Standardized Test Method Committee Response
Editor's note: The OEMs' decision to release their own test method unleashed a firestorm of response from the Standardized Test Method Committee.
Most committee members expressed disappointment that the OEMs felt compelled to create their own test method using a committee that does not include
aftermarket remanufacturers.
Luckily, tests like ASTM 1856 are already being rapidly accepted by the remanufacturing community and purchasing agents.
The STM committee evaluated the merits of the NCITS test proposal and responded as follows:
This test method has two serious flaws. First, it is very expensive and beyond the reach of 90 percent of the population that would benefit from a test like this.
Second, it has three different potential end points that will muddy legitimate results.
The NCITS test method is listed as a draft and is still subject to revision. The three end-of-life points are based on different methods such as shaking and fade evaluation and continuous run vs. stop-and-start runs. The fade test is based on grayscale bars at the top
and bottom of the page. It will not work for printers that move pages along the paper path by the long edge.
To comply with the method, special equipment is needed to conduct the shaking procedure. The temperature and humidity control specification requires expensive climate control equipment. Yet this equipment does not relate to the accuracy of the test.
Furthermore, the NCITS test method requires 16 cartridges in four different printers. Thus, the statistical claims, based on assumptions on lot size for both the cartridges and printers, are inaccurate.
In summary, the test method is flawed and has placed the cost for testing cartridge yield beyond the range of 90% of the cartridge remanufacturers for no good technical purpose.
Remanufacturers are well suited using the STMC Guide which uses objective, accurate test methods that are affordable, and therefore useful. Furthermore the Guide is built on accepted standardized test methods from legitimate and well-respected entities such
as ASTM, ANSI and ISTA.
There will be a race toward market acceptance of the competing test methods. Ultimately, the consumer pays for the test method, so we believe the STM Committee will prevail.
| Press Release — July 26, 2000
HP, Lexmark, Xerox Work with NCITS to Develop Toner-cartridge Testing Standards
Palo Alto, Calif — Hewlett-Packard Company, Lexmark International, Inc. and Xerox Corporation announce that the National Committee for Information Technology Standards (NCITS) has approved a proposal to develop a standard for measuring the page yield of
toner cartridges. The testing standards will bring consumers one step closer to being able to make more informed decisions about their toner-cartridge purchases. The standards will be based on criteria established, reviewed and approved by the three companies, along with input
from other equipment manufacturers.
"The acceptance of a standard testing methodology is significant because the printing industry does not currently have a consistent way to determine the page yield of a cartridge," said Alan Efron, vice president of marketing for Xerox's Supplies Group.
"Currently, each cartridge manufacturer develops individual testing methodologies and publishes their own page-capacity claims. Obviously, this can be very confusing to the consumer, so the fact that we're moving toward one standard is a big step in the right direction."
"HP is pleased that there is an effort to work together," said Kevin Kirkpatrick, competitive response manager for HP's Imaging Supplies Division. "Ultimately, this will help protect consumers by providing an accurate, stated page yield that will be consistent among
manufacturers. This is absolutely the right thing to do for customers."
The impetus behind this group effort began in September 1999, when HP endorsed International Data Corporation's (IDC) testing methodology. Since then, HP, Xerox and Lexmark have worked in this area for the benefit of consumers.
"The next step is to finalize the standard so that customers can begin reaping the benefits of this NCITS decision," said Betsy Lang, general manager, worldwide supplies marketing of Lexmark's Business Printer Division. "There is healthy momentum for continuing
this work, and the end result will be beneficial for all stakeholders."
The National Committee for Information Technology Standards (NCITS) is a development group accredited by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). NCITS develops national standards and its technical experts participate on behalf of the United States
through ANSI in the international standards activities of ISO/IEC JTC1, Information Technology. Information about NCITS and the toner-cartridge yield standards can be found on the World Wide Web at http://www.ncits.org/tc_home/w1htm/1420.html. |
This article originally appeared in the September 2000 issue of Recharger.