DIN 53119-2 Paper Tests - Determination of Friction - Part 2: Inclined Plane Method

DIN 53119-2 Paper Tests - Determination of Friction - Part 2: Inclined Plane Method

The standard “DIN 53119-2 Paper tests - Determination of friction - Part 2: Inclined plane method”, published by the German Institute for Standardization (DIN), describes a standardized test method for determining the frictional behavior of paper and paper-based materials. This standard specifies a repeatable laboratory method for measuring static or kinetic friction, among others.

DIN 53119-2 Paper Tests - Determination of Friction - Part 2: Inclined Plane Method

  • Paper and paper (the most common application)
  • Paper and another material surface (friction partner)

This test is particularly important in industries where paper surface sliding or stacking behavior is critical, including:

  • Packaging (e.g., folding cartons, corrugated cardboard boxes, sacks)
  • Printing and converting processes
  • Palletizing and transportation of paper products.

High friction prevents stacked papers or boxes from sliding undesirably, while low friction is desirable for smooth feeding in printing presses.

The inclined plane method described in this standard uses a simple but effective gravity-based setup:

  • A flat, adjustable inclined plane is covered with a reference surface (usually the same type of paper or a designated friction partner).
  • A test piece (typically a paper sample of defined size and weight) is placed on the inclined surface.
  • The tilt angle is increased gradually (automatically or manually) at a controlled rate. The critical angle at which the test piece begins to slide is recorded.
  • The coefficient of static friction is calculated using the tangent of this angle.

Some applications allow for the measurement of kinetic friction by observing the sliding behavior after initiation.

Commercial cardboard box slip testers or paper friction angle testers used in tests are manufactured in accordance with the DIN 53119-2 standard. Common features include:

  • Adjustable incline range of approximately 0-35 degrees.
  • Motorized angle increase for constant speed.
  • Digital angle indicator and data logging.
  • Large test platform (e.g., 600 mm x 500 mm)

These devices are frequently used to test printed cartons, beer/soda multi-packs, corrugated boxes, and similar packaging to ensure they won't slide off pallets during transport.

The advantages of the inclined plane approach are as follows:

  • It is simple and inexpensive.
  • It does not require advanced force sensors.
  • It closely simulates the real-world movement of stacked packages under gravity.

It complements other friction testing methods (e.g., horizontal tensile methods in DIN 53119-1 standard, if or if this section is present).

In short, the DIN 53119-2 standard defines a method for determining the friction behavior of paper under controlled conditions. This standard is part of the DIN 53119 series of standards relating to paper friction tests.

This standard includes a test procedure for measuring the friction of sheets of paper (paper-to-paper) or paper against another material via an inclined plane (inclined surface). The results are expressed in terms of static and dynamic friction coefficients under defined laboratory conditions.

This method generally follows these steps:

  • A sheet of paper (test sample) is placed on an inclined plane.
  • A sled or friction partner (another sheet of paper or a specified material) is placed on top of it.
  • The plane tilts gradually until the movement begins.
  • The angle at which the upper part begins to slide is used to determine the static friction coefficient. After sliding occurs, measurements also give the dynamic friction coefficient.

The results are evaluated as follows:

  • Static friction coefficient: Expresses the resistance to initial motion.
  • Dynamic friction coefficient: Indicates the resistance during sliding.

These values ​​help evaluate how the paper will behave in feeding, printing, converting, and packaging processes where surface friction affects performance. The results may not directly represent machine or processing conditions, as industrial effects (e.g., airflow, electrostatic) are more complex and not covered by this simple inclined plane test.

The DIN 53119-2 standard is necessary because friction directly affects the behavior of paper in real-world production and end-use environments. Without a standardized method, paper performance would be unpredictable and difficult to compare. The main reasons why this standard is necessary are as follows:

  • Provides reliable machine performance: In printing, packaging and converting:
  • Excessive friction causes the papers to stick together, resulting in misfeeds and double paper feeds.
  • With very little friction, the papers slide uncontrollably, leading to alignment problems.

This standard provides a repeatable method for measuring static and dynamic friction, helping manufacturers ensure that paper runs smoothly on high-speed equipment.

  • It ensures quality control and consistency: Paper manufacturers need to ensure the following:
  • Consistency across parties
  • Stability in surface treatment (coating, calendering, sizing)
  • Comparable performance among suppliers

A standardized method ensures that friction values ​​are measured consistently everywhere, eliminating uncertainty between laboratories.

  • Supports packaging and stacking safety: In logistics:
  • In low-friction environments, stacked materials may slide during transport.
  • High friction can cause problems in automated conveyor systems.

Measuring friction using this standard helps in evaluating the following:

  • Stack stability
  • Transportation safety
  • Transport performance
  • It enables fair technical comparison: without a defined test method:
  • Results from different laboratories do not match.
  • Suppliers and buyers may have disagreements regarding specifications.
  • Contract compliance becomes uncertain.

This standard provides:

  • Defined test conditions
  • Defined device (inclined plane method)
  • Calculation of defined friction coefficients.

This creates objective, comparable data.

  • It supports product development: Surface friction is affected by:
  • Coatings
  • Surface roughness
  • Fiber composition
  • Gender

R&D teams rely on this standard for the following reasons:

  • Optimizing coatings
  • Improving print quality
  • Adjusting surface treatments
  • Developing specialized papers

In conclusion, the DIN 53119-2 standard provides a standardized method for measuring paper friction via inclined plane technique and produces static and dynamic friction coefficients that support quality control and comparative testing of paper materials in industry.

For many years, our organization, with its competent and experienced staff, has been understanding the needs of its clients, providing the advanced testing services they require, and assisting them in the establishment, implementation, and improvement of management systems. Within this framework, we also provide testing services in accordance with the DIN 53119-2 standard.

WhatsApp