Handle-o-Meter

The Handle-o-Meter is a testing machine developed by Johnson & Johnson and now manufactured by Thwing-Albert that measures the "handle" of sheeted materials: a combination of its surface friction and flexibility. Originally, it was used to test the durability and flexibility of toilet paper and paper towels.<ref>Technical Association of the Pulp and Paper Industry. Vol. 48. Technical Association of the Pulp and Paper Industry. 1965. pp. 58–61.</ref> It is also used to measure the stiffness of packaging film.<ref>Hansen Jr., Orin C.; Marker, Leon; Ninnemann, Karl W.; Sweeting, Orville J. (1963). "Relationship between dynamic modulus of thin films and stiffness, as determined by the Handle-O-Meter". Journal of Applied Polymer Science. 7 (3): 817–832. doi:10.1002/app.1963.070070303.</ref>

The test sample is placed over an adjustable slot. The resistance encountered by the penetrator blade as it is moved into the slot by a pivoting arm is measured by the machine.<ref name="Robertson2016">Gordon L. Robertson (2016). Food Packaging: Principles and Practice, Third Edition. CRC Press. p. 96. ISBN 9781439862421.</ref>

Details

The data collected when such nonwovens, tissues, toweling, film and textiles are tested has been shown to correlate well with the actual performance of these specific material's performance as a finished product.<ref name=handle-o-meter>"Handle-O-Meter softness testing machine". Thwing Albert. Archived from the original on 24 September 2012. Retrieved 2 March 2013.</ref>

Materials are placed over a slot that extends across the instrument platform, and then the tester hits test. A beam then protrudes through the slot and a strain gauge measures the force that the material exerts on the beam. Stiff materials offer greater resistance to the movement of the beam.<ref name="Robertson2016" /> Machine direction and transverse stiffness are measured separately.<ref>The Complete Technology Book On Plastic Films, Hdpe And Thermoset Plastics. NIIR Project Consultancy Services. 2006. pp. 148–150. ISBN 9788178330112.</ref>

There are three different test modes which can be applied to the material: single, double, and quadruple. The average is automatically calculated for double or quadruple tests.

Restrictions on measuring the friction between the platform and the material limit the instrument's accuracy.<ref>D H Morton; A Marks (1965). "The measurement of flexural rigidity of thin polymeric films". Journal of Scientific Instruments. 42 (8): 591. Bibcode:1965JScI...42..591M. doi:10.1088/0950-7671/42/8/327.</ref>

Features

• Adjustable slot openings
• Interchangeable beams
• Auto-ranging
• 2 x 40 LCD display
• Statistical Analysis
• RS-232 Output and Serial Port
• Industry Standards:
• ASTM D2923, D6828-02
• TAPPI T498
• INDA IST 90.3

External links

• Manufacturer's datasheet