How do Burst Analysis work?
A circular specimen is clamped between two platens under a defined clamping pressure and a rubber diaphragm expands against it as hydraulic or pneumatic pressure increases at a controlled rate. The maximum pressure reached at rupture is recorded as the bursting strength, and the value is affected by clamping pressure, diaphragm condition, the rate of pressure rise and specimen conditioning. Standards define the clamping force, the free test area, the pressure rise rate and the diaphragm material and thickness, so the instrument must be configured exactly as the method specifies. Because the diaphragm stretches with every test, it must be replaced at defined intervals and its condition checked, since a stiff or hardened diaphragm gives high and erratic readings. Corrugated board requires a larger test area and a support plate to prevent local crushing.
Which Burst Analysis variants are available?
- Hydraulic Bursting Strength Tester for Paper — A hydraulic bursting strength tester for paper applies increasing fluid pressure behind a rubber diaphragm to burst a clamped specimen.
- Digital Bursting Strength Tester for Paper and Board — A digital bursting strength tester records the rupture pressure electronically and displays it with statistics, often with automatic clamping and selectable pressure ranges for paper and board.
- Hydraulic Bursting Strength Tester for Corrugated Board — A hydraulic bursting strength tester for corrugated board uses a large test area and a support plate so that the combined structure bursts rather than collapsing.
- Pneumatic Bursting Strength Tester for Tissue Paper — A pneumatic bursting strength tester uses compressed air behind the diaphragm to burst light tissue specimens, giving a fast and clean measurement with minimal hydraulic hardware.
- Bursting Strength Tester for Linerboard and Fluting — A bursting strength tester configured for linerboard and fluting measures the bursting strength of the uncombined component papers used to make corrugated board.
How do I choose the right variant?
Choose the instrument from the standard and the product. Paper and tissue use the smaller hydraulic test area, board uses the larger area with a higher pressure range, and corrugated board needs a pneumatic or hydraulic instrument with a support plate and a sufficiently wide clamping ring. Confirm the pressure range covers the expected bursting strength with adequate headroom, since a range that is too low prevents reaching rupture and one that is too wide reduces resolution. Specify automatic clamping if many specimens are tested, and always choose an instrument whose diaphragm and pressure rise rate match the standard edition you follow, because values from different configurations are not interchangeable.
Where are Burst Analysis used?
Burst Analysis are specified in bursting strength of packaging papers and boards, corrugated board quality control, paper bag and sack grade verification, tissue and sanitary paper strength testing, incoming inspection of linerboard and fluting and strength comparison between suppliers.
Which standards and certifications apply?
Work with Burst Analysis is commonly governed by ISO 2758, ISO 2759, ISO 12625-11, ASTM D774, TAPPI T403, TAPPI T810 and IEC 61010-1. Instrument certifications such as CE marking are confirmed per configuration and never assumed.
What are the key considerations before purchase?
Condition specimens to the standard atmosphere, since bursting strength changes markedly with moisture content. Clamp each specimen centrally and without creases, since edge positions and wrinkles cause premature rupture and low readings. Replace the diaphragm at the interval stated in the method or whenever it shows hardening, cracking or permanent deformation, and record the replacement in the instrument log. Verify the clamping pressure and the pressure rise rate periodically, and check the pressure gauge or transducer against a reference. After each test, inspect the rupture pattern: an off-centre or irregular burst usually indicates a clamping or centring problem rather than a material fault.
