Knowledge Base
Sample preparation for paper testing
Specimen preparation is perhaps the most important part of any test, regardless of the accuracy or brand of the test equipment being used. No matter the paper quality, the accuracy of the specimen directly affects your results.
Without accurate and repeatable specimens or samples, your paper test results won’t be accurate or repeatable. If you don’t have properly prepared samples, you can invalidate any subsequent test result before you even begin testing.
Sample cutters are vitally important to the preparation of samples and specimens in a wide range of applications and tests. You will find sample cutters for all types of materials, including paper and board, plastics, foils, metals, composites and rubber.
In this blog we explore the sample preparation approaches available for paper testing. We detail how the various sample cutters work and what they can test. This includes precision sample cutters, precision circular sample cutters, twin blade cutters, and corrugated sample cutters… all of which we can supply.
Precision sample cutters
Sample cutter application
The accuracy of test results depends on the accuracy with which the procedure is carried out and how the test pieces were cut from the original sample. Some tests, such as tensile strength and edge crush testing, are particularly sensitive to poor cutting accuracy.
Test pieces cut by hand are greatly dependent on operator skill, the state of the template and the knife blade. This can create weak spots along the edge, which can even instigate a sample rupture. The use of a guillotine doesn’t necessarily ensure parallel edges. Unless the sample is very rigidly held, guillotines can cause a slight curvature of the cut edge.
These problems can lead to test errors: the first due to the strength of the specimen varying according to thickness; and the second due to the strain being applied to the concave side of the test strip. Precision sample cutters have been designed to eliminate these problems.
Sample cutter specification
We make a series of highly accurate precision sample cutters with punch and die action. They’re manufactured with dimensions suitable for use in the most sensitive tests, where only perfectly cut samples are acceptable.
The punch and dies are long lasting and machined to very high tolerances. Lever operated, our precision sample cutters are suitable for cutting paper, light carton board, film and foil with exceptional accuracy. We supply sample cutters for cutting areas of 100 sq.cm. in square, circular and rectangular forms, with dimensions to suit specific test procedures.
Sample cutter operational characteristics
Provided the cutting edges are well maintained, the design of these instruments eliminates all sample cutting operator errors. The lever system is simple and easy to operate for rapid and accurate test piece production.
Comparison with other instruments
The accuracy of the punch and die principle of operation quickly repays the price of a more expensive instrument. A reduction in the number of specimens needed is often achieved with a precision sample cutter. Statistically, the variation in results is greatly reduced, leading to a more accurate determination of product quality.
Industrial Physics precision sample cutters
Check out the Messmer Büchel Precision Cutter 22-22 if you need a sample cutter to precisely cut test pieces for tensile, compression, and crush tests.
Precision circular sample cutters
Sample cutter application
This series of sample cutting instruments have vertical cutting, cutting samples which are firmly held round the circumference of the cutting area.
The cutting blade is constructed in the form of a sine wave. When applied to the paper or board, the contact with the sample increases as the blade is lowered and until the cutting circle is complete. This makes these sample cutters useful for producing accurate, clean-cut specimens from heavier weight boards.
Circular sample cutters are also suitable for cutting samples from other materials, such as textiles and plastics.
Sample cutter specification
Each sample cutter is fitted with a removable die for ease of sharpening and is fitted with an adjustable safety guard. A pneumatically operated version is available.
Sample cutter operational characteristics
All sample cutters are simple to operate and maintain. The design ensures that operator error is virtually eliminated and that clean‐cut samples are produced. The pneumatic version is quicker to operate and requires less effort on the part of the operator.
Comparison with other sample cutters
These paper testing sample cutters are more efficient than the rotating blade varieties. Although clean-cut samples can be produced, they don’t possess the absolute precision of a specially designed precision sample cutter.
Industrial Physics circular sample cutters
Our range of Testing Machines Inc. Circular Sample Cutters 22-42 are used to create a circular sample normally for weight determination. We offer a wide line of sample cutters to accommodate all your sample preparation requirements for textiles and corrugated boards.
Twin blade sample cutters
Twin blade cutter applications
If you need paper samples accurately cut to size without the need for extreme precision that some test procedures demand, then twin blade paper cutters will satisfy your requirement.
Most laboratory paper cutters are ergonomically designed for speedy and safe operation, with preset gauge stops to give the desired dimensions to the cut specimens. Twin blade sample cutters are suitable for cutting most papers, lightweight boards, plastics, films and foil.
Twin blade cutter specification
These sample cutters are of metal construction with a high-quality steel cutting blade for a long life and minimal resharpening.
Your sample is clamped automatically as the blade is lowered. The front and back gauges are fully adjustable, with gradations in millimeters and inches. We make twin blade sample cutters for a wide range of cutting lengths.
Twin blade cutter operational characteristics
The ergonomic design allows quick and easy operation – twin blade sample cutters are maintenance and fuss free.
Industrial Physics twin blade cutters
Check out the Testing Machines Inc. Twin Blade Cutters 22-34 if you need assurance your paper samples are the proper width and height. We have options available for samples of all different sizes.
Corrugated sample cutter
Corrugated sample cutter applications
The corrugated sample cutter will prepare your corrugated samples for anything from edge crush to bursting strength and adhesion testing. Corrugated sample cutters are accurate and reliable for corrugated material of all sizes, weights and fluting types.
Corrugated sample cutter specification
A good corrugated sample cutter will offer many years of rugged use with easy to change cutting blades. It should have an adjustable width cutting head and the ability to test corrugated samples up to specified width and depth.
Industrial Physics corrugated sample cutters
The Testing Machines Inc. Corrugated Sample Cutter 22-76 is designed to cut a variety of corrugated sample sizes for edge crush tests (ECT) and pin adhesion tests (PAT).
The heavy-duty adjustable width cutting head and precision slide system assures precise, parallel edges. Its single‐beveled blades provide clean, square cuts. This corrugated sample cutter is rugged, portable and doesn’t require air or electric connection. It can be used in almost any environment!
One hundred years of paper testing experience
We’ve specialized in the design and manufacture of testing instruments for the pulp, paper, and packaging industries for almost 100 years. We apply this experience to every part of our development and selection process to bring you the best paper testing solutions.
Check out our full range of paper testing products, or get in touch!
