ASTM D828, TAPPI T 220, TAPPI T 456, and TAPPI T 494 are testing standards used to measure the properties of paper and paperboard products. TAPPI T 494 and ASTM D828 are the most commonly used paper testing standards and measure tensile strength of dry paper products. TAPPI T 456 is used to test the tensile strength of water saturated paper (wet tensile strength), and TAPPI T 220 is used to test pulp sheets.

Manufacturers of paper goods need to evaluate the physical properties of their products to ensure they are able to function as intended. Small variations in fibers, fiber treatments, or manufacturing processes can impact the tensile strength of paper products. Certain papers are required to conform to a desired contour, such as paper towels or napkins, and require a certain tensile stiffness. Printing paper, which is usually produced in large sheets or rolls, must withstand forces experienced during its travel through processing equipment. Aside from paper manufacturers, the packaging industry also uses paper testing standards to ensure that bags, boxes, and other packaging materials do not fail during transport or shipment.

Materials Testing System

System capacity will depend on the strength of the paper material. However, most tests to these standards will fall well below 5 kN, making this application perfect for a single column frame  with Universal software.  Universal Software is easy to use and highly customizable with all calculations and statistics necessary for testing to any of these paper standards, including Tensile Energy Absorption (TEA).