Abrasion Measurement
Evaluation of print durability on folding cartons and paperboard prevents ink smearing during subsequent transport and handling operations. The German standard din 55415 specifies the technical criteria for evaluating how well printed surfaces resist mechanical rubbing. It applies to printed sheets and folding cartons used in retail distribution.
Inadequate rub resistance leads to scuffed graphics and compromised brand presentation on store shelves.
Test Procedure
Mechanical simulation of shipping friction involves a standardized testing apparatus with controlled weight and movement. Under din 55415, the printed sample is held securely while a friction block covered in reference paper rubs across the surface. This instrument applies a constant pressure over a fixed number of stroke cycles to simulate transport stresses.
The test is performed under dry, damp or oil-exposed conditions to replicate diverse shipping environments. Operators calibrate the stroke speed to maintain consistency across different testing runs.
Quality Assessment
Verification of the rubbed surface relies on visual comparison against reference scales or densitometer readings of the transfer sheet. Examiners inspect the degree of ink transfer to the unprinted test paper and the loss of density on the original print. If ink rub-off is too high, the packaging lot fails the quality threshold.
This measurement guides converters in selecting protective varnishes and durable ink systems.
