Taber Abrasion
This test is used to determine the amount of a printed image removed as a result of abrasive forces applied directly to the surface. Before testing, the optical density of the image (predetermined by the test standard) is measured using a densitometer and recorded. The image is carefully mounted on the Taber specimen holder with the plate, nut, and clamp. The weighted arms, which each contain a Calibrase wheel are carefully lowered onto the specimen along with the vacuum nozzle. The vacuum is turned on and the specimen is abraded for 20 revolutions. The specimen is removed without touching the abrasion area and any loose material is swept away with a clean brush before the final optical density is read and recorded. The initial and final densities, Di and Df, respectively, are used to calculate the abrasion resistance index, AI using the following formula:
AI = 100-(2[Df – Di])
We then measure this index against our ranking order to determine whether it performs up to standard.
We follow ASTM International Designation F1478 – 95: Standard Test Method for Determination of Abrasion Resistance of Images Produced from Copiers and Printers (Taber Method) as a guideline for our Taber abrasion tests.
