Materials testing under extreme conditions – Billerud relies on Zwick testing technology

Modern corrugated-board packaging is subject to increasingly severe demands, with extreme loadings placed on product packaging and transport packing by the worldwide trade in goods.

As part of its quality control process, Billerud (Sweden) uses Zwick testing machines housed in a special climate-controlled container to simulate environmental conditions.

Leading supplier of paper for corrugated board Billerud uses six Zwick ProLine testing machines at its testing facilities Billerud Boxlab in Grums, Sweden. By placing the testing machines in a climate-controlled container it is possible to simulate exactly the environmental conditions to which the packaging and packing are exposed during transport, with tests at normal temperatures and at up to 90% humidity. This is to simulate the real life demands on boxes in the logistic chain. By considering creep properties, Billerud strives for showing the true performance in packaging materials.

ProLine’s robust construction makes it ideal for use under extreme temperature conditions, while the flexible plug and slot system allows quick fixture changes whenever required. Billerud’s product improvement and quality control programs require a number of different tests, including edge crush tests (ECT), creep tests at constant force and cyclic tests to simulate transport conditions. Testing machine operation and result documentation are greatly simplified thanks to the intuitive testXpert II software.