ASTM F1843-97(2002)

Standard Practice for Sample Preparation of Transparent Plastic Films for Specular Gloss Measurements, on Membrane Switch Overlays

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
Gloss measurements are used to qualify a raw material or finished product.
Sample preparation will effect the outcome of gloss readings. This practice will eliminate second surface reflection, and allow a more accurate gloss reading of the substrate.
Materials which require this preparation include the following: clear or translucent substrates, colored transparent substrates, and areas printed with clear, translucent, or transparent colored coatings.
SCOPE
1.1 This practice covers the method of sample preparation, prior to taking gloss measurements on a membrane switch overlay.  
1.2 Typical applications include window display areas on a graphic overlay, and surface texture.  
1.3 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

• Status: Historical
• Publication Date: 09-Dec-1997
• ICS: 31.220.20 - Switches
• Technical Committee: F01 - Electronics
• Drafting Committee: F01.18 - Printed Electronics

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM F1843-97 - Standard Practice for Sample Preparation of Transparent Plastic Films for Specular Gloss Measurements, on Membrane Switch Overlays
• Effective Date: 10-Dec-1997
• Replaced By: ASTM F1843-09 - Standard Practice for Sample Preparation of Transparent Plastic Films used on Membrane Switch Overlays for Specular Gloss Measurements
• Effective Date: 15-Jun-2009

Standards Content (Sample)

NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or withdrawn.
Contact ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest information
Designation:F1843–97 (Reapproved 2002)
Standard Practice for
Sample Preparation of Transparent Plastic Films for
Specular Gloss Measurements, on Membrane Switch
Overlays
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F 1843; 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 (e) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope 5. Significance and Use
1.1 This practice covers the method of sample preparation, 5.1 Gloss measurements are used to qualify a raw material
prior to taking gloss measurements on a membrane switch or finished product.
overlay. 5.2 Sample preparation will effect the outcome of gloss
1.2 Typical applications include window display areas on a readings.This practice will eliminate second surface reflection,
graphic overlay, and surface texture. and allow a more accurate gloss reading of the substrate.
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the 5.3 Materials which require this preparation include the
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the following: clear or translucent substrates, colored transparent
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro- substrates, and areas printed with clear, translucent, or trans-
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica- parent colored coatings.
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
6. Apparatus
2. Referenced Documents
6.1 Gloss Meter, in accordance with Test Method D 523.
2.1 ASTM Standards: 6.2 Black Iodized Aluminum Test Plate , This plate is to be
D 523 Test Method for Specular Gloss a hard, flat, smooth, matte black, nonporous surface. Gloss
readings should be between 4 to 12 gloss units, when measured
3. Terminology
with a 60° gloss meter. Plate size should be sufficient to allow
3.1 Definitions:
the specimen to be laid flat for readings, typically 12 by 12 in.
3.1.1 membrane switch, n—a momentary switching device
(304.8 by 304.8 mm). Material thickness to be 0.062 in. ( 1.57
in which at least one contact is on (or made of) a flexible mm) or thicker.
substrate.
6.3 Distilled Water,or Isopropyl Alcohol.
3.1.2 specular gloss, n—the degree to which a surface 6.4 Eye Dropper.
simulates a perfect mirror in its capacity to reflect incident
6.5 Hand Held Brayer (rubber roller).
light.
7. Procedure
3.1.3 overlay, n—the outer layer of a membrane switch on
which the graphics are printed. 7.1 Verify the specimen and plate are clean, dry, and free of
contamination.
4. Summary of Practice
7.2 Use the eyedropper to place a few drops of distilled
4.1 A water or alcohol droplet is placed on a black metal water or isopropyl alcohol in the center of the black plate.
plate
...