Clarity - ASTM D1746

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This test method covers the measurement of the transparency of plastic sheeting. While this test may be used for any transparent material, it is intended for use with clear and colorless thin sheeting.

Clarity Test Configuration

A light source emits a beam of 540 to 560 nm light normal to the surface of the test specimen. A photoelectric detector is calibrated such that it reads a value of 100 when the specimen is not present and zero when the light source is removed. The test specimen is placed between the light source and the photoelectric detector. The regular transmittance (or clarity) of a material is taken as the reading from the photoelectric detector. The value is a percent of light transmitted through the material.

The information generated from this test method is highly influenced by the equipment used during the test. Use caution when comparing data obtained from different equipment.