ASTM D1316-06(2011)
(Test Method)Standard Test Method for Fineness of Grind of Printing Inks By the NPIRI Grindometer (Withdrawn 2020)
Standard Test Method for Fineness of Grind of Printing Inks By the NPIRI Grindometer (Withdrawn 2020)
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
Oversize particles in a printing ink may damage a printing plate, plug a cell, clog a nozzle and adversely affect the appearance of printed ink films. Fineness of grind measurements are useful for deciding when to stop the dispersion process and for determining if the test material meets specifications as agreed upon between the supplier and the customer.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method describes the procedure for determining the fineness of grind of printing inks using a NPIRI Grindometer. It evaluates the size of the largest particles in a finished dispersion but not average particle size or concentration of sizes.
1.2 This test method covers both manual and automatic drawdowns using an A1 scraper.
1.3 This test method is applicable to any dispersion that is fine enough to fall within the 0–25 μm range of the specified grind gauge. With a minor variation in procedure, it is applicable to both paste (nonvolatile) and liquid (volatile) inks.
Note 1—The 0–25 μm gauge specified in this test method is similar in principle to the 0–100 μm Hegman gauge described in Test Method D1210 and the various gauges described in ISO 1524:2000. Sieve analysis for concentration of particles above 45 μm is covered in Test Method D2067.
1.4 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.
WITHDRAWN RATIONALE
This test method describes the procedure for determining the fineness of grind of printing inks using a NPIRI Grindometer. It evaluates the size of the largest particles in a finished dispersion but not average particle size or concentration of sizes.
Formerly under the jurisdiction of Committee D01 on Paint and Related Coatings, Materials, and Applications, this test method was withdrawn in January 2020 in accordance with section 10.6.3 of the Regulations Governing ASTM Technical Committees, which requires that standards shall be updated by the end of the eighth year since the last approval date.
General Information
Relations
Standards Content (Sample)
NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or withdrawn.
Contact ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest information
Designation:D1316 −06 (Reapproved 2011)
Standard Test Method for
Fineness of Grind of Printing Inks By the NPIRI
Grindometer
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D1316; 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* E691 Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to
Determine the Precision of a Test Method
1.1 This test method describes the procedure for determin-
2.2 ISO Standards:
ing the fineness of grind of printing inks using a NPIRI
ISO 1524:2000 Paints, varnishes and printing inks — Deter-
Grindometer. It evaluates the size of the largest particles in a
mination of fineness of grind
finished dispersion but not average particle size or concentra-
tion of sizes.
3. Terminology
1.2 This test method covers both manual and automatic
3.1 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
drawdowns using an A1 scraper.
3.1.1 fineness of grind, n—a measure of the size and
1.3 This test method is applicable to any dispersion that is prevalence of oversize particles in a printing ink dispersion.
fine enough to fall within the 0–25 µm range of the specified
3.1.2 NPIRI grind unit (gu), n—the distance equal to 2.5 µm
grind gauge. With a minor variation in procedure, it is
or 0.1 mils on a grind gauge.
applicable to both paste (nonvolatile) and liquid (volatile) inks.
3.1.3 scratch, n—a depression at least 10 mm in length in
NOTE 1—The 0–25 µm gauge specified in this test method is similar in
the surface of a grind gauge drawdown.
principletothe0–100µmHegmangaugedescribedinTestMethodD1210
3.1.3.1 Discussion—A scratch develops when a particle (or
and the various gauges described in ISO 1524:2000. Sieve analysis for
agglomerate) is trapped between the blade and the bottom of
concentration of particles above 45 µm is covered in Test Method D2067.
the path and is drawn along by the blade.
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the
3.1.4 speckle, n—protuberance of particles above the sur-
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
face of a grind gauge drawdown.
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
3.1.4.1 Discussion—Speckles occur at gauge depths greater
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
than those at which scratches occur and are caused by oversize
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
particles that are not hard enough or of the proper size to
produce scratches.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
4. Summary of Test Method
D1210 Test Method for Fineness of Dispersion of Pigment-
4.1 This test method utilizes a NPIRI Grindometer having
Vehicle Systems by Hegman-Type Gage
twoprecisionmachinedgrooveseach25.4mm(1in.)wideand
D2067 Test Method for Coarse Particles in Printing Ink
with a 0–25 µm (0–1 mil) taper. The test specimen is drawn
Dispersions
down the paths slowly if a nonvolatile (paste) ink, briskly if a
D6846 Practice for Preparing Prints of Paste Printing Inks
volatile(liquid)ink.Thedrawdownsareexaminedforthescale
with a Printing Gage
readings at which four and ten scratches appear and at which a
E177 Practice for Use of the Terms Precision and Bias in
preponderance of speckles disappear.Asingle determination of
ASTM Test Methods
fineness of grind requires readings from four paths and the
computation of an arithmetical mean.
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D01 on Paint
and Related Coatings, Materials, andApplications and is the direct responsibility of 5. Significance and Use
Subcommittee D01.56 on Printing Inks.
5.1 Oversize particles in a printing ink may damage a
Current edition approved June 1, 2011. Published June 2011. Originally
approved in 1954. Last previous edition approved in 2006 as D1316 – 06. DOI: printingplate,plugacell,cloganozzleandadverselyaffectthe
10.1520/D1316-06R11.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM Available from International Organization for Standardization (ISO), 1, ch. de
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on la Voie-Creuse, Case postale 56, CH-1211, Geneva 20, Switzerland, http://
the ASTM website. www.iso.ch.
*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D1316−06 (2011)
6. Apparatus
6.1 NPIRI Grindometer, consisting of a block of hardened
steel 25.4 mm in thickness, 89 mm in width and 240 mm in
length: see Fig. 1. The top surface of the block is precision
machined so as to contain two paths, each 25.4 mm in width,
165 mm in length, and tapered uniformly in depth lengthwise
from 25.4 µm (1 mil) to zero depth as shown in Fig. 2. Depth
markings are inscribed on the shoulders at each 2.5 µm (0.1
mil) change in taper. Scale inscriptions and the relationship
among various scales are given in Table 1.
TABLE 1 Relation Among Grind Gauge Scales
NOTE 1—gu—NPIRI Grindometer unit.
Note—The operator has stopped this drawdown to show the 90° angle of
scraper to NPIRI Grindometer and that there is no ink on shoulders, indicating
B
NPIRI Micrometer
Depth
Hegman
proper pressure. Note, thickness, width of block, and overall block length are
A C
Scale, Scale,
D
Scale
non-critical dimensions.
mils µm
gu µm
FIG. 1The NPIRI Grindometer is Shown with Machined Dimen-
00 0 0 8
sions
1 0.1 2.5
20.2 5 5
3 0.3 7.5
4 0.4 10 10
5 0.5 12.5 7
6 0.6 15 15
7 0.7 17.5
8 0.8 20 20
9 0.9 22.5
10 1.0 25 25 6
15 1.5 38 5
20 2.0 50 50 4
25 2.5 63 3
30 3.0 75 75 2
35 3.5 88 1
40 4.0 100 100 0
A
Numbers above dashed lines are inscribed on the side or on the left shoulder of
all standard NPIRI Grindometers. Numbers below dashed lines represent ex-
FIG. 2The NPIRI Grindometer Showing Precision Tapered
tended scales available on special gauges.
B
Grooves with Inscribed Markings in Mils (Upper Groove) and Nominal depth, not necessarily thickness of material deposited in paths of grind
NPIRI Grind Units = GU (Lower Groove) gauges. Path fillage is about 80 % for a high viscosity (sheet-fed offset) ink; 60 %
for a low viscosity (letterpress news) ink. Path fillage is also decreased by fast
drawdowns.
C
Numbers above dashed lines are inscribed at every fifth calibration line on the
right shoulder of newer NPIRI Grindometers.
D
Paint Scale in Test Method D1210.
6.2 A1 Scraper, a double-edged blade conforming to Test
Method D1210. Fig. 3 shows critical specifications.
6.3 Ink Knife, a small, flexible metal blade.
6.4 Automatic Drawdown Machine (ADM-1), (optional)
for use with paste ink dispersions only. A diagram of the unit
is illustrated in Fig. 4.
The NPIRI Grindometer, developed by the National Printing Ink Research
Institute, may be obtained from the Precision Gage and Tool Company, 375
Gargrave Rd., W. Carrollton, OH 45449 (http://www.precisiongage-tool.com).
Also available is a model 23.3 mm (0.918 in.) in thickness, which may serve as
FIG. 3A Double Edged Blade (A1 Scraper) Conforming to ASTM
a type-high printing plate in a flat-bed press as described in Practice D6846.
Test Method D1210 is Shown with Machined Specifications
A second scraper should be procured for use while the first scraper is being
reconditioned or is otherwise out of commission.
The sole source of supply of the Automatic Drawdown Machine (ADM-1)
known to the committee at this time is Little Joe Industries, 10 Ilene Court,
appearance of printed ink films. Fineness of grind measure-
Hillsborough, NJ 08844–1922. If you are aware of alternate suppliers, please
ments are useful for deciding when to stop the dispersion
provide this information toASTM International Headquarters. Your comments will
process and for determining if the test material meets specifi- 1
receive careful consideration at a meeting of the responsible technical committee,
cations as agreed upon between the supplier and the customer.
which you may attend.
D1316−06 (2011)
FIG. 4An Automated Drawdown Machine (ADM-1), with Part Identification, is Shown with the NPIRI Grindometer and A1 Scraper in
Place
7. Materials detected by rocking the blade back and forth. Repeat the
procedure on the other edge of the blade.
7.1 Rags or Tissues, lint- and metal-free.
8.4 Rusting—The Grindometer is made of carbon steel and
7.2 Solvent, naphtha or other as appropriate for the ink
is subject to rusting. Apply a coating of grease or other
under test.
rust-preventative and keep covered or encased when not in use.
Warning—Do not use a gauge or blade that exhibits damage
8. Care of Gauge and Blade
or wear (see 8.2 – 8.4). Replace or return to the manufacturer
8.1 Cleanliness—Thescraperandtheblockmustbevisually
for reconditioning.
clean prior to a drawdown. Any dirt or lint present may
produce a scratch and give a false reading.
9. Sampling
8.2 Misuse—The Grindometer is a precision instrument and
9.1 Approximately 2 to 3 mL of ink sample is sufficient to
must be treated as such. Do not let any hard materials contact
fill four paths of the Grindometer. When taking samples either
the gauge surface or scraper in any manner that might result in
from a container or from a disperser, push aside the top layer
scarring or nicking. Avoid tapping or scratching with other
and take the sample from below. This technique prevents skin
metal. Use only soft metal-free cloths for cleanup.
or surface dust from being transferred to the gauge.
8.3 Normal Wear—Under steady usage over an extended
9.2 If the sample is a liquid ink, hand stir the sample
period of time, both scraper and block will wear but localized
vigorously for 2 min, taking care that air bubbles are not
scraper wear is much more rapid than block wear. Periodically
whipped in.
check the blade as follows:
8.3.1 Method 1—Place a small quantity of an ink across one 10. Procedure for Manual Drawdowns
end of a flat glass plate and make a drawdown. A uniform
10.1 Place the gauge NPIRI Grindometer on a flat, non-
drawdown indicates that the particular scraper edge is in good
slippery surface so that the deep end of the grooves is farthest
condition.Astreak of ink or a heavier film of ink at the places
from the operator. Wipe clean immediately before the test. Be
corresponding to the shoulders of the Grindometer is evidence
sure the gauge surface is dry and free of lint and wipe marks.
of blade damage or excessive wear. Repeat the drawdown with
10.2 Using the ink knife, transfer a small quantity of ink
the other edge of the blade.
acrossthedeependofbothgrooves(seeFig.5)about12.5mm
8.3.2 Method 2 (from Test Method D1210)—Face one edge
( ⁄2 in.) from the end of the block. Alternatively, different inks
of the scraper down across the bottom of the top surface of the
may be placed in the two respective paths.
Grindometer or other smooth level surface. Place a strong light
behind the scraper and examine the contact edge; any light 10.3 Grasp the scraper in both hands and, holding in a
coming through shows that the blade edge has been damaged vertical position, place it behind the ink of the gauge. Apply
and is not satisfactory for use. Wear and warpage can also be adequate pressure to ensure positive contact of the blade with
D1316−06 (2011)
11.5 Carefully turn the engagement handle clockwise to the
3 o’clock position. The scraper should come into contact with
the Grindometer. Note the scraper angle in the specifications
list of your ADM-1.
11.6 Observe the position of the hexagonal lever. It should
be horizontal.
11.7 Turn the engagement handle counter clockwise back to
the 9 o’clock position.
11.8 Pull the slide knob out and move the slide to the top of
the ADM-1.
11.9 Using a clean ink knife, place a small portion of the
sample on the top of the gauge track. Carefully place the
samples approximately 12.5 mm ( ⁄2 in.) from the top of both
grooves. The knife should not touch the gauge.
FIG. 5Shown is an Ink Knife Supplying a Test Sample Across the
Path Width of a NPIRI Grindometer 11.10 Turn the engagement handle to the 3 o’clock position.
The scraper will contact the gauge. Do not allow the engage-
ment handle to drop quickly since it may damage the edge of
the scraper or the gauge.
the surface of the gauge and draw the ink down the length of
11.11 PressandholdtheStartbuttonuntilthescraperpasses
the path. Ink remaining on the shoulders is evidence of
zeroonthegauge.TheADM-1takesabout10stocompletethe
insufficient pressure.
path.
10.3.1 Paste Inks—Make the drawdown with a smooth
11.12 Immediately remove the scraper, pull the slide knob
steady stroke that takes 7 to 10 s to complete.
and return the sled to its start position.
10.3.2 Liquid Inks—Make the drawdown with a brisk stroke
11.13 Immediately pick up the gauge to read the endpoints
that takes 1 to2sto complete. When testing fluid inks, it is
as prescribed in Section 12.
essential to work quickly, as partial drying of the ink specimen
or the ink film can influence test results.
11.14 After recording the endpoints clean the gauge and
repeat the procedure in 11.2 – 11.5 until readings have been
10.4 Set the blade on a sheet of scrap paper, and read the
made on four paths per sample. If a reference standard was
endpoints as prescribed in Section 12.
used in one path, alternate its position on the repeat tests.
10.5 After reading the endpoints, clean the gauge and repeat
the procedure in 10.2 – 10.4 until readings have been made on
12. Reading of Endpoints and Report
four paths per sample. If a reference standard was used in one
12.1 Immediately after completing the drawdown, pick up
path, alternate its position on the repeat tests.
the Grindometer and rotate in a light until the patterns, when
viewed from the side, are clearly visible. Record endpoints
11. Procedure for Automatic Drawdowns Using ADM-1
within 5 to 10 s of completing the drawdown. Record the
11.1 Place the automatic machine on a sturdy level area.
11.2 Turn the engagement handle counter clockwise to the 9
o’clock position.
11.3 Place the clean Grindometer onto the rubber pad, top
plate. Wipe clean immediately before the test. Be sure the
gauge surface is dry and free of lint and wipe marks.
11.4 Place the clean scraper into the notch of the scraper
holder and set the appropriate weight(s) onto the ADM-1
hexagonal notched arm level. The torque selected is critical
sincetoomuchwillshortenlifeofscraperandtoolittlewillnot
clean the shoulders of
...
Questions, Comments and Discussion
Ask us and Technical Secretary will try to provide an answer. You can facilitate discussion about the standard in here.