Standard Practice for Evaluating Ink or Coating Adhesion to Flexible Packaging Materials Using Tape

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
3.1 Poor adhesion of ink or coating to the base substrate can impact the readability of printed materials, affect the functionality of coated materials, or create a source of contamination. This practice provides a means for evaluating the adhesion of ink or coating to a flexible packaging material.  
3.2 For purposes of resolving inter-laboratory disagreements, test methods developed from this practice may be improved by defining and controlling the pressure and method of tape application, (for example, using weighted roller), and the speed and angle of tape removal.  
3.3 This practice does not address acceptability criteria. These need to be jointly determined by the user and producer of the product.
SCOPE
1.1 This practice describes a means of evaluating ink or coating adhesion to flexible packaging materials. This practice is intended for use on flexible packaging materials whose surfaces are not damaged by the application and removal of tape.  
1.2 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in each system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each system shall be used independently of the other. Combining values from the two systems may result in non-conformance with the standard.  
1.3 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

General Information

Status
Published
Publication Date
31-Aug-2018
Drafting Committee
F02.20 - Physical Properties

Relations

Effective Date
01-Sep-2018
Effective Date
01-May-2020
Effective Date
01-Oct-2015
Effective Date
15-Nov-2011
Effective Date
01-Apr-2010
Effective Date
01-Oct-2004
Effective Date
10-Oct-2002
Effective Date
10-Oct-2000

Overview

ASTM F2252/F2252M-13(2018) is a globally recognized standard published by ASTM International, providing a practical method for evaluating the adhesion of ink or coating to flexible packaging materials using a tape test. Proper adhesion of inks and coatings is vital in the packaging industry to ensure print readability, material functionality, and to prevent contamination. This standard outlines a straightforward, repeatable procedure to assess whether coatings or inks remain firmly attached to flexible substrates after tape removal.

Key Topics

  • Adhesion Testing Approach: The standard details a method where adhesive tape is applied to a packaging specimen and then removed to assess whether ink or coating is lifted from the surface. The procedure emphasizes not damaging the underlying substrate.
  • Test Apparatus: Common office adhesive tapes, such as 3M #610 or Sellotape, 19 to 25 mm wide, are recommended. The type of tape used should be agreed upon by both the supplier and customer.
  • Test Method Controls: For reliable results, variables such as pressure and method of tape application (like using a weighted roller), and the speed and angle of tape removal, should be precisely defined and controlled.
  • Sample Conditioning: Materials may require conditioning before testing, depending on the ink or coating. Referenced standards such as ASTM E171/E171M guide the proper conditioning of flexible barrier packaging.
  • Evaluation and Reporting: The standard specifies that the degree of adhesion is subjectively evaluated by inspecting both the sample and the tape for missing print or coating. Reference standards or visual guides may be used, and results should be determined mutually by the user and producer.
  • Units of Measure: Results are to be recorded either in SI or inch-pound units, but systems should not be mixed in reporting.

Applications

  • Quality Control in Packaging: This practice is widely used in quality assurance processes for flexible packaging to ensure that printed information and functional coatings adhere reliably during manufacturing and handling.
  • Print Readability and Product Integrity: By assessing ink or coating anchorage, stakeholders can prevent issues related to smudging or delamination, thereby maintaining brand image and regulatory compliance.
  • Supplier-Customer Agreements: The test method provides a common ground for suppliers and customers to define, evaluate, and agree upon acceptable levels of ink or coating adhesion.
  • Troubleshooting: The tape test is also useful for diagnosing production issues related to poor substrate compatibility, curing, or ink/coating formulation.

Related Standards

ASTM F2252/F2252M-13(2018) references and relates closely to the following standards:

  • ASTM D3330/D3330M - Standard Test Method for Peel Adhesion of Pressure-Sensitive Tape: Offers further guidance on measuring tape adhesion qualities, which is relevant for defining test conditions.
  • ASTM E171/E171M - Practice for Conditioning and Testing Flexible Barrier Packaging: Provides detailed instructions on sample conditioning, helpful for ensuring test consistency.

Keywords: ink adhesion, coating adhesion, flexible packaging, tape test, ASTM F2252, print quality, packaging integrity, quality control, packaging standards, coating evaluation

By adopting ASTM F2252/F2252M-13(2018), organizations in the flexible packaging industry can objectively assess and maintain ink and coating adhesion, enhancing product reliability and meeting consumer expectations.

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ASTM F2252/F2252M-13(2018) - Standard Practice for Evaluating Ink or Coating Adhesion to Flexible Packaging Materials Using Tape

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Frequently Asked Questions

ASTM F2252/F2252M-13(2018) is a standard published by ASTM International. Its full title is "Standard Practice for Evaluating Ink or Coating Adhesion to Flexible Packaging Materials Using Tape". This standard covers: SIGNIFICANCE AND USE 3.1 Poor adhesion of ink or coating to the base substrate can impact the readability of printed materials, affect the functionality of coated materials, or create a source of contamination. This practice provides a means for evaluating the adhesion of ink or coating to a flexible packaging material. 3.2 For purposes of resolving inter-laboratory disagreements, test methods developed from this practice may be improved by defining and controlling the pressure and method of tape application, (for example, using weighted roller), and the speed and angle of tape removal. 3.3 This practice does not address acceptability criteria. These need to be jointly determined by the user and producer of the product. SCOPE 1.1 This practice describes a means of evaluating ink or coating adhesion to flexible packaging materials. This practice is intended for use on flexible packaging materials whose surfaces are not damaged by the application and removal of tape. 1.2 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in each system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each system shall be used independently of the other. Combining values from the two systems may result in non-conformance with the standard. 1.3 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE 3.1 Poor adhesion of ink or coating to the base substrate can impact the readability of printed materials, affect the functionality of coated materials, or create a source of contamination. This practice provides a means for evaluating the adhesion of ink or coating to a flexible packaging material. 3.2 For purposes of resolving inter-laboratory disagreements, test methods developed from this practice may be improved by defining and controlling the pressure and method of tape application, (for example, using weighted roller), and the speed and angle of tape removal. 3.3 This practice does not address acceptability criteria. These need to be jointly determined by the user and producer of the product. SCOPE 1.1 This practice describes a means of evaluating ink or coating adhesion to flexible packaging materials. This practice is intended for use on flexible packaging materials whose surfaces are not damaged by the application and removal of tape. 1.2 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in each system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each system shall be used independently of the other. Combining values from the two systems may result in non-conformance with the standard. 1.3 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

ASTM F2252/F2252M-13(2018) is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 87.080 - Inks. Printing inks. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.

ASTM F2252/F2252M-13(2018) has the following relationships with other standards: It is inter standard links to ASTM F2252/F2252M-13e1, ASTM E171/E171M-11(2020), ASTM E171/E171M-11(2015), ASTM E171/E171M-11, ASTM D3330/D3330M-04(2010), ASTM D3330/D3330M-04, ASTM D3330/D3330M-02, ASTM D3330/D3330M-00. Understanding these relationships helps ensure you are using the most current and applicable version of the standard.

ASTM F2252/F2252M-13(2018) is available in PDF format for immediate download after purchase. The document can be added to your cart and obtained through the secure checkout process. Digital delivery ensures instant access to the complete standard document.

Standards Content (Sample)


This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: F2252/F2252M − 13 (Reapproved 2018)
Standard Practice for
Evaluating Ink or Coating Adhesion to Flexible Packaging
Materials Using Tape
ThisstandardisissuedunderthefixeddesignationF2252/F2252M;thenumberimmediatelyfollowingthedesignationindicatestheyear
of original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval.
A superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope 3.2 For purposes of resolving inter-laboratory
disagreements, test methods developed from this practice may
1.1 This practice describes a means of evaluating ink or
be improved by defining and controlling the pressure and
coating adhesion to flexible packaging materials. This practice
method of tape application, (for example, using weighted
is intended for use on flexible packaging materials whose
roller), and the speed and angle of tape removal.
surfaces are not damaged by the application and removal of
tape. 3.3 This practice does not address acceptability criteria.
These need to be jointly determined by the user and producer
1.2 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units
of the product.
are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in
each system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each
4. Apparatus
system shall be used independently of the other. Combining
4.1 3M #610 or Sellotape office adhesive tape is commonly
values from the two systems may result in non-conformance
used for this procedure, typically 19 to 25 mm ( ⁄4 to 1 in.)
with the standard.
wide. Whichever tape is chosen should be agreed upon by
1.3 This international standard was developed in accor-
customer and supplier.
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
4.1.1 Manufacturers storage and shelf-life recommenda-
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
tions should be followed or acceptability determined through
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
real-time aging and laboratory tests. Test Method D3330/
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
D3330M gives guidance on testing. Again, as stated in 3.3,
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
acceptability criteria is a matter of agreement between cus-
tomer and supplier.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
5. Sampling
D3330/D3330M Test Method for PeelAdhesion of Pressure-
5.1 The number of samples tested should be adequate to be
Sensitive Tape
predictive of performance. Caution should be taken when
E171/E171M Practice for Conditioning and Testing Flexible
eliminating samples with defects as this can bias results.
Barrier Packaging
6. Conditioning
3. Significance and Use
6.1 Conditioning of the samples will depend on the material
3.1 Poor adhesion of ink or coating to the base substrate can
under evaluation. If conditioning before testing is appropriate,
impact the readability of printed materials, affect the function-
normal, and desirable, refer to E171/E171M for guidance.
ality of coated materials, or create a source of contamination.
This practice provides a means for evaluating the adhesion of
6.2 Before testing catalyzed or cured inks or coatings, or
ink or coating to a flexible packaging material.
both, ensure that the samples have been exposed to the
appropriate conditions for sufficient time to allow complete
cure.
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM
...

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