The Elmendorf Tearing Tester is a pendulum-type instrument designed to measure the propagation tearing resistance of materials such as paper, plastic films, packaging laminates, and textiles. By using a falling pendulum to continue a pre-cut tear, the tester delivers highly stable and repeatable results, making it essential for packaging, paper mills, film manufacturers, QC laboratories, and textile industries.
Available in mechanical or digital versions, this tester offers high accuracy, consistent performance, and full international standard compliance.
⭐ Key Features
- High-precision pendulum tearing mechanism
- Digital or mechanical display for tear force
- Multiple pendulum capacities for different materials
- Automatic pendulum release for repeatability
- Adjustable specimen clamping system
- Built-in calibration weights (digital models)
- Strong, low-friction bearings for consistent performance
- Simple specimen preparation and quick testing
🎯 Applications
- Paper & paperboard
- Plastic films & flexible packaging
- Nonwoven fabrics
- Woven textiles
- Laminated materials
- Tissue paper & thin printing papers
🧪 Materials Tested
- PE, PP, PVC films
- Paper & kraft paper
- Tissue, napkins, packaging paper
- Textile samples (light to medium strength)
- Composite laminates and coated sheets
📏 Test Standards
- ASTM D1922 – Plastic film tear resistance
- ASTM D689 – Paper tearing resistance
- ISO 6383-2 – Film tear propagation
- ISO 1974 – Elmendorf tear test for paper
- TAPPI T414 – Internal tearing resistance of paper
⚙️ Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Display | Digital LCD |
| Pendulum Capacity | 200 g, 400 g, 800 g, 1600 g, 3200 g, 6400 g |
| Unit | lb, gf, mN |
| Specimen Size | 63 × 50 mm (typical) |
| Clamping Method | Pneumatic clamp |
| Cutting Method | Precision pre-cut blade |
| Resolution | 1 mN （0.01 g) |
| Power Supply | AC 220V |
🎁 What’s Included
- Elmendorf Tear Tester main unit
- Standard pendulum set
- Specimen clamps
- Pre-cutting blade
- User manual
🔧 Options & Accessories
- Higher-capacity pendulum sets
- Replacement cutting blades
- Calibration weight set
- Extended clamp kit for nonwoven fabrics
- PC data output (RS232) for digital models
- Safety guard upgrade
📄 Sample Requirements
- Pre-cut specimens according to ISO/ASTM dimensions
- Flat samples without wrinkles or defects
- Standard conditioning (temp/humidity) required
- Films, paper, and textiles must meet minimum size for tearing jaw
❓ FAQs
1. What does the Elmendorf test measure?
It measures propagation tearing resistance of sheet materials.
2. Can it test thick paperboard?
Yes—using higher-capacity pendulums.
3. Is sample pre-cutting required?
Yes, to initiate the tear consistently.
4. Do digital models require calibration?
Digital versions include calibration weights for easy verification.
5. Is it suitable for thin films?
Yes—very commonly used for flexible packaging films.
