Key Features:
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High Precision Measurements: Motor-driven inclination (0–60°) with a clear 0.1° digital resolution for consistent accuracy.
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Multi-Standard Compliance: Fully adheres to ASTM D202, TAPPI T815, and TAPPI T548 international testing protocols.
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Versatile Testing Applications: Includes interchangeable sled options and custom templates for paper, plastics, foil, and films.
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Automated Detection: Integrated micro-switch automatically stops the plane at the first sign of movement to capture the exact slide angle.
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User-Friendly Design: Compact footprint with easy leveling and fast setup to improve laboratory efficiency.
This Coefficient of Friction Testing Device (C.O.F) has an Incline Plane. The instrument is useful to determine the coefficient of static friction.
The applications include most packaging materials including plastic films, paper, etc. It does so by measuring the angle at which one test surface begins to slide against another.
And tests how friction changes as the incline increases. It rises at a constant and previously set rate. The Coefficient of Friction Tester incline plane complies many international testing standards.
The coefficient of friction of packaging materials indicates how packages made from that material will perform in many critical applications.
A high coefficient of one surface of paper or paperboard (containerboard) to itself means that containers having that surface will tend to resist sliding in unit loads.
A low coefficient may indicate potential problems with the packages slipping from the load.
As the plane rises at a rate of 1.5° ±0.5°/s, the first sign of movement from the sled is detected by a micro switch. And stops the plane movement and records the relevant angle of the incline. Thus, many refer this test as slide angle. The coefficient of friction is numerically equivalent to the tangent of that angle.
Coefficient of Friction Testing Equipment - Incline Plane Parts
The IDM COF consists of the following parts:
- Sled: A rectangular metal block used to hold the test piece
- Bullseye Level: Indicates when machine is level, the inclined plane is level when bubble is inside red circle.
- DPM: Digital read-out of inclined angle in degrees.
- Resolution- 0.1 degrees, Accuracy- 0.5 degrees
- Microswitch: Senses when sled has moved, will then stop inclination
- Levelling Feet: Located underneath, used to level machine
Test Sample Preperation for COF Test
These test methods cover procedures for sampling and testing untreated paper to be used as an electrical insulator or as a constituent of a composite material used for electrical insulating purposes.
Untreated papers are thin, fibrous sheets normally laid down from a water suspension of pulped fibers (usually cellulosic) with or without various amounts of nonfibrous ingredients, and which are calendared, if required, to obtain desired thickness and density.
Nevertheless, these test methods are applicable, generally although not invariably, to papers formed by other means, to papers modified (during or after formation) by additions, and to papers given subsequent mechanical treatments such as creping.
Coefficient of Static Friction Test
The coefficient of friction is the ratio of the frictional force resisting movement of the surface being tested to the force applied normal to that surface (the weight of the material above that surface).
For the inclined plane, the coefficient is numerically equal to the tangent of the angle of incline.
This method determines the coefficient of static friction of most packaging materials by measuring the angle at which one test surface begins to slide against another inclined surface as the incline is increased at a constant and prescribed rate.
The test is frequently referred to as slide angle. The coefficient of friction is numerically equivalent to the tangent of that angle.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the Coefficient of Friction (COF) Incline Plane test?
The Incline Plane test determines the static coefficient of friction by measuring the "slide angle." This is the exact degree of inclination at which one surface begins to slide against another. The COF is numerically equal to the tangent of that angle.
Which international standards does this tester comply with?
This instrument is designed to meet several global testing protocols, including:
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ASTM D202: Standard for untreated paper used for electrical insulation.
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TAPPI T815: Static friction (slide angle) for packaging materials and shipping sacks.
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TAPPI T548: Static friction for uncoated writing and printing paper.
What materials can be tested on this machine?
It is highly versatile and ideal for a wide range of flat materials, such as:
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Paper and paperboard (containerboard).
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Plastic films and laminates.
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Foils and coatings.
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Corrugated and solid fiberboard.
Why is measuring the "Slide Angle" important for packaging?
The slide angle indicates how a material will perform in real-world applications. A high COF (high angle) prevents packages from slipping in unit loads or during transport, while a low COF (low angle) might be required for high-speed filling lines where materials need to glide easily.
How does the motor-driven incline improve accuracy?
Manual inclination can lead to inconsistent results due to varying speeds or vibrations. The IDM tester uses a motor-driven system that rises at a constant, controlled rate of 1.5° ±0.5° per second, ensuring every test is repeatable and free from human error.
Are different sled sizes available?
Yes. While standard sleds are available (e.g., 200g, 235g, or 1300g), custom sled sizes and weights can be manufactured to meet specific testing requirements or internal company standards.
What is the digital resolution of the angle indication?
The machine features a Digital Position Meter (DPM) with a resolution of 0.1° and an accuracy of 0.5°, providing high-precision data for technical reports.