The Cobb Sizing Tester evaluates the water absorbency of paper-based materials by measuring the weight increase of a sample after exposure to water for a specified time. It is an essential quality control tool for assessing the material's resistance to water, ensuring performance in various applications like printing and packaging.
Features and Design
-
Material Construction:
- Made of stainless steel, ensuring durability and resistance to corrosion.
- Includes a stainless steel roller for drying the wet sample after testing.
-
Rotational Mechanism:
- Equipped with a circular pan that rotates 180°, facilitating even water exposure.
-
Spring-Loaded Clamping System:
- Ensures a leak-proof seal by pressing the cylinder against the sample on a rubber mat.
- The clamping force is adjustable, and the cylinder can be easily lifted by pinching two handle bars together.
-
Tilting Lid Design:
- The lid is secured using spring-loaded finger grips, allowing for smooth operation.
Operational Process
-
Sample Preparation:
- Measure the GSM (grams per square meter) of the circular sample of paper or paperboard.
- Place the sample in the circular pan filled with water.
-
Testing:
- Rotate the pan 180° to ensure uniform water exposure.
- Allow the sample to sit in the water for a specified duration.
-
Absorbency Measurement:
- After exposure, remove the sample and weigh it to determine the water absorbed.
- Use the stainless steel roller to press and dry the sample.
-
Final Calculations:
- Measure the GSM of the dried sample.
- Compare the before-and-after weights to calculate the water absorptiveness or Cobb value.
Key Parameters and Insights
- Cobb Value Definition:
The mass of water absorbed in a specific time by one square meter of material under controlled conditions.
- Applications:
Evaluates additives applied during manufacturing that enhance printing quality and liquid resistance.
- Materials Tested:
Paper, paperboard, and corrugated fiberboard.
Benefits
- Provides accurate and reproducible results.
- Ensures better material selection for water-resistant applications.
- Enhances the quality of products by verifying resistance to liquids.
The Cobb Sizing Tester is a simple yet indispensable tool for ensuring paper-based materials meet industry standards for water resistance