Features Equipment & Systems
TESTING: A TIME TO BURST YOUR BUBBLE

CHICOPEE, MA — Mullen Burst Testers can now be accurately tested in higher ranges than ever before, said Joel McKenna, unit manager of the Mullen Testers division of Standex Embossing and Engraving. The newly available test foils give users an ability to gauge the calibration of their testers at higher pressures — from 131 psi to 150 psi in the G-range, and from 171 psi to 200 psi in the R-range. The company’s testers are designed to test textiles, nonwovens, paper, board, corrugated, composites and plastics. Although test foils are always considered precautionary tools, these foils are traceable to NIST,” explained McKenna about the widely acceptable quality standard. Testing performance is checked by bursting all 10 foil sheets in a package. If the average of the burst value lies between specified ranges, the instrument is considered to be substantially in agreement with NIST Mullen Testers at the burst level. If the foils indicate that the average burst value is outside of range, factory recalibration is necessary. For accuracy, gage recalibration is typically required every year on a deadweight tester. But if the gage has been overpressured, it might be required sooner. Accordingly, the test foils serve as a precautionary warning that recalibration is required.

Circle Reader Service No. 3.