Tack of printing inks controls their high-speed transfer properties, as manifested by throughput in roll milling, picking of paper during printing, and wet trapping in multicolor printing. Although an apparent tack measurement does not completely predict the transfer performance of an ink or a vehicle, it provides a meaningful parameter for quality control, development, and research.

A number of three-roller tackmeters are available that differ in design features such as roller weight, geometry, and composition of the distribution system. Instruments of different types do not give the same apparent tack readings.

Instruments of the same type will only give apparent tack readings within tolerance, provided that they are maintained and calibrated properly and in the same manner.

1.1 This test method covers the procedure for determining the apparent tack of printing inks using a three-roller tackmeter.

1.2 This test method is applicable to all paste-type printing inks and vehicles that are essentially nonvolatile under ordinary room conditions, provided that any elastomer covered rollers in the tackmeter are resistant to attack by the particular ink or vehicle chemistry. Different elastomers may be required for different ink or vehicle chemistries.

1.3 This test method covers three-roller tackmeters of two different geometries, referred to as Geometry A and Geometry B.

1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.

1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.