ASTM F2036-05 (2011) PDF

Full title and description

ASTM F2036-05 (reaffirmed 2011) — Standard Test Method for Evaluation of Larger Area Density and Background on Electrophotographic Printers. This test method defines a density-and-background test target and procedure for measuring monochrome diffuse reflection print density and the background (nonimaged area) on large solid areas produced by electrophotographic (laser) printers; it was published by ASTM International and later withdrawn (no replacement) in 2020.

Abstract

This short standard describes how to produce and measure a defined test target for large-area printed solids on electrophotographic devices, how to condition substrates and printers for measurement, and how to record reflection densities (solid fill and blank background) using a calibrated densitometer and correct backing. The method is intended for evaluating image quality attributes such as perceived blackness, uniformity and background noise for printer evaluation, cartridge testing, and development work.

General information

• Status: Withdrawn (no replacement). Last updated/withdrawn by ASTM in 2020; record shows withdrawal note and last update in January 2020.
• Publication date: Originally issued as F2036-05 (2005); reaffirmed/recorded as F2036-05(2011) (reaffirmation date reflected in 2011 listings).
• Publisher: ASTM International (Committee F05 / Image and Photographic Technology-related standards).
• ICS / categories: 35.180 — IT terminal and other peripheral equipment (printing/peripheral equipment category).
• Edition / version: Designation shown as F2036-05 (R2011) or F2036-05(2011) in reaffirmation records.
• Number of pages: Short procedure — published form is 4 pages in length (typical ASTM one-sheet test method layout).

Scope

The standard covers the procedure for measuring monochrome diffuse reflection print density and background for large solid areas printed by electrophotographic printers. It specifies the density-and-background test target, measurement points (solid squares and blank squares), densitometer requirements and calibration, appropriate backing material for reflection measurements, and environmental conditioning for paper and printers. It is intended for use in evaluation of printers, new and remanufactured toner cartridges, and for research, development and quality acceptance testing.

Key topics and requirements

• Definition of a density-and-background test target for large-area solid fills and designated blank squares for background measurement.
• Measurement of monochrome diffuse reflection density (solid areas) using a calibrated densitometer and specified backing (reference to ANSI/NAPM backing practice).
• Procedures for conditioning paper and printer/environment before testing (temperature/humidity control).
• Instructions for taking multiple measurements (solid squares and blank squares) and calculating density and background metrics for reporting.
• Intended use cases: evaluation of perceived blackness, background noise, and the ability to distinguish information from background; applicable to new and remanufactured toner cartridges.

Typical use and users

Used by printer and toner/cartridge manufacturers, remanufacturers, independent testing laboratories, quality assurance and R&D groups evaluating electrophotographic print quality. Also used by organizations performing acceptance testing for supplies and by laboratories developing or validating imaging performance metrics.

Related standards

Closely related ASTM and industry documents addressing copier/printer density and image-quality measurements and cartridge evaluation, for example ASTM F875 (large-area density/background for office copiers — also withdrawn), ASTM F1856 (practice for determining toner usage for cartridges — referenced in test programs), and ANSI / NAPM density-measurement practices used for backing and geometric measurement conditions. The standard was issued under ASTM Committee F05 (Image) and sits with other print-imaging standards in the same volume.

Keywords

electrophotographic, density, reflection density, background, large-area density, laser printer, toner cartridge, nonimpact printer, densitometer, image quality, ASTM F2036.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ASTM F2036-05 (reaffirmed 2011) is a short ASTM test method that defines a density-and-background target and measurement procedure for evaluating large-area monochrome reflection density and nonimaged background on electrophotographic printers. It was published by ASTM International and later withdrawn (no replacement).

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers how to print and measure a specified test target, how to condition substrate and equipment, how to calibrate and use a densitometer with appropriate backing, and how to record the reflection density of solid fills and the background (blank) areas for assessment of perceived blackness and background noise.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Printer and toner manufacturers, remanufacturers, independent test labs, QA and R&D teams working on electrophotographic devices and supplies use this method for acceptance testing, product development and comparative evaluations.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The standard was withdrawn (ASTM record shows withdrawal update in January 2020) and is listed as withdrawn with no direct replacement. Users should check current ASTM catalogs or committee F05 publications for any newer or alternative methods.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: It was developed under ASTM Committee F05 and belongs to a family of F-series standards addressing imaging and print-quality practices and test methods (examples include related F-series copier/printer methods and cartridge testing practices).

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Electrophotographic, density, reflection density, background, laser printer, toner cartridge, densitometer, large-area density.