ASTM D7244-06a(2011)

NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or withdrawn.
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Designation: D7244 − 06a (Reapproved 2011)
Standard Test Method for
Relative Cure of Energy-Cured Inks and Coatings
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D7244; 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 (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope 3.1.2 cure, n—the condition of a test sample after conver-
sion to a dried film as measured by tests generally related to
1.1 This test method describes the procedure for evaluating
end-use performance and mutually agreeable to supplier and
therelativecureofprintedenergy-cured(ultravioletorelectron
purchaser.
beam) ink or coating by a mechanical solvent rub test using a
3.1.3 electron beam (EB) curing, n—conversion of an ink or
motorized Crockmeter.
coating to its final polymerized state by means of a mechanism
1.2 This test method is applicable to laboratory and produc-
initiated by electron beam radiation.
tion prints on any flat substrate that is no thicker than 3 mm
3.1.4 ultraviolet (UV) curing, n—conversion of an ink or
(0.125 in.), durable enough to withstand the test conditions,
coating to its final polymerized state by means of a mechanism
and for which a control (reference) sample is available.
initiated by ultraviolet radiation.
1.3 This test method applies to comparisons between
energy-cured inks and coatings of the same chemistry and film
4. Summary of Test Method
weight and should not be used to compare different ink or
4.1 The Crockmeter is set to a predetermined number of rub
coating chemistries or various applied film weights without
cycles. The test specimen is attached to the bed of the
first establishing process performance.
instrument. The linen covered rubbing finger is laid on the test
1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the
print. Solvent is applied and the rub cycle started.
standard. The values given in parentheses are for information
4.2 The test specimen is removed, examined for break-
only.
through and rated as less, equal, or more than the control.
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the 5. Significance and Use
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
5.1 This test method is used as a manufacturing or labora-
priate safety and health practices and to determine the
tory process control tool by providing a visual comparison of
applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
theabilitytoresistsolventbreak-throughagainstanestablished
control. The test method is designed to indicate a potential
2. Referenced Documents
problem caused by an undercured condition but does not
identify what caused the condition.
2.1 Other Standards:
AATCC Test Method 8 Colorfastness to Crocking: AATCC
5.2 This test method does not duplicate the conditions on a
Crockmeter Method
printing press but does provide a means to determine whether
the test sample meets specifications as agreed upon between
3. Terminology supplier and customer.
3.1 Definitions:
6. Apparatus
3.1.1 break-through, n—the point where the ink or coatings
6.1 AATCC Motorized Crockmeter equipped with a light-
film is penetrated by the solvent rub, causing a loss of density.
weight aluminum sliding arm that has a nominal weight of
250 g and hollow nylon finger. See Fig. 1 and Fig. 2.
1 6.2 Ultraviolet or electron beam curing equipment.
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D01 on Paint
and Related Coatings, Materials, andApplications and is the direct responsibility of
Subcommittee D01.56 on Printing Inks.
Current edition approved June 1, 2011. Published June 2011. Originally The sole source of supply of the apparatus know to the committee at this time
approved in 2006. Last previous edition approved in 2006 as D7244 – 06a. DOI: is theAtlas Material Testing Technology LLC, 4114 N. RavenswoodAve., Chicago,
10.1520/D7244-06AR11. IL 60613 USA. If you are aware of alternate suppliers, please provide this
Available from American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists information to ASTM International Headquarters. Your comments will receive
(AATCC), P.O. Box 12215, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, http:// careful consideration at the meeting of the responsible technical committee which
www.aatcc.org. you may attend.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D7244 − 06a (2011)
FIG. 1 AATCC Motorized Crockmeter Model CM-5
7. Reagents and Materials 9.2 The ideal size of the test specimen is 178 mm (7 in.)
longby127mm(5in.)wide.Threetestscanberunonthissize
7.1 Control (reference) prints consisting of energy cured
ofprint.Alternatively,threespecimens38mm(1.5in.)wideby
prints that have met all quality control tests and end-use
127 mm (5 in.) long can be used.
requirements. The control may be a production or laboratory
print.
9.3 Printed test specimens must have been exposed to an
2 2
UV or EB energy source.
7.2 Test cloth, white linen 50 mm (2 in. ) as specified in
AATCC Method 8.
9.4 If the test print is a clear coating, the coating can be
printed over on an ink film to help visual evaluation.
7.3 Solvents:
7.3.1 Methyl ethyl ketone (MEK).
10. Preparation of Apparatus
7.3.2 Isopropyl alcohol 99 % (IPA).
10.1 Set up the Crockmeter in a ventilated area since
8. Hazards
solvents are being used.
8.1 Provide adequate ventilation, consistent with accepted
10.2 Level the instrument if necessary.
laboratory practice, to limit accumulation of solvent vapors.
10.3 Install the lightweight aluminum sliding arm. The
reciprocating stroke length is positioned at the shortest stroke
9. Test Specimen
setting of 50 mm (2 in.).
9.1 This test method does not cover the preparation of print
samples. The test print and the control print need to be made at 10.4 Insert the hollow nylon finger into t
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