ASTM D7244-06

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Designation:D7244–06
Standard Test Method for
Relative Cure of Energy-Cured Inks and Coatings
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D 7244; 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.
1. Scope 3. Terminology
1.1 This test method describes the procedure for evaluating 3.1 Definitions:
therelativecureofprintedenergy-cured(ultravioletorelectron 3.1.1 break-through, n—the point where the ink or coatings
beam) ink or coating by a mechanical solvent rub test using a film is penetrated by the solvent rub, causing a loss of density.
motorized Crockmeter. 3.1.2 cure, n—the condition of a test sample after conver-
1.2 This test method is applicable to laboratory and produc- sion to a dried film as measured by tests generally related to
tion prints on any flat substrate that is no thicker than 3 mm end-use performance and mutually agreeable to supplier and
(0.125 in.), durable enough to withstand the test conditions, purchaser.
and for which a control (reference) sample is available. 3.1.3 electron beam (EB) curing, n—conversionofaninkor
1.3 This test method applies to comparisons between coating to its final polymerized state by means of a mechanism
energy-cured inks and coatings of the same chemistry and film initiated by electron beam radiation.
weight and should not be used to compare different ink or 3.1.4 ultraviolet (UV) curing, n—conversion of an ink or
coating chemistries or various applied film weights without coating to its final polymerized state by means of a mechanism
first establishing process performance. initiated by ultraviolet radiation.
1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the
4. Summary of Test Method
standard. The values given in parentheses are for information
4.1 The Crockmeter is set to a predetermined number of rub
only.
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the cycles. The test specimen is attached to the bed of the
instrument. The linen covered rubbing finger is laid on the test
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro- print. Solvent is applied and the rub cycle started.
4.2 The test specimen is removed, examined for break-
priate safety and health practices and to determine the
through and rated as less, equal, or more than the control.
applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
2. Referenced Documents 5. Significance and Use
5.1 This test method is used as a manufacturing or labora-
2.1 Other Standards:
AATCC Test Method 8 Colorfastness to Crocking: AATCC tory process control tool by providing a visual comparison of
theabilitytoresistsolventbreak-throughagainstanestablished
Crockmeter Method
control. The test method is designed to indicate a potential
problem caused by an undercured condition but does not
identify what caused the condition.
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D01 on Paint
and Related Coatings, Materials, andApplications and is the direct responsibility of
5.2 This test method does not duplicate the conditions on a
Subcommittee D01.56 on Printing Inks.
printing press but does provide a means to determine whether
Current edition approved March 1, 2006. Published March 2006.
2 the test sample meets specifications as agreed upon between
Available from AATCC, One Davis Drive, PO Box 12215, Research Triangle
Park, NC 27709-2215. supplier and customer.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.
D7244–06
FIG. 1 AATCC MOTORIZED CROCKMETER MODEL CM-5
6. Apparatus 9. Test Specimen
6.1 AATCC Motorized Crockmeter equipped with a light- 9.1 This test method does not cover the preparation of print
weight aluminum sliding arm that has a nominal weight of samples.The test print and the control print need to be made at
250 g and hollow nylon finger. See Fig. 1. the same film weight from inks or coatings of the same
6.2 Ultraviolet or electron beam curing equipment. chemistry and similar color. Darker colors and heavier film
weightsaremoredifficulttocureanddifferentchemistriesmay
7. Reagents and Materials
show different solvent rub resistance at the same degree of
7.1 Control (reference) prints consisting of energy cured
cure.
prints that have met all quality control tests and end-use
9.2 The ideal size of the test specimen is 178 mm (7 in.)
requirements. The control may be a production or laboratory
longby127mm(5in.)wide.Threetestscanberunonthissize
print.
ofprint.Alternatively,threespecimens38mm(1.5in.)wideby
2 2
7.2 Test cloth, white linen 50 mm (2 in. ) as specified in
127 mm (5 in.) long can be used.
AATCC Method 8.
9.3 Printed test specimens must have been exposed to an
7.3 Solvents:
UV or EB energy source.
7.3.1 Methyl ethyl ketone (MEK).
9.4 If the test print is a clear coating, the coating can be
7.3.2 Isopropyl alcohol 99 % (IPA).
printed over on an ink film to help visual evaluation.
8. Hazards
10. Preparation of Apparatus
8.1 Provide adequate ventilation, consistent with accepted
10.1 Set up the Crockmeter in a ventilated area since
laboratory practice, to limit accumulation of solvent vapors.
solvents are being used.
10.2 Level the instrument if necessary.
10.3 Install the lightweight aluminum sliding arm. The
The sole source of supply of the apparatus know to the committee at this time
is theAtlas MaterialTestingTechnology LLC, 4114 N. RavenswoodAve., Chicago,
reciprocating stroke length is positioned at the shortest stroke
IL 60613 USA. If you are aware of alternate suppliers, pleas
...