ASTM Seeks Members for "Printer Cartridge Evaluation" Task Group
ASTM is a not-for-profit organization that provides a forum for producers, users,
consumers, and others with a general interest (representatives of government and academia) to meet on
common ground to develop standards for materials, products, systems and services. From the work of
132 standards writing committees, ASTM publishes standard test methods, specifications,
practices, guides, classifications and terminology. ASTM's standards development activities
encompass metals, paints, textiles, medical devises, electronics, business products and many other areas.
ASTM has no technical research or testing facilities; such work is carried out voluntarily by 32,000
technically qualified ASTM members located throughout the world.
ASTM standards are used as a guide by thousands of individuals, companies and agencies.
Purchasers and sellers incorporate standards into contracts; scientists and engineers use them in
their laboratories; and government agencies reference them in codes, regulations and laws.
ASTM standards are written by volunteer members who serve on technical committees.
Through a formal balloting process, all members may have input into the standards before
publication.
Standards development work begins when a need is recognized. Task group members
prepare a draft standard, which is reviewed by its parent subcommittee through letter ballot. After
the subcommittee approves the document, it is submitted to a main committee letter ballot.
Once approved at the main committee level, the document is submitted for Society review. All
negative votes, which must include a written explanation of the voter's objections, must be fully
considered before the document can be submitted to the next level in the
process. Final approval of a standard depends on concurrence by the ASTM Committee on Standards that proper procedures
were followed and due process was achieved. Only then is the ASTM standard published.
The ASTM F5 committee is concerned with Business Imaging Products. This
committee develops standard test methods for imaging supplies. Subcommittees of ASTM F5 develop
test methods for specific imaging technologies such as toner-based (electrophotography), inkjet,
thermal and impact technology. The committee is seeking new members to assist in the development
and writing of test methods, as well as, reviewing and updating the existing test methods. Skills
and interest in writing, testing, quality assurance, and imaging supplies are needed.
These test methods are used by manufacturers and purchasers of parts and materials for
the manufacture and remanufacture of toner, ink jet and ribbon cartridges. Many of the test methods
are used by end users.
A task group on "Printer Cartridge Evaluation" was formed at the last subcommittee meeting.
Members of the task group include: Dan Narbone of Buyers Lab, Rick Floyd of Golden
Imaging, Lester Cornelius of OTC, Terry Wirth of Industry Analysts, Chuck Romano of Eastman Kodak
and John Wyhof of Static Control. The objective is to develop a standard test method for
printer cartridges, which can be used by remanufacturers, 'EMs and end users. This will greatly help
our industry. Additional members who are willing to help develop this and other test methods are
very welcome.
For further information, contact Mr. Tom O'Toole, staff manager of F5 at ASTM, (610)
832-9739, e-mail: totoole@astm.org; or Dr. John Wyhoff, chairman of ASTM F5.04, (800) 488-2426,
ext. 1183, or e-mail johnw@scc-inc.com.
This article originally appeared in the September 1998 issue of Recharger.