Test Equipment and Measurement Instrument Blog

Coming up in just a few weeks, I will be heading off PACK EXPO International 2014 in Chicago where I will be showcasing some of Kett’s cutting edge test instrumentation relevant to the packaging world.

As we discussed in last week’s blog, there are two types of friction: static and dynamic (kinetic). These values have traditionally been measured via incline methods and manual strain (or pull force) gauges. We’re now fortunate enough to have automated friction analyzers that provide substantially more precise (repeatable) measurements and are able to quantitatively distinguish very small differences in two samples or two proposed development versions. Moreover, recent technological developments have allowed for the novel, and widely popular, portable friction analyzers in addition to traditional desktop versions.

As the Sales Director of Kett, I field daily calls from people asking the question, "Why would I want to measure ___?"  It's the same question I asked my superiors when I first started here 20 years ago, and, after much practice, I'm confident I can answer that question pretty thoroughly. Just to narrow it down though, today we'll be answering the question: