is applicable to a wide range ofmaterials.The main criterion is that the abrasion processproduces visible wear or breakthrough in the surface beingtested.4.3 The amount of abrasion damage to a surface is depen-dent on numerous variables.This test method provides a wayof comparing relative abrasion resistance of inks and coatings.In no way do the results provide a correlation value of thenumber of human finger touches before coating failure.It onlyprovides a means to compare results of tests performed usingthe same equipment,abrasive materials and loading conditions.4.4 The test method can be used for quality control pur-poses,as a research and development tool,to evaluate materialcombinations for a given application,or for the comparison ofmaterials with relatively similar properties.5.Interferences5.1 Inconsistent wear can occur which will compromise theresults.Caution is necessary to ensure the mounting methoddoes not deflect the specimen,which may influence the wearcharacteristics.5.2 Contoured surfaces can be tested but results may bemore difficult to duplicate and some equipment is not designedto test non-flat surfaces.5.3 Whenever possible,a smooth surface is preferred.Extracare should be taken when evaluating a non-uniform surface(that is,rough surface),and for the user to recognize potentialvariations between specimens.1This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F01 onElectronics and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee F01.18 on MembraneSwitches.Current edition approved May 1,2010.Published June 2010.Originallyapproved in 2004.Last previous edition approved in 2004 as F2357-04.DOI:10.1520/F2357-10.2The Norman Tool“RCA”Abrader is covered by a patent.Interested parties areinvited to submit information regarding the identification of an alternative(s)to thispatented item to theASTM International Headquarters.Your comments will receivecareful consideration at a meeting of the responsible technical committee,whichyou may attend.3For 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.Copyright ASTM International,100 Barr Harbor Drive,PO Box C700,West Conshohocken,PA 19428-2959.United States1 6.Apparatus6.1 Machine capable of providing cyclic or continuousabrasion to a test specimen under controlled loading condi-tions.6.2 Suggested Sources:6.2.1 Norman Tool RCA Abrader.46.3 Specimen Mounting Fixture or Holder,a suitable deviceof sufficient strength and rigidity used to secure the specimenso that it is held rigidly and perpendicular to the load duringtesting.6.4 Abrasive Media,commonly available from NormanTool.6.4.1 0.6875 in.wide Paper,most applications.6.4.2 0.25 in.wide Polyester Tape,recommended for speci-mens with concave surfaces and fine graphic details.7.Conditioning7.