Ultimately, we use two different test methods to measure the antistatic properties of our anti-slip paper: For a quick and easy determination, we measure the coefficient of sliding friction using a standardized sliding friction block, a spring balance, and the worst-possible material combination to build in a safety margin, since this test procedure is not 100% accurate. This allows us to quickly confirm compliance with VDI Standard 2700, even on-site at the customer’s location if necessary.

However, for more detailed analyses, for example, when the exact anti-slip paper quality required for a specific application needs to be determined, we rely on a more comprehensive procedure, in which we determine the slip angle —which we consider more meaningful—in our laboratory using the “inclined plane” method.

What exactly are the differences between determining the coefficient of sliding friction and the slip angle?

According to VDI Standard 2700, a sliding friction coefficient of 0.6 μ is required, which we must, of course, always comply with. We test this value using a coefficient of sliding friction determination block (REK) from the “Königsberg Load Securing Circle” (KLSK), which allows compliance with VDI Standard 2700, Sheet 14, to be verified relatively quickly and easily. We like to use this method for testing because various surfaces (we usually test a smooth cardboard surface on anti-slip paper, which represents one of the worst material combinations) can be simulated, thereby yielding a relatively realistic result. In this context, we would like to point out that there are significant differences in the sliding friction coefficients among the various material combinations, and if the block is even slightly heavier, this also has a greater impact on the result. For these reasons, we honestly find this test somewhat inaccurate and, in case of doubt, open to misinterpretation. Therefore, in our laboratory we usually conduct more elaborate slip angle tests, which are based on a completely different testing procedure. When we test the coefficient of sliding friction, we use a small A4-sized sample and observe at what force a displacement of the block is triggered. In the slip angle test, the exact material pairing at the customer’s site is first simulated on a smooth, flat surface, and then this surface is tilted using a machine until the material begins to slide. This then corresponds to the slip angle and, in our opinion, much more accurately simulates the practical challenges faced by the customer, as it is often a matter of determining the optimal anti-slip paper quality for the application. The quality should be well-suited both economically and, above all, for its intended use as a load-securing material.

What are the different testing methods used to determine the load-securing values of anti-slip paper?

The various test methods play a crucial role in determining the load-securing values of anti-slip paper, as they ensure in various ways that it meets the requirements for load securing. Two main methods are used to measure load-securing properties:

Using these two test methods, you can easily determine how effective and safe our anti-slip paper is and how well it secures the load.

How can different material combinations affect the coefficient of friction test, and why is this test considered inaccurate?

Different material combinations can significantly influence the coefficient of sliding friction test, as there are significant differences in the coefficients of sliding friction between the various combinations. Depending on the material combination, the coefficient of sliding friction may be higher or lower, which in turn affects the test results and their interpretation. A specific challenge arises, for example, when pairing a smooth cardboard surface with anti-slip paper, which is considered one of the worst material combinations for this test. This variability in material combinations leads to a relative inaccuracy in the sliding friction test.

The test is also considered inaccurate because even minor changes in the weight of the test block can have a significant impact on the result. This demonstrates the test’s sensitivity to external conditions, which limits its accuracy and thus its reliability as an indicator of real-world conditions. For this reason, while the sliding friction test is used for quick and simple checks, for more precise and reliable results, especially regarding the suitability of the anti-slip paper for specific operating conditions, more elaborate slip angle tests are preferred.

Why is it important to obtain practical results when determining the load-securing values of anti-slip paper?

It is important to obtain practical results when determining the load-securing values of anti-slip paper, as the test should simulate the actual conditions under which the anti-slip paper is used. When measuring the coefficient of sliding friction, for example, various surfaces are tested to recreate a situation that is as realistic as possible. This is relevant because a wide variety of material combinations occur in real-world scenarios, and the effectiveness of the anti-slip paper must be guaranteed in every situation. In this context, practical testing helps ensure that the anti-slip paper effectively secures the load even under the worst possible conditions (simulated by the worst-case material combination in the test) effectively supports load securing. Furthermore, the simulation of real-world conditions, as tested in the slip angleby adjusting the material combination at the customer’s site and subsequently tilting the surface, to determine the optimal anti-slip paper quality for the specific application. This is crucial for being able to offer the most suitable product, both economically and in terms of its intended use as a load-securing agent. The goal is to find a product that not only complies with standards but is also reliable in practice under various conditions.