Corrugated test and measurement solutions
Your guide to our equipment
For almost a century, the team at Industrial Physics have been providing first-class test and measurement solutions to packaging manufacturers all over the world. But you might recognize us under a different name – our family of brands, including Messmer Buchel, TMI, United Testing Systems, and TQC Sheen, have been supporting the corrugated industry for a long time now.
Over the years, our experts have been at the forefront of innovation, developing reliable machines that have truly stood the test of time. We’ve learned a thing or two about testing in corrugated packaging, and we wanted to share some of our insights with you.
From crush testing, to burst testing, to friction, peel, and adhesion testing, and so much more, Industrial Physics offers the largest range of test and measurement instruments for use on packaging, products, and materials.
With our industry-leading instruments and expertise, we can help you to conduct the right tests in order to achieve accurate and repeatable results that drive superior product quality. Take a look through some of our instruments here.​
Components / raw materials testing
Discover our solutions that allow you to conduct testing of the materials which are combined to produce corrugated board.
Short span compression and S-testing
Among the newest techniques available for corrugated testing labs, the SCT and S-Test techniques are rapidly gaining in popularity among leading corrugators as an alternative to some of the traditional corrugated crush techniques.
In addition to a very small instrument footprint, these techniques both take the crush test to the most basic level – testing the crush behavior of the component linerboard and medium which are combined to create complete corrugated board. Research has shown that the compressive performance of these liner board and medium materials can be directly related to traditional corrugated testing results.
Since the SCT and S-Test equipment test single pieces of paper/board and utilize integrated clamping systems, the reduced sample preparation time and complexity lend themselves to not only easier, faster testing, but they also tend to produce higher precision of data.
Messmer Büchel 17 36 SCT
Short-span compression (SCT) is the more well-known of these techniques and is very commonly used as a replacement for ECT testing to predict the compressive strength of corrugated board.
In this technique, a single piece of liner board or medium is inserted into pneumatic clamps - these are are precisely aligned in order to produce a sample free length of only 0.70mm. The paper sample is then axially compressed to failure.
The 17-36 Short Span Compression Tester measures the compression strength of paper and board. The span or gap is set to a distance between 0.3-0.7mm.
When performing a compression test on such a short distance, the stability of the clamps and instrument are critical. The 17-36 Short Span Compression tester incorporates a precision mechanical design to reduce frictional errors - with this instrument you'll receive unmatched accuracy and repeatability.
Key features:
- New compact and modern design
- Automatic clamping of sample
- Touch screen
- Intuitive user interface
Messmer Büchel 17-38 S-Tester
The S-test uses a very similar approach to SCT with a clamping system that introduces an offset to the free length of the paper sample. The resulting axial compression produces an s-shaped crush or failure zone.
Research has shown that the results of the S-test are closely correlated to traditional CMT testing results on corrugated medium. As with SCT, the advantage of S-test over traditional CMT lies in the significantly easier and less time-consuming sample preparation, and with vastly improved precision of measurement.
The new method was developed to measure the compressive strength of the flute/medium. A 15 mm wide specimen of non-corrugated medium is placed between two clamps.
The span between the clamps is 4mm and the clamps have an offset of 1mm. The offset of 1mm compresses the flute to form an "S" shape during the test. The test result is the maximum compressive force.
Key features:
- Compact and modern design
- Automatic clamping of sample
- Touch screen
TMI Internal Bond 80-26/80-30
The Internal Bond Tester 80-26 is designed to determine the internal bond strength of a variety of paper and board materials according to TAPPI T 569 and ISO 16260.
The instrument design is based on a falling pendulum which creates a high speed impact on a paper specimen. The paper specimen is sandwiched between two double-coated tape substrates - the pendulum impact measures the total energy required to delaminate the internal fibers of a specimen in a Z type direction into two plies.
Key features:
- 7 inch full-color digital touchscreen display
- Storage and editing of up to 100 readings including average and standard deviation
- Selectable units (ft.lb/in², J/m² and kg"¢cm)
Your tests can only be accurate with quality samples - our automatic sample preparation station (model 80-30) is also available! This allows five specimens to be accurately pressed and cut simultaneously.
The prep station includes a safety enclosure over the cutting blades, eliminating the use of box cutting knives to separate the individual test specimens and allowing your tests to run smoothly.
Technidyne PROFILE/Plus Thickness
Automated thickness testing of paper and board.
The PROFILE/Plus® Thickness automatically measures the thickness of paper or board samples.
Industry standards: TAPPI T411, TAPPI T551, TAPPI T580, ISO 534, ISO 18522.
- Precise Platen Parallelism
- Fast and accurate results
- Easy Calibration
- Self Cleaning Function
- Detailed Profiling Capability
- PROFILE/Plus® Automated Testing System Ready
Technidyne PROFILE/Plus Grammage
The Technidyne PROFILE/Plus® Grammage determines the grammage of paper and board according to the gravimetric method and meets or exceeds these industry standards: TAPPI T410, SCAN P6, DIN 53104, ISO 536, ISO 18522.
- Isolated Measurement Chamber
- Automatic Coupon Removal
- Detailed Profiling Capability
- Fast and accurate results
- PROFILE/Plus® Automated Testing System Ready
Board Physical Properties
There are so many unique testing techniques developed for corrugated board - learn about our board quality and predicted box performance tests here!
Messmer Büchel Burst Tester 13-56
For the best in burst testing, look no further than our 13-56 Burst Tester – equipped with state-of-the-art electronics, an easy to use LCD touchscreen, and graphic user interface that allows even the most inexperienced operator to master the instrument quickly.
In addition to state of the art electronics and user-interface, the 13-56 continues the industrial Physics tradition of ergonomics and attention to design. The measurement zone is protected by an interlocked shield and the sample clamp itself features a unique chamfered design which virtually eliminates the potential for sample slipping - even at low clamping pressures!
The advanced total package of technology used to bring the 13-56 to life makes burst testing easy and accurate. Now, all that’s left for you to decide is how to access your results.
You’ll be able to connect the 13-56 to a Windows10 PC for enhanced data analysis, pressure displacement curves, data-basing, and data management (including interface to LIMS or other server-based data repositories).
Alternatively, you can choose to produce complete reports and analysis outputs within the on-board software and without any external PC requirement. The 13-56 lets you pick the approach that works for you – you’ll be choosing an instrument that is truly tailored to your needs.
Messmer Büchel Crush Tester 17-56
With our corrugated crush tester, you can make the most of your testing and easily avoid pitfalls with our compact and easy to use 17-56. Many of the most popular tests performed in a corrugated environment have been pre-programmed into our crush tester – saving you time and confusion.
Our unit has a smaller, bench-friendly footprint than many in the industry, allowing for easy placement in your lab. And what’s more, our ergonomic upgraded touchscreen and user interface offers all standard corrugated testing standards in pre-programmed, one touch icons - offering you a highly advanced user experience and an intuitive experience that even the most inexperienced operator can master quickly.
In spite of the easy-to-use interface, the 17-56 hosts a range of advanced features to support robust reporting and SQC process for the most demanding quality system. You'll have the ability to export data and analyze insights - batch analysis and statistics are provided directly through the on-board software and on the screen.
Reporting can be exported directly from the test station or through our optional solutions for PC or server-based data consolidation and analysis. This makes it much easier to notice your failure point through simplified, efficient analysis.
Additionally, we offer a complete arsenal of sample cutters and specialized sample holders designed to support the sample preparation needs for all of the corrugated crush testing standards. Don’t overlook the critical importance of precise sampler preparation for your lab – the best testing machine in the world is only as good as the quality of the samples being tested.
TMI Tensile Tester 84-01
The 84-01 offers you a digital universal-tensile testing system with high precision control and accuracy for performing tests in tension, compression, flex, shear, and peel.
It includes automated computer control of test methods using high resolution auto-ranging load cells with accuracies better than +/-0.5% down to 1/1000th of the load cell capacity - offering you accuracy and simplicity of operation.
As a fully digital tensile testing system with high precision control and accuracy, the system also includes automated computer control of test methods - making the system even easier to operate!
Key features:
- Automatic recognition and calibration of load cells and extensometers, with instant calibration check facility.
- 800% overload capability of load cells without damage
- Small footprint design, giving economy of bench and floor space
TMI Paper Thickness Micrometer 49-87
Our new 49-87 Paper Thickness Micrometer combines a precision digital linear encoder measuring system with an ultra-clear, easy-to-read digital display.
The unit allows you to measure paper thickness in a range of 0-0.50 in. (0-12.7 mm) and is specially designed for thick materials like corrugated and paper board.
The motor-driven instrument utilizes the dead weight micrometer principle for high accuracy and repeatability each unit is designed and manufactured for very high precision.
Key features:
- Digital readout and superior mechanical design
- Can be used throughout the laboratory and production floor
- Utilizes dead weight micrometer principle
- Units conversion for microns, mils, millimeters and inches
Technidyne PROFILE/Plus Roughness and Porosity
Technidyne PROFILE/Plus Roughness and Porosity is a powerful instrument designed to be the cornerstone of your testing program.
Achieving uniform ink coverage is essential to high-quality printing, and can only be achieved with a uniform paper surface. The PROFILE/Plus® Roughness & Porosity makes it possible to meet this demand with accurate measurements to help control paper roughness.
- Efficiency – The average seven-second testing process provides quick measurement response and accuracy.
- Versatility – It is the only standalone roughness tester that offers you built-in paper feed and your choice of porosity and two-sided roughness measurement simultaneously.
- Unique calibration – Its dummy head system allows for fast and easy flow verification.
- Configurable – The instruments can be equipped to measure either Sheffield or Bendtsen Roughness and a variety of Porosity reporting units.
Technidyne PROFILE/Plus Burst
Automated paper burst testing
The Technidyne PROFILE/Plus® Burst automatically measures top or bottom side Burst.
- Bolt on diaphragm mounting
- Silicon oil
- Adjusted Burst
- Continuous Monitoring Technique
- Paper version has an improved diaphragm design
- Selectable clamping pressure
- PROFILE/Plus® Automated Testing System Ready
Technidyne PROFILE/Plus Tensile
Automated paper tensile measurement.
The PROFILE/Plus® Tensile is the first fully automated stand-alone Tensile instrument which transforms the way tensile tests are performed. Gone are the days when operators need to spend long hours cutting and preparing samples for tensile testing. Gone are the days when operators must perform countless repetitive tests just to ensure statistical relevance of the results.
- No more sample coupon cutters
- Automated sample preparation.
- Average sample preparation and test cycle is 15 seconds.
- Eliminates outside influences on measurement results.
Corrugated board surface properties
Discover the solutions we have for testing the surfaces of linerboards that comprise the exterior and interior faces of the corrugated board.
TMI Coefficient of Friction 32-76e
Our latest coefficient of friction model – the 32-76e – offers a new low profile, horizontal-bed COF test unit that delivers both static and dynamic COF measurements in a single test, can be configured with a heated test bed, and can be outfitted with a wide range of friction sleds to meet any standards for film, paper or corrugated materials.
The 32-76e can also be equipped to do peel and adhesion testing with the correct fixtures.
Key features:
- 7 inch full-color digital touchscreen display
- High speed data collection and analysis for precise measurement of static COF with 500 readings during the first second
- Selection of test type-COF/Friction, T-Peel and 180° Peel
- Heated Platen Option, ambient to 162° C (325° F)
TQC Sheen PX PG 100
The Pocket Goniometer PGX+ defines several surface properties for quality control. The instrument measures the dynamic and static contact angle of a standard liquid on paper and board, solar cell panels, windshields, metal cylinders, and similar surfaces.
PGX+ uses a camera which can take up to 80 pictures per second. This way, both the static and the dynamic contact angle of the droplet can be measured. The Pocket Goniometer may also be used to measure surface tension and surface free energy (SFE).
Technidyne ColorTouch X Family
Technidyne ColorTouch X family of instruments are designed to make sure the appearance of your product meets your customers demands. Today’s ColorTouch X family of instruments are designed to meet either TAPPI or ISO measurement standards. Your customer demands consistency and performance and the ColorTouch X family provides you the measurement tools to keep that customer happy.
• Simple to operate
• Accurate analysis
• Powerful data
The ColorTouch X family of Brightness and Color measurement instrumentation is ready for your application from corrugated to tissue the ColorTouch X is versatile and ready for your application.
Messmer Büchel 58-27 / 58-29 Bendsten and Sheffield Testers
With our sophisticated units, you can configure a common basic controller for Bendsten, Sheffield, Gurley, or all three techniques, and rely on our advanced measurement and analysis technology to translate produce the correct results in the necessary units of measurement after your test has taken place.
This allows you a greater level of freedom when conducting the tests without having to sacrifice consistency of quality of results!
The Bendtsen method measures the mean air flow between an enclosed metal land and a paper specimen. The metal land has a length of 100 mm (± 0.5 mm) and a width of 0.15 mm (± 0.002 mm). The weight of the complete test head is 267 (± 2 grams) creating a test pressure on the specimen of 100 kPa (at 1.47 kPa air supply pressure). A glass plate is used to support the test sample.
During a Sheffield test, a sheet of paper is placed on a flat glass plate. A measurement head set to a constant pressure of 9.85 kPa is placed on the sheet. The head is then fitted with a stainless-steel ring with a diameter of 47.7 mm which is placed on top of the specimen. The instrument measures the continuous volume of air leaking around the stainless-steel ring. The air-flow volume is converted from SCCM-Standard Cubic Centimeters to SU-Sheffield units. Approximately 7 SCCM equals 1 SU.
Box / Container Performance
While many of the smaller tests can predict final performance, only a test of the complete box assembly can confirm that requirements for the package are met...
TMI Box Compression Tester 17-40
Many of the models developed for prediction of box and container performance based on data from corrugated testing techniques like ECT, RCT, CMT and even SCT and S-Test, were developed using traditional single and double-wall corrugated systems mechanics and basic box forms.
As corrugators increasingly move to the use of triple-wall corrugated systems for high-performance and re-useable packaging solutions, these models are less successful in predicting box performance based on these small-scale tests. These models also do not support modelling the effects of environment (moisture, temperature) on the box performance over time.
Both corrugators and the end-users who relay on the containers for their product integrity are increasingly adding full-scale box compression testing to their laboratory capability.
Our 17-40 series of box compression solutions offer testing of complete box and crate formats ranging from small box, to 1m3 forms, up to custom sizes to support compressive failure testing of large appliance boxes and crate systems.
C&W Humidity Conditioning Cabinet
The C&W Humidity Conditioning Cabinet functions as a variable humidity, temperature humidity, environmental, climatic or conditioning cabinet.
Their reliability, ease of operation and robust construction has led to their use worldwide in all major sectors of industry. Temperature, humidity testing and product conditioning is of vital importance to the research of chemists, development engineers, and quality assurance managers to ensure the product is researched, developed, and manufactured to a standard guaranteed to survive the environment for which it is designed.
What's more - the C&W Humidity Conditioning Cabinets come standard with many features. To ease programmer control the microprocessor controller has the capacity to store up to seven different test methods.
TQC Sheen Comprehensive Abrasion Tester
The Comprehensive Abrasion Test is a universal test machine to test the coating abrasion resistance on a range of materials. The reciprocating motion mimics in-the-field transportation abrasion damage of coatings equivalent to the Gavarti Associates “GV-CAT” system. The Comprehensive Abrasion Test is used in coating test laboratories for quality control work.
About Industrial Physics
Your test and measurement partner
At Industrial Physics, we provide packaging, product, and material test and measurement solutions to manufacturers, production lines, and laboratories across the world. It’s our purpose to protect the integrity of our customer’s brands and products.
For us, this is about more than just supplying you with testing equipment, it’s about being there for you as a full-solutions partner.
Whatever your needs are, we’ll work with you to find the right solution for your business. We have a full team of experts to support you.
And when it comes to quality control within corrugated paper, we know our stuff.
We offer a full suite of solutions to cover an extensive range of testing requirements for your requirements.
It's our innate desire to continuously learn, innovate, and better ourselves that allows us to provide businesses across a diverse range of industries with the highest quality of test and measurement solutions possible.
Our experts are positioned across the world. And through our collective expertise, we're able to support the unique needs of our customers.
Partner with Industrial Physics and protect your business today.