ASTM F1442-92 (2009) PDF

Full title and description

ASTM F1442-92 (2009) — Standard Practice for Using a Copier or Printer as a Test Instrument for Evaluating Paper Performance. This practice defines a standardized procedure for using indirect electrophotographic copiers and printers as imaging devices when evaluating the performance of cut-size office papers (image quality, transfer of contaminants or "stickies", curl, and related behavior in office imaging equipment).

Abstract

This document provides a method to image paper on typical office copiers/printers and to observe and record performance characteristics relevant to real-world use (for example, paper curl before and after imaging, occurrence of stickies that transfer to photoconductor or fuser rolls, and other defects that may affect machine performance and image quality). The practice is limited to devices using the indirect electrophotographic process and to cut-size office papers. The standard was reapproved in 2009 and later withdrawn in 2015.

General information

• Status: Withdrawn (withdrawn by ASTM Committee F05 in March 2015; withdrawn without replacement).
• Publication date: Reapproval/publication: October 1, 2009 (original designation F1442-92; originally approved 1992).
• Publisher: ASTM International (Committee F05, Business Imaging Products).
• ICS / categories: 37.100.10 — Reproduction equipment / business imaging products.
• Edition / version: Designation F1442-92(2009) — originally 1992, reapproved 2009, withdrawn 2015.
• Number of pages: 4 pages (short practice document with scope, significance, procedure summary and appendix references).

Key bibliographic and status details above are recorded in ASTM’s catalog and standards distributors.

Scope

The practice covers a standardized procedure for utilizing a copier or printer that uses the indirect electrophotographic process as an imaging device when paper performance properties are to be determined. It is intended for cut-size office papers and supplements physical paper property tests when performance in an imaging device is required (for example, to meet the needs of Specification D3460). The practice includes provisions for imaging, observation of curl and transfer/adhesive defects ("stickies"), and notes on conditions that may affect copier/printer performance.

Key topics and requirements

• Use of indirect electrophotographic copiers/printers as test instruments (device selection and limitations).
• Preparation and conditioning of cut-size office paper specimens before imaging.
• Procedures to image test patterns and to inspect/measure image quality and defects.
• Assessment and reporting of stickies, transfer of contaminants, fuser/photoconductor contamination risks, and ream-seal adhesive issues.
• Evaluation of paper curl before and after imaging and its effect on machine feeding and image formation.
• References to related specification requirements (e.g., use to satisfy certain requirements of Specification D3460) and safety/precautionary notes (appendix material).

These topics and requirements reflect the practice text and its significance statements.

Typical use and users

Primary users include paper manufacturers and converters evaluating product performance in office imaging devices; quality-control and R&D laboratories assessing paper suitability for electrophotographic printing; copier and printer manufacturers interested in paper–machine interactions; and third‑party test laboratories that provide acceptance or specification testing for office papers. The practice is typically used when physical paper properties alone do not predict real-world performance in imaging equipment.

Related standards

ASTM F1442 was associated with other F-series business imaging standards and test methods (for example, ASTM F1443, F1444, F1445 and various F14x–F15xx methods addressing image quality, thermal sensitivity and related imaging tests). The practice also references or may be used in conjunction with specification D3460 for paper intended for use in imaging devices. Note: many related F-series imaging standards have been reworked or withdrawn over time as imaging technology and industry practices evolved.

Keywords

copier paper; printer paper; paper performance; stickies; electrophotographic processing; image quality; curl; ream sealing adhesive; office imaging; test practice.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: It is ASTM F1442-92(2009), a short practice that described how to use an indirect electrophotographic copier or printer as a test instrument to evaluate the performance of cut-size office papers (image quality, stickies, curl, and related issues). The practice was reapproved in 2009 and later withdrawn.

Q: What does it cover?

A: The practice covers selection of suitable imaging devices (indirect electrophotographic), specimen conditioning and imaging procedures, inspection and reporting of image quality and machine-impacting defects (notably stickies and curl), and notes on significance and limitations. It is intended to supplement physical property tests when device performance is required.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Paper mills and converters, quality and R&D laboratories, copier/printer manufacturers, and independent test labs that need to verify how paper will behave in real office imaging equipment.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: It is withdrawn. ASTM records show the practice was withdrawn in March 2015 and was listed as withdrawn without replacement. Users should not treat it as an active ASTM requirement and should check current ASTM and industry references for updated methods.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — it originated under ASTM Committee F05 (Business Imaging Products) and relates to a family of F‑series standards and test methods addressing business imaging, image quality, and media performance. Many related F-series standards address complementary tests (reflectometers, thermal paper tests, smudge/abrasion methods, etc.).

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Copier paper, printer paper, stickies, electrophotographic, image quality, curl, office imaging tests.