Slide Interaction
Surface resistance data regarding the ease with which one material slides over another allows engineers to predict the behavior of packaging on high speed filling lines. The coefficient of friction defines the ratio of the force of friction between two bodies and the force pressing them together. This property dictates how easily a carton moves through a conveyor or how securely a pallet remains stacked.
Surface Finish
Determining the static and kinetic values requires a sled test where a known weight is pulled across the substrate. A force gauge measures the initial energy needed to start the movement and the subsequent energy required to maintain a constant speed. Coatings such as varnish or silicone can alter these values to suit the requirements of the specific machinery.
Wax additives or slip agents are often incorporated into the ink to lower the resistance of the printed surface. Friction levels that are too low can cause the stack to collapse during transport. Results are expressed as a decimal value where lower numbers indicate a more slippery surface.
Handling Stability
Environmental factors such as heat and humidity can modify the slip characteristics of a material over time. High moisture levels often increase the drag of paper based products. The measurement identifies the limit where a material becomes too difficult to process or too unstable to handle.
It ensures that the substrate performs correctly within the mechanical tolerances of the production environment.