ASTM D6419-00(2023)

Standard Test Method for Volatile Content of Sheet-Fed and Coldset Web Offset Printing Inks

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 This test method is the procedure of choice for determining volatile content of sheet-fed and coldset web offset inks. This information is useful to the ink manufacturer and user and to environmental interests as part of the determination of the mass of volatile organic compounds emitted from the ink.
Note 3: Since these inks do not contain water or any materials currently classified by US EPA as negligibly photochemically reactive (exempt solvents), volatile organic compound content is the same as volatile content. The volatile organic compounds in these inks are high boiling hydrocarbon oils which are, according to US EPA guidelines, 95 % retained in the printed substrate or oxidized into the ink film. Therefore, the mass of volatile organic compound emitted from the ink would be calculated as only 5 % of the volatile organic compound content of the ink as derived from the results of this test method.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method describes a procedure for determination of the weight percent volatile content of sheet-fed and coldset web offset printing inks. Test specimens are heated at 110 °C ± 1 °C for 60 min.
Note 1: Coldset web offset printing is often (also) referred to as non-heatset web offset printing.  
1.2 This test method is also applicable to sheet-fed and coldset web offset printing ink vehicles.
Note 2: Vehicle is the liquid portion of the printing ink. Any substance that is dissolved in the liquid portion of the ink is a part of the vehicle.  
1.3 This test method is not applicable to ultra-violet (UV) or electron beam cured materials, which must be cured by exposure to UV light or an electron beam as part of the test for volatile content.  
1.4 This test method is based on Test Method D2369, in which the allowable ranges are ±0.1 g for specimen weight and ±5 °C for oven temperature. Interlaboratory studies have shown that specimen weight and oven temperature must both be more tightly controlled in order to improve the precision of test results for sheet-fed and coldset web-offset inks. Such inks typically contain a wide range of high-boiling hydrocarbons and often have a volatile content below 25 %.  
1.5 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.  
1.6 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. For a specific hazard statement see 7.5.1  
1.7 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: 30-Jun-2023
• ICS: 59.080.01 - Textiles in general
• ICS: 87.080 - Inks. Printing inks
• Technical Committee: D01 - Paint and Related Coatings, Materials, and Applications
• Drafting Committee: D01.56 - Printing Inks

Relations

• Refers: ASTM D2369-24 - Standard Test Method for Volatile Content of Coatings
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2024
• Refers: ASTM E145-19 - Standard Specification for Gravity-Convection and Forced-Ventilation Ovens
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2019
• Refers: ASTM D2369-10(2015)e1 - Standard Test Method for Volatile Content of Coatings
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2015
• Refers: ASTM E691-13 - Standard Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to Determine the Precision of a Test Method
• Effective Date: 01-May-2013
• Refers: ASTM E145-94(2011) - Standard Specification for Gravity-Convection and Forced-Ventilation Ovens
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2011
• Refers: ASTM E691-11 - Standard Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to Determine the Precision of a Test Method
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2011
• Refers: ASTM D2369-10e1 - Standard Test Method for Volatile Content of Coatings
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2011
• Refers: ASTM D2369-10 - Standard Test Method for Volatile Content of Coatings
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2010
• Refers: ASTM E691-08 - Standard Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to Determine the Precision of a Test Method
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2008
• Refers: ASTM D2369-07 - Standard Test Method for Volatile Content of Coatings
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2007
• Refers: ASTM E145-94(2006) - Standard Specification for Gravity-Convection And Forced-Ventilation Ovens
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2006
• Refers: ASTM E691-05 - Standard Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to Determine the Precision of a Test Method
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2005
• Refers: ASTM D2369-04 - Standard Test Method for Volatile Content of Coatings
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2004
• Refers: ASTM D2369-03 - Standard Test Method for Volatile Content of Coatings
• Effective Date: 10-Jan-2003
• Refers: ASTM D2369-01e1 - Standard Test Method for Volatile Content of Coatings
• Effective Date: 10-Jan-2001

Overview

ASTM D6419-00(2023): Standard Test Method for Volatile Content of Sheet-Fed and Coldset Web Offset Printing Inks establishes a reliable procedure for determining the weight percent volatile content in sheet-fed and coldset web offset inks and their vehicles. This international standard is critical for ink manufacturers, printing facilities, and regulatory authorities interested in the accurate assessment of volatile organic compounds (VOC) in printing inks. The method provides valuable data for compliance, quality control, and environmental impact analysis.

Key Topics

• Scope of Application: This test method applies to sheet-fed and coldset (non-heatset) web offset printing inks and their vehicles. It does not cover ultra-violet (UV) or electron beam cured inks, which require different procedures.
• Volatile Content Determination: The method measures the weight loss of a specimen after heating to 110°C ± 1°C for 60 minutes, representing the volatile fraction, which is also equivalent to the VOC content for these ink types.
• Environmental Significance: The test results are especially relevant for assessing the emission potential of VOCs during the printing process. According to US EPA guidelines, only a small percentage (approximately 5%) of these compounds are emitted, with the remainder retained or reacted within the substrate.
• Precision: The standard requires tight control over specimen weight and oven temperature to ensure high precision, reflecting the low volatility and high-boiling nature of the ink constituents.
• Health and Safety: While following the procedure, adequate ventilation and adherence to appropriate safety practices are emphasized to prevent exposure to solvent vapors and related hazards.

Applications

• Ink Manufacturing and Quality Control: Manufacturers use this standard to ensure ink formulations comply with product specifications and regulatory VOC limits. It supports quality assurance by providing consistent, reproducible results.
• Environmental Compliance: Regulatory agencies and printing operations use ASTM D6419 data to evaluate VOC emissions, supporting efforts to meet air quality standards and reporting requirements.
• Material Characterization: The method provides insight into the composition and performance characteristics of the ink vehicle, supporting R&D and supply chain validations.
• Printing Industry Best Practices: Adherence to this standard helps printers select safe, compliant products while minimizing environmental impact from volatile emissions.

Related Standards

When implementing ASTM D6419, consider the following related standards and references:

• ASTM D2369: Test Method for Volatile Content of Coatings, serving as the foundational method for D6419.
• EPA Reference Method 24: For determination of volatile matter, water content, and other metrics in surface coatings.
• ASTM E145: Specification for Gravity-Convection and Forced-Ventilation Ovens, detailing oven requirements for accurate volatile testing.
• ASTM E691: Practice for conducting interlaboratory studies, supporting the robust precision metrics outlined in D6419.

Conclusion

ASTM D6419-00(2023) plays a vital role in standardizing the measurement of volatile content and VOCs in sheet-fed and coldset web offset printing inks. By delivering consistent, precise results, it underpins compliance, quality management, and environmental stewardship across the printing ink industry. Proper use of this test method helps stakeholders meet product performance standards while addressing key regulatory and sustainability objectives, reinforcing best practices in ink formulation, manufacturing, and application.

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: D6419 − 00 (Reapproved 2023)
Standard Test Method for
Volatile Content of Sheet-Fed and Coldset Web Offset
Printing Inks
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D6419; 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 ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
1.1 This test method describes a procedure for determina-
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
tion of the weight percent volatile content of sheet-fed and
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
coldset web offset printing inks. Test specimens are heated at
110 °C 6 1 °C for 60 min.
2. Referenced Documents
NOTE 1—Coldset web offset printing is often (also) referred to as 2
2.1 ASTM Standards:
non-heatset web offset printing.
D2369 Test Method for Volatile Content of Coatings
1.2 This test method is also applicable to sheet-fed and
D362 Specification for Industrial Grade Toluene (Withdrawn
coldset web offset printing ink vehicles.
1989)
E145 Specification for Gravity-Convection and Forced-
NOTE 2—Vehicle is the liquid portion of the printing ink. Any substance
that is dissolved in the liquid portion of the ink is a part of the vehicle. Ventilation Ovens
E691 Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to
1.3 This test method is not applicable to ultra-violet (UV) or
Determine the Precision of a Test Method
electron beam cured materials, which must be cured by
2.2 Other Standards:
exposure to UV light or an electron beam as part of the test for
EPA Reference Method 24 — Determination of Volatile
volatile content.
Matter Content, Water Content, Density, Volume Solids,
1.4 This test method is based on Test Method D2369, in
and Weight Solids of Surface Coatings
which the allowable ranges are 60.1 g for specimen weight
and 65 °C for oven temperature. Interlaboratory studies have
3. Summary of Test Method
shown that specimen weight and oven temperature must both
3.1 A specimen size of 0.300 g 6 0.001 g is weighed into an
be more tightly controlled in order to improve the precision of
aluminum foil dish, dispersed in 3 mL of toluene, and heated in
test results for sheet-fed and coldset web-offset inks. Such inks
an oven at 110 °C 6 1 °C for 60 min. The percent volatile is
typically contain a wide range of high-boiling hydrocarbons
calculated from the loss in weight.
and often have a volatile content below 25 %.
1.5 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as 4. Significance and Use
standard. No other units of measurement are included in this
4.1 This test method is the procedure of choice for deter-
standard.
mining volatile content of sheet-fed and coldset web offset
1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the
inks. This information is useful to the ink manufacturer and
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
user and to environmental interests as part of the determination
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
of the mass of volatile organic compounds emitted from the
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
ink.
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
For a specific hazard statement see 7.5.1
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
1.7 This international standard was developed in accor-
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website.
The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced on
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D01 on Paint www.astm.org.
and Related Coatings, Materials, and Applications and is the direct responsibility of Available from U.S. Government Printing Office Superintendent of Documents,
Subcommittee D01.56 on Printing Inks. 732 N. Capitol St., NW, Mail Stop: SDE, Washington, DC 20401, http://
Current edition approved July 1, 2023. Published August 2023. Originally www.access.gpo.gov.
approved in 1999. Last previous edition approved in 2017 as D6419 – 09 (2017). Brezinski, J. J., ed., “Determination of Volatile Organic Compound (VOC)
DOI: 10.1520/D6419-00R23. Content in Paints, Inks, and Related Coating Products,” MNL 4, ASTM, 1993.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D6419 − 00 (2023)
NOTE 3—Since these inks do not contain water or any materials
center of the oven as possible. Use the stopwatch to time the
currently classified by US EPA as negligibly photochemically reactive
60 min oven exposure.
(exempt solvents), volatile organic compound content is the same as
7.5.1 Warning: In addition to other precautions, provide
volatile content. The volatile organic compounds in these inks are high
boiling hydrocarbon oils which are, according to US EPA guidelines, 95 %
adequate ventilation, consistent with accepted laboratory
retained in the printed substrate or oxidized into the ink film. Therefore,
practice, to prevent solvent vapors from accumulating to a
the mass of volatile organic compound emitted from the ink would be
dangerous level.
calculated as only 5 % of the volatile organic compound content of the ink
as derived from the results of this test method.
7.6 Remove the dishes from the oven, place immediately in
a desiccator, cool to ambient temperature, and weigh to
5. Apparatus
0.0001 g. Record weight as W
...