New Water-Based Flexographic Ink Standard: Classification, Testing, Packaging and Storage

This standard covers new water-based inks for flexographic printing and specifies product varieties, technical requirements, test rules, and marking, packaging, transport and storage. It applies to water-based inks made mainly from water-soluble resins, with pigments, fillers and additives added and then processed by compound grinding; such products can be widely used in flexographic and gravure printing for food, tobacco and alcohol, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, children's toys and other printed packaging.

1. Referenced standards

The clauses contained in the following documents become clauses of this standard through citation in this standard. At the time this standard was published, the versions shown were valid. All standards may be revised, and parties using this standard should examine whether the latest versions of the following standards can be used.

ZAB17005 Classification, naming and types of printing ink products; GB/T1723—1993 Test method for viscosity of coatings; GB/T13217.5－1991 Standard test method for gravure plastic inks — initial dryness test; GB/T14624.1－1993 Test method for ink color; GB/T14624.2－1993 Test method for ink tinting strength; QB559－1983 Test method for ink fineness; QB568－1983 Test methods for ink resistance to ethanol, alkali, acid and water; QB567－1983 Test method for ink stability; QB573－1987 Test method for ink gloss.

1. Product classification

Depending on product color, spot colors can be prepared on request, and the model must satisfy ZBA17005.

1. Technical requirements

The product must meet the following technical indicators: color close to the standard sample; fineness no greater than 20 um; tinting strength 90%–110%; viscosity, measured with a coating No. 4 cup at 25℃, of 50±30 seconds; initial dryness 30–50 cm; good alkali resistance and water resistance; good storage stability at 5–30℃; gloss above 40% when measured with a reflectance glossmeter at 60℃.

1. Test methods

5.1 Color is tested using the method specified in GB/T14624.1.

5.2 Tinting strength is tested using the method specified in GB/T14624.2.

5.3 Fineness is tested using the method specified in QB559.

5.4 Viscosity is tested using the method specified in GB/T1723.

5.5 Initial dryness is tested using the method specified in GB/T13217.5.

5.6 Alkali resistance and water resistance are tested under QB568. The procedure is: take printed samples after they are fully dried, immerse them separately in 1% sodium hydroxide solution and in water, remove them after 24 hours, and compare them with the color sample for changes.

5.7 Storage stability is tested using the method specified in QB567.

5.8 Gloss is tested using the method specified in QB/T573.

1. Inspection rules

6.1 Before dispatch, products must be inspected by the manufacturer's inspection department. They may leave the factory only after passing inspection and with a certificate of conformity attached.

6.2 Factory inspection items are color, fineness and viscosity.

6.3 Type inspection is required in any of the following cases: a. trial production and finalization appraisal for a new product, or for an old product transferred to another factory; b. after formal production begins, if major changes in structure, materials or process may affect product quality; c. once every six months during normal production; d. when production resumes after a long shutdown.

6.4 Type inspection items are tinting strength, gloss, alkali resistance, water resistance and storage stability.

6.5 Products of the same color produced in the same period form one batch. At least 50 grams must be sampled from each batch, and samples must be kept clean and sealed.

6.6 If any inspection item fails, double samples must be taken again from the same batch for re-inspection. The re-inspection result prevails; if it still fails, the batch is judged unqualified.

6.7 If the supplier and buyer disagree over inspection results and cannot resolve the issue through negotiation, arbitration inspection may be carried out by a product quality supervision and inspection institution.

1. Marking, packaging, transport and storage

7.1 Water-based inks are sealed in plastic drums or iron boxes; iron boxes are then placed in outer cartons.

7.2 The outside of the plastic drum must have a label or print showing the trademark, manufacturer, product name, type, product standard number, weight, batch number and date of manufacture.

7.3 The outer packaging surface must also show the trademark, manufacturer name, product name, type, product standard number, quantity, weight, batch number, date of manufacture and a do-not-turn-over mark.

7.4 As long as the packaging requirements in 7.1 are met, the product may be transported by vehicles, ships, aircraft and other means of transport.

7.5 During transport and handling, the product must not be thrown, dropped, bumped or knocked, so as to prevent packaging damage and ink leakage.

7.6 The product must not be stored outdoors. It should be kept within 5–53℃, and the warehouse must be dry, ventilated, moisture-proof and away from fire sources.

7.7 Under the storage conditions in 7.6, the product has a valid shelf life of one year from the date of manufacture. After expiry, all indicators must be re-tested to see whether they meet this standard.

— Source: China Packaging Network (pack.cn), original link: http://news.pack.cn/show-362308.html