This procedure may be used to determine how water will affect solid-fill color images produced by ink jet printers.

Four different test methods are outlined to simulate the most common ways that materials are exposed to water.

The method of water application may greatly affect the outcome of the test. While one or more of the test methods may be performed, to best qualify a product all four test methods should be used.

The drip and spray test are evaluated visually, while the submersion and rub tests can be evaluated visually and instrumentally.

Test results are useful for specification acceptance between producer and user, for quality control, and for research and product development.

1. Scope

1.1 This practice covers methods that can be used to determine the waterfastness of an image produced by an inkjet printer. Waterfastness is determined by the presence of ink transferred from a specific printed area to a non-printed area, or to neighboring printed areas of a different color.

1.2 This practice can be used to evaluate the waterfastness of the primary print colors (cyan, magenta, yellow and black), the secondary colors (red, blue and green) and composite black (cyan plus magenta plus yellow).

1.3 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard.

1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

2. Referenced Documents (purchase separately) The documents listed below are referenced within the subject standard but are not provided as part of the standard.

ASTM Standards

D2244 Practice for Calculation of Color Tolerances and Color Differences from Instrumentally Measured Color Coordinates

F909 Terminology Relating to Printers

F1125 Terminology of Image Quality in Impact Printing Systems

F1174 Practice for Using a Personal Computer Printer as a Test Instrument

F1623 Terminology Relating to Thermal Imaging Products

F1857 Terminology Relating to Ink Jet Printers and Images Made Therefrom

ANSI Standards

Keywords

Drip testing; Image analysis--copy materials; Ink jet materials/applications; Primary print colors; Rub testing; Secondary print colors; Spray test; Submersion; Waterfastness;

ICS Code

ICS Number Code 87.080 (Inks. Printing inks)

Citing ASTM Standards

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