Importance of specimen preparation for edgewise compressive strength (ECT) testing

Abstract

While more than 50 years of published studies recognize the importance of rectangular, parallel edgewise compressive strength (ECT) specimens, none of the existing test methods address the degree to which a sample specimen is defined as sufficiently parallel. We present a detailed exploration of ECT results for specimens whose edges deviate from parallel with varying severity. We work to identify causes of variation in dimensional measurements and the corresponding ECT values across several industry standard cutters. These variations present a significant challenge to the industry in satisfying customer expectations for performance-based packaging, as well as to the development of improved predictive models for packaging performance.