The character yield of a ribbon is affected by many factors including the printer/typewriter design and ribbon cartridge design. The end user may wish to evaluate these different machine and ribbon designs to determine the estimated cost of various systems over the anticipated useful life of the equipment. For example, the lowest cost machine may not be the most economical system when the cost per character (cost of supplies) is factored in as part of its total life time cost.

1.1 This practice covers the description and method of use of a test pattern for evaluating character yield of a single-pass typewriter or printer ribbon cartridge under continuous printing conditions.

1.2 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.