{"id":3387,"date":"2026-07-23T06:34:10","date_gmt":"2026-07-23T06:34:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.materialstests.com\/?post_type=application&#038;p=3387"},"modified":"2026-07-23T06:34:11","modified_gmt":"2026-07-23T06:34:11","slug":"astm-d689","status":"publish","type":"application","link":"https:\/\/www.materialstests.com\/he\/application\/astm-d689.html","title":{"rendered":"ASTM D689"},"content":{"rendered":"<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Paper products used in packaging, printing, labeling, and industrial applications must withstand mechanical stresses during converting, transportation, and end use. <strong>ASTM D689<\/strong> provides a standardized approach for evaluating the <strong>tear resistance test of paper<\/strong> by measuring the force required to continue a tear after it has been initiated. Using the well-established <strong>Elmendorf method<\/strong>, the standard enables laboratories and manufacturers to compare materials objectively, optimize product performance, and maintain consistent production quality. Whether evaluating lightweight tissue, printing paper, packaging paper, or specialty grades, <strong>ASTM D689<\/strong> supplies repeatable testing procedures that support material development and quality assurance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What Is ASTM D689?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>ASTM D689<\/strong> is a standardized test method for determining the tearing resistance of paper using the <strong>Elmendorf method<\/strong>. Instead of measuring the force required to create the initial tear, the test quantifies the energy needed to propagate an existing cut through a specified distance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"600\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/www.materialstests.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/SLD-01-tear-tester.webp\" alt=\"ASTM D689 SLD-01 Elemendorf tear tester\" class=\"wp-image-3389\" style=\"width:228px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.materialstests.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/SLD-01-tear-tester.webp 600w, https:\/\/www.materialstests.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/SLD-01-tear-tester-300x300.webp 300w, https:\/\/www.materialstests.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/SLD-01-tear-tester-150x150.webp 150w, https:\/\/www.materialstests.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/SLD-01-tear-tester-12x12.webp 12w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The method has become one of the most widely accepted laboratory procedures because it provides:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Excellent repeatability<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Fast testing<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Standardized specimen preparation<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Reliable comparison between paper grades<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Practical data for production quality control<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The standard is extensively used by:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Paper manufacturers<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Packaging converters<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Printing companies<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Quality inspection laboratories<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Research and development centers<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Universities and testing institutes<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why Perform a Tear Resistance Test of Paper?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Paper products experience tearing forces throughout their service life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Typical situations include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Opening paper packaging<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Folding cartons<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Label application<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Printing operations<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>High-speed converting<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Transport handling<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Consumer use<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A <strong>tear resistance test of paper<\/strong> helps determine whether a material can resist accidental tear propagation while maintaining usability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Typical quality objectives include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th>Quality Objective<\/th><th>Benefit<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>Evaluate material durability<\/td><td>Reduce product failure<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Compare paper grades<\/td><td>Support material selection<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Verify production consistency<\/td><td>Improve process stability<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Optimize fiber formulation<\/td><td>Balance strength and cost<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Support product development<\/td><td>Enhance end-use performance<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Understanding the Elmendorf Method<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u05d4- <strong>Elmendorf method<\/strong> was originally developed by Armin Elmendorf and remains the industry standard for measuring tear propagation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Unlike tensile testing, which stretches an entire specimen, the Elmendorf test measures the energy absorbed as a pendulum continues tearing a pre-cut sample.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The basic principle includes:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>A standardized specimen is prepared with a precise slit.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The specimen is clamped securely.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A pendulum is released from a known height.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The pendulum tears the specimen.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Energy loss is converted into tear resistance.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Because the pendulum supplies a fixed amount of energy, the amount remaining after tearing directly represents the energy consumed by the material.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This simple but highly repeatable principle makes the <strong>Elmendorf method<\/strong> especially suitable for routine laboratory testing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Test Principle According to ASTM D689<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The tearing resistance measured under <strong>ASTM D689<\/strong> represents the average force required to continue an existing tear.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The procedure generally consists of:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Preparing conditioned specimens<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Cutting a precise starter slit<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Clamping the specimen<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Selecting an appropriate pendulum capacity<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Releasing the pendulum<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Recording tear energy<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Calculating average tearing resistance<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Unlike burst or tensile testing, the tear progresses rapidly, allowing the material&#8217;s resistance to crack propagation to be evaluated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Test Procedure<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A typical <strong>ASTM D689<\/strong> test includes the following steps.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Sample Conditioning<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Paper specimens are conditioned under controlled laboratory temperature and humidity to minimize environmental effects.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Specimen Preparation<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Samples are cut to standard dimensions, and a precise starter slit is introduced using a dedicated cutting knife.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Proper specimen preparation is critical because inaccurate cuts directly influence tear propagation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Instrument Setup<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u05d4- <strong>Elmendorf tear strength tester<\/strong> is configured with:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Appropriate pendulum capacity<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Zero calibration<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Specimen clamps<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Test parameters<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Performing the Test<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The operator:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Mounts the specimen<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Closes the clamps<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Releases the pendulum<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Allows the tear to propagate automatically<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The instrument measures energy loss during the tearing event.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Data Processing<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Modern instruments automatically calculate:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Individual tear values<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Average tear resistance<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Statistical analysis<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Standard deviation<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Optional tear index<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Factors Affecting Tear Resistance<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Several material characteristics influence test results.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Fiber Properties<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Longer fibers generally produce higher tear resistance because they require greater energy to separate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Fiber Orientation<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Machine direction and cross direction often produce different tear values.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Paper Basis Weight<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Heavier papers may exhibit greater tearing resistance, although fiber bonding also plays an important role.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Moisture Content<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Paper properties are highly dependent on conditioning humidity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Coatings and Surface Treatments<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Coatings may either increase or decrease tear propagation depending on formulation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u05d9\u05d9\u05e9\u05d5\u05de\u05d9\u05dd \u05d1\u05de\u05d2\u05d6\u05e8\u05d9\u05dd \u05e9\u05d5\u05e0\u05d9\u05dd<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u05d4- <strong>tear resistance test of paper<\/strong> supports quality assurance in numerous industries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Packaging<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Shopping bags<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Folding cartons<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Wrapping papers<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Kraft paper<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Industrial packaging<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Printing<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Book paper<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Copy paper<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Magazine paper<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Label stock<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Food Packaging<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Baking papers<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Greaseproof paper<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Flexible paper packaging<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u05d0\u05e8\u05d9\u05d6\u05d5\u05ea \u05e8\u05e4\u05d5\u05d0\u05d9\u05d5\u05ea<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Sterilization paper<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Medical wrapping paper<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Barrier paper materials<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Specialty Paper<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Filter paper<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Decorative paper<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Electrical insulation paper<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">ASTM D689 vs Other Tear Test Standards<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Different materials require different tear testing methods.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">\u05e1\u05d8\u05e0\u05d3\u05e8\u05d8\u05d9<\/th><th class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">Typical Material<\/th><th class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">Test Method<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\"><strong>ASTM D689<\/strong><\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">Paper<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">Elmendorf tear test<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.materialstests.com\/he\/application\/astm-d1922.html\/\">ASTM D1922<\/a><\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">Plastic film<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">Elmendorf tear test<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">ISO 6383-1<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">Plastic films<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">Pendulum tear method<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">TAPPI T414<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">Paper<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">Internal tearing resistance<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">ISO 1974<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">Paper<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">Elmendorf tear method<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Although the testing principles are similar, specimen dimensions, reporting methods, and applicable materials differ between standards.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Choosing an Elmendorf Tear Strength Tester<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Selecting an appropriate <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.materialstests.com\/he\/products\/sld-01-elmendorf-tear-tester.html\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Elmendorf tear strength tester<\/a><\/strong> requires consideration of several factors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Important features include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Multiple pendulum capacities<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Automatic pendulum release<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Pneumatic specimen clamping<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Accurate calibration<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>PLC control<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Touchscreen interface<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Automatic statistical calculations<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Data export capability<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Compliance with ASTM and ISO standards<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For laboratories handling diverse materials, interchangeable pendulum capacities provide greater flexibility while maintaining measurement accuracy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Cell Instruments SLD-01 Tear Tester<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For laboratories performing testing in accordance with <strong>ASTM D689<\/strong>, the <strong>SLD-01 Tear Tester<\/strong> from Cell Instruments offers a practical solution for standardized tear resistance measurement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Key features include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>PLC-controlled operation with an intuitive touchscreen interface<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Pneumatic specimen clamping for consistent gripping force<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Automatic pendulum release to minimize operator variability<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Multiple pendulum capacities ranging from <strong>200 gf to 6400 gf<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Calibration weights for routine verification<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Automatic statistical analysis of test data<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Optional professional software for advanced reporting<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Optional RS-232 communication and micro-printer<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Optional paper-specific reporting units, including mN and tear index<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The system is suitable for routine quality control, research laboratories, production monitoring, and product development involving paper, paperboard, flexible films, textiles, nonwovens, and composite materials.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Benefits of ASTM D689 Testing in Quality Control<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Implementing <strong>ASTM D689<\/strong> testing provides measurable benefits throughout manufacturing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">These include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Early detection of raw material variation<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Improved production consistency<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Better product reliability<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Faster supplier qualification<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Reduced customer complaints<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Support for product development<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Objective acceptance criteria<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Standardized laboratory reporting<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Routine tear testing also assists manufacturers in balancing strength, weight, and production cost while ensuring products meet application requirements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u05e1\u05d9\u05db\u05d5\u05dd<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/store.astm.org\/d0689-17r24.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">ASTM D689<\/a> remains one of the most important standards for evaluating the <strong>tear resistance test of paper<\/strong> using the proven <strong>Elmendorf method<\/strong>. By measuring the energy required to propagate an existing tear, the method delivers reliable, repeatable data that supports product development, process optimization, and quality assurance. When paired with a modern <strong>Elmendorf tear strength tester<\/strong> such as the Cell Instruments <strong>SLD-01 Tear Tester<\/strong>, laboratories can achieve accurate measurements, streamlined workflows, and consistent compliance with international testing practices.<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Paper products used in packaging, printing, labeling, and industrial applications must withstand mechanical stresses during converting, transportation, and end use. ASTM D689 provides a standardized approach for evaluating the tear resistance test of paper by measuring the force required to continue a tear after it has been initiated. Using the well-established Elmendorf method, the standard [&hellip;]<\/p>","protected":false},"featured_media":3389,"parent":0,"template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false},"standard":[],"class_list":["post-3387","application","type-application","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.materialstests.com\/he\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/application\/3387","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.materialstests.com\/he\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/application"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.materialstests.com\/he\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/application"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/www.materialstests.com\/he\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/application\/3387\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3473,"href":"https:\/\/www.materialstests.com\/he\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/application\/3387\/revisions\/3473"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.materialstests.com\/he\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/3389"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.materialstests.com\/he\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3387"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"standard","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.materialstests.com\/he\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/standard?post=3387"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}