The aim of the “BS 3110 Methods for measuring the abrasive resistance of prints” standard, developed by the British Standards Institute (BSI), is to provide best industrial practices that help in evaluating the properties of paints. This standard offers methods for measuring the abrasive resistance of prints.
This standard is useful for:
The outer surface of packaging carries important information such as usage instructions, consumption and composition, care instructions, and storage information. This data is usually printed on labels and can be damaged by friction during transport. This not only spoils the appearance but can also erase an important message the manufacturer wants to convey to its customers. The BS 3110 standard describes a laboratory method for determining the friction resistance of prints. This standard covers the principle, equipment, and procedure. This can help understand how resistant prints are to friction, so that the appearance of a printed package or container will be damaged when passing through filling and packaging machines or during transport.
One of the main reasons users are concerned with how resistant prints are to friction is to know whether the appearance of the printed packaging or container will be damaged as it passes through filling and packing machines or during transport. In one case, friction usually originates from a metal surface and affects only a small area of the packaging, while in the other, it is usually caused by two similarly printed surfaces rubbing against each other, and larger areas are likely to be affected.
None of the instruments described in this standard fully simulates both conditions; all three do so to some degree, and all three can be used to rub the print against the print or a selected test material. The abrasive used should be that which is normally encountered in practice. It is recommended that tests with all three instruments be performed in a standard atmosphere, i.e., 65 percent plus/minus 2 percent relative humidity and 20 degrees plus/minus 1,7 degrees. The decision regarding an acceptable degree of abrasive resistance is arbitrary and will vary depending on the intended purpose of the printed material. However, the evaluation of the results is more accurate in all cases if at least three tests are performed whenever possible.
In all three methods, it is first necessary to determine the appropriate number of strokes. The results obtained from this can be evaluated by comparing them to the results obtained from an acceptable print. The number of strokes required to create the first perceptible mark is valuable when examined in relation to the full test.
In multi-color printing, visual inspection reveals the relative friction resistance of each color ink. Method 2 is suitable for measurement with a photoelectric cell and subsequent production of a series of standard discs to which further tests can be correlated.
When evaluating test results, the age of the print should be considered. In general, the newer the print, the less stable the ink and the more easily it wears off. To obtain the most accurate and repeatable results, it is desirable to subject the prints to the abrasion resistance test at least one week later and after conditioning them in a standard atmosphere for at least 24 hours.
The methods defined in this standard are as follows:
The BS 3110 standard provides standardized test procedures to evaluate how well printed materials (such as labels, packaging, books, magazines, or any printed surface) resist abrasion, staining, or wear from friction. Friction resistance is a critical quality parameter in the printing, packaging, and graphic arts industries, as poor friction resistance can lead to illegible markings, deterioration of product appearance, customer complaints, or even functional failures (e.g., illegible barcodes or instructions on packaging).
The methods described by this standard for evaluating friction resistance typically include the following:
The aim is to provide objective, repeatable ways to compare print durability, which is particularly important for packaging (cardboard, labels, flexible films), commercial printing, and any application where prints are exposed to handling, transport, or consumer contact.
The BS 3110 standard dates back to a time when print quality testing relied heavily on mechanical friction testing equipment. While still occasionally used as a reference, many modern laboratories and specifications have shifted towards newer international standards such as those listed below:
Despite being old, the BS 3110 standard remains relevant in quality systems, older specifications, or when historical comparisons are required.
For many years, our organization, with its competent and experienced staff, has been understanding the needs of its clients, providing the advanced testing services they require, and assisting them in the establishment, implementation, and improvement of management systems. Within this framework, we also provide testing services compliant with the BS 3110 standard.
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