Paper and Ink Stability Test:

This test measures the ability of a paper to absorb the thin oils from ink. As the oils leave the ink film, the ink sets and after time, eventually dries. If the ink contains heavy oxidation-type oils, it sets slowly. If the ink is formulated with hydrocarbon oils, it will be fast setting. During this test, we measure the splitting forces of the ink on the paper. Over time, this generates a setting curve, and the slope of this curve is reported as the rate at which the ink and paper combination “set”. A standard “Fast Set” cyan ink is used for this test, but any ink can be used.

Learn more about this test. Download here >> 

The “Water” Sensitivity Test:

During this test, we simultaneously apply fountain solution and ink to the paper sample. This test tells us whether or not the paper’s surface can accept enough fountain solution to print without snowflaking or poor solids. A densitometer is used to calculate the % of ink transfer in the “water area” and also records the % of wet coating pick, if any, on the sample. This test is particularly useful when testing coated papers, since differences in wet pick can be due to drying conditions (amount and degree of cure of the binder) or the % of starch in the binder system

Learn more about this test. Download here >>

The Mottle Test:

We always evaluate the uniformity of ink absorption, since mottle on a job is cause for rejection. We run this test using two inks, and print them in reverse tack order. If the paper is non-uniform in its absorption on the surface, the first down ink will build tack non-uniformly, and will trap the second ink unevenly. This mottle is rated visually from a “1” being the best to a “5” being poor. Mottle on press is dependent on this test together with the results of the P&I Stability and Water Sensitivity tests.

Learn more about this test. Download here >>

Delamination:

Our delamination test was developed for use on coated recycled board products. This test incorporates the effect of both the “flexing” of the board through the transfer cylinders of the press as well as the surface forces of the ink building tack on the surface. This is a pass-fail test. First the board is rotated in our flexor unit, and then it is placed in the TestPress, where a controlled ink film is printed onto the surface. A print is made every 10 seconds, 4 times only. Any delamination is noted as failure.

Learn more about this test. Download here >>

Blister Resistance:

Solid prints are made at a controlled ink film thickness of .05 mils, with temperature neutral ink. The samples are run through the HeatSet tester, which measures the paper surface temperature, or (web exit temperature) of the print. The samples are evaluated visually for blistering. The endpoint is marked when blister occurs. This temperature is reported as the maximum temperature that the paper can achieve without blistering.

Learn more about this test. Download here >>

Print Gloss:

Gloss can be measured at 20, 60, or 75 degrees. For print gloss, the wet ink film thickness we use is measured at 0.05 mils. This thickness remains constant throughout most of our test procedures. We can also apply gloss coatings and flexographic inks as well. Print gloss can be done for heatset web offset inks and papers, sheetfed inks and papers as well as UV and flexographic processes.

Learn more about this test. Download here >>