Assessing Stacking Strength: Finding Services for Paper Ring Crush Testing

Assessing Stacking Strength: Finding Services for Paper Ring Crush Testing

If you're involved in the production or use of corrugated packaging, you'll likely need to assess the stacking strength potential of your paperboard components. This leads to questions like "Where can I get paper ring crush tested?" or "What is the significance of the paper ring crush test?" This article guides you on obtaining paper ring crush testing services and understanding its importance.
 

Where Can I Get Paper Ring Crush Tested?

Paper ring crush testing is a specialized test typically offered by laboratories focusing on paper and packaging material testing. Here's what to look for in a service provider:
 

Specialized Equipment: The lab should possess a calibrated Paper Ring Crush Tester equipped with the necessary sample preparation tools (precise cutters and ring forming devices) and compression platens.

Adherence to Standards: Ensure the lab follows recognized standards for ring crush testing, primarily TAPPI T 822 and ISO 12192. Their procedures should include precise sample preparation and controlled compression of the ring specimen.
 

Expertise in Corrugated Materials: Choose a lab with experience in testing paperboard used for corrugated packaging, as they will understand the significance of the results in relation to box performance.

Reporting of Key Parameters: A comprehensive sample of a paper ring crush testing report should include the peak compressive force (ring crush strength) in appropriate units (e.g., N/m or lbf/in) and details about the sample dimensions and testing conditions.
 

Accreditation: Look for ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation to ensure the reliability and accuracy of the test results.

What is the Significance of the Paper Ring Crush Test?

The paper ring crush test is a crucial indicator of the edgewise compressive strength of paperboard, which directly correlates with the stacking strength of corrugated boxes made from that material. A higher ring crush value generally indicates a greater ability of the corrugated board to resist crushing under load. This information is vital for:
 

Material Selection: Choosing the appropriate grades of linerboard and medium for corrugated box construction to meet specific stacking requirements.

Quality Control: Monitoring the consistency of paperboard strength during the manufacturing process.

Predicting Box Performance: Estimating the stacking strength of finished corrugated boxes without having to perform full box compression tests.
 

Optimizing Packaging Design: Designing corrugated boxes with appropriate board grades to ensure they can withstand the expected loads in the supply chain without over-engineering (and increasing costs).
 

What if Paper Ring Crush Testing Fails?
 

If the ring crush strength of your paperboard is below the required specifications, it suggests a potential weakness in the paperboard structure. Instrument testing solutions for paper ring crush issues might involve investigating the pulp quality, the paperboard manufacturing process (e.g., fiber orientation, consolidation), or the presence of defects in the material.
 

In conclusion, when you need to assessthe stacking strength potential of your paperboard, seeking out a specialized laboratory offering paper ring crush testing according to recognized standards is essential. The results of this test provide critical information for material selection, quality control, and predicting the performance of your corrugated packaging.