ISO print refers to a standardized method for measuring the print speed of printers. This standard, ISO/IEC 24734, was adopted by the inkjet printer industry in 2009 to provide a more reliable and consistent way to test and compare the printing speeds of inkjet, all-in-one, and laser printers under standard conditions.
Why Was ISO Print Developed?
Before the introduction of ISO print speeds, printer manufacturers often used their own proprietary methods for measuring print speed. This led to inflated and often unrealistic claims, making it difficult for consumers to compare printers accurately. The ISO standard was developed to address this issue and provide a level playing field for manufacturers.
Key Features of ISO Print Testing:
- Standardized Documents: ISO print speed testing uses a set of standardized documents, including text documents, graphics documents, and mixed documents. This ensures that all printers are tested using the same materials.
- Controlled Environment: The tests are conducted in a controlled environment with specific temperature and humidity levels.
- Warm-up Time: The testing considers the printer's warm-up time, so the first page out time is included in the overall speed calculation.
- Average Speed Measurement: The ISO standard calculates the average print speed over multiple pages, rather than just measuring the speed of a single page.
Benefits of ISO Print Speeds:
- Accurate Comparison: ISO print speeds allow consumers to compare printers more accurately and make informed purchasing decisions.
- Realistic Expectations: The standardized testing provides a more realistic expectation of the printer's actual print speed.
- Industry Standard: The ISO standard ensures that all manufacturers are using the same methods for measuring print speed.
How to Interpret ISO Print Speeds:
- ISO print speeds are typically expressed in pages per minute (ppm).
- The ISO standard typically provides two print speeds: one for black-and-white printing and one for color printing.
- It's important to note that ISO print speeds are measured under ideal conditions, so actual print speeds may vary depending on the complexity of the documents being printed and the printer settings.
In summary, ISO print is a standardized method established to provide a more accurate and comparable measurement of printer speeds across different manufacturers and models. It uses specific documents and controlled environments, offering consumers a more reliable way to assess a printer's performance.
