Inkometer

An inkometer is a specialised measuring instrument used by the paper printing industry to measure the "tack" (adhesiveness) of an ink as it is applied from roll to paper. Inks with too much tack can cause the surface of the paper to be removed (and adhere to the printing roller) which in a continuous printing process will affect further printed page copies.

The amount of tack can be controlled by changing the amount of solvent used in the ink.

The inkometer itself is essentially a miniature version of a printing press where it is possible to measure the adherence force. Instruments can usually be adjusted for various roll speeds and for temperature change.