ISO 18947-1:2021

Overview

ISO 18947-1:2021 - "Imaging materials and prints - Abrasion resistance - Part 1: General rub testing methods" defines standardized test methods and guidance to determine the rub (abrasion) resistance of analogue and digital prints. It covers photographic, graphic and office prints on all substrates and describes general performance requirements for abrasion test devices, selection and operation of abrasion test methods, sample preparation, evaluation and reporting. This second edition (2021) replaces ISO 18947:2013 and extends scope to graphic and office prints, adds more tester types and introduces visual evaluation alongside instrumental methods.

Key topics and requirements

• Scope and applicability: Analogue and digital prints on any substrate (photographic, graphic, office).
• Terms and definitions: Key concepts such as abrasion, analogue print, digital print, receptor, and quasi-linear motion are defined to ensure consistent testing language.
• Test principle: Controlled rubbing (frictional) action to simulate real-life abrasion, with outcomes including loss of colour, smearing, gloss changes and material transfer.
• Test devices: Description, preparation and general performance requirements for abrasion testers (multiple device types are covered; Annex A provides examples and operating parameters).
• Sample preparation: Guidance on preparing test specimens and selecting receptor materials to simulate intended use conditions.
• Test procedure: Standardized steps for conducting rub tests; includes how test movement, force, and receptor selection affect results.
• Evaluation methods: Both visual evaluation (required because optical measurements may not correlate with human perception) and optical/instrumental measurements (densitometry, color measurement) are described.
• Reporting: Required information to include in a test report to ensure reproducibility and comparability.

Practical applications and users

ISO 18947-1 is intended for:

• Print manufacturers (photographic, inkjet, toner, offset) and substrate suppliers validating durability.
• Quality assurance and testing laboratories conducting permanence and durability testing.
• R&D teams developing inks, coatings and protective layers.
• Equipment manufacturers designing abrasion test devices or specifying device performance.
• Conservators, museums and buyers assessing print handling risks and longevity.

Benefits: consistent, repeatable rub testing; improved product specifications; better comparison across technologies; informed material selection for intended use.

Related standards

• ISO 18947-2: Rub testing of photographic prints (dedicated procedures)
• ISO 18936, ISO 18937, ISO 18941, ISO 18946: Environmental permanence tests (heat, light, ozone, humidity)
• ISO 18922 / ISO 18951: Scratch and reflection-print durability standards
• Normative refs cited: ISO 2813 (gloss), ISO 2834 (test print preparation), ISO 8254-1 (paper gloss)

Keywords: ISO 18947-1, abrasion resistance, imaging materials, rub testing, photographic prints, graphic prints, office prints, abrasion test devices, rub resistance test methods.