ASTM D6073-08a(2013)
(Test Method)Standard Test Method for Relative Setting of Heatset Printing Inks
Standard Test Method for Relative Setting of Heatset Printing Inks
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 The setting speed of heatset printing inks is important because it influences the efficiency of the drying process. This test method provides a means for comparing the setting of a heatset ink directly against a standard at the same conditions of temperature and exposure time. While the method does not determine the setting speed of an ink on a production press, it is useful for specification acceptance between the supplier and the customer.
5.2 The setting speed of a printing ink depends on a number of variables such as the substrate on which it is printed, the film thickness on the print, the temperature of the forced air, the rate of air flow, and the time that the print is subjected to heat. For these reasons, it is important to conduct the tests under conditions that are controlled and as realistic as practical.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method describes the procedure for determining the relative setting speed of heatset inks using a tester consisting of a forced hot air oven and print delivery system.
1.2 This test method is applicable to printing inks intended to be dried by the application of heat and for which a suitable reference standard is available.
1.3 Although heatset inks are normally printed by the offset process, this test method specifies the direct letterpress mode because the higher ink film thicknesses obtained tend to amplify subtle differences in ink setting speed. Prints are prepared by a flatbed printing apparatus using a constant depth printing gage.
1.4 This tester reads temperature and belt speed in nonmetric terms; therefore, instrument settings in this test method are stated first in U.S. Customary Units (inch pound units of measurements). The values given in parentheses are for information only.
1.5 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered 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 and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
General Information
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Standards Content (Sample)
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Designation: D6073 − 08a (Reapproved 2013)
Standard Test Method for
Relative Setting of Heatset Printing Inks
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D6073; 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 3. Terminology
1.1 This test method describes the procedure for determin- 3.1 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
ing the relative setting speed of heatset inks using a tester 3.1.1 heatset printing ink, n—an ink typically containing
consisting of a forced hot air oven and print delivery system. aliphatic hydrocarbon solvents that evaporate at elevated
temperatures.
1.2 This test method is applicable to printing inks intended
to be dried by the application of heat and for which a suitable
4. Summary of Test Method
reference standard is available.
4.1 A printing gage is used to prepare a laboratory print
1.3 Although heatset inks are normally printed by the offset
containing both the test sample and a standard ink. The freshly
process, this test method specifies the direct letterpress mode
prepared print is immediately subjected to forced hot air in the
because the higher ink film thicknesses obtained tend to
tester, which is initially set at 350°F (177°C) and a belt speed
amplify subtle differences in ink setting speed. Prints are
of 30 fpm (0.15 m/s).
prepared by a flatbed printing apparatus using a constant depth
4.2 The print is cooled, overlaid with a clean sheet of stock,
printing gage.
passed through the printing apparatus, and examined for setoff.
1.4 This tester reads temperature and belt speed in nonmet-
4.3 The process is repeated at different belt speeds or
ric terms; therefore, instrument settings in this test method are
stated first in U.S. Customary Units (inch pound units of temperatures until either the test sample or the standard
exhibits setoff and the other does not, or it is established that
measurements). The values given in parentheses are for infor-
mation only. both are the same. The sample is then reported to dry faster
than, slower than, or equal to the standard.
1.5 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded
as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical
5. Significance and Use
conversions to SI units that are provided for information only
5.1 The setting speed of heatset printing inks is important
and are not considered standard.
because it influences the efficiency of the drying process. This
1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the
test method provides a means for comparing the setting of a
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
heatset ink directly against a standard at the same conditions of
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
temperature and exposure time. While the method does not
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
determine the setting speed of an ink on a production press, it
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
is useful for specification acceptance between the supplier and
the customer.
2. Referenced Documents
5.2 The setting speed of a printing ink depends on a number
2.1 ASTM Standards:
ofvariablessuchasthesubstrateonwhichitisprinted,thefilm
D6846 Practice for Preparing Prints of Paste Printing Inks
thicknessontheprint,thetemperatureoftheforcedair,therate
with a Printing Gage
of air flow, and the time that the print is subjected to heat. For
these reasons, it is important to conduct the tests under
conditions that are controlled and as realistic as practical.
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D01 on Paint
and Related Coatings, Materials, andApplications and is the direct responsibility of
Subcommittee D01.56 on Printing Inks.
6. Apparatus
CurrenteditionapprovedJune1,2013.PublishedJuly2013.Originallyapproved
6.1 Tester, equipped with a forced hot air oven and print
in 1996. Last previous edition approved in 2008 as D6073 – 08a. DOI: 10.1520/
D6073-08AR13.
carrier system consisting of heat resistant revolving belts that
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
act as the print delivery system. The air temperature is
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
adjustable between 100 and 600°F (38 and 315°C) and the
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website. speed of the print delivery unit between 0 and 100 fpm (0 and
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D6073 − 08a (2013)
0.5 m/s). The print delivery system allows the print to be 7.4 Setoff Sheet,cuttothesamesizeastheprintingsubstrate
exposed to hot air from the top and bottom at the same time. (7.2).Iftheprintingsubstrateispaper,filmorfoil,usethesame
material. If paperboard, use coated paper 5 to 6 mils (1.1 to 1.4
6.2 Laboratory Flatbed Printing Apparatus.
µm) in thickness.
6.3 Printing Gage, conforming to Practice D6846, con-
7.5 Wash-up Materials, including an appropriate solvent
sisting of a type-high block of steel 0.918 in. (23.3 mm) in
and lint free rags or tissues.
height; the top surface is precision-machined to contain a
single constant-depth path approximately 3 by 7 ⁄2 in. (76 by
8. Sampling and Test Specimen
190 mm), which is inked by means of a drawdown blade. A
milled depth of 0.4 mils (10 µm) is recommended for coated 8.1 Carefully select a sample that is free of skin and other
paper and other smooth substrates. Deeper plates may be contamination and representative of the lot being evaluated.
necessary for rougher substrates. Typical path depths and The minimum sample per print is less than 0.034 oz. (1 mL).
corresponding ink film thicknesses are given in Table 1. Transfer to a clean container, protect with skin paper, close and
seal.
8.2 When ready to make a print, remove enough sample for
TABLE 1 Relationship Between Gage Depth and Ink Film
one test, then close and reseal the container.
Thickness
Machined Depth of Gage Ink Film Thickness
9. Preparation of Apparatus
A
On Gage On Substrate
B C
mils µm
Letterpress, Dry Offset,
9.1 Tester:
µm
µm µm
9.1.1 Prior to operation of the tester, carefully read the
D
0.2 54 2 1
0.3 7.5 6 3 1.5 instructions in the manufacturer’s literature.
D,E
0.4 10 8 4 2
9.1.2 Set the tester on a work bench in a laboratory having
D
0.6 15 12 6 3
adequate ventilation and space to accommodate the printing
A
Presuming 80 % path fillage.
apparatus in close proximity.
B
Presuming 50 % ink transfer from gage to substrate.
C
9.1.3 Provide a power supply sufficient to accommodate the
Presuming 50 % ink transfer both to blanket and to substrate.
D
Available on the 3-path FPBAAPlate C. Each path is 1 ⁄4 by 4 in. (3.2 by 10 cm).
two heat guns capable of reaching desired temperature.
E 4
Available on the single-path gage (described in 6.3).
9.1.4
...
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