TAPPI T580

Introducing TAPPI T580 – Industrial Physics

TAPPI T580 is a widely used method for determining the thickness (caliper) of towel, tissue, napkin, and facial products. Because these materials have a soft, collapsible structure, the standard uses a low test pressure of 2 kPa (0.3 psi) to ensure accurate, repeatable measurements. Thickness is a key property that influences softness, absorbency, bulk, and overall product performance.

What TAPPI T580 Covers

TAPPI T580 outlines a controlled procedure for measuring bulking thickness and thickness variation in tissue‑grade products. Key elements include:

• Conditioning samples under controlled temperature and humidity
• Using a low‑pressure caliper system (2 kPa) suitable for compressible materials
• Measuring thickness at multiple points to assess uniformity
• Reporting thickness and bulking characteristics according to TAPPI requirements

The method applies to:

• Tissue and towel products
• Napkins and facial tissues
• Soft, compressible paper grades
• Consumer and commercial hygiene products

The standard is closely aligned with ISO 12625‑3, which covers similar thickness and bulk measurements for tissue products.

Where TAPPI T580 Is Used

This method is widely used across the tissue and hygiene‑paper supply chain, including:

• Tissue and towel manufacturers
• Converters and product‑development teams
• Quality‑control laboratories
• Packaging and consumer‑goods producers
• Certification and compliance testing

It supports both routine production monitoring and comparative evaluation of product performance.

Why Thickness Measurement Matters

Understanding thickness is essential for:

• Ensuring consistent softness and hand‑feel
• Predicting absorbency and bulk performance
• Maintaining uniformity across production batches
• Meeting brand and customer specifications
• Supporting R&D and product‑design decisions

TAPPI T580 provides a reliable, repeatable method for quantifying the physical structure of tissue‑grade materials.

Testing solutions for TAPPI T580

Profile Plus Thickness

Industrial Physics supports tissue manufacturers, converters, and laboratories with the tools and expertise needed to evaluate thickness in line with TAPPI T580. Our Profile Plus Thickness system offers precise, low‑pressure caliper measurement for soft, compressible materials, helping you generate consistent, standards‑aligned data.

Your Global Test and Measurement Partner for TAPPI T580

Industrial Physics supports tissue manufacturers, converters, and laboratories with the tools and expertise needed to evaluate thickness in line with TAPPI T580. Our Profile Plus Thickness solution provides precise, standards‑aligned caliper measurement for soft, compressible materials.