Tear resistance (Elmendorf)

The examination of the tearing behavior by using the Elmendorf Tear Tester is a dynamic (impact) test. It is e. g. suitable for verifying the effectiveness of easy opening devices on plastic bags, and assessing the influence of stretching processes or reduced wall thickness on film properties. The test can be performed on paper, films, flexible laminated films etc.

In short — AI-generated

The Elmendorf test measures the force required to propagate an existing tear in a film or paper sample. A pendulum is released to strike the specimen, which is clamped in the device, and the energy consumed to tear the material over a defined distance is recorded.

The resulting value indicates the material's resistance to further tearing once a cut or puncture has occurred. This data is used in practice to evaluate the effectiveness of easy-opening features on packaging or to assess how changes in film thickness and orientation affect the structural integrity of the material.

Text is AI-generated; based on test method data curated and verified by Innoform.

Test Method Group: Mechanical properties

Norms:

ASTM D 1922 (2023) Standard Test Method for Propagation Tear Resistance of Plastic Film and Thin Sheeting by Pendulum Method
DIN EN ISO 1974 (2012-09) Paper – Determination of tearing resistance – Elmendorf method
DIN EN ISO 6383-2 (2004-10) Plastics – Film and sheeting – Determination of tear resistance – Part 2: Elmendorf method

Required Sample Amount: Sample over total width of material, minimum length: 0,5 m

Standard Tests

tearing resistance elmendorf/ paper samples

Specific Norm: DIN EN ISO 1974

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tearing resistance elmendorf method/ plasic films and flexible laminates

Specific Norm: DIN EN ISO 6383-2

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