ASTM F2366-12 PDF

Full title and description

Standard Practice for Determining the Relative Lightfastness of Ink Jet Prints Exposed to Window Filtered Daylight Using a Xenon Arc Light Apparatus — ASTM F2366-12. This practice specifies laboratory xenon-arc exposure procedures and test conditions, intended to simulate window‑filtered daylight for evaluating the relative lightfastness of ink‑jet prints (instrumental color change and optical density measurements).

Abstract

ASTM F2366-12 defines an accelerated xenon‑arc exposure method (with a window‑glass filter) for ranking the relative lightfastness of ink‑jet prints as they would perform in office environments illuminated by daylight through windows. The practice is intended for comparative evaluations — e.g., ranking a set of prints or comparing a print against controls of known lightfastness — rather than producing an absolute permanence rating.

General information

• Status: Withdrawn (no replacement). Last updated as withdrawn by ASTM on August 11, 2020.
• Publication date: 2012 (designated F2366-12; original publication October 2012).
• Publisher: ASTM International (ASTM).
• ICS / categories: Graphic technology / Printing inks — ICS 87.080 (Inks; printing inks).
• Edition / version: F2366-12 (2012).
• Number of pages: Approximately 4 pages (compact practice document).

Scope

This practice covers specific procedures and exposure conditions for xenon‑arc testing of ink‑jet prints conducted in accordance with Practices G151 and G155, using a window‑glass filter to simulate daylight transmitted through windows. It is intended to determine relative lightfastness in office-like window‑filtered daylight conditions using two evaluation criteria: instrumental color change and change in optical density. The practice was written for comparative laboratory evaluations and does not provide an absolute industry permanence rating; it also notes that there is no equivalent ISO standard. Safety/precautionary statements are included in the standard text.

Key topics and requirements

• Use of a xenon‑arc light apparatus with a window‑glass filter to simulate window‑filtered daylight conditions.
• Test conditions aligned with ASTM Practices G151 and G155 for light‑exposure apparatus and procedures.
• Primary evaluation metrics: instrumental color change (ΔE or equivalent instrumentally measured color difference) and change in optical density.
• Comparative ranking methodology — use of controls with known lightfastness exposed simultaneously.
• Notes on spectral power distribution (appendix material describing xenon‑arc SPD with window filter) and test reporting.
• Safety and laboratory practice considerations (standard disclaims responsibility for safety beyond the precautions listed).

Typical use and users

Used by ink manufacturers, print service providers, materials testing laboratories, quality engineers, and R&D groups who need a reproducible, accelerated method to compare how ink‑jet prints perform when exposed to daylight through windows (for example, office displays, store windows, or framed prints near glazed openings). Results are commonly used for specification acceptance, product development and internal quality control comparisons rather than for producing an absolute archival permanence value.

Related standards

Closely related to ASTM Practices G151 and G155 (xenon‑arc and exposure apparatus practices) as referenced in the practice. Other related lightfastness and print testing standards include ISO tests for lightfastness and print proofs (for example ISO 12040, ISO 2836, ISO 105‑B02) and various ASTM/G‑series exposure methods; practitioners typically cross‑reference these when developing a complete testing program.

Keywords

lightfastness; xenon arc; ink‑jet prints; window‑filtered daylight; optical density; color change; accelerated aging; ASTM F2366‑12; Practices G151; Practice G155; print testing; color stability.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ASTM F2366‑12 is a short ASTM practice that prescribes a laboratory xenon‑arc exposure method (with window glass filtering) to determine the relative lightfastness of ink‑jet prints intended to simulate daylight transmitted through windows.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers test apparatus conditions, exposure procedures (referencing Practices G151 and G155), and evaluation criteria (instrumental color change and optical density) for comparative ranking of ink‑jet print lightfastness under simulated window‑filtered daylight. It is intended for laboratory accelerated testing and comparative assessments.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Ink manufacturers, print labs, quality control and R&D teams, materials testing laboratories, and specifiers who need to compare prints’ behavior under window‑filtered daylight conditions. Results are commonly used for product development, QC and specification acceptance.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: ASTM F2366‑12 was withdrawn by ASTM in 2020 (withdrawn, no replacement). Users should consult the ASTM catalog or the responsible ASTM committee (F05 Image) for the current recommended practices or any successor documents before relying on the withdrawn practice for formal specifications.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: It is a practice that references and complements other exposure practices (notably ASTM G151 and G155) and sits within the body of imaging/print standards managed by ASTM committee F05 (Image). It was intended to be used alongside those exposure apparatus practices rather than as a standalone permanence rating method.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: lightfastness, xenon‑arc, window‑filtered daylight, ink‑jet prints, optical density, color change, accelerated exposure, ASTM F2366‑12.