dimensional stability

FTM14
scope procedure
This test method allows the user to assess the dimensional Remove the backing material and place the adhesive
stability of a pressure sensitive material when subjected coated facing material adhesive side down onto a clean
to specified test conditions. It is particularly relevant to test plate using light finger pressure and without stretching
synthetic film based materials such as Polyvinyl chloride the material. Roll twice in each direction with the rubber-
(PVC), Polyethylene, Polypropylene, Polyester etc. covered roller at a speed of approximately 10 mm per
second to obtain intimate contact between the adhesive
and the aluminium plate surface.
definition
This property is defined as the dimensional change of a
pressure sensitive material which has been applied to
a standard test plate under specified conditions when
subjected to elevated temperatures.

test equipment
An air circulating oven maintained at 70°C ± 2°C.

Test plates made of smooth aluminium or aluminium alloy

150 mm x 100 mm x 0.6 mm gauge.

A rubber covered roller of sufficient width and a mass of

1 kg per 25 mm width. Then condition the applied material for 72 hours at 23°C ±
2°C and 50% RH ± 5% RH.
A scaled magnifying glass.
After this conditioning procedure the applied material
should be trimmed to the dimension of the test plate.
test condition

The material to be tested should be conditioned at 23°C ±

2°C and 50% RH ± 5% RH for not less than 4 hours before
application.

test pieces
These should be cut from a representative sample of
material min. 165 mm x 115 mm with the 165 mm edge
running parallel to the length-wise edge of the test
material.

Cut with a sharp knife, parallel to the sides of the test plate,
FINAT TECHNICAL HANDBOOK 2014 |

a crosscut in the middle of the test sample.

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 FTM14
Insert the test plate into the oven at 70°C ± 2°C for 1 week
after which it is removed and conditioned at 23°C ± 2°C for
10 - 15 minutes to cool.
Measure the shrinkage in the crosscut to the nearest 0.05
mm in both the length-wise direction and cross to the
length-wise direction of the label.
results
The dimensional stability (shrinkage) is expressed in mm,
as the change in dimensions at the cross cut, in both
the length-wise direction and cross to the length-wise
direction of the label.
optional
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For removable application (advertising on coaches, etc.)
the type of adhesive failure can be observed by peeling
the label from the aluminium panel by hand at an angle of
approx. 135°.
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dimensional stability
failure description code :
CP Clean Panel - no visible stain on panel.
PS Panel Stain – discoloration of test area,
but no tacky residue.
CF Cohesive failure - the adhesive film is split during
the test, leaving residue of adhesive film on both
the panel and the front material.
AT Adhesive Transfer - the adhesive separates cleanly
from the front material, leaving the adhesive film
on the test panel.
notes
1. The test conditions given can be varied to suit any
particular application, whereby the conditioning time
and/or the exposure time and/or the substrate (e.g.
glass) and/or the temperature of the oven can be
changed. This should be clearly stated alongside the
test results.
2. The quality finish and thickness of the aluminium used
should be recorded.
3. Dimensions of the recommended test plate (150 mm
x 100 mm x 0.6 mm gauge) are those of a panel of the
QUV Accelerated weathering tester.
4. Dimensional stability quoted as a percentage can be
misleading and should be avoided e.g. 0.2% on 150
mm dimension cannot be related to a one meter
dimension.
Issued April 1991
Revised March 1999
Revised May 2001
Revised April 2003
Revised May 2004
Revised December 2013