ASTM D4040-10
Standard Test Method for Rheological Properties of Paste Printing and Vehicles by the Falling-Rod Viscometer

Standard No.

ASTM D4040-10

Release Date

2010

Published By

American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM)

Status

Be replaced

Replace By

ASTM D4040-10(2019)

Latest

ASTM D4040-10(2019)

Scope

Apparent viscosity at the relatively high shear rate of 2500 s⁻¹ does not completely define the rheological properties of printing inks but is useful in the practical control of ink viscosity during production and the specification acceptance between supplier and purchaser.

The slope of the power law plot is the preferred measure of non-Newtonianism. The yield value, which is obtained by extrapolation of high-shear measurements to a shear rate approaching zero, does not conform to the definition of the true yield stress (see 3.1.7). The yield value and other low shear parameters are also subject to a high degree of variability (see the precision table in Section 17).

1.1 This test method covers the procedure for determining the falling-rod viscosity and degree of non-Newtonian behavior of printing inks, vehicles, and similar liquids that are essentially nonvolatile and unreactive under ordinary room conditions.

1.2 For printing inks, which are typically non-Newtonian, this test method is applicable in the apparent viscosity range from about 10 to 300 P at a shear rate of 2500 s⁻¹. For Newtonian liquids, the applicable viscosity range is about 10 to 1000 P (1 P = 0.1 Pa·s).

1.3 This test method uses a falling-rod viscometer in which shear conditions are altered by manually adding weight to the rod. A fully automatic instrument is described in Test Method D6606.

1.4 This test method, as does Test Method D6606, bases calculations on the power law model of viscosity. ISO 12644 covers not only the power law but also the Casson and Bingham models.

1.5 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.

1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. For specific hazard statements, see Section 8.

ASTM D4040-10 Referenced Document

• ASTM D445 Standard Test Method for Kinematic Viscosity of Transparent and Opaque Liquids (the Calculation of Dynamic Viscosity)
• ASTM D6606 Standard Test Method for Viscosity and Yield of Vehicles and Varnishes by the Duke Viscometer
• ISO 12644 Graphic technology - Determination of rheological properties of paste inks and vehicles by the falling rod viscometer

ASTM D4040-10 history

• 2019 ASTM D4040-10(2019) Standard Test Method for Rheological Properties of Paste Printing and Vehicles by the Falling-Rod Viscometer
• 2010 ASTM D4040-10 Standard Test Method for Rheological Properties of Paste Printing and Vehicles by the Falling-Rod Viscometer
• 2005 ASTM D4040-05 Standard Test Method for Rheological Properties of Paste Printing and Vehicles by the Falling-Rod Viscometer
• 1999 ASTM D4040-99 Standard Test Method for Viscosity of Printing Inks and Vehicles by the Falling-Rod Viscometer