
The Elcometer 2070 NPIRI Fineness of Grind Gauge (part number K0002070M001) is a precision grindometer used to determine particle size and the fineness of grind of particles in printing inks, reported on the National Printing Inks Research Institute (NPIRI) scale. Poorly dispersed pigment leaves oversized particles in an ink that show up as streaks, scratches and uneven colour on press, so measuring how finely the solids are ground is a routine quality check before ink goes into production.
Ink particles are very fine, so the Elcometer 2070 NPIRI Fineness of Grind Gauge has two channels machined with a gentle gradient that spread the scale over a longer run for better resolution. Drawing the supplied scraper down the channel and reading the point where the particles first break the surface gives the grind result. The graduation of the Elcometer 2070 NPIRI Fineness is 2.5 micrometres per 1 NPIRI unit across a 0 to 25 micrometre range, with the NPIRI scale displayed alongside the microns scale so results can be read in either unit. Accuracy is plus or minus 3 micrometres or plus or minus 5 percent, whichever is greater. Each groove is 25mm wide and 165mm long. Both the gauge and its scraper are made of hardened stainless steel, and the Elcometer 2070 NPIRI Fineness measures 220 by 80 by 12mm.
The Elcometer 2070 NPIRI Fineness of Grind Gauge can be used in accordance with ASTM D 1316, the standard test method for fineness of dispersion in printing inks. Used by ink manufacturers and printers for dispersion control, the Elcometer 2070 NPIRI Fineness is supplied by BAMR, South Africa's authorised Elcometer distributor.
Elcometer 2070 NPIRI Fineness of Grind Gauge
This precision grindometer is used to determine particle size and the fineness of grind of particles in printing inks according to the National Printing Inks Research Institute (NPIRI) scale. As ink particles are so fine the two grooves of the gauge have a gentle gradient allowing a scale of 2.5µm for better resolution.
- Precision grindometer Used to determine particle size and fineness of grind of particles in printing inks according to the National Printing Inks Research Institute (NPIRI) scale
- Gentle gradient grooves Two grooves with gentle gradient allowing a scale of 2.5µm for better resolution
- Groove dimensions Groove width is 25mm and groove length is 165mm
- Dual scale display NPIRI scale displayed alongside the microns scale
- Hardened stainless steel construction Both gauge and scraper are made of hardened stainless steel
When to use the Elcometer 2070 NPIRI Grind Gauge
You reach for this when you are measuring the fineness of grind of printing inks on the National Printing Inks Research Institute (NPIRI) scale. Because ink particles are so fine, the grooves use a gentle gradient for a 2.5µm scale and better resolution.
- 1Built for fine ink particlesThe gentle gradient grooves give a 2.5µm scale, so you can resolve the very fine particle sizes found in printing inks that coarser gauges miss.
- 2Reads the NPIRI scaleA dual scale shows the NPIRI scale alongside microns, so you can report ink fineness directly in the scale the industry uses.
- 3Hardened stainless steel buildBoth gauge and scraper are hardened stainless steel, so the channel and edge hold up to repeated ink draw-downs and cleaning.
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When to use this
When to use the Elcometer 2070 NPIRI Grind Gauge
You reach for this when you are measuring the fineness of grind of printing inks on the National Printing Inks Research Institute (NPIRI) scale. Because ink particles are so fine, the grooves use a gentle gradient for a 2.5µm scale and better resolution.
- 1Built for fine ink particlesThe gentle gradient grooves give a 2.5µm scale, so you can resolve the very fine particle sizes found in printing inks that coarser gauges miss.
- 2Reads the NPIRI scaleA dual scale shows the NPIRI scale alongside microns, so you can report ink fineness directly in the scale the industry uses.
- 3Hardened stainless steel buildBoth gauge and scraper are hardened stainless steel, so the channel and edge hold up to repeated ink draw-downs and cleaning.
Lower-budget alternatives


Ten minutes on a call with one of our specialists usually saves you from buying the wrong instrument.
Book a 10-minute callOr , our product assistant, for an instant answer.
Specifications
Specifications
| Part Number | Description | Certificate |
|---|---|---|
| K0002070M001 | Elcometer 2070 | ο |
| Accuracy | ±3μm or ±5% whichever is the greater | |
| Range µm | 0 – 25 µm | |
| Graduation | 2.5µm / 1 NPIRI | |
| Dimensions | 220 x 80 x 12mm | |
| Weight | 2.2kg |
Packing List
Packing List
Standards
Standards
Accessories
Accessories
| KT002070N001 | Replacement Scraper for Elcometer 2070 |
Downloads
Videos
Videos
Frequently asked questions
What particle sizes can the Elcometer 2070 measure?
The gauge measures particle sizes from 0 to 25µm on the NPIRI scale for assessing fineness of grind in printing inks.
What accuracy does the 2070 provide?
The gauge is accurate to ±3µm or ±5% (whichever is greater), providing the precision needed for consistent quality control in ink particle assessment.
Why is the 2.5µm graduation important for ink measurement?
Printing ink particles are extremely fine, so the two grooves with a gentle gradient use 2.5µm steps to provide the resolution necessary for accurate NPIRI scale measurement.
Does the 2070 follow NPIRI standards?
Yes. The Elcometer 2070 is designed to determine particle size and fineness of grind according to the National Printing Inks Research Institute (NPIRI) scale, the industry standard for printing ink assessment.
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