ASTM E1349-06 (2022) PDF

Full title and description

ASTM E1349-06(2022) — Standard Test Method for Reflectance Factor and Color by Spectrophotometry Using Bidirectional (45°:0° or 0°:45°) Geometry. This short test method describes procedures for instrumental measurement of the reflectance properties and color of object‑color specimens using a bidirectional spectrophotometer or spectrocolorimeter (annular, circumferential, or uniplanar 45°:0° or 0°:45° geometry). It is especially intended for flat, non‑fluorescent specimens, specimens of intermediate gloss, and retroreflective materials where bidirectional geometry is appropriate.

Abstract

This ASTM test method provides standard procedures to obtain reflectance factors and color coordinates for object‑color specimens measured with bidirectional optical measuring systems. It covers instrument standardization, specimen selection and preparation, measurement geometry, and recommended verification practices to ensure inter‑instrument agreement and reliable color data for quality control, formulation, and research applications.

General information

• Status: Active — Reapproved 2022 (designation E1349 −06, reapproved 2022)
• Publication date: Current edition approved October 1, 2022; last updated November 2022.
• Publisher: ASTM International
• ICS / categories: 17.180.20 — Colours and measurement of light
• Edition / version: E1349‑06 (reapproved 2022) — sometimes shown as E1349‑06R22
• Number of pages: 4 (concise practice/test method)

Scope

The standard covers instrumental measurement of reflection properties and color of object‑color specimens using spectrophotometers or spectrocolorimeters equipped for bidirectional (45°:0° or 0°:45°) geometry. It is suitable for flat, non‑fluorescent specimens and is particularly recommended for retroreflective specimens and specimens of intermediate gloss. Procedures for fluorescent specimens or filter colorimeter measurements are referenced to other ASTM practices and are not addressed in detail by this test method.

Key topics and requirements

• Definition and use of bidirectional measurement geometries (45°:0° and 0°:45°) and acceptable optical systems (annular, circumferential, uniplanar).
• Instrument standardization: mandatory white standard for full‑scale reflectance, zero setting of the reflectance scale, recommended wavelength verification and stray‑light checks.
• Specimen selection guidance: requirements for flatness, uniformity, thickness (for translucent specimens), and handling of specimens that show directionality.
• Procedures for measuring directional specimens (use of multiple rotation angles or averaging, or use of annular/circumferential optics when appropriate).
• Recommendations for verification standards and practices to confirm inter‑instrument agreement and measurement accuracy.
• Notes and references to related ASTM practices for fluorescent color measurement, color coordinate computation, and reduction of measurement variability.

Typical use and users

Used by color and appearance laboratories, paint and coatings manufacturers, textile and plastics producers, retroreflective product developers, quality control and production testing teams, instrument manufacturers and calibration laboratories, and researchers who require standardized, repeatable bidirectional color and reflectance measurements for formulation, specification, compliance, or R&D.

Related standards

Commonly referenced ASTM standards and practices include: Guide E179 (selection of geometric conditions), Practice E1164 (spectrometric data for object‑color evaluation), Practice E1345 (reducing variability via multiple measurements), Test Method E1347 (tristimulus/filter colorimetry), Practice E991/E2153 (fluorescent color procedures), Practice E2214 (specifying and verifying color‑measuring instrument performance), and Practice E308 (computing colors using the CIE system).

Keywords

reflectance factor, color measurement, spectrophotometry, spectrocolorimeter, bidirectional geometry, 45:0, 0:45, retroreflective, colorimetry, instrument standardization, verification standards

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ASTM E1349-06(2022) is a short ASTM test method that specifies how to measure reflectance factors and color of object‑color specimens using bidirectional spectrophotometric geometry (45°:0° or 0°:45°).

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers instrument standardization and verification, specimen selection and preparation, measurement procedures for bidirectional geometry, and recommendations for handling directional and retroreflective specimens. It does not provide full procedures for fluorescent specimen measurement (referenced standards cover that).

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Color laboratories, quality control personnel in coatings/textiles/plastics industries, retroreflective product developers, instrument manufacturers, and researchers needing consistent bidirectional color and reflectance data.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The designation E1349‑06 was reapproved in 2022 and is currently active as ASTM E1349‑06(2022). Users should check for the latest reapproval or revision notices from ASTM International before formal citation.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: It sits within ASTM Committee E12 (Color and Appearance) publications and is commonly used alongside related test methods and practices (for example E1347, E1164, E1345, E991 and others) that together address various aspects of color measurement and instrument performance.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Reflectance factor, bidirectional geometry, spectrophotometry, color, 45:0, 0:45, retroreflective, instrument standardization, verification.