Overview
ISO 12634:2017 - Graphic technology - Determination of tack of paste inks and vehicles by a rotary tackmeter - specifies a standardized test procedure for measuring the tack (restoring force on roller separation) of neat paste inks and vehicles. The method applies to low‑volatility, unreactive materials over the test timespan and covers modern electrically driven three‑roller rotary tackmeters. Two measurement platforms are recognized: Geometry A (Inkometer®, Inkomat®) and Geometry B (TackOscope®, TackTester®).
The standard aims to produce comparable tack readings between users and equipment when test conditions and instrument settings are specified and followed.
Key Topics and Requirements
- Scope: Tack measurement for paste inks and vehicles (not emulsions containing fountain solution).
- Apparatus: Electrically driven three‑roller tackmeter with:
- metallic, temperature‑controlled central roller (accuracy ±0.1 °C);
- elastomer distribution and measuring rollers;
- force sensor with at least three relevant digits;
- tack reading/output (display/computer/printer) and calibration device.
- Principle: Generate a uniform ink film across rollers and measure the restoring force produced when the ink film splits on separating roller surfaces.
- Instrument geometries: Basic descriptions of Inkometer/Inkomat (Geometry A) and TackOscope/TackTester (Geometry B) are given to harmonize settings across platforms.
- Test procedure elements:
- calibration and periodic reference testing (Annex A) to monitor materials and device deterioration;
- conditioning/breaking‑in of rollers (Annex C);
- sampling, sample conditioning and preparation;
- specific operational settings (speed, film thickness, temperature) standardized across platforms for external communication; deviations must be reported.
- Factors influencing tack: separation velocity, splitting area, film thickness, temperature, nip pressure, roller surface and elastomer properties, roller condition and cleaning.
Applications and Who Uses It
ISO 12634:2017 is used for:
- Quality control of paste inks and vehicles in manufacturing and supply chains.
- R&D and product development to compare formulations and rubber/ink interactions.
- Pressroom troubleshooting - correlating tack with press phenomena such as pick, wet trapping and mottle.
- Independent testing laboratories and instrument manufacturers validating equipment and calibration routines.
Typical users: ink manufacturers, printers, testing labs, raw‑material suppliers, and equipment vendors involved in graphic technology and print production.
Related Standards
- Normative reference: ISO 187 (standard atmosphere for conditioning and testing).
- Historical basis: the method is based on content from ASTM D4361.
- Note: mechanical tackmeters are excluded from this document.
Keywords: ISO 12634:2017, tackmeter, tack measurement, paste inks, rotary tackmeter, Inkometer, TackOscope, graphic technology, ink quality control.
