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Paper Board/Box Testing at IPST has over 5600 square feet of lab space dedicated to address any paper, board, corrugated board/box and specialty product testing needs in areas of strength, optical, surface, and structural properties.  In addition to a full complement of conventional Tappi method testing capabilities, the Paper Testing group can provide special services in the areas of environmental simulations and accelerated aging.  Synergistic collaboration with IPST Chemical Analysis labs provides an unparalleled  trouble-shooting capability to address any industry quality or production issue. Three large walk-in environmental chambers cover high and low temperature and humidity conditions. Unique capabilities include:

1. precision paper grinding or sheet splitting to produce specific thickness sections,
2. score cracking of linerboards: measurement of crack angle by IPST method or cracking propensity by the AF&PA method
3. needle abrasion testing to predict relative slitter and knife blade wear caused by abrasive components in both base sheet and coating materials,
4.  nondestructive in-plane and out-of-plane (Z-directional) ultrasonic testing,
5. optical 3D Moiré surface topography and processing software for the measurement of curl or cockle. 
6.  an automated double backer simulator can fabricate 12 x 2” corrugated board samples for evaluating adhesive efficacy and application.
7. A torsion pendulum can measure the out of plane shear rigidity which is a sensitive measure of board crush on board physical properties in complement to the acoustic resonance “BQM” method
8. large platen 4 x 5’ box compression tester up to 20,000 lbs
9. a twelve channel ECT creep measuring apparatus is available for evaluating lifetime performance of corrugated boards
10.  a programmable walk-in humidity chamber is also fitted with 8 accelerated creep measuring stations for corrugated box lifetime studies.

Our labs also offer the latest automated capabilities for real time hygroexpansive response measurements, and horizontal plane static and kinetic coefficient of friction determinations.  Humidity and temperature conditions are monitored and tracked continually to ensure proper standard Tappi conditions of 23 degrees C and 50 % RH. 

The results from the IPST Paper Analysis Laboratory have been validated through IPST active participation in the Collaborative Testing Services Inc., and PAPRICAN Paper and Pulp Monitor programs. Along with routine internal checks using calibration standards,  this ensures that the equipment, methods and results are consistent with correct industry practice.

Each contract is concluded with the issue of a formal report of measurements and analyses/graphs/interpretation via e-mail.  Typical turn-around time for projects is 5 business days from receiving samples. Projects are initiated through contact with the IPST lab manager. A PO number or billable credit information sent through e-mail to Roman.popil@ipst.gatech.edu will get a project going.