FINAT Test Methods

The importance of the FINAT Test Methods - Since its appearance 30 years ago, the FINAT Technical Handbook has been, and still is, one of the association’s major contributions to the global self-adhesive label industry. The book emphasises the importance of testing in this complex product arena, and currently features 30 test methods in all – including new tests for the evaluation of ‘bleeding’ through paper in labelstock constructions, and scratch-resistance of a UV ink film on different substrates. The latest addition is a test method for UV curing of varnish systems.

It goes without saying that without the members of the FINAT Test Methods working group, who are the driving force behind this authoritative benchmark, we would not be able to present to you a reliable source of test procedures. All credit goes to them.

The 10th edition is the latest edition of the Technical Handbook. Some sections have been removed, some have been completely rewritten or have been slightly modified. By removing some sections and shortening others we have tried to keep the Handbook as compact as possible, still making sure it contains all relevant and important information.

English is the global language, but we truly believe there is a need for translations into as many languages as we have the capacity to cover. At the moment the English, German, and French versions are available. All members are encouraged to provide input and feedback about the contents of the Handbook. Together we can make the next edition even more useful!

FTM 30 - Measurement of the UV drying of UV inks and white print colours

This new test method is intended for UV curing of transparent lacquers and UV white inks. It is not suitable for testing coloured UV inks, since the test method is based on colour-comparison testing. It exploits the reaction of potassium permanganate (KMnO4, 5% solution in water) with remaining unreacted acrylate groups present in the UV lacquer. Unreacted acrylate groups are oxidized by the potassium permanganate solution, and become visible as they undergo a colour change to dark brown. The colour density of the dark spots on the surface correlates well with the crosslinking level of the lacquer, and can be measured using a colorimeter. The darker the spot, the worse the lacquer crosslinking is.

NEW: Animated videos test methods

To provide a clearer and more comprehensive picture of how the test methods work, the FINAT Test Methods working group decided to create a simple visualisation of the process. Check out the following videos:

FTM1: Peel adhesion 180o at 300 mm per minute

FTM2: Peel adhesion 90o at 300 mm per minute

Disclaimer

Although the 30 FINAT Test Methods described in this publication have been prepared with the utmost care and accuracy, it should be noted that the safety, efficiency and performance of these tests methods and associated procedures are the responsibility of the end-user. FINAT cannot be held liable for any loss, damage or injury resulting from their application. Furthermore, the test methods and associated information do not in themselves imply any specification of performance relating to the materials under test.

Section 1: FINAT Test Methods & Reference List

FTM 1 Peel adhesion (180°) at 300mm per minute
FTM 2 Peel adhesion (90°) at 300mm per minute
FTM 3 Low speed release force
FTM 4 High speed release force (10 - 300 m per minute)
FTM 5 Accelerated ageing - Extended storage
FTM 6 Resistance to ultra-violet light
FTM 7 Silicone coat weight by energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectometry
FTM 8 Resistance to shear from a standard surface
FTM 9 Loop tack measurement
FTM 10 Quality of silicone coated substrates for self-adhesive laminates: release force (300 mm per minute)
FTM 11 Quality of silicone coated substrates for self-adhesive laminates: subsequent adhesion
FTM 12 Adhesive coat weight
FTM 13 Low temperature adhesion
FTM 14 Dimensional stability
FTM 15 Surface tension of plastic films
FTM 16 Chemical resistance - Spot method
FTM 17 Chemical resistance - Immersion method
FTM 18 Dynamic shear
FTM 19 Recycling compatibility of self-adhesive labels
FTM 20 Fluorescence and whiteness
FTM 21 Ink adhesion (basic)
FTM 22 Ink adhesion (advanced)
FTM 23 Die strike (a. paper; b. filmic paper)
FTM 24 Mandrel hold
FTM 25 Evaluation of silicone coverage of coated papers by use of a water based stain test
FTM 26 Wash-off paper and film labels
FTM 27 Ink rub test for UV printed labels, ink surface against substrate or ink surface
FTM 28 Evaluation of bleeding through paper (NEW)
FTM 29 Scratch resistance of an UV ink film on different print materials (NEW)
FTM 30 Measurement of the UV drying of UV inks and white print colours

Section 2: Guidelines

2.1. Recommended joins in self-adhesive laminates for roll labels
2.2. Processing recommendations
2.3. Surfaces requiring caution
2.4. Safety guide for users of self-adhesive label stock products
2.5. Handling and storage of label stock throughout printing and converting
2.6. Qualitative adhesion testing
2.7 Adhesives & Nomenclature for adhesives used in self-adhesive laminates
2.8. Unwind roll chart
2.9. Recommendations regarding static electricity
2.10 Advices about light fastness of printing inks and light exposition (NEW)

Section 3: Test equipment

3.1. Standard FINAT test roller
3.2. Automatic rolling devide
3.3. Sources of Test Equipment
3.4. Testing institutes
3.5. tesa test tapes product information and worldwide addresses

How to order

FINAT members and companies that become a member of FINAT automatically receive a complimentary copy in either English, German, French or business Chinese. Of course it is also possible to order additional copies (€ 35 p/copy for members, € 150 p/copy for non-members). FINAT members may also download the Technical Handbooks from the Download section. For extra copies or for orders from non-members, please use the online order form.

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