ISO 18908-2000 PDF

Full title and description

ISO 18908:2000 — Imaging materials — Photographic film — Determination of folding endurance. This International Standard specifies a laboratory method for determining and reporting the folding endurance (flexural durability) of photographic film using the MIT folding-endurance tester (or correlated equipment) to produce quantitative, repeatable results for raw or processed film with or without gelatin backing.

Abstract

This standard defines a controlled analytical test procedure to measure folding endurance of photographic film. The method is based on the MIT folding-endurance tester (described in an informative annex) and is intended to provide repeatable numerical values of folding endurance rather than to simulate real‑world handling. It applies to films both with and without gelatin backing and may be used on raw or processed materials; alternate test equipment may be used only when correlation to the specified apparatus has been established.

General information

• Status: Published (International Standard; confirmed in ISO review cycles).
• Publication date: May 2000 (ISO record shows valid from 11 May 2000 / 2000-05).
• Publisher: International Organization for Standardization (ISO).
• ICS / categories: 37.040.20 (Photographic paper, films and plates; cartridges).
• Edition / version: Edition 1 (2000).
• Number of pages: 9 (ISO bibliographic entry lists 9 pages).

Scope

ISO 18908:2000 specifies a method for determining and quantitatively expressing the folding endurance of photographic film. The procedure is an analytical laboratory test based on the MIT folding-endurance tester; it is applicable to films with or without gelatin backing and may be applied to raw or processed films. Use of alternative folding-endurance testers is permitted only when a correlation between results from the alternative equipment and the specified apparatus has been established. The method is intended for producing comparable numerical measurements, not for simulating practical handling conditions.

Key topics and requirements

• Definition and objective: quantitative measurement of folding endurance (number of folds to failure) for photographic film.
• Reference test apparatus: MIT folding-endurance tester (description provided in annex B of the standard).
• Specimen preparation and conditioning requirements to ensure repeatability (film type, backing, processing state).
• Test procedure and operating conditions (test speed, clamp configuration, number of specimens, end‑point criteria).
• Reporting and expression of results: how folding-endurance values are calculated and reported for comparability.
• Provision for use of alternative equipment only after establishing correlation with the specified method.

Typical use and users

Primary users include photographic film manufacturers (quality control and product development), materials testing laboratories, archives and conservation professionals assessing film durability, and standards bodies or researchers comparing mechanical properties of imaging materials. Laboratories use the method to produce comparable folding‑endurance data for acceptance testing, specification compliance, and material selection.

Related standards

ISO 18908:2000 is part of the ISO family of standards addressing imaging materials and preservation. Relevant related standards include ISO 18906 (specifications for safety film), ISO 18909 (methods for measuring image stability; most recent revisions in the ISO 18900 series), ISO 18911 (storage practices for processed safety photographic films), and ISO 18902 (requirements for albums, enclosures and storage containers). ISO 18908 replaces or updates earlier national standards such as ISO 8776:1988 (withdrawn).

Keywords

folding endurance, folding‑endurance tester, MIT tester, photographic film, imaging materials, film durability, flexural testing, specimen conditioning, mechanical testing, ISO 18900 series.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ISO 18908:2000 is an International Standard that specifies a laboratory method for measuring the folding endurance (flexural durability) of photographic film using the MIT folding‑endurance tester or correlated equipment.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers specimen preparation, the test apparatus (MIT folding‑endurance tester), test conditions and procedure, end‑point criteria, and how to express and report folding‑endurance results; it applies to films with or without gelatin backing and to raw or processed film. The method is analytical and not intended to simulate everyday handling.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Film manufacturers, QC and R&D laboratories, conservation and archival professionals, and researchers interested in the mechanical durability of imaging films.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: According to ISO bibliographic records and national standards bodies, ISO 18908:2000 remains a published International Standard; it has been subject to ISO review cycles and has been confirmed in past systematic reviews. No later ISO replacement specifically for folding‑endurance of photographic film was identified in the referenced records. Users needing absolute currency confirmation for procurement or compliance should check the latest ISO catalogue or their national standards body.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — ISO 18908 is part of the broader ISO 18900-series addressing imaging materials, processed film and paper, stability testing and storage practices (examples: ISO 18902, ISO 18906, ISO 18909, ISO 18911).

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Folding endurance; MIT folding‑endurance tester; photographic film; imaging materials; film durability; flexural testing; ISO 18900 series.