ASTM D6073-96

Standard Test Method for Relative Setting of Heatset Printing Inks by the Sinvatrol Tester

SCOPE
1.1 This test method describes the procedure for determining the relative setting speed of heatset inks using a specific tester.  
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.  
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 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

• Status: Historical
• Publication Date: 31-Dec-2000
• Technical Committee: D01 - Paint and Related Coatings, Materials, and Applications
• Drafting Committee: D01.56 - Printing Inks

Relations

• Replaced By: ASTM D6073-96(2001) - Standard Test Method for Relative Setting of Heatset Printing Inks by the Sinvatrol Tester
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2001
• Referred By: ASTM D6487-10(2019) - Standard Practice for Preparing Prints of Paste Printing Inks Using a Hand Operated Laboratory Flat-Bed Press
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2001
• Referred By: ASTM D7680-10(2020) - Standard Practice for Preparing Prints of Paste Printing Inks by a Motor-Driven Printability Tester
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2001
• Referred By: ASTM D6846-02(2020) - Standard Practice for Preparing Prints of Paste Printing Inks with a Printing Gage
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2001

Standards Content (Sample)

NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or discontinued.
Contact ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest information.
Designation: D 6073 – 96
AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR TESTING AND MATERIALS
100 Barr Harbor Dr., West Conshohocken, PA 19428
Reprinted from the Annual Book of ASTM Standards. Copyright ASTM
Standard Test Method for
Relative Setting of Heatset Printing Inks by the Sinvatrol
Tester
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D 6073; 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 (e) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope 4. Summary of Test Method
1.1 This test method describes the procedure for determin- 4.1 A printing gage is used to prepare a laboratory print
ing the relative setting speed of heatset inks using a specific containing both the test sample and a standard ink. The freshly
tester. prepared print is immediately subjected to forced hot air in the
1.2 This test method is applicable to printing inks intended tester, which is initially set at 350°F (177°C) and a belt speed
to be dried by the application of heat and for which a suitable of 30 fpm (0.15 m/s).
reference standard is available. 4.2 The print is cooled, overlaid with a clean sheet of stock,
1.3 Although heatset inks are normally printed by the offset passed through the printing apparatus, and examined for setoff.
process, this test method specifies the direct letterpress mode 4.3 The process is repeated at different belt speeds or
because the higher ink film thicknesses obtained tend to temperatures until either the test sample or the standard
amplify subtle differences in ink setting speed. exhibits setoff and the other does not, or it is established that
1.4 This tester reads temperature and belt speed in nonmet- both are the same. The sample is then reported to dry faster
ric terms; therefore, instrument settings in this test method are than, slower than, or equal to the standard.
stated first in U.S. Customary Units (inch pound units of
5. Significance and Use
measurements). The values given in parentheses are for infor-
mation only. 5.1 The setting speed of heatset printing inks is important
because it influences the efficiency of the drying process. This
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the test method provides a means for comparing the setting of a
heatset ink directly against a standard at the same conditions of
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica- temperature and exposure time. While the method does not
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
2. Referenced Documents
the customer.
2.1 ASTM Standards: 5.2 The setting speed of a printing ink depends on a number
D 1316 Test Method for Fineness of Grind of Printing Inks of variables such as the stock on which it is printed, the film
by the NPIRI Grindometer 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
3. Terminology
these reasons, it is important to conduct the tests under
3.1 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
conditions that are controlled and as realistic as practical.
3.1.1 heatset printing ink—an ink typically containing ali-
6. Apparatus
phatic hydrocarbon solvents that evaporate at elevated tem-
peratures. 6.1 Tester, equipped with a forced hot air oven and print
delivery system. The air temperature can be adjusted between
100 and 600°F (38 and 315°C) and the speed of the print
delivery unit between 0 and 100 fpm (0 and 0.5 m/s). The print
delivery system allows the print to be exposed to hot air from
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D-1 on Paint
and Related Coatings, Materials, and Applications and is the direct responsibility of the top and bottom at the same time.
Subcommittee D01.56 on Printing Inks.
Current edition approved Dec. 10, 1996. Published February 1997.
The sole source of supply of the tester, Sinvatrol known to the committee at this
time is the Flint Ink Corp., 25111 Glendale, Detroit, MI 48239. If you are aware of
alternative suppliers, please provide this information to ASTM Headquarters. Your
comments will receive careful consideration at a meeting of the responsible
technical committee, which you may attend.
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 06.02.
D 6073
6.2 Laboratory Flatbed Printing Apparatus. 8. Sampling and Test Specimen
6.3 Printing Gage, consisting of a type-high block of steel
8.1 Carefully select a sample that is free of skin and other
0.918 in. (23.3 mm) in height; the top surface is precision-
contamination and representative of the lot being evaluated.
machined to contain a single constant-depth path approxi-
The minimum sample per print is less than 0.034 oz. (1 mL).
mately 3 by 7 ⁄2 in. (76 by 190 mm), which is inked by means
Transfer to a clean container, protect with skin paper, close and
of a drawdown blade. A milled depth of 0.4 mils (10 μm) is
seal.
recommended for coated paper and other smooth substrates.
8.2 When ready to make a print, remove enough sample for
Deeper plates may be necessary for rougher substrates. Typical
one test, then close and reseal the container.
path depths and corresponding ink film thicknesses are given in
9. Preparation of Apparatus
Table 1.
9.1 Tester:
9.1.1 Prior to operation of the tester, carefully read the
TABLE 1 Relationship Between Gage Depth and Ink Film
instructions in the manufacturer’s literature.
Thickness
9.1.2 Set the tester on a work bench in a laboratory having
Machined Depth of Gage Ink Film Thickness
A
On Gage On Substrate
adequate ventilation and space to accommodate the printing
B C
mils μm Letterpress, Dry Offset,
apparatus in close proximity.
μm
μm μm
D
9.1.3 Provide a power supply consisting of a 30-A circuit or
0.2 54 2 1
0.3 7.5 6 3 1.5
two separate 15-A circuits in order to accommodate the two
D,E
0.4 10 8 4 2
15-A heat guns without overload.
D
0.6 15 12 6 3
9.1.4 Adjust the speed control knobs to the starting point for
A
Presuming 80 % path fillage.
B the tests, typically 30 fpm (0.15 m/s). In older units, it may be
Presuming 50 % ink transfer from gage to substrate.
C
Presuming 50 % ink transfer both to blanket and to substrate. necessary to adjust the speed with the carrier on the belt.
D
Available on the 3-path FPBAA Plate C. Each path is 1 ⁄4 by 4 in. (3.2 ca by 10
9.1.5 Prior to the first use of the day, warm up the tester to
cm).
E 4 350
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