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 Surface tension measurement – ARCO test :

- By using pen or inks, it is the most industrial accurate option

- This measurement method request a bit training and measurement
consistency but it is by far the best industrial measurement method.
- If the value is below 40µN/m, the washing process has to be improved.
- If the surface tension is between 50 and 55µN/m it is standard tension
surface value for standard coating application.
- For powder coatings and internal coating Polyamide Imide, the tension
surface has to be at 70µN/m.
- Compulsory, to make good surface tension measurement, it has to be
manage on perfect cleaned surface. If the surface touch something,
even a finger, the surface tension will be damaged. It is better to use
clean gloves to take the tension surface measurement in order to avoid
surface contamination before measuring.

Nota:
The pen and the inks have to be replaced after a period of time/see the shelf live on
packaging.
If the surface preparation is ok with internal coating, It will be ok with the you are ok
for the basecoat. 50-55 µN/m is ok. However, the base coat adhesion can suffer by
contamination coming later on line (dust or µoil drops coming from the compressed
air) this is usually a visual issue on white or coloured based coat. it is almost invisible
on transparent basecoat.

Aerion Packaging & Conseil SPRL is a company registered in the Commercial court of Tournai (Belgium) N˚ 0541 981 362
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Tension surface measurement example:

Result NOK

Surface Below the ink value Surface above the ink value Result OK
NOT OK Result OK

Measurement with pen Measurement with inks

applied with a brush

Useful links for inks and pens

http://www.capime.fr
http://www.delta-france.pro
http://ftpolymer.fr
http://www.boussey-control.com

Budget for a measurement Kit between 200€ and 300€

Aerion Packaging & Conseil SPRL is a company registered in the Commercial court of Tournai (Belgium) N˚ 0541 981 362