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We enjoy bringing you news and educational information updates to help you stay current with IPS and industry initiatives. Please let us know how Insights can be of further service to you.

UPDATE: We have added two new monthly sections to our E-newsletter that give you inside access to our laboratory!

1) Test Flicks: Behind the Scenes at IPS --- A video clip that demonstrates a featured test method being performed and read about its application in the industry.
 
2) Explore our Experts --- A brief Q & A session with our staff to introduce you to the talent behind our physical testing lab services.
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In This Issue
Within the Scope: Paper Problem Solving
Test Flicks: Behind the Scenes at IPS
Explore Our Experts: Q & A
Within the Scope: Paper Problem Solving
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Many times in the industrial process problems arise in production. Due to the wide range of variables encountered in the paper industry, it is necessary to isolate the likely cause so that corrective action can be implemented.

Examination with the light microscope has been an effective tool to help to solve some of these production problems. Understanding the process and raw materials is also important for effective use of these techniques.

Recently our fiber science technical leader, Walter Rantanen, presented on this topic at McCrone Research Institute's 2010 Inter/Micro conference in Chicago.

His presentation, "Microscopical analysis to facilitate problem solving in the paper industry," presents case studies depicting microscopy's role in process improvement.

View slides from this presentation >>
Test Flicks: Behind the Scenes at IPS
Watch a test method be performed by one of our Testing Experts!

Scott Bond Test
(Internal Bond Test) View this test >>
Test Method: TAPPI T-569
Common Uses: This method measures the energy required to rapidly delaminate a sheet-type of paper. Common paper-related industry uses include:
  • Tape manufacturers - To ensure the tape can withstand the force needed to peel the tape.
  • Printers - May require specifications to confirm that the paper will hold up in printing machines.
  • Manufacturers of security papers, paperboard and packaging components - To determine internal bond strengths required to meet specific product use.
Explanation of Test Method: For Scott Bond testing, the sample is sandwiched between two layers of double-stick tape. The bottom of the sandwich is stuck to a long, flat surface and the top surface is stuck to an L-shaped bracket and set in the tester so that a pendulum comes in contact with the L-shaped bracket; this contact causes the sample layers to separate and the force needed to separate the layers is measured. A higher force indicates more internal bonding.

For more information about this test >>
Explore Our Experts: Q & A
Meet our staff! This week's featured IPS Test Expert is Lucy Hayter. Before joining IPS 10 years ago as an optical calibration service provider, Lucy spent several years working at various electronic, physical and chemical testing laboratories. Today, Lucy is our paper laboratory manager and plays a key role as we continue to diversify ourselves in paper testing methods.

Q: What are your testing specialties or areas of interest?
A: I like to test anything and everything. I enjoy the routine-type testing because I can see my accomplishments, but I also like the unique or new test methods because they present more challenges.

Q: What do your daily responsibilities entail?
A: My main responsibility is to provide good service to our customers. Our lab can help customers determine what testing may be beneficial, perform the testing and report the information. Because we are an independent test lab, every day is different and most jobs are unique.

Q: What is your favorite test to run?
A: My favorite tests are the destructive ones such as the Scott Bond (internal bond strength). On some papers, the internal bond strength is so high that the pendulum fails to separate the layers and bounces off the "L" shaped bracket making a loud DING!

Q: What helpful Web sites or materials do you recommend for others in the paper and pulp industry?
A:  I like to use www.OnLineConversion.com and www.PaperOnWeb.com.

Have a question for Lucy? E-mail her today!
Thank you again for being a valued partner to IPS. If you have any questions or are looking for testing solutions, please contact us. We are happy to help! If you know anyone in your network that may be interested in receiving this information, feel free to share the IPS E-newsletter with them.
 
Best regards,

Bruce Shafer

IPS Testing Experts

www.ipstesting.com
July 2010 Join Our Mailing List
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