This guide covers a list of test methods, practices, guides, and specifications that can be used for the testing and evaluation of printing ink vehicles and their components thereof. Included here are methods that were developed to test impact and non-impact inks and vehicles associated with letterpress, lithography, flexography and gravure. Tests on raw materials and analytical tests in general have been included as well.

1.1 This guide covers a list of test methods, practices, guides, and specifications that can be used for the testing and evaluation of printing ink vehicles and components thereof (see Table 1).2

1.2 This guide includes methods that were developed to test impact and non-impact inks and vehicles associated with letterpress, lithography, flexography and gravure. Tests on raw materials and analytical tests in general have been included.

1.3 Other ASTM standards not specified here may also be applicable.

1.4 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, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

1.5 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.