In the paper and pulp industry, quality checking is essential for ensuring product quality. One of the most important parameters checked in paper production is bursting strength—a parameter used to determine how much pressure can be handled by paper before bursting. For accurate and effective testing, many contemporary laboratories today use a digital bursting strength tester.
In this blog, we will guide you through what to do with this equipment effectively, adhering to the common bursting strength tester protocol employed in all paper mill laboratories.
Understanding Bursting Strength Testing
Bursting strength is the strength of paper to burst when pressure is applied in a perpendicular direction to the surface. It is especially important for kraft paper, corrugated boards, and duplex boards utilized in packaging. A digital bursting strength tester is a more precise and easier solution than the conventional manual testers.
What Is a Digital Bursting Strength Tester?
A computerized bursting strength tester is a sophisticated quality control device used for measuring the burst strength of paper, board, and other sheet products. In contrast to earlier hydraulic or manual testers, this unit has:
- Digital pressure indication
- Programmable parameters
- Microprocessor controls
- Real-time data logging with memory
- Easy-to-use interface
These features render it perfect for high-speed, high-volume production applications such as paper plants, where accuracy and repeatability are critical.
Equipment Setup and Calibration
Prior to starting the test, it is imperative to properly prepare and calibrate the machine:
- Check the Power Supply: Make sure the machine is plugged in properly to a power supply source.
- Verify Zero Pressure: Zero out the pressure gauge prior to every session.
- Use the Right Rubber Diaphragm: The diaphragm should be in perfect condition and appropriate to the paper type to be tested.
- Calibrate the Machine: Calibrate the digital sensors regularly according to the manufacturer’s guidance, preferably prior to a test batch.
Make sure to keep the calibration industry standard, for example, ISO 2758 in the case of paper and board.
Standard Bursting Strength Tester Procedure in Paper Labs
Here’s a step-by-step bursting strength tester procedure for accurate results using a digital model:
- Sample Preparation
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- The sample sheet needs to be cut to dimensions of 100 x 100 mm.
- Condition the samples at 23 ± 1°C and 50 ± 2% RH for 24 hours.
- Mounting the Sample
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- Apply your fingers to open the upper clamping ring in the tester.
- Set the specimen at the precise center of the rubber diaphragm.
- Compile the clamping ring while lowering it to provide rigid sample retention.
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- Initiate the Test
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- Start the machine. Physical pressure will activate through the diaphragm as the hydraulic system starts.
- The digital bursting strength tester shows the developing pressure in real-time on the computer screen.
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- Burst Point Detection
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- The machine identifies burst points in automatic manner through sample rupture detection.
- A machine measures the peak pressure to determine the bursting strength in units of kPa or kg/cm².
- Repeatability
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- Perform the operation on several samples, which normally reach five to guarantee statistical precision.
- Report the average bursting strength together with its standard deviation value.
Reliable data can be obtained through the bursting strength tester procedure along with the identification of structural integrity inconsistencies in the paper.
Safety and Maintenance Tips
When working with a digital bursting strength tester, proper safety and maintenance procedures must be observed:
- Gloves and protective glasses must always be worn while manipulating test specimens.
- The diaphragm is to be regularly inspected for deterioration.
- The surface and internal parts of the tester should be cleaned weekly to prevent dust accumulation.
- Sensors need to be calibrated once a month for accuracy purposes.
Adherence to these best practices, in addition to proper bursting strength tester procedure, helps prolong equipment lifespan and delivers accurate testing.
Conclusion
Choosing a sturdy and well-designed digital bursting strength tester is crucial for any quality-focused paper mill. Regardless of whether you’re testing kraft paper, corrugated board sheets, or duplex boards, precise measurement of bursting strength ensures the structural reliability of your product.
Testronix is among the top manufacturers that provide high-end digital bursting strength testers, renowned for their ruggedness, accuracy, and ease of use. Their products are broadly accepted in paper test laboratories in India and overseas. For professionals desirous of automating quality control with reliable and repetitive results, Testronix offers a robust application best suited to industry requirements.
