{"id":1657,"date":"2026-07-29T00:06:31","date_gmt":"2026-07-29T00:06:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.packtests.com\/?post_type=standard&p=1657"},"modified":"2026-07-29T00:06:32","modified_gmt":"2026-07-29T00:06:32","slug":"din-54518","status":"publish","type":"standard","link":"https:\/\/www.packtests.com\/nb\/standard\/din-54518\/","title":{"rendered":"DIN 54518"},"content":{"rendered":"

Den DIN 54518 Short Span Compression Tester<\/strong> is designed for accurate <\/strong>short span compression strength testing of paper and board materials used in packaging applications. This testing method evaluates the compression resistance of paper and board over a short clamping distance, providing essential mechanical strength data for containerboard and box manufacturing. By performing a reliable short span test, engineers can understand the material\u2019s ability to withstand compressive forces and optimize packaging performance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For manufacturers producing corrugated containers, folding cartons, and paper-based packaging, compression strength is a critical quality indicator. The short span compression testing of paper and board provides valuable information about fiber strength, material performance, and structural reliability. The SCT-01 Short Span Compression Tester helps laboratories and production teams perform consistent testing according to DIN 54518,<\/strong> supporting quality control, material development, and packaging optimization.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Is DIN 54518 Short Span Compression Testing?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

DIN 54518 defines a method for measuring the compressive strength of paper and board using a short span test. Unlike conventional compression tests that evaluate larger structures, the short span test focuses on the inherent compression resistance of the paper material itself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Paper and board products often experience compressive loads during converting, transportation, stacking, and storage. Their performance depends not only on thickness or grammage but also on fiber bonding, orientation, and structural integrity. The DIN 54518 short span compression test provides a direct evaluation of the material\u2019s ability to resist compressive failure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The test is particularly suitable for paper and board with grammage between approximately 100 g\/m\u00b2 og 400 g\/m\u00b2<\/strong>, including materials commonly used for container and packaging production.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The SCT test does not determine strain at break. Instead, it measures the maximum compressive force the sample can withstand before failure, providing a reliable indicator of compression strength.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"DIN<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Hvorfor er det viktig \u00e5 utf\u00f8re kompresjonsstyrketesting p\u00e5 korte spenn?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Packaging materials must maintain their mechanical integrity throughout the entire supply chain. Paper and board products are exposed to various forces during manufacturing, filling, transportation, and warehouse storage. Insufficient compression strength may lead to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n
  • Container deformation<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Reduced stacking performance<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Packaging collapse during transportation<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Increased material consumption due to over-design<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Product protection failures<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

    By implementing short span compression strength testing, manufacturers can evaluate material quality before production and prevent performance issues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The test is especially valuable because it measures the strength of the paper structure itself rather than relying only on finished package performance. This allows packaging engineers to compare different paper grades, optimize material selection, and improve product consistency.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    For quality control laboratories, the short span compression test method provides repeatable data that supports supplier evaluation, incoming material inspection, and production monitoring.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Principle of the Short Span Test<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    The working principle of the short span compression test is based on applying a compressive load to a small paper or board specimen held between two parallel clamps.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Under testingen:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      \n
    1. A test specimen with a width of 15 mm<\/strong> is prepared.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    2. The specimen is securely fixed between two precision clamps.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    3. The clamps are positioned with a short compression distance of approximately 0,70 mm<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    4. The clamps move toward each other at a controlled speed.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    5. The instrument records the maximum compression force before the sample fails.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

      The measured force represents the short span compression strength of the material.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Because the testing distance is very small, the influence of sample buckling is minimized. This allows the instrument to evaluate the true compressive capability of the paper or board structure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      How Is Short Span Compression Testing of Paper and Board Performed?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

      En typisk short span compression testing of paper and board<\/strong> procedure includes sample preparation, clamping, compression loading, and result evaluation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Pr\u00f8veforberedelse<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

      The test sample is normally prepared as a narrow strip:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Parameter<\/th>Verdi<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
      Sample width<\/td>15 mm<\/td><\/tr>
      Sample length<\/td>75 mm<\/td><\/tr>
      Material range<\/td>Papir og papp<\/td><\/tr>
      Testing direction<\/td>Machine direction (MD) and Cross direction (CD)<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

      Testing can be performed in both machine direction and cross direction because fiber orientation significantly affects compression strength.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Clamping Process<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

      The SCT-01 uses a specialized clamping system consisting of:<\/p>\n\n\n\n