The DIN 54518 Short Span Compression Tester is designed for accurate 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’s ability to withstand compressive forces and optimize packaging performance.
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, supporting quality control, material development, and packaging optimization.
What Is DIN 54518 Short Span Compression Testing?
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.
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’s ability to resist compressive failure.
The test is particularly suitable for paper and board with grammage between approximately 100 g/m² i 400 g/m², including materials commonly used for container and packaging production.
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.
Dlaczego badania wytrzymałości na ściskanie w krótkim rozpiętości są ważne?
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:
- Container deformation
- Reduced stacking performance
- Packaging collapse during transportation
- Increased material consumption due to over-design
- Product protection failures
By implementing short span compression strength testing, manufacturers can evaluate material quality before production and prevent performance issues.
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.
For quality control laboratories, the short span compression test method provides repeatable data that supports supplier evaluation, incoming material inspection, and production monitoring.
Principle of the Short Span Test
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.
Podczas testów:
- A test specimen with a width of 15 mm is prepared.
- The specimen is securely fixed between two precision clamps.
- The clamps are positioned with a short compression distance of approximately 0,70 mm.
- The clamps move toward each other at a controlled speed.
- The instrument records the maximum compression force before the sample fails.
The measured force represents the short span compression strength of the material.
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.
How Is Short Span Compression Testing of Paper and Board Performed?
Typowy short span compression testing of paper and board procedure includes sample preparation, clamping, compression loading, and result evaluation.
Przygotowanie próbek
The test sample is normally prepared as a narrow strip:
| Parametr | Wartość |
|---|---|
| Sample width | 15 mm |
| Sample length | 75 mm |
| Material range | Papier i tektura |
| Testing direction | Machine direction (MD) and Cross direction (CD) |
Testing can be performed in both machine direction and cross direction because fiber orientation significantly affects compression strength.
Clamping Process
The SCT-01 uses a specialized clamping system consisting of:
- Stationary and movable jaws
- High-friction clamping surfaces
- Parallel alignment structure
- Controlled pneumatic clamping force
The clamps apply a consistent force of 2300 ± 500 N, ensuring the specimen remains stable during compression.
Reliable clamping is essential because insufficient or uneven holding force may affect test accuracy.
Compression Measurement
During the test, the instrument applies compression at a controlled speed until the specimen reaches its maximum load capacity.
The system automatically records:
- Maksymalna siła ściskania
- Test direction
- Measurement units
- Test results for reporting
The obtained data provides engineers with quantitative information about paper and board strength performance.
SCT-01 Short Span Compression Tester Features
The SCT-01 – Tester ściskania o małej rozpiętości is developed for laboratories and manufacturers requiring precise and repeatable compression testing of paper-based materials.
PLC Controlled Operation
The integrated PLC control system provides stable operation and accurate test management. The HMI interface allows operators to easily configure testing parameters and review results.
Pneumatyczne mocowanie próbek
The pneumatic clamping mechanism ensures consistent holding force and minimizes operator influence. Adjustable pressure settings allow the tester to adapt to different material requirements.
Adjustable Testing Speed
The adjustable test speed enables laboratories to optimize testing conditions for various paper and board materials.
Multi-Unit Result Display
Test results can be displayed in multiple measurement units, including:
- Newton (N)
- Kilogram-siła (kgf)
- Funt-siła (lbf)
This improves compatibility with international laboratory requirements.
Data Output and Reporting
The optional RS-232 communication interface allows connection with external software systems for data management and analysis.
The built-in micro printer provides immediate result documentation for laboratory records and quality reports.
Technical Specifications of SCT-01
| Parametr | Specyfikacja |
|---|---|
| Zakres testu | 1~500 N (or customized) |
| Odległość kompresji | 0.3~2 mm |
| Długość zacisku | 30 ± 0.5 mm |
| Prędkość testowa | 3 ± 0,1 mm/min |
| Uchwała | 0,01 N |
| Wielkość próby | 15 × 75 mm (W × L) |
| Ciśnienie gazu | 0.4~0.7 MPa |
| Rozmiar portu gazu | Φ6 mm |
| Zasilacz | AC 110~220V 50/60Hz |
Applications of Short Span Compression Testing
The DIN 54518 short span compression test is widely used in industries where paper strength directly affects product performance.
Opakowania z tektury falistej
Containerboard manufacturers use SCT testing to evaluate paper strength and improve box compression performance.
Produkcja papieru
Paper mills use short span testing to monitor production consistency and compare different paper grades.
Packaging Development
Packaging engineers use compression data during material selection and package design optimization.
Laboratoria kontroli jakości
Independent laboratories and inspection organizations use SCT testing for material verification and compliance testing.
Materials Suitable for SCT Testing
The SCT-01 Short Span Compression Tester is suitable for testing:
- Karton do produkcji opakowań
- Materiały z papieru falistego
- Tektura
- Papier opakowaniowy
- Papier pakowy
- Medium and liner materials
- Other paper-based packaging materials
Relationship Between SCT Testing and Packaging Quality Control
Compression strength directly influences packaging durability. A container made from insufficient-strength paper may fail even when the design appears acceptable.
By integrating SCT testing into quality management systems, companies can:
- Sprawdzić dostarczane surowce
- Maintain production consistency
- Optimize paper selection
- Ograniczenie liczby wadliwych opakowań
- Improve transportation reliability
The short span compression test provides a practical solution for understanding the mechanical performance of paper materials before they become part of finished packaging products.
Related Standards for Short Span Compression Testing
The SCT-01 Short Span Compression Tester supports testing methods associated with:
| Standard | Opis |
|---|---|
| ISO 9895 | Compression testing method for paper and board |
| TAPPI T826 | Short span compression test method |
| DIN 54518 | Short span compression strength testing method |
| BS 7325 | Paper and board compression testing method |
| GB/T 2679.10 | Compression strength testing of paper and board |
| QB/T 2386 | Paper and board compression performance testing |
Why Choose SCT-01 for DIN 54518 Testing?
Reliable compression data requires more than applying force to a sample. Accurate results depend on precise clamping, stable movement control, and repeatable testing conditions.
The SCT-01 – Tester ściskania o małej rozpiętości combines controlled compression loading, pneumatic clamping technology, and user-friendly operation to provide dependable results for paper and board evaluation.
For laboratories, packaging manufacturers, and R&D teams, it offers an effective solution for badanie wytrzymałości na ściskanie przy małej rozpiętości, helping improve material selection, product reliability, and quality control efficiency.