ASTM D7305-08a
(Test Method)Standard Test Method for Reflection Density of Printed Matter
Standard Test Method for Reflection Density of Printed Matter
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
One of the key properties for printing in the lab or on production equipment is the intensity of the color, color balance and uniformity. This test can be used to ensure that the proper amount of ink is transferred to the substrate by obtaining a target density value, in addition to determining whether the print is uniform by measuring the reflection density over a wide print area. This then allows the use of the print for controlled testing of other appearance properties, such as gloss and color, and performance properties, such as resistance to abrasion and chemicals.
This test can be used to help achieve consistent color reproduction of printed color on flat surfaces.
Transfer of density readings from one set of inks to another, or from one substrate to another, carries a high risk of producing a color or tone shift. It is not in the scope of this test method to use density readings as digital proof of target points for printing process control.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method describes a procedure for measuring reflection density of printed matter using a reflection densitometer or spectrodensitometer.
1.2 This test method is intended primarily for process colors (yellow, magenta and cyan) and black. With appropriate instrumentation, it may also be used for other colors.
1.3 This test method applies to prints made by any printing process on a flat surface, with reflection density values ranging from just above zero, on the unprinted substrate, through to around 2.5 for very dense prints.
1.4 This test method can be used for prints on paper, film or board but not for those on metal or foil. It can be conducted in the pressroom or laboratory.
1.5 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.
1.6 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.
General Information
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Designation:D7305 −08a
StandardTest Method for
1
Reflection Density of Printed Matter
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D7305; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision.Anumber in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval.A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope* Equations, Image Elements and Procedures
CGATS.6GraphicTechnology—SpecificationsforGraphic
1.1 This test method describes a procedure for measuring
Arts Printing
reflectiondensityofprintedmatterusingareflectiondensitom-
CGATS.11-1999Graphic Technology — Certified Refer-
eter or spectrodensitometer.
enceMaterialsforReflectionandTransmissionMetrology
1.2 Thistestmethodisintendedprimarilyforprocesscolors
– Documentation Requirements and Recommended Pro-
(yellow, magenta and cyan) and black. With appropriate
cedures
instrumentation, it may also be used for other colors.
PH 2.17Geometric Conditions for Reflection Density
1.3 This test method applies to prints made by any printing PH2.18SpectralConditionsfortheMeasurementofOptical
Density
processonaflatsurface,withreflectiondensityvaluesranging
from just above zero, on the unprinted substrate, through to 3
2.3 ISO Standard:
around 2.5 for very dense prints.
ISO 15790Graphic technology and photography — Certi-
1.4 Thistestmethodcanbeusedforprintsonpaper,filmor fied reference materials for reflection and transmission
metrology — Documentation and procedures for use,
board but not for those on metal or foil. It can be conducted in
the pressroom or laboratory. including determination of combined standard uncertainty
3
2.4 Other Standard:
1.5 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as
standard. No other units of measurement are included in this DIN 16536-2:1986Testing of prints and printing inks in
graphic technology — Colour density measurements on
standard.
on-press or off-press prints
1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
3. Terminology
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
3.1 Definitions related to appearance are in Terminology
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
E284.
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
2. Referenced Documents
3.2.1 reflection density, n—the light-absorbing property of a
2
2.1 ASTM Standards:
material, expressed as the logarithm of the reciprocal of the
E284Terminology of Appearance
reflectance factor (i.e. higher density indicates more light is
E691Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to
absorbed). [D = log (1/R) = -log (R)]
10 10
Determine the Precision of a Test Method
3
3.2.2 reflection densitometry, n—the practice of characteriz-
2.2 ANSI Standards:
ing the amount of light absorption of materials by measuring
CGATS.4-1993Graphic Technology – GraphicArts Reflec-
reflectance and calculating and reporting reflection density.
tion Densitometry Measurements — Terminology,
3.2.3 spectrodensitometer, n—a spectrophotometer with ap-
propriate software to convert the measured reflectance values
1
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D01 on Paint
to reflection density.
and Related Coatings, Materials, andApplications and is the direct responsibility of
Subcommittee D01.56 on Printing Inks.
3.2.4 process color, n—a color having the main attribute of
Current edition approved Nov. 1, 2008. Published November 2008. Originally
absorbing approximately one-third (1/3) the visible spectrum
approved in 2008. Last previous edition approved in 2008 as D7305-08. DOI:
10.1520/D7305-08A. and transmitting the other two-thirds (2/3).
2
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
3.2.5 dry back, n—the reduction in density that occurs over
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on time after printing on paper and other absorbent substrates due
the ASTM website.
to ink penetration into the substrate.
3
Available fromAmerican National Standards Institute (ANSI), 25 W. 43rd St.,
4th Floor, New York, NY 10036, http://www.ansi.org. 3.2.6 status T, n—an ISO Reflection Status Density.
*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
1
---------------------- Page: 1 ----------------------
D7305−08a
NOTE 1—ISO Reflection Status Density is defined by its Spectral
5. Summary of Test Method
Products (Fig. 1), that is, the wavelength by wavelength combination of a
5.1 The densitometer or spectrod
...
This document is not anASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of anASTM standard an indication of what changes have been made to the previous version. Because
it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
of the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.
Designation:D7305–08 Designation: D 7305 – 08a
Standard Test Method for
1
Reflection Density of Printed Matter
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D 7305; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope*
1.1 This test method describes a procedure for measuring reflection density of printed matter using a reflection densitometer or
spectrodensitometer.
1.2 This test method is intended primarily for process colors (yellow, magenta and cyan) and black. With appropriate
instrumentation, it may also be used for other colors.
1.3 This test method applies to prints made by any printing process on a flat surface, with reflection density values ranging from
just above zero, on the unprinted substrate, through to around 2.5 for very dense prints.
1.4 This test method can be used for prints on paper, film or board but not for those on metal or foil. It can be conducted in
the pressroom or laboratory.
1.5The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses are for information only.
1.5 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.
1.6 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
2
2.1 ASTM Standards:
E 284 Terminology of Appearance
E 691 Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to Determine the Precision of a Test Method
3
2.2 ANSI Standards:
CGATS.4-1993 Graphic Technology – Graphic Arts Reflection Densitometry Measurements –— Terminology, Equations,
Image Elements and Procedures
CGATS.6 Graphic Technology –— Specifications for Graphic Arts Printing
CGATS.11-1999 Graphic Technology –— Certified Reference Materials for Reflection and Transmission Metrology –
Documentation Requirements and Recommended Procedures
PH 2.17 Geometric Conditions for Reflection Density
PH 2.18 Spectral Conditions for the Measurement of Optical Density
3
2.3 ISO Standard:
ISO 15790 Graphic technology and photography –— Certified reference materials for reflection and transmission metrology
–— Documentation and procedures for use, including determination of combined standard uncertainty
3
2.4 Other Standard:
DIN 16536-2:1986 Testing of prints and printing inks in graphic technology — Colour density measurements on on-press or
off-press prints
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions related to appearance are in Terminology E 284.
3.2 Terminology specific to this standard:
3.2.1 reflection density, n—the light-absorbing property of a material, expressed as the logarithm of the reciprocal of the
reflectance factor (i.e. higher density indicates more light is absorbed). [D = log (1/R) = -log (R)]
10 10
1
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D01 on Paint and Related Coatings, Materials, and Applications and is the direct responsibility of
Subcommittee D01.56 on Printing Inks.
Current edition approved Feb. 1, 2008. Published March 2008.
Current edition approved Nov. 1, 2008. Published November 2008. Originally approved in 2008. Last previous edition approved in 2008 as D 7305 - 08.
2
For referencedASTM standards, visit theASTM website, www.astm.org, or contactASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM Standards
volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
3
Available from American National Standards Institute (ANSI), 25 W. 43rd St., 4th Floor, New York, NY 10036, http://www.ansi.org.
*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.
1
---------------------- Page: 1 ----------------------
D 7305 – 08a
3.2.2 reflection densitometry, n—the practice of characterizing the amount of light absorption of materials by measuring
reflectance and calculating and reporting reflection density.
3.2.3 spectrodensitometer, n—a spectrophotometer with appropriate software to convert the measured reflectance values to
reflection density.
3.2.4 process color, n—a color having the main attr
...
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