New cardboard crush tester

A new improved microprocessor design with servo motor provides precision position control for repeatable instrument performance, says the company.

Also, the control panel and large 5.7 inch colour display unit is said to provide easy operation of the testing sequence.

The tester is supplied with software that allows popular testing standards including tests for RCT, CMT, CCT, PAT, FCT, stacking height and peak force, while system software also includes seven languages as a standard feature.

Electronic upgrade​

The new unit uses the same mechanical frame design as the existing TMI model 17-70 crush tester which allows an easy electronic upgrade from the 17-70 to the new 17-76 series, said TMI. Its latest model meets all ISO, TAPPI and other international standards for measuring crush strength of corrugated board.

Meanwhile, corrugated board and carton board continue to be the most popular packaging material in many sectors, according to the report Trends in Corrugated Packaging​:

“Since 1998, corrugated and carton board increased by 2.4 per cent per year on average… (​and) corrugated board accounts for two thirds of the total corrugated and carton board tonnage​,” claim the report’s authors.

Stacking performance​

Underpinning the materials’ popularity as a preferred packaging medium, according to the report, is their stacking performance, resistance to vertical compression and its strength-to-weight ratio.

The study claims corrugated board’s market share of total packaging remains strong in Europe with annual growth estimates of 2-3 per cent expected up until 2010.

The consumer goods sector accounts for about 70 per cent of the corrugated board with fresh foods, as well as consumer durables, dominating usage. “Soft drinks, mineral water, readymade and semi-finished food, as well as snacks and pet food, have the largest growth potential​,” said the report.