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D2066-07 – Standard Test Method Technical Guide
🖨️ Scope and Overview of Standard D2066-07
ASTM D2066-07 (Reapproved 2020) establishes test methods for determining the relative tinting strength of paste-type printing ink dispersions. This standard is essential for quality assurance in the graphic arts industry, allowing manufacturers to verify the consistency of pigment concentration across different batches of inks, flushed pigments, and related nonvolatile dispersions.
The test methods cover both visual and instrumental evaluation pathways, accommodating manual and automated mixing techniques. The methods are broadly applicable provided the dispersion is essentially nonvolatile under normal room conditions and a suitable wet reference standard (matching in pigmentation and consistency) is available. Values are stated in SI units.
⚙️ Test Procedures and Evaluation Methods
Two primary approaches for evaluating tinting strength are outlined in D2066, often complementing procedures from other industry standards:
- Visual Evaluation: Technicians prepare tints and judge relative strength by eye, adhering to specific viewing conditions (see ANSI PH 2.30).
- Instrumental Evaluation: Reflectance measurements are taken using spectrophotometers (hemispherical or bidirectional geometry per E1331/E1349) or tristimulus colorimeters (E1347). Instrumental data provides an objective metric for color strength and difference calculations, following practices like D2244.
💡 Technical Note: The instrumental procedures for tinting strength in D2066 are similar in principle to those described in Test Methods D387, D2745, D4838, and D6531. Users often cross-reference these standards for specific pigment types or dispersion media.
📋 Referenced Standards and Terminology
Key terminology includes masstone (or masscolor), defined as the color of a material thick enough to completely mask the background. Accurate application of the standard relies on precise definitions from Terminologies D16 and E284. The following table summarizes critical referenced documents for the evaluation of tinting strength:
| 📏 Designation | 🟦 Title | 🎯 Application |
|---|---|---|
| D387 | Color and Strength of Chromatic Pigments with Mechanical Muller | Chromatic pigment dispersion strength |
| D2745 | Relative Tinting Strength of White Pigments by Reflectance | White pigment evaluation |
| D4838 | Determining the Relative Tinting Strength of Chromatic Paints | Chromatic paint tinting strength |
| D6531 | Relative Tinting Strength of Aqueous Ink Systems (Instrumental) | Aqueous ink system evaluation |
| E1347 / E1331 / E1349 | Color Measurement Standards | Instrumental color and reflectance geometry |
The standard also specifies reliance on ANSI standards for reflection density geometry (PH 2.17), spectral conditions (PH 2.18), and viewing conditions (PH 2.30) to ensure consistency in measurement environments.
The following table outlines the primary evaluation pathways detailed in the standard, correlating the mixing method with the measurement principle:
| ⚡ Evaluation Type | 🛠️ Mixing Method | 📐 Measurement Principle |
|---|---|---|
| Visual | Manual or Automated | Comparison under controlled lighting (ANSI PH 2.30) |
| Instrumental | Manual or Automated | Spectrophotometry (E1331/E1349) or Tristimulus Colorimetry (E1347) |
⚠️ Critical Requirement: The applicability of these test methods is strictly limited to dispersions that are essentially nonvolatile under ordinary room conditions. A wet reference standard of the same pigmentation and consistency must be used for valid comparative results.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
🔍 What types of dispersions are applicable to ASTM D2066?
The standard is applicable to paste-type printing inks, flushed pigments, and other pigment dispersions that are essentially nonvolatile under ordinary room conditions. A wet reference standard of the same pigmentation and consistency is required.
💡 Can these test methods be used for both black and white dispersions?
Yes. The standard states that with the proper choice of tinting base, the methods are applicable to dispersions of any color, including black and white.
⚡ What is the difference between visual and instrumental evaluation in this context?
Visual evaluation relies on a trained operator comparing tinted samples under controlled lighting. Instrumental evaluation uses spectrophotometers or tristimulus colorimeters (per E1331, E1347, E1349) to provide an objective, numerical measurement of color and tinting strength.
📌 Why is a “masstone” definition important in D2066?
Terminology is strictly defined to avoid confusion. Masstone (or masscolor) is defined as the color of a material that is thick enough to mask any background, ensuring that tinting strength evaluations are based on the pigment’s inherent coloring power rather than substrate interference.