ASTM D6038-14

1.1 These test methods cover the manual and automatic procedures for testing the compatibility of lithographic ink resins in high boiling ink solvents by precipitation temperature (cloud point) in a range from 35 to 210°C.

1.2 The manual procedure in this test method uses laboratory equipment generally available in a normal, well-equipped laboratory. The automated procedure uses a programmable cloudpoint tester.

1.3 This test method is for use with ink resins intended mainly for oil-based offset and letterpress inks. The type of resins are typically, but not limited to C₉ aromatic hydrocarbon resins, modified dicyclopentadiene resins, rosin pentaerythritol or glycerol esters, phenolic modified rosin esters, maleic anhydride modified-rosin esters, and naturally occurring resins such as gilsonite.

1.4 A resin solution or ink vehicle could also be used in this test instead of the resin.

1.5 The typical high boiling solvents to be used are C₁₂ to C₁₆ petroleum distillates.

1.6 To avoid fire or injury, or both, to the operator, this test method should not be used with low flash point solvents such as toluene or xylene. The minimum flash point of the solvents used should be 60°C as determined by Test Method D56.

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

1.8 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.