Liquid Standard
Formulated mixtures of formamide and ethyl cellosolve are used to measure the surface energy of nonporous or treated substrates. Laboratory and pressroom operators apply dyne test solutions to determine if a surface has been sufficiently treated to accept inks or adhesives. These liquids are prepared to specific surface tension values ranging from thirty to seventy dynes per centimeter.
Wetting Test
Applying the liquid to the substrate with a cotton swab or draw pen reveals the wetting behavior within a specified two second window. If the applied film of dyne test solutions does not bead up or shrink the surface energy of the substrate is equal to or higher than the value of the test liquid. Conversely a film that breaks into individual droplets indicates insufficient treatment meaning the board must be treated again or rejected.
This manual method offers a fast check on the production floor to avoid adhesion failures.
Quality Protocol
Standardized testing procedures dictate that the technician must start with a medium value liquid and adjust up or down based on the wetting results. Consistent use of these dyne test solutions provides a reliable pass or fail metric before committing expensive inks to the press.
