Leading testing instruments manufacturer Mecmesin has
introduced its latest model, the FPT-H1 horizontal friction peel and tear
tester. Designed for ease of use and supplied pre-programmed for all the main
industry standard friction-testing methods for plastic films, paper and board.
With fixtures also for peel and tear testing, it is ideally suited to the
packaging industry, and for manufacturers, converters and users of sheet
materials.
In the dynamic environment of sheet and web-fed machinery,
quick and accurate measurement of the coefficients of friction is vital.
Machine speeds can only be only optimised for productivity if tearing, jamming
and misfeeds are prevented, so the FPT-H1 is designed for reliable and rapid
testing. With an integral touch screen to access test routines, and guidance
through each run, testing requires minimal training with maximum repeatability.
For quality testing of seals, closures and perforations, and
the tear strength of sheet materials, the FPT-H1 presents convenience and high
throughput. Affordable for the smaller user, it is also robust and reliable for
the more demanding environment. With Mecmesin’s powerful Emperor software for
control, data acquisition and analysis, the FPT-H1 is also ideally suited to
detailed laboratory testing and extension into other tensile testing.
When fitting plastic film samples it is vital not to
compromise the surface being tested, so to minimise handling, the FPT-H1
employs quick-attachment grips, and coefficient of friction (COF) sample sleds
with magnetic grips. The plane bed itself is easy-clean stainless steel.
Sample sleds are available to comply with the weights and
dimensions requirements of all the main test COF standards, with linkages as
defined for static and dynamic coefficients of friction and avoidance of
stick-slip behaviour.
ISO 15359 is the paper and board coefficient of friction
standard that sets the testing bar highest. By requiring a mechanised set-down
and lifting mechanism and guide rails, it seeks to eliminate operator variance,
and sled rotation and drift caused by surface variability (inks, embossing and
textures). The FPT-H1 has these facilities as an optional built-in feature,
with operation fully integrated into the supplied ISO 15359 test program.
The FPT-H1 can be employed equally for tear and peel testing
in packaging situations, including fixturing for 90 and 180 degree and T-peel
standard methods, and trouser tear or perforation line testing.
In launching the FPT-H1, Mecmesin Managing Director John
Page stated:
“Mecmesin understands industry’s need for dedicated yet
versatile testers. With the FPT-H1 we have put ease of use and clean design at
the forefront. This is a market-leading machine suitable for continuous daily
use, but also for finer and more detailed laboratory friction testing.”
