Contact

Test ink

for determining surface energy

Test inks are a proven and easy-to-use tool for quickly determining the surface energy of materials. They enable reliable assessment of wettability and are therefore an important part of quality assurance prior to bonding, coating or printing.
Especially after plasma or corona treatments, test inks provide quick information about the effectiveness of the process.

Typical applications

Test inks are used in numerous industrial sectors and support consistently high process quality:

  • Incoming goods inspection of plastics, films and components
  • Process control after plasma or corona treatment
  • Quality assurance in series production
  • Preparation and inspection of printing, bonding and coating processes
Play Video
Free sample package
Order Form

How test inks work

Test inks are based on defined surface tensions and enable a quick, visual assessment of a material’s surface energy. To take a measurement, the test ink is applied evenly to the surface to be tested using an applicator, pen or brush.

If the ink remains evenly distributed for a certain period of time (usually approx. 2 seconds) and does not run, the surface energy of the material corresponds at least to the value of the test ink used. If, on the other hand, the ink contracts or forms droplets, the surface energy is lower than the specified value.

By using several test inks with different surface energy values, the limit value of the surface can be determined step by step. In this way, it is possible to check whether a surface is sufficiently activated or whether further pre-treatment – for example, using plasma or corona technology – is necessary.

The method is particularly suitable for quick spot checks, incoming goods inspections and process-accompanying checks during ongoing production.

Advantages of TIGRES test inks

  • Quick and easy application without measuring devices
  • Reproducible and meaningful results
  • Suitable for different materials and surfaces
  • Ideal for controlling plasma and corona pretreatments
  • Supports stable and secure production processes

The perfect complement to plasma technology

Test inks are the ideal complement to plasma and corona systems from TIGRES. They enable direct control of surface activation and help to check and optimise process parameters. This ensures that your pre-treatment is reproducible and reliable.

Inks from the A series in accordance with DIN ISO 8296 and ASTM D 2578-99a. These blue inks are a mixture of formamide and ethylene glycol (toxic) in varying proportions. They cover the surface energy range of 30–58 mN/m. This ink type is the standard type and the most widely used on the market. They are suitable for PE, PP and similar substrates. These inks cannot be used for PU and soft PVC.

Inks in the B series are a methanol-water mixture in accordance with DIN 53364, Series B, and DIN ISO 8296, red. Depending on the methanol content, these liquids are more or less toxic. They cover the range from 23 to 72 mN/m. They can also be used for soft PVC.

Inks in the C series are also red in colour and consist of a mixture of ethanol and water. This range of inks is harmless to health and was developed in accordance with DIN ISO 8296. It is available with surface tension values of 30–72 mN/m. Due to its physiological safety, this type of ink is becoming increasingly popular on the market and is suitable for all substrates.

The E series corresponds to the alkane series with the following surface tensions: 16, 18, 20 and 25 mN/m. These clear liquids have zero polarity.

The F series consists of a water-salt mixture with values of 77 and 82 mN/m, which exceed the water wetting tension of 72 mN/m.

Order Form
Instructions
Price-list
Shopping Basket