ASTM_F_1843_-_15.pdf

Designation:F184315Standard Practice forSample Preparation of Plastic Films used on MembraneSwitch Overlays for Specular Gloss Measurements1This standard is issued under the fixed designation F1843;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 the method of sample preparation,prior to taking gloss measurements on a membrane switchoverlay.1.2 Typical applications include window display areas on agraphic overlay,and surface texture.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:2D523 Test Method for Specular Gloss3.Terminology3.1 Definitions:3.1.1 membrane switch,na momentary switching devicein which at least one contact is on(or made of)a flexiblesubstrate.3.1.2 specular gloss,nthe degree to which a surfacesimulates a perfect mirror in its capacity to reflect incidentlight.3.1.3 overlay,nthe outer layer of a membrane switch onwhich the graphics are printed.4.Summary of Practice4.1 A water or alcohol droplet is placed on a black metalplate.The specimen to be measured is pressed down over thedroplet.Capillary action causes intimate contact betweenspecimen and plate,thereby eliminating second surface reflec-tion.Gloss readings may then be taken in accordance with TestMethod D523.5.Significance and Use5.1 Gloss measurements are used to qualify a raw materialor finished product.5.2 Sample preparation will effect the outcome of glossreadings.This practice will eliminate second surface reflection,and allow a more accurate gloss reading of the substrate.5.3 Materials which require this preparation include thefollowing:clear or translucent substrates,colored transparentsubstrates,and areas printed with clear,translucent,or trans-parent colored coatings.6.Apparatus6.1 Gloss Meter,in accordance with Test Method D523.6.2 Black Iodized Aluminum Test Plate3,This plate is to bea hard,flat,smooth,matte black,nonporous surface.Glossreadings should be between 4 to 12 gloss units,when measuredwith a 60 gloss meter.Plate size should be sufficient to allowthe specimen to be laid flat for readings,typically 12 by 12 in.(304.8 by 304.8 mm).Material thickness to be 0.062 in.(1.57mm)or thicker.6.3 Distilled Water,or Isopropyl Alcohol.6.4 Eye Dropper.6.5 Hand Held Brayer(rubber roller).7.Procedure7.1 Verify the specimen and plate are clean,dry,and free ofcontamination.7.2 Use the eyedropper to place a few drops of distilledwater or isopropyl alcohol in the center of the black plate.7.3 Position the specimen over the droplet(s),with the siderequiring a gloss reading facing up.1This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F01 on Electronicsand is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee F01.18 on Printed Electronics.Current edition approved June 1,2015.Published July 2015.Originally approvedin 1997.Last previous edition approved in 2009 as F1843-09.DOI:10.1520/F1843-15.2For 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.3A black anodized aluminum plate with the designation“AAM21C22A43-DYED BLACK,ALUMINUM ALLOY 6061-T6 matte etch”is suitable for thispurpose.Copyright ASTM International,100 Barr Harbor Drive,PO Box C700,West Conshohocken,PA 19428-2959.United States1 7.4 Slowly press the specimen down onto the plate.7.5 Smooth out the specimen using a brayer.The measure-ment area of the specimen will appear darker,which is anindication of intimate contact.7.6 The measurement area should be large enough to coverthe sample port of the gloss meter.7.7 Ensure there are no air bubbles within the measurementarea.Air entrapment will prevent intimate contact of specimento plate,which will appear as lighter areas.If this occurs,remove the specimen from the plate and repeat 7.1 to 7.6.7.8 Gloss readings may be taken in accordance with TestMethod D523.8.Keywords8.1 gloss;membrane switch;plastics,translucent;plastics,transparentASTM 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 not revised,either reapproved o