ASTM_D_6073_-_08a_2013.pdf

Designation:D607308a(Reapproved 2013)Standard Test Method forRelative Setting of Heatset Printing Inks1This standard is issued under the fixed designation D6073;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 determin-ing the relative setting speed of heatset inks using a testerconsisting of a forced hot air oven and print delivery system.1.2 This test method is applicable to printing inks intendedto be dried by the application of heat and for which a suitablereference standard is available.1.3 Although heatset inks are normally printed by the offsetprocess,this test method specifies the direct letterpress modebecause the higher ink film thicknesses obtained tend toamplify subtle differences in ink setting speed.Prints areprepared by a flatbed printing apparatus using a constant depthprinting gage.1.4 This tester reads temperature and belt speed in nonmet-ric terms;therefore,instrument settings in this test method arestated first in U.S.Customary Units(inch pound units ofmeasurements).The values given in parentheses are for infor-mation only.1.5 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regardedas standard.The values given in parentheses are mathematicalconversions to SI units that are provided for information onlyand are not considered standard.1.6 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 determine the applica-bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.2.Referenced Documents2.1 ASTM Standards:2D6846 Practice for Preparing Prints of Paste Printing Inkswith a Printing Gage3.Terminology3.1 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:3.1.1 heatset printing ink,nan ink typically containingaliphatic hydrocarbon solvents that evaporate at elevatedtemperatures.4.Summary of Test Method4.1 A printing gage is used to prepare a laboratory printcontaining both the test sample and a standard ink.The freshlyprepared print is immediately subjected to forced hot air in thetester,which is initially set at 350F(177C)and a belt speedof 30 fpm(0.15 m/s).4.2 The print is cooled,overlaid with a clean sheet of stock,passed through the printing apparatus,and examined for setoff.4.3 The process is repeated at different belt speeds ortemperatures until either the test sample or the standardexhibits setoff and the other does not,or it is established thatboth are the same.The sample is then reported to dry fasterthan,slower than,or equal to the standard.5.Significance and Use5.1 The setting speed of heatset printing inks is importantbecause it influences the efficiency of the drying process.Thistest method provides a means for comparing the setting of aheatset ink directly against a standard at the same conditions oftemperature and exposure time.While the method does notdetermine the setting speed of an ink on a production press,itis useful for specification acceptance between the supplier andthe customer.5.2 The setting speed of a printing ink depends on a numberof variables such as the substrate on which it is printed,the filmthickness on the print,the temperature of the forced air,the rateof air flow,and the time that the print is subjected to heat.Forthese reasons,it is important to conduct the tests underconditions that are controlled and as realistic as practical.6.Apparatus6.1 Tester,equipped with a forced hot air oven and printcarrier system consisting of heat resistant revolving belts thatact as the print delivery system.The air temperature isadjustable between 100 and 600F(38 and 315C)and thespeed of the print delivery unit between 0 and 100 fpm(0 and1This 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 1,2013.Published July 2013.Originally approvedin 1996.Last previous edition approved in 2008 as D6073 08a.DOI:10.1520/D6073-08AR13.2For referenced ASTM standards,visit the ASTM website,www.astm.org,orcontact ASTM Customer Service at serviceastm.org.For Annual Book of ASTMStandards volume information,refer to the standards Document Summary page onthe ASTM website.Copyright ASTM International,100 Barr Harbor Drive,PO Box C700,West Conshohocken,PA 19428-2959.United States1 0.5 m/s).The print delivery system allows the print to beexposed to hot air from the top and bottom at the same time.6.2 Laboratory Flatbed Printing Apparatus.6.3 Printing Gage,3conforming to Practice D6846,con-sisting of a type-high block of steel 0.918 in.(23.3 mm)inheight;the top surface is precision-machined to conta