TAPPI T459

Introducing TAPPI T459 – Industrial Physics

TAPPI T459 is an industry testing approach to measure the surface strength of paper using the wax pick test method.  

TAPPI is the technical arm of the American Paper & Pulp Association (APPA), and it gathers and disseminates information concerning production matters. 

The TAPPI T459 method is designed to measure the surface strength of uncoated and coated paper or its resistance to picking. It’s not applicable for loosely felted papers such as blotters or roofing felts, or papers containing materials that soften with heat such as waxes or latex type additives.  

The TAPPI T459 wax pick testing approach

The TAPPI T459 test is a simple but effective strength test. Calibrated sealing waxes with increasing adhesive power are pulled from the surface of the specimens. The highest number of the wax in the series – which doesn’t disturb the surface of the paper – becomes the numerical rating of the pick. 

TAPPI T459 wax pick testing considerations

Many printing and converting operations require the surfaces of the paper to have sufficient z-direction strength to give satisfactory results. No absolute values are obtained with the TAPPI T459 method, So, test results should be correlated with actual performance of the material during the subsequent coating, converting, printing or packaging operation. 

If you’re working with coated paper, where a significant portion of the casein or starch coating adhesive has been replaced with a thermoplastic resin, there’s little, if any, correlation between printing press performance and wax test results. The molten wax forms a stronger bond with the coating containing thermoplastic resin and the resulting pick causes the paper to appear weak, when in fact it’s not. 

If you’re using sheets containing latex and similar substances, a more direct method employing the actual medium to be applied is recommended. 

Industrial Physics’ TAPPI T459 wax pick testing equipment

So, how can Industrial Physics improve your TAPPI T459 paper testing? 

Across the entire supply chain, having the right paper testing equipment in place is critical. We can help you to meet international paper and board testing standards such as TAPPI T459 with our industry-leading equipment and advice.  

Testing Machines Inc. Dennison Standard Test Wax Kit 30-17
Our Dennison type wax pick testing kit evaluates the surface strength of paper and board. Waxes are heated and applied to the surface of the sheet. After cooling, they are pulled from the surface and the wax stick is checked to see if it has pulled fiber or coating from the surface. The highest value wax which does not rupture the surface is reported as the pick strength of the sheet. 

Be sure to check out the full portfolio of Industrial Physics paper testing devices and accessories.  

Need paperboard testing solutions? Get in touch

At Industrial Physics, we’ve specialized in the design and manufacture of test and measurement devices for the paper and board industries for almost 100 years and have a wealth of experience behind us. 

Across the knowledgebase section of our website, we publish lots of blogs on related subjects. To start, why not read this blog on the key quality standards for corrugated testing? Or this one on sample preparation for paper testing. 

If you have any questions about TAPPI T459 testing, then just get in touch!  

Your global test and measurement partner for TAPPI T459