ASTM D5264 Abrasion Resistance of Printed Materials by the Sutherland Rub Tester

Testing Standard:

ASTM D5264 Test Method for Abrasion Resistance of Printed Materials by the Sutherland Rub Tester

Standard Number
ASTM D5264

Standard Title
Test Method for Abrasion Resistance of Printed Materials by the Sutherland Rub Tester

Overview for ASTM D5264:

ASTM D5264 is a test method used to decide abrasion resistance of printed materials by the Sutherland Rub tester. There is an equivalent resource to the Sutherland Rub Tester that is equipped with a full-width rubber pad and standardized receptors. According to ASTM, this test method applies to the likes of labels, folding cartons, corrugated boxes, inserts, circulars and other packaging materials. Purple Diamond Testing offers ASTM D5264 Testing as part of our packaging compliance and validation services.

Rationale for ASTM D5264:

ASTM D5264 – Test Method for Abrasion Resistance of Printed Materials by the Sutherland Rub Tester. The definition of abrasion resistance is the ability of a printed surface to resist mechanical destruction. We evaluate this method by mounting the specimen on top of the rubber pad you see in the image below. The entire test time is decided by the number of strokes the sample is rubbed. The number of strokes is present on the Sutherland timer. By the end, the receptor is analyzed to decide the amount of ink that transferred from the sample specimen.

The apparatus, or Sutherland Rub Tester should be prepared before each test. This is done by making sure the machine itself is set somewhere sturdy, so it does not fall. The room temperature should ideally be 73.4 +- 2 degrees Fahrenheit. It should be noted that having a high number of strokes when doing this test is not recommended due to the generation of heat which can alter the results. 

The specimen itself should also be prepared for this test. It should preferably be a flat sample with absolutely no ridges or other surface discrepancies. The test administrator should cut the specimen whenever possible. Smaller samples may be evaluated if they are mounted to a 76 by 152-mm template. Be mindful of not contaminating the sample with fingerprints during handling. The specimen temperature should be conditioned at the same as the Rub Tester. The direction of the machine and the way that the sample is placed should be parallel to the 76-mm width. The purpose of this is to make sure that the specimen is being rubbed across the machine.

For the procedure process, the rub tester should have a pad mounted to the top of it, as mentioned earlier. The pad itself will need to be replaced regularly due to the degradation of it. Over time the integrity of the pad becomes compromised due to oxidation that makes the rubber part brittle. Failure to replace pads may result in automatic test failure results. After the pad is replaced, it should be lightly brushed with a hair anti-static brush to remove any potentially abrasive particles from the surface.

For the evaluation part of the entire test method, each sample used for testing purposes will be examined for any degradation or compromised quality. Each receptor will be analyzed for material transferred from the print. It is then paramount to report all test conditions and results for abrasion using predetermined criteria set up by interested parties. Some of the keywords surrounding this test method are Sutherland, printing inks, printing, Sutherland Ink, Rub Tester, Abrasion, Bar Codes, and more!

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