Think of ink to the substrate as shampoo is to the scalp. If you use the wrong type of shampoo, it can cause dandruff. Likewise, if the wrong ink is applied to the substrate, the ink can fail, with the result that the ink flakes off, much like dandruff. Fortunately, there are tests that can help identify both problems.
To test your scalp for flakes, you can perform a scratch test. For accurate scalp scratch test results, wear a black t-shirt and use a black light to identify debris while scratching. Signs that this test was necessary are the apparently irresistible failed pick-up lines, the kids walking behind you in the summer singing "It's starting to look a lot like Christmas," and other such scenes. When dealing with peeling, uncured or easily ablative inks, performing the ASTM F2252-03, tape test can determine whether ink adhesion to the substrate is acceptable. Poor ink or coating adhesion can affect readability, functionality, and even cause contamination. The last thing any company wants is to use labels in-line or in the field that may experience ink failure. ASTM F2252-03 tape testing can help identify these risks in advance.
There's much more to the ASTM F2252-03 test than just a piece of duct tape and a little tug-of-war. To avoid poor results, it is necessary to be as consistent as possible when performing tests. The ASTM F2252-03 test requires only 0.75-1.0 inch wide 3M #610 tape for testing water-based inks, 3M #810 tape for testing UV inks, and knowing each other how to use the tapes when testing. It cannot be overemphasized that both the printer and the end user understand how to perform the test and how to interpret the results to make it an effective and valuable testing method.
It is important to develop standard conditioning tests. Typical things to consider are the following:
An adequate sample size to test should be determined
Conditioning consistency of samples; ambient temperature, moisture exposure, ink curing time, tape usage time, etc.
Yazhi's age and attributes remain the same. (Note: The same test on a one-year-old material may differ significantly from a three-year-old material. Surface energy treatments will decrease over time.)
Here's how to manage tests:
Testing should be done on a flat surface free of wrinkles, creases or folds.
Cut a piece of #610 or #810 tape to use. When sizing the tape, try to keep the length under 12 inches for easier handling.
After adjusting the size, use your fingers or thumb to apply the tape to the surface of the coated substrate, making sure to avoid any wrinkles or air bubbles.
Make sure the scotch tape is set at a consistent time. For this example, let's call it 10 seconds.
Peel the tape off by holding the sample at a 120-150 degree angle with a uniform motion of about 12 to 18 inches per second. For those of you who don't know how fast 12 to 18 inches per second is, you should recall that tape test you once did with your younger sibling. 12 to 18 inches per second is about as fast as you can peel off the tape where it causes pain but doesn't tear your lip. I always remember that my tape test works.
Check the sample for ink peeling.
Record the results and save the sample.
I guess your question now is, what if your tape looks like it picked up half the confetti from the Bourbon Street Mardi Gras celebration after the Super Bowl? If this happens, be sure to tell that all possible variables are standardized. It will then be in the hands of the producer to provide an appropriate solution to the user. This could be any of the following:
Increase the allowable curing time of the ink before performing the tape test.
Increasing the surface energy of a material (AKA Dyne Level) by using corona treatments, material primers, raw materials from different manufacturers, etc…
Check the ink being applied. The resins used for film substrates are usually softer than those used on paper for better adhesion. Make sure to use the correct one.
Toggles the ink being applied. eg water based to UV
Changing your shampoo to get rid of dandruff may seem simple, but just changing your shampoo doesn't necessarily mean your dandruff will go away. It is important to do the right switch to eliminate flakes. This is very similar to the ink adhesion problem. There are a lot of variables, and just because a problem has been identified doesn't mean there's a definitive solution. Use the ASTM F2252-03 tape test as an indicative measure
