GOTECH GT-6014-AS MIT-Type Fold Endurance Tester
| Brand | GOTECH TESTING MACHINES CO., LTD. |
|---|---|
| Origin | Guangdong, China |
| Manufacturer Type | Direct Manufacturer |
| Country of Origin | China |
| Model | GT-6014-AS |
| Pricing | Upon Request |
Overview
The GOTECH GT-6014-AS MIT-Type Fold Endurance Tester is a precision-engineered instrument designed to quantify the fold endurance of paper, paperboard, and fibrous sheet materials in accordance with standardized mechanical fatigue testing principles. Based on the classical MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology) folding method, this tester subjects specimens to controlled, repetitive double-fold motion under defined tension and angular displacement until failure occurs. The measurement principle relies on cumulative mechanical stress accumulation at the fold line—where localized fiber deformation, microcracking, and eventual delamination lead to specimen rupture. This empirical yet highly reproducible method provides critical quality assurance data for manufacturers requiring consistent material durability across packaging substrates, corrugated board liners, folding cartons, and specialty papers used in pharmaceutical, food, and consumer goods packaging.
Key Features
- MIT-standard double-folding mechanism with adjustable fold angle (typically 135° ± 2°) and consistent fold radius to ensure compliance with ASTM D2176, ISO 5626, and TAPPI T423 standards.
- Motor-driven, programmable folding cycle counter with automatic stop-on-failure detection and digital display of total fold count (up to 999,999 cycles).
- Integrated tension control system applying calibrated constant load (typically 9.81 N or 1 kgf) via precision-weighted lever arm—ensuring uniform stress application independent of specimen thickness variation.
- Robust cast-iron frame with hardened steel folding jaws and corrosion-resistant surface treatment for long-term dimensional stability and resistance to environmental humidity fluctuations common in paper labs.
- Quick-change specimen clamping system accommodating standard test strips (15 mm × 115 mm) per ISO 5626; optional fixtures available for non-standard widths or reinforced substrates.
- Compliance-ready design with mechanical interlock safety guard and emergency stop button meeting CE machinery directive requirements (2006/42/EC) and OSHA-recommended lab safety protocols.
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The GT-6014-AS is validated for use with a broad range of planar fibrous materials including uncoated and coated printing papers, kraft linerboard, corrugated medium, solid bleached sulfate (SBS), recycled fiberboard, and laminated composite sheets up to 1.2 mm thickness. Specimen conditioning per ISO 187 (23 °C ± 1 °C, 50 % RH ± 2 %) is recommended prior to testing to minimize hygroscopic variability. All operational parameters align with internationally recognized test methods: ASTM D2176-22 (Standard Test Method for Folding Endurance of Paper by the MIT Folding Tester), ISO 5626:2022 (Paper and board — Determination of folding endurance), and TAPPI T423 om-23. The instrument supports GLP-compliant documentation when integrated with laboratory information management systems (LIMS) via RS-232 output.
Software & Data Management
While the GT-6014-AS operates as a standalone electromechanical tester, its RS-232 serial interface enables seamless integration with external data acquisition software or LIMS platforms. Raw fold-count results—including start/stop timestamps, operator ID fields, and batch identifiers—can be exported in CSV or ASCII format for traceability and statistical process control (SPC) analysis. Optional PC-based companion software (sold separately) provides automated report generation compliant with ISO/IEC 17025 documentation requirements, including audit trails, user access levels, and electronic signature support aligned with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 principles for regulated environments.
Applications
- Quality control of folding carton stock in pharmaceutical secondary packaging lines, where repeated creasing and erection must not compromise structural integrity.
- Supplier qualification testing for corrugated board manufacturers verifying linerboard fold resistance prior to flute formation.
- R&D evaluation of fiber refining efficiency and chemical pulping modifications affecting internal bond strength and fibril network resilience.
- Validation of coating adhesion performance on inkjet- or gravure-printed papers subjected to post-printing folding operations.
- Conformance verification for export-grade packaging materials required to meet EU Directive 94/62/EC on packaging and packaging waste, particularly for recyclability-linked mechanical durability criteria.
FAQ
What standards does the GT-6014-AS comply with?
ASTM D2176, ISO 5626, TAPPI T423, and GB/T 2679.5 (Chinese national standard equivalent).
Can the instrument test materials thicker than standard paper?
Yes—specimens up to 1.2 mm thick may be tested; however, optimal accuracy is maintained within the 0.05–0.5 mm range specified in ISO 5626.
Is calibration certification included with purchase?
A factory-issued calibration certificate traceable to NIM (National Institute of Metrology, China) is provided; annual recalibration is recommended per ISO/IEC 17025 guidelines.
Does the tester support automated data logging without third-party software?
No—the base unit features only local digital display; RS-232 connectivity requires external software or PLC integration for persistent data capture.
What maintenance is required for long-term reliability?
Monthly cleaning of folding jaws and lubrication of pivot points with silicone-free grease; biannual verification of tension weight accuracy and fold angle geometry using certified gauges.
