Universal Testing Machine for Paper Testing Tensile Strength
Universal Testing Machines: Paper tensile testing is performed with a Universal Testing Machine (UTM), which measures the paper tensile strength, elongation at break, stretch percentage, and Tensile Energy Absorption (TEA) of paper, paperboard, corrugated board and flexible packaging materials. At Effective Lab India, we build and manufacture UTMs that are purpose-built for paper and packaging laboratories — with load cells, grip widths, and test speeds tuned to the criteria of TAPPI T494, ASTM D828, and ISO 1924-2. So, if you are operating a paper mill QC laboratory, a corrugated box manufacturing plant or flexible packaging research centre, our machines provide the accurate and repeatable results your process requires.
What Is a Universal Testing Machine for Paper?
A Universal Testing Machine (UTM, tensile tester, or tensile testing machine) exerts a controlled and measurable force to a paper test specimen until it breaks. At each stage of elongation, the machine records the force and plots a stress-strain curve in real time. It has become so far at least, that engineers get tensile index, breaking length, stretch at break and TEA in a single test run. The UTM employs low crosshead speeds (10-100 mm/min) and flat pneumatic or manual grips (15 mm, 25 mm, or 50 mm width) to minimize slippage of specimen material — a frequent mode of failure during testing of thin or coated paper grades. We have an HMI touchscreen controller that records the programme profiles for each paper grade, so your operators are able to transition from testing tissue through to kraft and corrugated board in less than two minutes.
How the UTM Tests Paper — Step by Step
Test procedure:Â Every test cycle follows a well-structured sequence that is compliant with the international standards for testing papers.
- Using a precision specimen cutter, prepare the paper specimen to the appropriate width and length (commonly 15 mm x 180 mm for standard tensile testing as per TAPPI T494 or ISO 1924-2).
- Condition the specimen for no less than four hours before testing at 23 degrees C and 50% RH because paper properties are sensitive to moisture. Such a step is required as part of all major paper testing standards.
- Using the upper and lower flat grips, install the specimen, ensuring no slack (0.0% Slack) in between grips and perpendicular alignment to load axes. Our jaws provide consistent contact across the entire width of any sample to avoid jaw fractures.
- Enter a crosshead speed on the HMI — usually 20 mm/min for paper and paperboard per TAPPI T494, or in accordance with your test standard.
- • Start the test. The crosshead travels at the specified speed and continues applying tension until the sample fails. The load cell captures force in real time at up to 1,000 data points per second.
- Tensile strength (N/m), tensile index (N.m/g), elongation at break (%), TEA (J/m2), and breaking length (km) are automatically calculated. A formatted test report is produced immediately.
Important Features of our Paper Testing UTM
- Paper-grade load cell configurations — our 100 kgf systems have a resolution down to 0.1 kgf, meaning that they are suitable for gauging tissue paper, lighter coated papers and thin flexible films.
- Flat grip system, with anti-slip serrations — providing 15 mm, 25 mm and 50 mm wide grips for TAPPI T494 and ISO 1924-2 compliant specimen holding without slippage.
- HMI touchscreen with programme memory – save separate test profiles by paper grade; easily toggle between tissue, kraft, linerboard and fluting test programmes.
- Display of stress-strain curve during the test in real time — The Windows-based software plots the load-extension curve in real time, with automatic detection of peaks and break points.
- TEA getting calculated automatically. `Tensile Energy Absorption is automatic from the area under the stress-strain curve; no manual calculation required;
- MD and CD Testing in a single fixture — quickly test Directions AND Cross Directions specimens without having to change grips with our 180 degree rotation fixture.
- Wet tensile testing option — an accessory water trough allows for wet tensile strength measurement necessary in tissue, towel, and moisture-barrier packaging grades.
- Overload and over-travel protection — hardware limit switches and software overload detection protect the load cell and the specimen grips from damage due to accidental overloading or excessive travel.
Price of Universal Testing Machine in India
Effective Lab India, based in Faridabad, offers the price of a Universal Testing Machine for paper testing ranges between Rs. 65,000- Rs. 5,50,000 (ex-works, Faridabad). The cost will vary depending on specifications such as load capacity, motor type (AC induction or servo), control system (digital display or HMI touchscreen vs PC-based software), and accessories like grip sets, specimen cutters, and data logging software.
Within 24 hours of enquiry, we take time to propose a detailed itemised quotation. All quoted prices include standard commissioning at your facility & operator training for up to 03 personnel.
Why Choose Effective Lab India?
- One of the few direct manufacturers — every UTM is assembled, calibrated & passed test-run in our facility based at Faridabad, before dispatch. No dealer markup, no third-party assembly.
- Experience in paper testing — our applications engineers have set up UTMs for tissue mills, corrugated box manufacturers, flexible packaging converters and BIS testing labs throughout India.
- NABL-traceable calibration — All load cells are calibrated using NABL accredited reference standards. All instruments come with calibration certificates.
- AMC and aftersales support — Annual Maintenance Contracts with 48-hour on-site response SLAs, genuine spare load cells, recalibration in major industrial cities of India.
- Compliance guarantee — The ability for you to define your acceptance test under your UTM-specified standard, and if the UTM does not comply, we reconfigure and recalibrate you at no extra cost.
| Minimum Order Quantity | 1 Piece |
| Brand | ELI |
| Capacity | 1-5 TON |
| Model Name/Number | UTES-100 |
| Material | Mild Steel, Ball Screw |
| Display Type | HMI, Motor - Servo |
| Power | 3 PHASE |
- Versatility – Can perform multiple types of tests on a variety of materials.
- Accuracy – Provides precise measurements of mechanical properties, ensuring that materials meet specific standards.
- Efficiency – Automated and computer-controlled machines improve testing speed and reduce the chances of human error.
- Data Collection – Advanced UTMs can generate detailed reports and graphs, allowing engineers to analyze results for quality control or product development.
- Â
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Which paper attributes can be measured by the UTM?
The UTM tests parameters such as Tensile strength (N or kgf), Tensile index (N.m/g), % elongation at break, % stretch, Tensile Energy Absorption or TEA (J/m2), breaking length (km), and Wet tensile strength. It also measures peel force, seal strength, and puncture resistance of packaging materials with optional fixtures.
Q2. What is TEA, and why does it matter for packaging?
TEA is total energy absorption per unit area of paper before rupture — essentially an area under the stress-strain curve. TEA is directly related to its impact energy absorption ability during filling and transportation for corrugated board and sack paper. Accordingly, an improved TEA value indicates better protective performance of packaged goods.
Q3. What crosshead speed should I use for paper testing?
Testing of all paper and paperboard is standardized according to TAPPI T494 and ISO 1924-2 at a crosshead speed of 20 mm/min. ASTM D828 allows 25 mm/min. Recommended: 10 mm/min tissue paper. For example, 12.5 mm/min is the constant speed for corrugated board. Refer to your applicable test standard and material spec sheet.
Q4.Separate machine needed for MD and CD testing?
No. Our UTM tests Machine Direction (MD) and Cross Direction (CD) specimens on identical machines with the same grip set. Just turn the specimen 90 degrees between tests. MD and CD results are stored separately in the software, and the MD/CD ratio is calculated automatically in the test report.
Q5. What warranty and service support do you provide?
1 Year warranty on the machine frame, motor, and control system & 2 years of warranty on the load cell from Effective Lab India. We can also provide Annual Maintenance Contracts (AMC) with 48 hours on-site response SLAs. We provide service in Delhi NCR, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Ahmedabad, Pune, Hyderabad & Bengaluru.
Know About Our Products
Universal Testing Machines (UTMs) are indispensable tools for industries involved in material testing. These machines are designed to evaluate the tensile strength, compression resistance, and flexure performance of various materials, making them vital in ensuring product reliability and safety.
Universal Testing Machines are known as versatile material testing equipment's which are used for testing a wide range of materials including metals, plastics, composites, and textiles. With the help of this testing machine, we can determine the mechanical properties such as tensile strength, compressive strength, elongation, flexural strength, and more.
Universal Testing Machine (UTM) ensures the quality of materials by testing to measure the mechanical properties of materials and components under controlled conditions. This happens when various types of controlled forces (such as pulling, pushing or bending) are applied on it. It plays an important role in quality control, product development and standards compliance.
Yes, Universal Testing Machines are considered to be cost effective, there are many reasons that make them stand out like their versatile testing capabilities, low material wastage and ability to have multiple functionalities in one machine.
Contact Form
Connect with us will help you with their queries...
For accurate laboratory testing results? contact us
for high-quality testing equipment solutions.