Paper strength matters greatly in several industries, such as packaging, labeling, and printing. For them, it’s not just important; it’s critical. So, have you ever wondered how manufacturers ensure the ultimate strength of a paper? That’s where the paper-bursting strength tester comes into play. Imagine cardboard while transporting costly items that fall apart and tear.
Damage to an item will definitely cause financial loss. That’s why bursting strength testers are the most reliable way to measure product durability. But how does this tester work, and why is it beneficial? Don’t know? Worry not! This guide will help you understand it in the easiest possible way. So let’s get started!
What Is a Paper Bursting Strength Tester?
A paper-bursting strength tester is a machine that checks how durable a paper is. It is specifically designed to apply pressure until the paper bursts. Ultimately, this tester measures the maximum force a paper can handle before rupturing. In simple words, this machine measures the bursting strength of a paper.
Don’t you know what bursting strength is? It is the amount of force required to make the paper burst. It is measured in kilograms per square centimeter (kg/cm²) or pounds per square inch (psi). If the machine shows higher numbers of these units, it means the paper is stronger. Low bursting strength means the paper is not durable.
Paper bursting strength testers come in various types. Some work manually and require more effort and time. Some are digital and have automatic control systems. Another type is computerized testers. These testers use computer instructions to apply pressure and measure the strength of paper, and are most accurate. Let’s look at the common parts of a paper bursting strength tester.
Components of the Paper Bursting Strength Tester
- Rubber Diaphragm: It is a soft, round sheet made of rubber. Its job is to press against the paper sample during testing. Simply put, it exerts pressure on the paper surface.
- Clamping Unit: This part holds the paper tightly sampled during testing. It provides enough grip so that the paper does not move or vibrate.
- Hydraulic System: This part creates pressure to burst the paper. The hydraulic system works with liquids, mainly glycerin or oil.
- Pressure Gauge or Display: This part shows how much pressure is applied during testing. In digital models, the pressure gauge shows the exact number on the screen.
- Motor and Control Panel: The motor runs the whole testing machine. However, the control panel is where the operator gives the command. It is mainly a button that lets you start or stop the machine.
Working of Paper Bursting Strength Tester: Step By Step
Do you have an idea of the basics of a paper bursting strength testing machine? If so, let’s find out how this machine works step by step.
Step 1: Preparing the Sample
It is the first and most crucial step in using a paper-bursting strength tester. Although it may look simple, it can significantly affect overall measurements. For this purpose, you have to cut a sample from cardboard or paperboard. However, you should cut it to the correct size and shape that the machine guideline recommends.
During cutting, make sure that the edges of the paper are not rough. The reason is that rough edges can give you wrong results. Therefore, it is better to use a die cutter for precision. Moreover, after cutting, you check that the paper should be dust and moisture-free. The presence of small amounts of oil or moisture can cause unfair results.
Step 2: Placing the Sample
Once you have carefully prepared the paper, the next step is placing it in the tester. In this step, you first have to locate the clamping unit. It is a circular opening between two metal plates. Open this clamp with a manual knob and carefully place the sample over the diaphragm. However, ensure it is right in the center of the clamping area.
Moreover, you should check that the paper is lying flat and smooth. There are no folds or creases on the paper, which can cause misalignment. After all this, close the clamp by turning the knob in the manual tester. However, the air pressure system does this job in the automatic paper-bursting strength test machine. Finally, ensure that the paper is tightly clamped to prevent vibration.
Step 3: Applying Pressure
After placing the sample paper, the next step is applying pressure. This is where the paper-bursting tester does its primary job. When you press the start button, the motor and hydraulic system work together. The hydraulic system slowly pumps the fluid into the diaphragm beneath the sample. As the fluid fills the diaphragm, it starts rising upward.
When rising, it gently pushes against the surface of the sample paper and exerts pressure. This pressure keeps on increasing slowly and smoothly. However, the tester machine precisely controls the diaphragm’s speed and pressure amount. If this pressure is too much, it can cause the paper to rupture earlier and cause false measurements.
Step 4: Measuring Bursting Point
It is the most critical step as it gives the value you are looking for. As I said above, the diaphragm starts rising and pressing the paper sample. This pressure increases, and eventually, the paper can no longer handle the pressure. As a result, the paper breaks apart and bursts. At this moment, the pressure gauge immediately shows the final readings.
It records the highest pressure reached, which is known as bursting strength. In an old model of testing machines, a needle stops at the exact point of bursting. However, in digital design, these machines show the final value on display. This number is usually in bars or pascals, which measure pressure.
Step 5: Reading the Result
It is the final step in working on the bursting strength tester. When the paper bursts, the machine stops automatically. Now, you have to read the result. Remember, each type of paper has an accepted range of bursting strength values. For example, the bursting strength value should be above 10 bars for corrugated cardboard.
However, this value might be lower for lightweight paper, such as 3 bars. Ultimately, you have to compare this value with the accepted standard. The paper passes the test if the measured value is within this acceptable range. However, if this value is below the standard, it is considered weak and sent for improvement.
Benefits of Paper Bursting Strength Tester
A paper-bursting strength tester is a handy machine. Using this machine has many benefits, including helping companies save money and build customer trust. Let’s explore the key benefits.
1- Ensures Paper Quality
It is one of the most significant benefits of the paper bursting strength tester. As you know, paper quality matters significantly for packaging or notebooks. If a paper bursts too early, it can cause damage to costly items. Thus, by using these machines, manufacturers ensure the quality of the paper. It helps them know the paper is strong enough for a specific purpose.
2- Builds Customer Trust
When customers buy a product, they expect it to be delivered in good condition. If the product packaging paper is weak, it can damage the product. A customer receiving such ruptured packaging can cause frustration and a bad experience. So, paper bursting strength testers help businesses ensure the durability of paper. As a result, they build customer trust and loyalty.
3- Saves Money by Reducing Waste
As I said above, poor-quality paper can burst during transport. As a result of poor packaging, the inside of the products can also get damaged. This leads to material waste and financial loss. Moreover, tree pulp is used to make paper. However, when the paper does not last long, it can also cause the waste of natural resources. Therefore, paper bursting strength machine testers help ensure the durability of paper. As a result, it lasts longer, protects the internal product to avoid waste, and saves money.
4- Follows Industry Standards
In the paper industry, companies must follow specific rules and standards. National and international organizations set these standards. These rules ensure that the paper is strong and safe to use. So, a paper-bursting strength tester helps companies check whether their paper meets those standards. It gives accurate results that can be compared with the values set by those organizations.
5- Easy to Use and Fast
Another significant advantage of this machine is that it is easy to use. It does not require special skills to operate. You just need to prepare the sample, load it, and start the button. However, the machine cuts and loads the material in its modern models. Ultimately, it gives accurate results, helping businesses work smarter, not harder. Moreover, this easy operation does not require skilled staff, reducing labor costs and saving money.
6- Long-Term Reliability
When businesses invest in equipment, they want it to last. A paper-bursting strength tester is designed to be durable and strong. It may require a higher initial cost, but its innovative features and advanced design prove cost-effective in the long term. Moreover, it gives accurate results every time so that companies can trust it for years. Lastly, it does not require frequent maintenance, so companies can use it without worrying about replacing it.
Features to Look for in a Bursting Strength Tester
Not all testers are the same. Some are advanced, and some have a basic design. Their features differ, and their differences affect how a machine will work. Hence, choosing the right one is crucial for your needs. So, let’s find out what features you must look for while buying a paper-bursting strength tester.
- High Accuracy: It is an important feature you should first look at in a tester. A tester should provide accurate results of how much a paper can handle pressure. A small error can affect overall results. So, always choose the tester with an ideal error margin of less than ±1%.
- Calibration Function: Calibration means adjusting the machine to ensure accurate results. The tester you buy must have an automated or manual calibration system. It allows you to reset or verify the accuracy level for trustworthy results.
- Consistent Repeatability: A good tester gives consistent results even if you test the same paper multiple times. Every time you test the material, it should give the same readings. If these values are not the same, the machine is not trustworthy.
- Digital Display: It is far better to choose a tester with a digital display. It shows the value of bursting strength clearly and accurately. However, these machines might have higher prices, so choose according to your budget.
- Automatic Test Cycle: Modern testers have an automatic test cycle. This means you just have to press the start button. The machine will clamp the sample securely and give the final results. This automation ensures precise results and prevents human errors.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does one test take?
The paper-bursting strength tester is a speedy machine. Only time is required to prepare the paper sample. Once the sample is loaded into the machine, the final result takes 5 to 15 seconds.
Is maintenance required for a paper-bursting tester?
Yes, simple maintenance is required for the testers’ proper operation. For example, you should clean them regularly, especially around the clamping area. Moreover, check that the rubber diaphragm has no cracks. Lastly, you should adjust the machine frequently to ensure it gives the correct result (calibration).
Can a paper bursting tester test different paper thicknesses?
Yes, a paper-bursting tester can test different thicknesses of paper. Its adjustable clamping system lets you modify how tightly the paper is held. Moreover, this machine can also apply different pressure levels according to the paper’s thickness.
Conclusion
In today’s competitive world, quality matters more than ever, especially in the paper industry. For this purpose, they heavily rely on the paper-bursting strength tester. In this article, I have discussed everything about this machine. For example, it works on the hydraulic system that fills the diaphragm and presses the paper. The pressure at which the paper bursts is known as its bursting strength.
The paper is stronger if this value is higher, and vice versa. Thus, several packaging industries use these machines to ensure their paper is safe enough to transport the products. Moreover, this machine also enhances customer trust in the company. However, when choosing the tester, you should ensure it contains modern features.