Overview
ASTM D7805-13(2021) – Standard Terminology for Printing Ink Vehicles and Related Materials provides a comprehensive set of definitions for terms commonly used in the field of printing ink vehicles and their raw materials. This international standard is developed by ASTM International in alignment with the principles set forth by the World Trade Organization’s Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee. The document is essential in fostering clear communication among manufacturers and users of printing ink, ink vehicles, resins, solvents, oils, and other related materials.
By establishing a common language, this terminology standard helps reduce misunderstandings across the printing ink supply chain and supports technical discussions, compliance, and training.
Key Topics
ASTM D7805-13(2021) covers a wide range of terms and definitions, focused on the following key areas:
- Printing Ink Vehicles: Definitions of vehicle components such as resins, oils, solvents, and additives that carry and bind pigments within inks.
- Resins and Polymers: Detailed terminology related to acrylic resins, alkyds, cellulose derivatives, phenolic resin, polyamides, polyesters, polyurethanes, and more.
- Functional Additives: Explanations of terms like antioxidants, biocides, driers, photoinitiators, and gellants that affect ink properties and stability.
- Physical Properties: Definitions related to adhesion, cohesion, viscosity, tack, gel, solubility, and compatibility, which are crucial in ink formulation and performance.
- Process Descriptions: Clarification of curing processes, such as energy curing (UV and electron beam), evaporation, and solubility testing.
- Testing and Measurement: Reference to key methodologies and metrics such as volatile content, nonvolatile content, kauri butanol value (KB), amine value, and acid number.
Applications
The terminology defined in ASTM D7805-13(2021) is vital for various practical applications throughout the printing industry:
- Product Development: Ensures accurate communication between chemists, formulators, and suppliers during the formulation of new printing inks and vehicles.
- Quality Control: Provides a standardized vocabulary for testing procedures and quality benchmarks for raw materials and finished ink products.
- Procurement and Supply Chain: Supports clear specifications and requirements for purchasing raw materials such as resins, oils, solvents, and additives.
- Technical Documentation: Assists in the preparation of datasheets, safety documents, and compliance materials using consistent terminology.
- Training and Education: Facilitates technical training for staff, ensuring industry professionals share an understanding of key terms.
Related Standards
For a comprehensive approach to printing ink vehicle testing and quality assurance, ASTM D7805-13(2021) directly references several other ASTM standards:
- ASTM D2369: Test Method for Volatile Content of Coatings
- ASTM D4713: Test Methods for Nonvolatile Content of Heatset and Liquid Printing Ink Systems
- ASTM D6419: Test Method for Volatile Content of Sheet-Fed and Coldset Web Offset Printing Inks
Professionals engaged in ink manufacturing or research are encouraged to consult these related documents for additional test details and procedural guidance.
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