ASTM D5181-91(1997)e1

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e1
Designation: D 5181 – 91 (Reapproved 1997)
Standard Test Method for
Abrasion Resistance of Printed Matter by the GA-CAT
Comprehensive Abrasion Tester
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D 5181; 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.
e NOTE—Editorial changes were made throughout in September 1997.
1. Scope 4. Summary of Test Method
1.1 This test method covers the procedure for determining 4.1 The test print and a receptor are sandwiched in the panel
the abrasion resistance of printed matter using a GA-CAT holder of the GA-CAT Comprehensive Abrasion Tester,
Comprehensive Abrasion Tester. clamped together with a known force, and made to slide over
1.2 This test method is applicable to packaging labels, book, each other at a known frequency and over a known distance for
catalog, and magazine covers, bar codes, corrugated boxes, and a predetermined time period.
other containers having applied graphics on any flat substrate. 4.2 The test specimen is examined for degree of print
1.3 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded degradation and the receptor for amount of ink or other
as the standard. The values given in parentheses are for material transferred from the specimen surface. Results may be
information only. rated relative to a comparative control run in the identical
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the manner, or they may be quantified by comparison to a ranking
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the scale numbered from zero to ten (zero being the most abrasion
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro- resistant and ten the least abrasion resistant).
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
5. Significance and Use
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
5.1 Abrasion resistance during transport and storage is
2. Referenced Documents
essential to prevent marring of type matter, designs, or protec-
2.1 ASTM Standards: tive coatings on the exterior of labels and other printed
E 171 Specification for Standard Atmospheres for Condi- materials. Recognizing that the actual amount of abrasion
tioning and Testing Flexible Barrier Materials occurring in the field depends on relative humidity, tempera-
ture, tightness of packing, and a host of other variables, this test
3. Terminology
method provides a rapid means for comparing the abrasion
3.1 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
resistance of test surfaces under laboratory conditions. It is
3.1.1 abrasion resistance—resistance against the act of useful for specification acceptance between the supplier and
scraping, smudging, or rubbing off.
the customer.
3.1.2 abrasiveness—the degree to which a product tends to 5.2 This test method can also be used to evaluate the relative
cause abrasion by the act of rubbing or scraping.
abrasion resistance of printed inks, varnishes, laminates and
3.1.3 receptor—film or paper of standard abrasiveness onto substrates, and the abrasiveness of inks.
which material removed from the specimen is deposited during
6. Apparatus
the abrasion testing process. Alternatively, printed paper from
which material is removed onto the specimen that has a higher 6.1 GA-CAT Comprehensive Abrasion Tester.
degree of abrasiveness than the receptor (in case of testing 6.2 Ranking Book, containing specimens whose degree of
abrasiveness). ruboff is ranked from 0 (no ruboff) to + 10 (most ruboff).
1 3
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D-1 on Paints The sole source of supply of the apparatus known to the committee at this time
and Related Coatings, Materials, and Applications and is the direct responsibility of is Gavarti Assoc., Ltd., 9240 N. Sleepy Hollow Lane, Milwaukee, WI 53217. If you
Subcommittee D01.56 on Printing Inks. are aware of alternative suppliers, please provide this information to ASTM
Current edition approved Oct. 15, 1991. Published December 1991. Headquarters. Your comments will receive careful consideration at a meeting of the
2 1
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 15.09. responsible technical committee, which you may attend.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.
D 5181
7. Materials appears on the upper left side of the left panel holder and the
1 “R” in the upper right side of the right panel holder (see Fig. 1).
7.1 Standard Receptors, approximately 4 by 4 ⁄2 in. (102 by
There should be space of at least ⁄2 in. between the two center
114 mm), of an appropriate grade, as follows:
panel holders.
7.1.1 C-1 (least abrasive)—Glossy coated paper suitable
10.1.2 Face the test specimen on the receptor (selected in
for use with samples of low abrasion resistance.
9.3) and sandwich between the foam sheets. Place the sand-
7.1.2 A-1, A-3, and A-4 (intermediate abrasiveness)—
wich between the two center panel holders so that the grain
Imperial lapping film with aluminum oxide abrasive particles
direction of the specimen is vertical. Take care that the
of different sizes (9, 12, and 30 μm, respectively).
sandwich does not extend below the bottom of the panel
7.1.3 A-6 (most abrasive), wet or dry, tri-um-ite 600.
holders.
7.1.4 B-2 (intermediate abrasion resistance)—Printed
single color paper suitable for measuring abrasiveness of 10.1.3 Push the four panel holders together into an upright
samples of average abrasiveness (corrugated). parallel position. Make sure that the sandwich is not pinched at
the bottom of the panel holders; otherwise, it will tend to slide
NOTE 1—Other receptors may be substituted provided they have equal
down during the test. Grab the pins and move the tray inside
abrasiveness on the same test specimens. Further research and experience
the instrument so that the two retaining pins drop into the
may indicate a need for additional grades of standard receptors.
carriage holes. If the pins do not drop into their respective
7.2 Foam Sheeting, 2 pieces, each approximately 2 mm in
holes, recenter the panel holders on the sample tray.
thickness and cut to 4 by 4 ⁄2 in. (102 by 114 mm).
10.1.4 Apply side pressure by turning the lower black
NOTE 2—Use of foam sheeting as a backing for the test specimen and
spindle until the corresponding dial reads 20 pounds per square
the receptor is recommended to provide uniform pressure over the test
inch (psi). Do not apply top pressure at this time.
surfaces and to prevent ink, varnish, or other particles from becoming
10.1.5 The carriage inside the instrument is meant to move
imbedded in the sensitive surface of the panel holders.
between two limit switches (used for centering) approximately
7.3 Comparative Control, a production or laboratory print
2 in. (50.8 mm) apart. If the carriage is not situated between
preferably having known abrasion resistance. The comparative
these limits, manually center the carriage.
control must have the same substrate, color(s), and subject
10.2 Testing Unde
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