ASTM_D_7244_-_06a_2011.pdf

Designation:D724406a(Reapproved 2011)Standard Test Method forRelative Cure of Energy-Cured Inks and Coatings1This standard is issued under the fixed designation D7244;the number immediately following the designation indicates the year oforiginal adoption or,in the case of revision,the year of last revision.A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval.Asuperscript epsilon()indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.1.Scope1.1 This test method describes the procedure for evaluatingthe relative cure of printed energy-cured(ultraviolet or electronbeam)ink or coating by a mechanical solvent rub test using amotorized Crockmeter.1.2 This test method is applicable to laboratory and produc-tion 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 betweenenergy-cured inks and coatings of the same chemistry and filmweight and should not be used to compare different ink orcoating chemistries or various applied film weights withoutfirst establishing process performance.1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as thestandard.The values given in parentheses are for informationonly.1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of thesafety concerns,if any,associated with its use.It is theresponsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-priate safety and health practices and to determine theapplicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.2.Referenced Documents2.1 Other Standards:AATCC Test Method 8 Colorfastness to Crocking:AATCCCrockmeter Method23.Terminology3.1 Definitions:3.1.1 break-through,nthe point where the ink or coatingsfilm is penetrated by the solvent rub,causing a loss of density.3.1.2 cure,nthe condition of a test sample after conver-sion to a dried film as measured by tests generally related toend-use performance and mutually agreeable to supplier andpurchaser.3.1.3 electron beam(EB)curing,nconversion of an ink orcoating to its final polymerized state by means of a mechanisminitiated by electron beam radiation.3.1.4 ultraviolet(UV)curing,nconversion of an ink orcoating to its final polymerized state by means of a mechanisminitiated by ultraviolet radiation.4.Summary of Test Method4.1 The Crockmeter is set to a predetermined number of rubcycles.The test specimen is attached to the bed of theinstrument.The linen covered rubbing finger is laid on the testprint.Solvent is applied and the rub cycle started.4.2 The test specimen is removed,examined for break-through and rated as less,equal,or more than the control.5.Significance and Use5.1 This test method is used as a manufacturing or labora-tory process control tool by providing a visual comparison ofthe ability to resist solvent break-through against an establishedcontrol.The test method is designed to indicate a potentialproblem caused by an undercured condition but does notidentify what caused the condition.5.2 This test method does not duplicate the conditions on aprinting press but does provide a means to determine whetherthe test sample meets specifications as agreed upon betweensupplier and customer.6.Apparatus6.1 AATCC Motorized Crockmeter3equipped with a light-weight aluminum sliding arm that has a nominal weight of250 g and hollow nylon finger.See Fig.1 and Fig.2.6.2 Ultraviolet or electron beam curing equipment.1This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D01 on Paintand Related Coatings,Materials,and Applications and is the direct responsibility ofSubcommittee D01.56 on Printing Inks.Current edition approved June 1,2011.Published June 2011.Originallyapproved in 2006.Last previous edition approved in 2006 as D7244 06a.DOI:10.1520/D7244-06AR11.2Available from American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists(AATCC),P.O.Box 12215,Research Triangle Park,NC 27709,http:/www.aatcc.org.3The sole source of supply of the apparatus know to the committee at this timeis the Atlas Material Testing Technology LLC,4114 N.Ravenswood Ave.,Chicago,IL 60613 USA.If you are aware of alternate suppliers,please provide thisinformation to ASTM International Headquarters.Your comments will receivecareful consideration at the meeting of the responsible technical committee1whichyou may attend.Copyright ASTM International,100 Barr Harbor Drive,PO Box C700,West Conshohocken,PA 19428-2959.United States1 7.Reagents and Materials7.1 Control(reference)prints consisting of energy curedprints that have met all quality control tests and end-userequirements.The control may be a production or laboratoryprint.7.2 Test cloth,white linen 50 mm2(2 in.2)as specified inAATCC Method 8.7.3 Solvents:7.3.1 Methyl ethyl ketone(MEK).7.3.2 Isopropyl alcohol 99%(IPA).8.Hazards8.1 Provide adequate ventilation,consistent with acceptedlaboratory practice,to limit accumulation of solvent vapors.9.Test Specimen9.1 This test method does not cover the pr