ASTM_D_5181_-_09.pdf

Designation:D518109Standard Test Method forAbrasion Resistance of Printed Matter by the GA-CATComprehensive Abrasion Tester1This standard is issued under the fixed designation D5181;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.Scope*1.1 This test method covers the procedure for determiningthe abrasion resistance of printed matter using a GA-CATComprehensive Abrasion Tester.1.2 This test method is applicable to packaging labels,book,catalog,and magazine covers,bar codes,corrugated boxes,andother containers having applied graphics on any flat substrate.It is not recommended for powder coatings.1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as thestandard.The values given in parentheses are for informationonly.1.4 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:2E171 Practice for Conditioning and Testing Flexible BarrierPackaging3.Terminology3.1 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:3.1.1 abrasion resistance,nresistance against the act ofscraping,smudging,or rubbing off.3.1.2 abrasiveness,nthe degree to which a product tendsto cause abrasion by the act of rubbing or scraping.3.1.3 receptor,nfilm or paper of standard abrasivenessonto which material removed from the specimen is depositedduring the abrasion testing process.4.Summary of Test Method4.1 The test print and a receptor are sandwiched in the panelholder of the GA-CAT Comprehensive Abrasion Tester,clamped together with a known force,and made to slide overeach other at a known frequency and over a known distance fora predetermined time period.4.2 The test specimen is examined for degree of printdegradation and the receptor for amount of ink or othermaterial transferred from the specimen surface.5.Significance and Use5.1 Abrasion resistance during transport and storage isessential to prevent marring of type matter,designs,or protec-tive coatings on the exterior of labels and other printedmaterials.Recognizing that the actual amount of abrasionoccurring in the field depends on relative humidity,temperature,tightness of packing,and a host of other variables,this test method provides a rapid means for comparing theabrasion resistance of test surfaces under laboratory conditions.It is useful for specification acceptance between the supplierand the customer.5.2 This test method can also be used to evaluate the relativeabrasion resistance of printed inks,varnishes,laminates andsubstrates,and the abrasiveness of inks.6.Apparatus6.1 GA-CAT Comprehensive Abrasion Tester.7.Materials7.1 Receptors,can be an unprinted sheet of the samesubstrate or a printed sheet of the identical substrate forface-to-face testing cut to approximately 102 by 114 mm(4 by412in.).7.2 Foam Sheeting,2 pieces,each approximately 2 mm inthickness and cut to 102 by 114 mm(4 by 412in.).NOTE1Use of foam sheeting as a backing for the test specimen andthe receptor is recommended to provide uniform pressure over the testsurfaces and to prevent ink,varnish,or other particles from becomingimbedded in the sensitive surface of the panel holders.7.3 Comparative Control,a production or laboratory printpreferably having known abrasion resistance.The comparative1This 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 Dec.1,2009.Published January 2010.Originallyapproved in 1991.Last previous edition approved in 2004 as D5181 04.DOI:10.1520/D5181-09.2For 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.*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standardCopyright ASTM International,100 Barr Harbor Drive,PO Box C700,West Conshohocken,PA 19428-2959.United States1 control must have the same substrate,color(s),and subjectmatter as the test print.8.Test Specimen and Conditioning8.1 The specimen size in the grain direction(or flute in thecase of corrugated board)must not exceed 114 mm(412in.).The specimen size in the cross-grain direction is less critical;102 mm(4 in.)is recommended.Care should be taken to avoidcontaminating the test surface with fingerprints during speci-men cutting and handling.8.2 Condition the specimens at 23 6 2C(73.5 6 3.6F)and 50 6 5%relative humidity in accordance with Specifica-tion E171.9.Preparation of Apparatus9.1