TLS T-5184 Universal Compression Testing Machine for Corrugated Board and Paperboard Physical Property Evaluation
| Brand | TLS |
|---|---|
| Origin | Spain |
| Model | T-5184 |
| Type | Universal Testing Machine |
| Application-Specific Configurations | CMT, RCT, CCT, ECT, CLT, FCT, PAT |
Overview
The TLS T-5184 Universal Compression Testing Machine is an electromechanical testing system engineered for standardized mechanical evaluation of corrugated fiberboard, paperboard, and linerboard substrates. It operates on the principle of controlled axial compression force application via a precision-driven crosshead, with load measurement transduced through a high-stability load cell and displacement tracked via encoder-based position feedback. Designed in accordance with international packaging material testing standards—including ISO 3037 (CMT), ISO 12192 (RCT), ISO 7263 (CCT), ISO 3035 (ECT), ISO 5628 (CLT), ISO 3036 (FCT), and ISO 15755 (PAT)—the instrument delivers repeatable, traceable results essential for quality assurance in packaging manufacturing, supplier qualification, and regulatory documentation.
Key Features
- Modular test fixture architecture supporting rapid reconfiguration for CMT (Corrugated Medium Test), RCT (Ring Crush Test), CCT (Concora Crush Test), ECT (Edge Crush Test), CLT (Cross Directional Flat Crush Test), FCT (Flat Crush Test), and PAT (Ply Adhesion Test) per ASTM D6322, TAPPI T811, T825, T839, T840, T826, and ISO equivalents.
- Load capacity up to 10 kN (standard configuration), with optional calibration traceability to national metrology institutes (e.g., ENAC-accredited labs in Spain).
- Motor-driven crosshead with adjustable speed range from 0.1 mm/min to 500 mm/min, programmable via front-panel interface or software control.
- Integrated digital load cell with ±0.5% full-scale accuracy and resolution better than 0.1 N, compliant with ISO 7500-1 Class 1 requirements.
- Robust steel frame construction with rigid column alignment and low-friction linear guidance to minimize parasitic bending moments during compression.
- Compliance-ready firmware architecture supporting audit trails, user access levels, and electronic signature capability—designed to align with GLP and GMP documentation workflows where applicable.
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The T-5184 accommodates standard specimen dimensions defined by TAPPI and ISO protocols: 15.2 × 15.2 mm squares for RCT, 15.2 × 100 mm strips for ECT, 15.2 × 150 mm specimens for CMT/CCT, and 25 × 25 mm samples for FCT. Fixtures are precision-machined from hardened stainless steel and include self-aligning features to ensure consistent load distribution across specimen edges or surfaces. All test modes adhere to mandatory pre-test conditioning requirements per ISO 187 (23 °C ± 1 °C, 50% RH ± 2%) and specimen preparation guidelines specified in TAPPI T402. The system supports compliance reporting for ISO/IEC 17025-accredited laboratories conducting third-party certification testing.
Software & Data Management
The instrument is supplied with TLS ComTest Suite v3.x—a Windows-based application enabling method setup, real-time curve visualization (load vs. displacement), automatic peak detection, and configurable pass/fail criteria. Raw data export is supported in CSV, XML, and PDF formats, with embedded metadata including operator ID, timestamp, environmental conditions (if linked to optional hygrothermal sensor), and calibration certificate references. Software architecture incorporates role-based access control (RBAC), electronic signature logging, and 21 CFR Part 11–compliant audit trail generation—including modification history of test parameters and result annotations. Data integrity safeguards include write-once storage options and optional network backup integration with enterprise LIMS platforms.
Applications
- Corrugated board manufacturing: Routine QC of flute medium crush resistance (CMT), linerboard ring crush (RCT), and combined board edge crush (ECT) to predict box stacking strength.
- Packaging R&D: Comparative analysis of recycled fiber blends, starch-based adhesives, and surface coatings under controlled compression profiles.
- Supplier verification: Validation of incoming raw material specifications against contractual performance thresholds per ISTA, ASTM D642, or customer-specific PPAP documentation.
- Regulatory submission support: Generation of test reports meeting FDA, EU Packaging Directive 94/62/EC, and Amazon Packaging Support Program (APSP) evidentiary requirements.
- Academic and standards development labs: Method validation studies supporting revision of ISO/TC 6/SC 2 test procedures.
FAQ
What standards does the T-5184 support out of the box?
The system includes preloaded test methods aligned with ISO 3037, ISO 12192, ISO 7263, ISO 3035, ISO 5628, ISO 3036, and ISO 15755, as well as TAPPI T811, T825, T839, T840, T826, and ASTM D6322.
Is calibration documentation included with shipment?
Yes—each unit ships with a factory calibration certificate traceable to ENAC-accredited reference standards, valid for 12 months under normal operating conditions.
Can the T-5184 be integrated into an existing LIMS environment?
Yes—the ComTest Suite supports ODBC-compliant database connectivity and provides RESTful API endpoints for automated result ingestion into laboratory information management systems.
Does the system meet requirements for GLP-compliant testing?
The firmware and software include audit trail logging, electronic signatures, and user permission management—features validated for use in GLP-regulated environments per OECD Principles of Good Laboratory Practice.
What maintenance is required to sustain measurement accuracy?
Annual recalibration is recommended; routine checks include load cell zero stability verification, crosshead alignment assessment, and fixture wear inspection per TLS Maintenance Protocol MP-T5184 Rev. 2.
