Quantifying Matting Agent Displacement in Package Printing Overprint Coatings
Quantifying matting agent displacement requires z-axis Raman depth profiling and strict viscosity recovery control to stop gloss drift and scuff failure.
TAPPI T830
Abrasion Procedure
Standardized testing protocol evaluates the scuff resistance of printed inks and coatings on various substrates. Application of tappi t830 involves rubbing two printed surfaces against each other or against a standard abrasive material under a controlled weight. It determines the durability of the graphics during the vibrations of transport.
Laboratory Method
Mechanical arm of the tester moves the test specimen in an arc or a straight line for a fixed number of cycles. Results from tappi t830 are visually inspected for ink transfer or surface degradation. This provides a repeatable way to compare the performance of different ink systems or varnish types.
Quality Benchmarking
Print shops and brand owners use the data to set acceptance limits for new packaging projects. Compliance with tappi t830 ensures that the labels or cartons will arrive at the retail destination without unsightly marks. The method is widely used in North America for corrugated and folding carton assessment.
It isolates the variables of pressure and speed to provide a clear picture of the ink film integrity. When a sample fails this test, the production team might need to increase the oven temperature or add more hardening agents to the coating. This proactive testing prevents expensive product returns.