TAPPI T503

Introducing TAPPI T503 – Industrial Physics

TAPPI T503 is an industry testing method to measure the coefficient of static friction (slide angle) of packaging and packaging materials.  

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

This TAPPI testing approach uses the inclined plane coefficient of friction testing method to test shipping sack papers, corrugated and solid fiberboard. 

Coefficient of friction testing for packaging

The coefficient of friction of packaging materials indicates how packages made from them will perform in many critical applications. A high coefficient of one surface of paper or paperboard, to itself, means that containers with that surface will tend to resist sliding in unit loads. A low coefficient of friction testing result may indicate potential problems with the packages slipping from the load. 

The coefficient of friction test is empirical. It describes the condition of that surface at the moment of the test. This may or may not relate to the condition of that surface in use. Its condition will depend upon the historical treatment of the surface, especially if frictionizing materials have been used to treat it. 

The TAPPI T503 COF testing approach  

The TAPPI T503 testing method determines the coefficient of static friction of most packaging materials. It does so by measuring the angle at which one test surface begins to slide against another inclined surface as the incline is increased at a constant and prescribed rate. 

The test is frequently referred to as a slide angle and the coefficient of friction is numerically equivalent to the tangent of that angle. TAPPI T549 describes a horizontal method for determining static and kinetic friction but is intended for application to printing and writing papers and the procedures are somewhat different. 

Industrial Physics’ packaging testing equipment 

So, how can Industrial Physics improve your TAPPI T503 packaging testing? 

Across the entire supply chain, having the right packaging testing equipment in place is critical. We can help you to meet international paper and board testing standards such as TAPPI T503 with our industry-leading equipment and advice.  

Be sure to browse through the full Industrial Physics paper and board testing portfolio. With TAPPI T503 specifically in mind, check out the TQC Sheen sliding blocks for shipping sacks. 

Need paper and pulp testing solutions? Get in touch  

At Industrial Physics, we’ve specialized in the design and manufacture of coefficient of friction testing instruments 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 everything you need to know about coefficient of friction testing? Then you could follow up with this blog which offers some technical tips for coefficient of friction testing.

If you have any questions about TAPPI T503 packaging testing, then just get in touch!

Contact us – Industrial Physics 

Your global test and measurement partner for TAPPI T503