ASTM D7244-20

Standard Test Method for Relative Cure of Energy-Cured Inks and Coatings

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 This test method is used as a manufacturing or laboratory process control tool by providing a visual comparison of the ability to resist solvent break-through against an established control. The test method is designed to indicate a potential problem caused by an undercured condition but does not identify what caused the condition.  
5.2 This test method does not duplicate the conditions on a printing press but does provide a means to determine whether the test sample meets specifications as agreed upon between supplier and customer.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method describes the procedure for evaluating the relative cure of printed energy-cured (ultraviolet or electron beam) ink or coating by a mechanical solvent rub test using a motorized Crockmeter.  
1.2 This test method is applicable to laboratory and production prints on any flat substrate that is no thicker than 3 mm (0.125 in.), durable enough to withstand the test conditions, and for which a control (reference) sample is available.  
1.3 This test method applies to comparisons between energy-cured inks and coatings of the same chemistry and film weight and should not be used to compare different ink or coating chemistries or various applied film weights without first establishing process performance.  
1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses are for information only.  
1.5 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, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.  
1.6 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 31-May-2020
• ICS: 87.080 - Inks. Printing inks
• Technical Committee: D01 - Paint and Related Coatings, Materials, and Applications
• Drafting Committee: D01.56 - Printing Inks

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM D7244-06a(2011) - Standard Test Method for Relative Cure of Energy-Cured Inks and Coatings (Withdrawn 2020)
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2020

Overview

ASTM D7244-20: Standard Test Method for Relative Cure of Energy-Cured Inks and Coatings establishes a standardized procedure to evaluate the relative cure of printed energy-cured inks and coatings, such as those cured by ultraviolet (UV) or electron beam (EB) radiation. Developed by ASTM International, this test method provides manufacturers and laboratories with a reliable process control tool to visually assess the degree of cure by measuring resistance to solvent breakthrough, compared to an established reference sample. This standard is especially valuable for quality assurance in printing and coating operations.

Key Topics

• Energy-Cured Inks and Coatings: Focuses on products cured by UV or EB radiation on flat substrates up to 3 mm thick.
• Mechanical Solvent Rub Test: Uses a motorized Crockmeter and specific solvents (such as methyl ethyl ketone and isopropyl alcohol) to evaluate solvent resistance.
• Process Control: Designed for laboratory or manufacturing environments to detect undercured conditions that may impact product performance.
• Visual Comparison: Assessment is made by visually comparing the degree of solvent breakthrough of the test sample to a control sample.
• Limitations: The method does not identify the cause of undercure or replicate printing press conditions but serves as an agreed basis for evaluating product conformity.
• Safety Considerations: Emphasizes the importance of proper ventilation and adherence to safety and environmental regulations when handling solvents.

Applications

ASTM D7244-20 is widely used in the printing and coatings industry for:

• Quality Assurance: Helping suppliers and customers confirm that energy-cured inks and coatings meet agreed specifications.
• Process Monitoring: Quickly identifying potential curing issues during production to prevent product failures.
• Research and Development: Comparing new formulations or curing processes within the same chemistry and film thickness.
• Supplier-Customer Agreements: Providing an objective method for dispute resolution regarding product performance based on standardized criteria.
• Regulatory Compliance: Ensuring products are tested in line with internationally recognized procedures, supporting compliance with trade and safety standards.

Related Standards

• AATCC Test Method 8 - Colorfastness to Crocking: Referenced in ASTM D7244-20 for guidance on using the mechanical Crockmeter in colorfastness evaluation.
• ISO Standards for Printing Inks: International equivalents or complementary documents on ink performance testing.
• ASTM Standards for Coatings: Related test methods developed by ASTM Committee D01 on Paint and Related Coatings, Materials, and Applications.
• World Trade Organization (WTO) TBT Committee Principles: ASTM D7244-20 adheres to key international standardization principles for global trade facilitation.

Practical Value

By implementing ASTM D7244-20, organizations benefit from:

• Consistent Quality Control: Achieving uniform procedures for evaluating the cure of energy-cured inks and coatings.
• Reduced Product Failures: Early identification of undercure minimizes costly reworks or recalls.
• Enhanced Customer Confidence: Reliable measurement assures customers of product durability and performance.
• Alignment with Industry Standards: Supports international trade by aligning manufacturing and testing practices with globally recognized requirements.

Keywords: energy-cured coatings, UV cured inks, EB cured coatings, solvent rub test, Crockmeter method, quality control, print durability, ASTM standards, printing inks, process monitoring.

Standards Content (Sample)

This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: D7244 − 20
Standard Test Method for
Relative Cure of Energy-Cured Inks and Coatings
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D7244; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope 2. Referenced Documents
1.1 This test method describes the procedure for evaluating 2.1 Other Standards:
AATCC Test Method 8 Colorfastness to Crocking: AATCC
therelativecureofprintedenergy-cured(ultravioletorelectron
Crockmeter Method
beam) ink or coating by a mechanical solvent rub test using a
motorized Crockmeter.
3. Terminology
1.2 This test method is applicable to laboratory and produc-
3.1 Definitions:
tion prints on any flat substrate that is no thicker than 3 mm
3.1.1 break-through, n—the point where the ink or coatings
(0.125 in.), durable enough to withstand the test conditions,
film is penetrated by the solvent rub, causing a loss of density.
and for which a control (reference) sample is available.
3.1.2 cure, n—the condition of a test sample after conver-
1.3 This test method applies to comparisons between
sion to a dried film as measured by tests generally related to
energy-cured inks and coatings of the same chemistry and film end-use performance and mutually agreeable to supplier and
weight and should not be used to compare different ink or purchaser.
coating chemistries or various applied film weights without
3.1.3 electron beam (EB) curing, n—conversion of an ink or
first establishing process performance.
coating to its final polymerized state by means of a mechanism
initiated by electron beam radiation.
1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the
3.1.4 ultraviolet (UV) curing, n—conversion of an ink or
standard. The values given in parentheses are for information
coating to its final polymerized state by means of a mechanism
only.
initiated by ultraviolet radiation.
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
4. Summary of Test Method
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
4.1 The Crockmeter is set to a predetermined number of rub
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
cycles. The test specimen is attached to the bed of the
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
instrument. The linen covered rubbing finger is laid on the test
1.6 This international standard was developed in accor-
print. Solvent is applied and the rub cycle started.
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
4.2 The test specimen is removed, examined for break-
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
through and rated as less, equal, or more than the control.
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
5. Significance and Use
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
5.1 This test method is used as a manufacturing or labora-
tory process control tool by providing a visual comparison of
theabilitytoresistsolventbreak-throughagainstanestablished
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D01 on Paint
control. The test method is designed to indicate a potential
and Related Coatings, Materials, andApplications and is the direct responsibility of
Subcommittee D01.56 on Printing Inks.
Current edition approved June 1, 2020. Published June 2020. Originally
approved in 2006. Last previous edition approved in 2011 as D7244 – 06a (2011) Available from American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists
which was withdrawn January 2020 and reinstated in June 2020. DOI: 10.1520/ (AATCC), P.O. Box 12215, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, http://
D7244-20. www.aatcc.org.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D7244 − 20
FIG. 1 AATCC Motorized Crockmeter Model CM-5
2 2
problem caused by an undercured condition but does not 7.2 Test cloth, white linen 50 mm (2 in. ) as specified in
identify what caused the condition. AATCC Method 8.
5.2 This test method does not duplicate the conditions on a 7.3 Solvents:
printing press but does provide a means to determine whether 7.3.1 Methyl ethyl ketone (MEK).
the test sample meets specifications as agreed upon between 7.3.2 Isopropyl alcohol 99 % (IPA).
supplier and customer.
8. Hazards
6. Apparatus
8.1 Provide adequate ventilation, consistent with accepted
6.1 AATCC Motorized Crockmeter equipped with a light-
laboratory practice, to limit accumulation of solvent vapors.
weight aluminum sliding arm that has a nominal weight of
250 g and hollow nylon finger. See Fig. 1 and Fig. 2.
9. Test Specimen
6.2 Ultraviolet or electron beam curing equipment.
9.1 This test method does not cover the preparation of print
samples. The test print and the control print need to be made at
7. Reagents and Materials
the same film weight from inks or coatings of the same
7.1 Control (reference) prints consisting of energy cured chemistry and similar color. Darker colors and heavier film
prints that have met all quality control tests and end-use weights are more difficult to cure and different chemistries may
requirements. The control may be a production or laboratory show different solvent rub resistance at the same degree of
print. cure.
9.2 The ideal size of the test specimen is 178 mm (7 in.)
longby127mm(5in.)wide.Threetestscanberunonthissize
The sole source of supply of the apparatus know to the committee at this time
ofprint.Alternatively,threespecimens38mm(1.5in.)wideby
is theAtlas Material Testing Technology LLC, 4114 N. RavenswoodAve., Chicago,
IL 60613 USA. If you are aware of alternate suppliers, please provide this 127 mm (5 in.) long can be used.
information to ASTM International Headquarters. Your comments will receive
9.3 Printed test specimens must have been exposed to an
careful consideration at the meeting of the responsible technical committee which
you ma
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