ISO 2834-1:2020

INTERNATIONAL ISO
STANDARD 2834-1
Second edition
2020-11
Graphic technology — Laboratory
preparation of test prints —
Part 1:
Paste inks
Technologie graphique — Préparation en laboratoire des impressions
d'essai —
Partie 1: Encres compactes
Reference number
ISO 2834-1:2020(E)
©
ISO 2020

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ISO 2834-1:2020(E)

COPYRIGHT PROTECTED DOCUMENT
© ISO 2020
All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, or required in the context of its implementation, no part of this publication may
be reproduced or utilized otherwise in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, or posting
on the internet or an intranet, without prior written permission. Permission can be requested from either ISO at the address
below or ISO’s member body in the country of the requester.
ISO copyright office
CP 401 • Ch. de Blandonnet 8
CH-1214 Vernier, Geneva
Phone: +41 22 749 01 11
Email: copyright@iso.org
Website: www.iso.org
Published in Switzerland
ii © ISO 2020 – All rights reserved

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ISO 2834-1:2020(E)

Contents Page
Foreword .v
Introduction .vi
1 Scope . 1
2 Normative references . 1
3 Terms and definitions . 1
4 Apparatus . 3
4.1 Inking device . 3
4.2 Printing form . 4
4.2.1 IGT-type . . . 4
4.2.2 prüfbau-type . 4
4.2.3 Ink pipette . 5
4.2.4 Top roller . 5
4.2.5 Substrate carrier . 5
4.3 Printability tester . 5
4.3.1 IGT-type . . . 5
4.3.2 prüfbau-type . 6
4.3.3 Homogeneity . 6
4.4 Packing (IGT-type testers only) . 6
4.4.1 Rubber packing . 6
4.4.2 Paper packing . 6
4.5 Additional materials and aiding devices . 7
4.5.1 Cleaning aids . 7
4.5.2 Solvents . 7
4.5.3 Ruler . 7
4.5.4 Timer . 7
4.5.5 Analytical balance . 7
4.5.6 Reference materials . 7
4.6 Substrate . 8
4.7 Inks . 8
5 Principle . 8
6 Preparation . 8
6.1 Sampling . 8
6.2 Conditioning . 9
6.3 Sample preparation . 9
7 Procedure. 9
7.1 General . 9
7.2 Preparation and instrument settings . 9
7.2.1 Standard test settings . 9
7.2.2 Settings for specific tests not covered by a test set .10
7.3 Inking of the printing form .10
7.4 Printing .11
7.4.1 Standard procedure.11
2
7.4.2 Procedure to reach the target ink coverage in g/m .11
7.4.3 Procedure to reach the target optical density .11
7.5 Drying .12
8 Evaluation .12
2
8.1 Evaluation of the transferred ink coverage in g/m .12
8.2 Optical characterization .12
8.2.1 Evaluation of optical density .12
8.2.2 Evaluation of colour .13
9 Report .13
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ISO 2834-1:2020(E)

Annex A (informative) Reference tests .14
Annex B (normative) Breaking-in of elastomer rollers .15
Annex C (normative) Maintaining elastomer rollers and other materials .16
Bibliography .19
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ISO 2834-1:2020(E)

Foreword
ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) is a worldwide federation of national standards
bodies (ISO member bodies). The work of preparing International Standards is normally carried out
through ISO technical committees. Each member body interested in a subject for which a technical
committee has been established has the right to be represented on that committee. International
organizations, governmental and non-governmental, in liaison with ISO, also take part in the work.
ISO collaborates closely with the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) on all matters of
electrotechnical standardization.
The procedures used to develop this document and those intended for its further maintenance are
described in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 1. In particular, the different approval criteria needed for the
different types of ISO documents should be noted. This document was drafted in accordance with the
editorial rules of the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2 (see www .iso .org/ directives).
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of
patent rights. ISO shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights. Details of
any patent rights identified during the development of the document will be in the Introduction and/or
on the ISO list of patent declarations received (see www .iso .org/ patents).
Any trade name used in this document is information given for the convenience of users and does not
constitute an endorsement.
For an explanation of the voluntary nature of standards, the meaning of ISO specific terms and
expressions related to conformity assessment, as well as information about ISO's adherence to
the World Trade Organization (WTO) principles in the Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) see
www .iso .org/ iso/ foreword .html.
This document was prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 130, Graphic technology.
This second edition cancels and replaces the first edition (ISO 2834-1:2006), which has been technically
revised.
The main changes compared to the previous edition are as follows.
— The document has been rewritten to a general procedure for prints on many substrates for the use
by several standards which require a well-defined print.
— The instruments and materials required for tests are specified, only electrically driven instruments
are now included.
— A detailed procedure for conditioning and test execution is provided.
— Annexes are added regarding reference materials, preparation of rubber rollers and maintenance of
elastomer rollers.
A list of all parts in the ISO 2834 series can be found on the ISO website.
Any feedback or questions on this document should be directed to the user’s national standards body. A
complete listing of these bodies can be found at www .iso .org/ members .html.
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ISO 2834-1:2020(E)

Introduction
This document exclusively describes the laboratory test print preparation for paste inks. The methods
described in this document can be used in several other International Standards, such as ISO 2846-1,
ISO 2846-2 and ISO 2836, and will be the basis for several printability standards to be developed by
ISO/TC 6/SC 2 with TC 130. This document provides the tools to make uniform prints with a well-
defined ink film thickness which can be used for analysis of the printed surface properties, fastnesses
and which can be used for subsequent tests on the substrate or the printed image.
This document describes the procedure to be adopted when using IGT-type and prüfbau-type
printability testers to prepare prints on papers, boards, metals, foils and other suitable substrates, for
2
the main targets: reference optical density and reference ink film in g/m on the substrate. Other inks,
such as liquid inks for gravure or flexographical printing specified in ISO 2834-2 and screen print ink
specified in ISO 2834-3, are developed with a similar structure to this document.
In this method, a procedure has been added to perform a periodic test with reference material to check
deterioration of the used materials like rubbers and inks.
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INTERNATIONAL STANDARD ISO 2834-1:2020(E)
Graphic technology — Laboratory preparation of test
prints —
Part 1:
Paste inks
1 Scope
This document specifies a test procedure for the preparation of test prints on paper, board, metals,
foils and other suitable substrates using paste inks, such as for offset and letterpress printing, using
electrically driven IGT-type and prüfbau-type printability testers.
This document describes the procedure for reference optical density and reference ink film thickness.
This document describes the method as used on the current models of testers. Most of the described
procedures are also applicable in analogy to the older models but can require additional steps to be
executed or recalculation of the settings to make them conform to this document
2 Normative references
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content
constitutes requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For
undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
ISO 5-4, Photography and graphic technology — Density measurements — Part 4: Geometric conditions for
reflection density
ISO 187, Paper, board and pulps — Standard atmosphere for conditioning and testing and procedure for
monitoring the atmosphere and conditioning of samples
ISO 2846-1, Graphic technology — Colour and transparency of printing ink sets for four-colour printing —
Part 1: Sheet-fed and heat-set web offset lithographic printing
ISO 5631 (all parts), Paper and board — Determination of colour by diffuse reflectance
ISO 13655, Graphic technology — Spectral measurement and colorimetric computation for graphic
arts images
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply.
ISO and IEC maintain terminological databases for use in standardization at the following addresses:
— ISO Online browsing platform: available at https:// www .iso .org/ obp
— IEC Electropedia: available at http:// www .electropedia .org/
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ISO 2834-1:2020(E)

3.1
breaking-in
roller conditioning
preparation process for new rollers or before using another ink system (3.4)
Note 1 to entry: Run rollers in an (or another) ink system to condition the elastomer until constant readings are
achieved. See Annex B for the procedure.
3.2
ink
fluid to be printed under the conditions of this document
Note 1 to entry: It can be a commercial printing ink, a modified ink for the purpose of the test, a simulant like pick
test oil, a varnish and other materials which create a print under the conditions as specified in this document.
3.3
inking device
separate or integrated part of the printability tester (3.6) used to distribute the ink in a uniform way on
a roller system from where the printing forme (3.7) can be inked with a known amount of ink
3.4
ink system
range of inks which are comparable with regards to varnish system and liquid base
Note 1 to entry: For paste inks there are e.g. oxidative, setting and UV curing systems.
3.5
packing
underlayment under the sample to be printed
Note 1 to entry: This is used for mechanical protection or to simulate the hardness of the impression in printing
practice or to accentuate the effects of the test on the printed image.
3.6
printability tester
printing device, with or without integrated inking device (3.3), able to print the inked printing forme
(3.7) in conformance with the requirements of the test
Note 1 to entry: Depending on the type of test, the speed may be constant over the full print or may have to follow
a specified speed profile.
3.7
printing forme
printing disc
roller with metallic, elastomer or rubber blanket coverage, used to transfer the ink film to a substrate
to create a print
Note 1 to entry: The print may contain a solid tone or an image or halftone pattern.
3.8
reference material
ink (3.2) or substrate (3.10) with well-known properties
Note 1 to entry: Used to execute a reference test on a regular basis or for comparative testing. Inks and rubbers
change properties in time. To prevent jumps in results between current and new materials; they should be tested
at least once together.
Note 2 to entry: A distinction can be made between reference material, as material with well-known and publicly
available specifications, and control material which is kept for comparison only and for which the absolute values
do not have to be known.
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ISO 2834-1:2020(E)

3.9
rubber
elastomer
elastomeric materials covering printing forms (3.7), top rollers (3.12), packings (3.5) and substrate
carriers (3.11)
Note 1 to entry: In practice, some of the materials are not rubber.
3.10
substrate
material to be printed on
3.11
substrate carrier
mounting plate for the sample to be printed
Note 1 to entry: With on top a specific material for mechanical protection or to simulate the hardness of the
impression in printing practice or to accentuate the effect of the test on the printed image.
3.12
top roller
soft, elastomer covered roller
Note 1 to entry: Used in a three-roller inking system for ink distribution and as ink transfer roller to the
printing form.
4 Apparatus
4.1 Inking device
An electrical driven device, used to generate a uniform ink film on the printing form, consisting of two
inking drums or rollers having contact with a top roller covered with a rubber or other elastomer with
specific quality for the test and the ink system. At least one of the inking drums shall oscillate to induce
a sideways distribution of the ink. The ink distributing surface area A of the rollers shall be known
2
to the nearest 0,1 cm . Each inking arrangement shall incorporate one or more holders on which the
printing forme can be mounted to be inked.
The distributing surface area, A, is calculated as shown in Formula (1):
n
Ad=×()π ×l (1)
∑
nn
1
where
d is the diameter of roller or drum number (n);
n
l is the effective (ink containing) length of roller or drum number (n);
n
n is the number of rollers excluding the printing form.
NOTE The terms “inked” and “ink” are used here to conform to general usage even when a pick test oil or
other simulant is used instead of an ink.
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ISO 2834-1:2020(E)

4.2 Printing form
4.2.1 IGT-type
4.2.1.1 Aluminium
One or more aluminium printing forms, of specified width, with smooth edges, a diameter of
(65,0 ± 0,2) mm and a temperature-insulating handgrip. The weight of the disc shall be low enough to
weigh it on an analytical balance with an accuracy of 0,1 mg. An aluminium printing forme shall always
be used in combination with a packing.
4.2.1.2 Elastomer
One or more rollers with a specific elastomer covered printing form, of specified width, a diameter of
(67,0 ± 1,5) mm, a hardness of the covering of (80 ± 7) Shore A and a temperature-insulating handgrip.
The weight of the disc shall be low enough to weigh it on an analytical balance with an accuracy of
0,1 mg. An elastomer covered printing forme shall not be used in combination with a packing. Different
rollers/elastomers for conventional or energy curing applications are required.
Under certain circumstances, it can be required to use a dedicated type of printing form, e.g. coated, to
prevent penetration of ink into the elastomer or with lower shore hardness, to get a good print quality
of the ink on the substrate to be used. In this case, this shall be mentioned in the report.
See Annex C for maintenance of elastomer printing forms.
4.2.1.3 Rubber blanket
One or more rollers with a specific rubber blanket covered printing forme of specified width, a diameter
of (67,0 ± 1,5) mm and a temperature-insulating handgrip. The weight of the disc shall be low enough to
weigh it on an analytical balance with an accuracy of 0,1 mg. A rubber blanket printing forme shall not
be used in combination with a packing.
See Annex C for maintenance of rubber blanket printing forms.
4.2.2 prüfbau-type
4.2.2.1 Aluminium
One or more aluminium printing forms, of specified width and a diameter of (65,0 ± 0,2) mm. The
weight of the disc shall be low enough to weigh it on an analytical balance with an accuracy of 0,1 mg.
4.2.2.2 Elastomer
One or more rollers with a specific elastomer covered printing form, of specified width, with a diameter
of (65,0 ± 0,2) mm and a hardness of the covering of 85 Shore A. The weight of the printing forme shall be
low enough to weigh it on an analytical balance with an accuracy of 0,1 mg. Different rollers/elastomers
for conventional or energy curing applications are required.
See Annex C for maintenance of elastomer printing forms.
4.2.2.3 Rubber blanket
One or more rollers with a specific rubber blanket covered printing form, of specified width and a
diameter of (65,0 ± 0,2) mm. The weight of the disc shall be low enough to weigh it on an analytical
balance with an accuracy of 0,1 mg. Different rollers for conventional or energy curing applications are
required.
See Annex C for maintenance of rubber blanket printing forms.
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ISO 2834-1:2020(E)

4.2.3 Ink pipette
To apply an accurate quantity of ink to the inking device an ink pipette having a minimum volume of
2 ml and a resolution of at least 0,01 ml, but preferably 0,001 ml or other device to apply the ink volume
with the required accuracy shall be used.
NOTE 1 If the inking device is equipped with a dispensing system with sufficient accuracy, or the applied
amount of ink is weighted, no ink pipette is required.
NOTE 2 In principle, it is also possible to use the analytical balance to weigh the required amount of ink. In
that case, the required ink film thickness can be calculated considering the mass density of the ink.
4.2.4 Top roller
One or more elastomer covered top rollers, with a specified diameter in accordance with the roller
system, a hardness of the covering of (33 ± 7) Shore A. Different rollers for conventional or energy
curing applications are required or in case a hybrid rubber is used it shall be broken-in according to
Annex B.
See Annex C for maintenance of top rollers.
4.2.5 Substrate carrier
In case a round-flat principle is used, the substrate is mounted on a carrier to be fed through the nip
of the printability tester. The carrier is covered with a rubber blanket of specific quality and shall be
chosen for the sample thickness to be used in the test.
A substrate carrier shall only be used for the printing forme for which it is used the first time.
See Annex C for maintenance of elastomer substrate carriers.
4.3 Printability tester
4.3.1 IGT-type
4.3.1.1 Round-round printing principle
An electrical driven printing device having an impression cylinder or sector with a radius of
(85,0 ± 0,2) mm. If the tests require the use of a packing the sector shall incorporate a facility enabling
a packing to be mounted on the sector under defined tension and a test piece to be mounted on or over
the packing. The sector shall be capable of being driven over a distance of at least 200 mm at a constant
speed. For some tests, the speed may have to be adjustable as well.
The force with which the printing forms contacts the test piece on the sector shall be adjustable. The
actual force shall not deviate by more than ±10 N or 5 % from the set force.
Depending on the test to be executed, the tester shall be equipped with one or more printing nips.
It is important that the printing device is properly calibrated with regard to printing speed and printing
force between the printing forme and the sector. Check the instruction manual or contact your supplier
for correct calibration.
This document describes the method as used on the current models IGT testers printing according to
the round-round principle, most of the described procedures are also applicable in analogy to the older
models but can require additional steps to be executed or recalculation of the settings to make them
conform to this document. Before using devices of (very) old age or of non-standard construction for
inking and testing, it is important to contact the supplier to confirm conformance with this document.
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ISO 2834-1:2020(E)

4.3.1.2 Round-on-flat printing principle
An electrical driven printing device having an impression cylinder. The system shall be capable to make
a print of at least 200 mm at a constant speed.
The force with which the printing forms contacts the test piece on the sector may be adjustable. The
actual force shall not deviate by more than ±10 N or 5 % from the set force.
Older and specific devices of this principle are produced with different or additional specifications.
Check the instruction manual or contact your supplier to confirm if these are in conformance with this
document.
4.3.2 prüfbau-type
An electrical driven printing device having an impression cylinder. The system shall be capable to make
a print of at least 200 mm at a constant, adjustable speed.
The force with which the printing form
...

DRAFT INTERNATIONAL STANDARD
ISO/DIS 2834-1
ISO/TC 130 Secretariat: SAC
Voting begins on: Voting terminates on:
2020-02-12 2020-05-06
Graphic technology paper and ink — Laboratory
preparation of test prints —
Part 1:
Paste inks
ICS: 87.080
THIS DOCUMENT IS A DRAFT CIRCULATED
FOR COMMENT AND APPROVAL. IT IS
THEREFORE SUBJECT TO CHANGE AND MAY
NOT BE REFERRED TO AS AN INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD UNTIL PUBLISHED AS SUCH.
IN ADDITION TO THEIR EVALUATION AS
BEING ACCEPTABLE FOR INDUSTRIAL,
This document is circulated as received from the committee secretariat.
TECHNOLOGICAL, COMMERCIAL AND
USER PURPOSES, DRAFT INTERNATIONAL
STANDARDS MAY ON OCCASION HAVE TO
BE CONSIDERED IN THE LIGHT OF THEIR
POTENTIAL TO BECOME STANDARDS TO
WHICH REFERENCE MAY BE MADE IN
Reference number
NATIONAL REGULATIONS.
ISO/DIS 2834-1:2020(E)
RECIPIENTS OF THIS DRAFT ARE INVITED
TO SUBMIT, WITH THEIR COMMENTS,
NOTIFICATION OF ANY RELEVANT PATENT
RIGHTS OF WHICH THEY ARE AWARE AND TO
©
PROVIDE SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION. ISO 2020

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ISO/DIS 2834-1:2020(E)

COPYRIGHT PROTECTED DOCUMENT
© ISO 2020
All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, or required in the context of its implementation, no part of this publication may
be reproduced or utilized otherwise in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, or posting
on the internet or an intranet, without prior written permission. Permission can be requested from either ISO at the address
below or ISO’s member body in the country of the requester.
ISO copyright office
CP 401 • Ch. de Blandonnet 8
CH-1214 Vernier, Geneva
Phone: +41 22 749 01 11
Fax: +41 22 749 09 47
Email: copyright@iso.org
Website: www.iso.org
Published in Switzerland
ii © ISO 2020 – All rights reserved

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ISO/DIS 2834-1:2020(E)

Contents Page
Foreword .v
Introduction .vi
1 Scope . 1
2 Normative references . 1
3 Terms and definitions . 1
4 Apparatus . 3
4.1 Inking Device . 3
4.2 Printing form . 4
4.2.1 IGT-type . . . 4
4.2.2 prüfbau-type . 4
4.2.3 Ink pipette . 5
4.2.4 Top roller . 5
4.2.5 Substrate carrier . 5
4.3 Printability tester . 5
4.3.1 IGT-type . . . 5
4.3.2 prüfbau type . 6
4.3.3 homogenety. 6
4.4 Packing (IGT-type testers only) . 6
4.4.1 Rubber packing . 6
4.4.2 Paper packing . 6
4.5 Additional Materials and aiding devices . 7
4.5.1 Cleaning aids . 7
4.5.2 Solvents . 7
4.5.3 Ruler . 7
4.5.4 Timer . 7
4.5.5 Analytical balance . 7
4.5.6 Reference materials . 7
4.6 Substrate . 8
4.7 Inks . 8
5 Principle . 8
6 Preparation . 8
6.1 Sampling . 8
6.2 Conditioning . 8
6.3 Sample preparation . 9
7 Procedure. 9
7.1 Preparation and instrument settings . 9
7.1.1 Standard test settings . 9
7.1.2 Settings for specific tests not covered by a test set . 9
7.2 Inking of the printing form .10
7.3 Printing .11
7.3.1 Standard procedure.11
2 11
7.3.2 Procedure to reach the target ink coverage in g/m .
7.3.3 Procedure to reach the target optical density .11
7.4 Drying .11
8 Evaluation .12
2 12
8.1 Evaluation of the transferred ink coverage in g/m .
8.2 Optical characterization .12
8.2.1 Evaluation of optical density .12
8.2.2 Evaluation of colour .12
9 Report .13
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ISO/DIS 2834-1:2020(E)

Annex A (informative) Precision statement .14
Annex B (informative) Reference Tests.15
Annex C (normative) Breaking-in of elastomer rollers .16
Annex D (normative) Maintaining elastomer rollers and other materials .17
Bibliography .20
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ISO/DIS 2834-1:2020(E)

Foreword
ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) is a worldwide federation of national standards
bodies (ISO member bodies). The work of preparing International Standards is normally carried out
through ISO technical committees. Each member body interested in a subject for which a technical
committee has been established has the right to be represented on that committee. International
organizations, governmental and non-governmental, in liaison with ISO, also take part in the work.
ISO collaborates closely with the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) on all matters of
electrotechnical standardization.
International Standards are drafted in accordance with the rules given in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 3.
The main task of technical committees is to prepare International Standards. Draft International
Standards adopted by the technical committees are circulated to the member bodies for voting.
Publication as an International Standard requires approval by at least 75 % of the member bodies
casting a vote.
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of
patent rights. ISO shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
ISO 2834-1 was prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC130/-Graphic Technology in cooperation with
ISO/TC6/SC2/JWG 39 Printability.
ISO 2834 consists of the following parts, under the general title Graphic Technology, Paper and Board —
Laboratory preparation of test prints :
— Part 1: Paste inks
— Part 2: Liquid inks
— Part 3: Screen print inks
© ISO 2020 – All rights reserved v

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ISO/DIS 2834-1:2020(E)

Introduction
This document exclusively describes the laboratory test print preparation for paste inks. The methods
described in this document can be used in several other International Standards, such as ISO 2846,
parts 1 and part 2 and ISO 2836 and will be the basis for several printability standards to be developed
by ISO/TC6/SC2/JWG39 with TC130/WG4. This International Standard provides the tools to make
uniform prints with a well-defined ink film thickness which can be used for analysis of the printed
surface properties, fastnesses and which can be used for subsequent tests on the substrate or the
printed image.
This document describes the procedure to be adopted when using IGT-type and prüfbau-type
printability testers to prepare prints on papers and boards for the main targets: reference optical
2
density and reference ink film in g/m on the substrate. For other inks, e.g. liquid inks for gravure or
flexographical printing part 2 and for screen print ink part 3 are developed similar in structure with
this part.
In this method a procedure has been added to perform a periodic test with reference material to check
deterioration of the used materials like rubbers and inks.
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DRAFT INTERNATIONAL STANDARD ISO/DIS 2834-1:2020(E)
Graphic technology paper and ink — Laboratory
preparation of test prints —
Part 1:
Paste inks
1 Scope
This document specifies a test procedure for preparation of test prints on paper, board, metals, foils and
other suitable substrates using paste inks, such as for offset and letterpress printing, using electrically
driven IGT-type and Prüfbau-type printability testers. The test prints serve for optical tests, such as
colorimetry, transparency, gloss and optical density as well as for testing other print related paper
and ink properties, such as striking-in/setting, mottling, ink transfer, picking etc., where a well-known
2
ink coverage in g/m or in optical density on the substrate is required before any other evaluations
or further testing can take place. For different test purposes different ink film thicknesses or optical
densities and other test specifications will be specified in the referring standard, this document
describes only the procedure used to print the sample. For further evaluations other standards may be
required.
This standard describes the procedure for reference optical density and reference ink film thickness.
Note - This standard describes the method as used on the current models of testers, most of the
described procedures will also be applicable in analogy to the older models but may require additional
steps to be executed or recalculation of the settings to make them conform to this standard. It is
important to contact the supplier to confirm compliance with this document before using it for inking
and testing. Devices of (very) old age or of non-standard construction.
2 Normative references
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content
constitutes requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For
undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
ISO 186, Paper and board — Sampling to determine average quality
ISO 187, Paper, board and pulps — Standard atmosphere for conditioning and testing and procedure for
monitoring the atmosphere and conditioning of samples
ISO 13655, Graphic technology — Spectral measurement and colorimetric computation for graphic
arts images
ISO 5-4, Photography and graphic technology — Density measurements — Part 4: Geometric conditions for
reflection density
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply.
ISO and IEC maintain terminological databases for use in standardization at the following addresses:
— IEC Electropedia: available at http:// www .electropedia .org/
— ISO Online browsing platform: available at https:// www .iso .org/ obp
© ISO 2020 – All rights reserved 1

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ISO/DIS 2834-1:2020(E)

3.1
breaking-in
roller conditioning
preparation process for new rollers or before using another ink system
Note 1 to entry: Note to entry: Run rollers in an (or another) ink system to condition the elastomer until constant
readings are achieved. See Annex C for the procedure.
3.2
ink (printability)
fluid to be printed under the conditions of this document
Note 1 to entry: Note to entry: it can be a commercial printing ink, a modified ink for the purpose of the test, a
simulant like pick test oil, a varnish and other materials which create a print under the conditions as specified in
this document
3.3
inking device
separate or integrated part of the printability tester used to distribute the ink in an uniform way on a
roller system from where the printing form can be inked with a known amount of ink
3.4
ink system
a range of inks which are comparable with regards to varnish system and liquid base
Note 1 to entry: Note to entry: for paste inks there are e.g. oxidative, setting and UV curing systems.
3.5
packing
underlayment under the sample to be printed
Note 1 to entry: Note to entry: This is used for mechanical protection or to simulate the hardness of the
impression in printing practice or to accentuate the effects of the test on the printed image.
3.6
printability tester
printing device, with or without integrated inking device, able to print the inked printing form in
conformance with the requirements of the test
Note 1 to entry: Note to entry: depending on the type of test the speed may be constant over the full print or may
have to follow a specified speed profile.
3.7
printing disc
printing form
roller with metallic, elastomer or rubber blanket coverage, used to transfer the ink film to a substrate
to create a print
Note 1 to entry: Note to entry: The print may contain a solid tone or an image or halftone pattern.
3.8
reference material
ink or substrate with well-known properties
Note 1 to entry: used to execute a reference test on a regular basis or for comparative testing. Inks and rubbers
change properties in time, to prevent jumps in results between current and new materials; they should be tested
at least once together.
Note 2 to entry: A distinction can be made between reference material, as material with well-known and publicly
available specifications, and control material which is kept for comparison only and for which the absolute values
do not have to be known.
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3.9
rubber
elastomer
elastomeric materials covering printing forms, top rollers, packings and substrate carriers
Note 1 to entry: Note to entry: In practice some of the materials are not rubber.
3.10
substrate
material to be printed on
3.11
substrate carrier
a mounting plate for the sample to be printed
Note 1 to entry: Note to entry: with on top a specific material for mechanical protection or to simulate the
hardness of the impression in printing practice or to accentuate the effect of the test on the printed image
3.12
top roller
a soft, elastomer covered roller
Note 1 to entry: Note to entry: used in a three-roller inking system for ink distribution and as ink transfer roller
to the printing form.
4 Apparatus
4.1 Inking Device
An electrical driven device, to generate a uniform ink film on the printing form, consisting of two inking
drums or rollers having contact with a top roller covered with a rubber or other elastomer with specific
quality for the test and the ink system. At least one of the inking drums shall oscillate to induce a
sideways distribution of the ink. The ink distributing surface area A of the rollers shall be known to the
2
nearest 0,1 cm . Each inking arrangement shall incorporate one or more holders on which the printing
form can be mounted to be inked.
The distributing surface area A is calculated as:
n
Ad=×()π ×l (1)
∑
nn
1
where
d is the diameter of roller or drum number (n);
n
l is the effective (ink containing) length of roller or drum number (n);
n
n is the number of rollers excluding the printing disc.
NOTE The terms "inked" and “ink” are used here to conform to general usage even when a pick test oil or
other simulant is used instead of an ink.
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4.2 Printing form
4.2.1 IGT-type
4.2.1.1 Aluminium
One or more aluminium printing forms, of specified width, with smooth edges, a diameter of
(65,0 ± 0,2) mm and a temperature-insulating handgrip. The weight of the disc shall be low enough to
weigh it on an analytical balance with an accuracy of 0,1 mg. An aluminium printing form shall always
be used in combination with a packing.
4.2.1.2 Elastomer
One or more rollers with a specific elastomer covered printing form, of specified width, a diameter of
(67,0 ± 1,5) mm, a hardness of the covering of (80+/-7) Shore A and a temperature-insulating handgrip.
The weight of the disc shall be low enough to weigh it on an analytical balance with an accuracy of
0,1 mg. An elastomer covered printing form shall not be used in combination with a packing. Different
rollers/elastomers for conventional or energy curing applications are required.
Note 1: Under certain circumstances it may be required to use a dedicated type of printing form, e.g.
coated, to prevent penetration of ink into the elastomer or with lower shore hardness, to get a good
print quality of the ink on the substrate to be used. In this case this must be mentioned in the report.
See Annex D for maintenance of elastomer printing forms.
4.2.1.3 Rubber blanket
One or more rollers with a specific rubber blanket covered printing form of specified width, a diameter
of (67,0 ± 1,5) mm and a temperature-insulating handgrip. The weight of the disc shall be low enough to
weigh it on an analytical balance with an accuracy of 0,1 mg. A rubber blanket printing form shall not
be used in combination with a packing.
See Annex D for maintenance of rubber blanket printing forms.
4.2.2 prüfbau-type
4.2.2.1 Aluminium
One or more aluminium printing forms, of specified width and a diameter of (65,0 ± 0,2). The weight of
the disc shall be low enough to weigh it on an analytical balance with an accuracy of 0,1 mg.
4.2.2.2 Elastomer
One or more rollers with a specific elastomer covered printing form, of specified width, with a diameter
of (65,0 ± 0,2) mm and a hardness of the covering of 85 Shore A. The weight of the printing form shall be
low enough to weigh it on an analytical balance with an accuracy of 0,1 mg. Different rollers/elastomers
for conventional or energy curing applications are required.
See Annex D for maintenance of elastomer printing forms.
4.2.2.3 Rubber blanket
One or more rollers with a specific rubber blanket covered printing form, of specified width and a
diameter of (65,0 ± 0,2). The weight of the disc shall be low enough to weigh it on an analytical balance
with an accuracy of 0,1 mg. Different rollers for conventional or energy curing applications are required.
See Annex D for maintenance of rubber blanket printing forms.
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4.2.3 Ink pipette
To apply an accurate quantity of ink to the inking device an ink pipette having a minimum volume
of 2 ml and a resolution of at least 0,01 ml, but preferably 0,001 ml or other device to apply the ink
volume with the required accuracy shall be used.
Note 1 If the inking device is equipped with a dispensing system with sufficient accuracy, or the applied
amount of ink is weighted, no ink pipette is required.
Note 2 In principle it is also possible to use the analytical balance to weigh the required amount of ink. In that
case the required ink film thickness can be calculated considering the mass density of the ink.
4.2.4 Top roller
One or more elastomer covered top rollers, with a specified diameter in accordance with the roller
system, a hardness of the covering of (33+/-7) Shore A. Different rollers for conventional or energy
curing applications are required or in case a hybrid rubber is used it shall be broken-in according to
Annex C.
See Annex D for maintenance of top rollers.
4.2.5 Substrate carrier
In case a round-flat principle is used, the substrate is mounted on a carrier to be fed through the nip
of the printability tester. The carrier is covered with a rubber blanket of specific quality and shall be
chosen for the sample thickness to be used in the test.
A substrate carrier shall only be used for the printing form for which it is used the first time.
See Annex D for maintenance of elastomer substrate carriers.
4.3 Printability tester
4.3.1 IGT-type
4.3.1.1 Round-round printing principle
An electrical driven printing device having an impression cylinder or sector with a radius of
(85,0 ± 0,2) mm. If the tests require the use of a packing the sector shall incorporate a facility enabling
a packing to be mounted on the sector under defined tension and a test piece to be mounted on or over
the packing. The sector shall be capable of being driven over a distance of at least 200 mm at a constant
speed. For some tests the speed may have to be adjustable as well.
The force with which the printing forms contacts the test piece on the sector shall be adjustable. The
actual force shall not deviate by more than ± 10 N or 5% from the set force.
Depending on the test to be executed the tester shall be equipped with one or more printing nips.
Note 1 It is important that the printing device is properly calibrated with regard to printing speed and
printing force between the printing form and the sector (see section Calibration).
Note 2 This document describes the method as used on the current models IGT testers printing according
to the round-round principle, most of the described procedures will also be applicable in analogy to the older
models but may require additional steps to be executed or recalculation of the settings to make them conform to
this document. Before using devices of (very) old age or of non-standard construction for inking and testing, it is
important to contact the supplier to confirm compliance with this International Standard.
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4.3.1.2 Round-on-flat printing principle
An electrical driven printing device having an impression cylinder. The system shall be capable to make
a print of at least 200 mm at a constant speed.
The force with which the printing forms contacts the test piece on the sector may be adjustable. The
actual force shall not deviate by more than ± 10 N or 5% from the set force.
Note Older and specific devices of this principle are produced with different or additional specifications,
check the instruction manual or contact your supplier to confirm if these are in conformance with this
international standard.
4.3.2 prüfbau type
An electrical driven pr
...