Introducing TAPPI T 830 - Industrial Physics  

TAPPI T 830 is a TAPPI industry standard method that’s used to evaluate the resistance of inks to dry or wet rubbing and scuffing.  

This TAPPI test approach can also be used to evaluate the dry or wet surface strength of coated containerboard, unprinted container board, and other similar surfaces. It’s a useful ink abrasion testing method for quality control and research and development purposes. 

So why is this type of ink abrasion testing important? Essentially, organizations use it to differentiate between strong and weak ink films and to understand their adhesive properties.

After the TAPPI T 830 test the samples are evaluated visually by comparing them to internally maintained standards. The result is usually a pass or fail. But it’s also possible to evaluate samples using a densitometer or spectrophotometer.

TAPPI T 830 testing types

TAPPI T 830 can be used to perform several ink tests, including:  

• Dry rub 
• Wet rub  
• Heated rub 
• Wet bleed or transfer  
• Wet smear 

• Functional rub. 

There is guidance within TAPPI T 830 on the smearing or bleeding of inks. You can also use a heated plate to evaluate the heat resistance of inks and varnishes.  

This TAPPI test examines rub resistance under different conditions than some other types of scuffing or rubbing tests. This means that the results you get are not always comparable with other methods.  

TAPPI T 830 ink rub testers 

You’ll need an accurate ink rub tester to evaluate the scuffing or rubbing resistance of an ink film to TAPPI T 830 standards.  

An ink rub tester is a motor driven ink testing device that works by moving a test weight over a printed or unprinted sample.  

A stroke of the ink rub tester comprises one complete to-and-fro motion of the test weight. Plus you can set a fixed test speed from between 21 and 106 cycles per minute.  

Typically your ink rub tester comes with one or more weighted sleds in order to apply different contact pressures to the surface being rubbed. Higher test speeds and contact pressures are used to increase the severity of the test without increasing the time or the number of strokes required. 

To secure your samples during a TAPPI T 830 test many ink rub testers come with pins on the bottom plate. Other types of ink rub testers feature a hold-down bracket for the same purpose. 

TAPPI T 830 testing devices 

So, how can Industrial Physics improve your TAPPI T 830 testing? 

Digital ink rub tester 10-20 

Our popular ink rub smudge testing machines measure scuffing or ink rub resistance to TAPPI T 830 standards.  

The innovative technology allows you to perform multiple tests including:  

• Dry rub 

• Wet rub 
• Wet bleed or transfer 
• Wet smear and functional rub/wet rub. 

Your global test and inspection partner for TAPPI T 830!