Yasuda No.307 MIT-Type Folding Endurance Tester
| Brand | Yasuda |
|---|---|
| Origin | Japan |
| Model | No.307 |
| Standards Compliance | JIS C5016, ASTM D2176, TAPPI T511, ISO 5626, P8115, R3420 |
| Loading Options | Spring-Loaded or Fixed-Load Mode |
| Folding Angle | ±135° |
| Motion Profile | Reciprocating Bending at Defined Frequency |
Overview
The Yasuda No.307 MIT-Type Folding Endurance Tester is an electromechanical testing instrument engineered for the quantitative evaluation of folding endurance in flexible sheet materials. It operates on the fundamental principle of controlled reciprocating bending—subjecting a standardized specimen to repeated angular deformation (±135°) under a defined static or spring-biased load until catastrophic failure occurs. The resulting fold count serves as a direct metric of material fatigue resistance under cyclic flexural stress. Designed in strict accordance with internationally recognized test methodologies—including ASTM D2176 (Standard Test Method for Folding Endurance of Paper by the MIT Tester), ISO 5626 (Paper and Board — Determination of Folding Endurance), TAPPI T511 (Folding Endurance of Paper [MIT Tester]), and JIS C5016 (Testing Methods for Paper and Board)—the No.307 delivers repeatable, traceable data essential for quality assurance, material development, and regulatory documentation in paper manufacturing, packaging R&D, flexible electronics, and specialty film production.
Key Features
- Precision-engineered dual-mode loading system: user-selectable spring-loaded or fixed-load configuration to accommodate variations in specimen thickness, tensile modulus, and elongation behavior—ensuring consistent force application across diverse substrates including kraft paper, coated board, metallized films, and polyimide-based flexible printed circuits.
- High-stability mechanical drive train with calibrated cam-and-follower mechanism, maintaining constant folding amplitude (±135°) and angular repeatability within ±0.5° over extended test cycles.
- Digital counter with automatic stop function triggered upon specimen rupture; records total fold count with integer resolution and retains last-test memory for immediate verification.
- Modular specimen clamp assembly featuring parallel jaw alignment and micrometer-adjustable pressure control—minimizing slippage and edge deformation during high-cycle testing.
- Robust cast-iron base and vibration-damped housing structure, compliant with ISO 2041 (Vibration and Shock – Vocabulary) requirements for laboratory-grade mechanical stability.
- CE-marked electrical architecture with integrated overload protection and emergency stop circuitry meeting IEC 61000-6-2 (Immunity) and IEC 61000-6-4 (Emission) standards.
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The No.307 accommodates specimens measuring 15 mm × 115 mm (standard per ASTM D2176 and ISO 5626), with optional adapters available for widths up to 25 mm. It is validated for use with paper grades ranging from lightweight tissue (≤30 g/m²) to heavy-duty corrugated medium (≥300 g/m²), as well as biaxially oriented polypropylene (BOPP), polyester (PET), polyimide (PI), and laminated composites used in flexible packaging and FPCB applications. All test procedures align with Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) documentation requirements, supporting audit readiness for ISO/IEC 17025-accredited laboratories. Traceability is maintained through serial-numbered calibration certificates issued per ISO/IEC 17025 Clause 6.5.2, covering angular displacement, load verification, and timing accuracy.
Software & Data Management
While the No.307 operates as a standalone electromechanical instrument without embedded microprocessor control, it is fully compatible with third-party laboratory data acquisition systems via TTL-level pulse output (one pulse per fold cycle). This interface enables integration into LIMS environments supporting ASTM E1382-compliant data logging, automated report generation (PDF/CSV), and long-term trend analysis. When deployed in regulated settings—such as pharmaceutical packaging validation or aerospace-grade material qualification—the device supports 21 CFR Part 11-compliant electronic records when paired with validated software platforms offering audit trail, electronic signature, and role-based access control.
Applications
- Quality control of folding cartons and corrugated shipping containers in packaging manufacturing.
- Development and specification validation of crease-resistant paperboard for luxury packaging.
- Endurance benchmarking of flexible dielectric films in printed electronics and roll-to-roll fabrication processes.
- Comparative fatigue analysis of bio-based packaging substrates versus conventional cellulose derivatives.
- Supplier qualification testing for automotive interior trim laminates subjected to repeated hinge motion.
- Research into fiber orientation effects on folding durability using microtomographic correlation with No.307 fold counts.
FAQ
What standards does the Yasuda No.307 comply with?
It conforms to ASTM D2176, ISO 5626, TAPPI T511, JIS C5016, P8115, and R3420.
Can the No.307 test non-paper materials such as polymer films?
Yes—its adjustable loading modes and wide clamping range support PET, PI, BOPP, and other thin flexible substrates per ASTM D882 Annex A4 guidelines.
Is calibration certification included with shipment?
Each unit ships with a factory-issued calibration certificate traceable to JCSS (Japan Calibration Service System) standards, covering angular fidelity, load verification, and cycle timing.
Does the instrument require routine maintenance beyond periodic cleaning?
Annual verification of cam profile wear, spring constant drift, and counter accuracy is recommended per ISO 17025 Clause 7.7; no lubrication or firmware updates are required.
How is specimen failure detected?
Mechanical interruption of the folding arm’s optical gate triggers automatic test termination and final count registration—no operator intervention is needed.
