There are a few methods, static that is. The Kershaw emulsification tester is one that injects fountain solution into a mixing ink dispersion. It will give you a curve for the water take up and a emulsification break poimt which is significant. Correlating this to the lithographic printing press can be done, but takes much study under constant ink take off rates which is difficult to obtain in the real dynamic printing planet. RIT is probably funded amd dedicated for such study. The second method is the Litho Break Tester, a series of pan and rollers that try to mimic the interaction of fount and ink on the press. Not bad if you have the time and expertise in the use of this lab piece. The Duke emulsification tester is a commonly used piece of equipment that when used properly can give you a very good indication of print problems and expected results if used to its maxium capability. Multiple point water pick up percentage results are the most desirable to gain education. Studying up on the Surland curves created by this method is needed. Now what you sir are talking about maybe another test. Taking a Dixie cup full of fountain solution and dropping a micro fraction (trace strand) of ink in should produce a remarkable result. If that strand floats or even better whizzes around like a comet, you have a good ink and fount relationship. If that strand is dead and drops to the bottom of the cup like a whale terd, you may have the potential for incompatability between your ink and fount. This will lead to poor ink and water balance on press. Flucuating densities and running your ink and water abnormally high will be the results seen on press. Always keep your ink and water to a minimun when offsetting. This is often preached but rarely followed. If you can't achieve this, I can tailor an ink to your presses with the proper fountain solution to achieve award winning lithographs. Just ask if you need further assistance. D
