Ball burst

Ball burst testing measures the resistance of a material to rupture under localised force using a hemispherical probe. It is primarily used to assess the bursting strength of textiles, coated fabrics, non-wovens, paper and certain types of packaging materials. The test method involves pressing the probe through the sample until failure occurs, replicating stresses that materials might experience during use or transit.

This technique differs from diaphragm-based hydraulic burst tests and is particularly suited to applications requiring high-precision measurements of localised material strength.

ASTM D3787 – Constant-rate-of-traverse (CRT) method

This standard outlines a method for determining the bursting strength of textile fabrics using a Constant-Rate-of-Traverse testing system. The hemispherical probe travels at a fixed rate until the fabric ruptures. ASTM D3787 is widely used for elastic, knitted, and certain woven fabrics.

ASTM D6797 – Constant-rate-of-extension (CRE) method

ASTM D6797 describes a similar test using a Constant-Rate-of-Extension system, where the sample is clamped and extended until burst. This method provides more consistent strain data and is often applied to coated textiles, non-wovens, and layered technical fabrics.

Compressive burst testing

In compressive burst testing, force is applied through a hemispherical probe until the material ruptures. This method is particularly relevant to rigid and semi-rigid materials, including paperboard, blister packaging and thin laminates. It is often used to evaluate the structural integrity of bottles, sachets, or cartons subjected to compressive or puncture loads during stacking and transport.

Constant-rate-of-traverse (CRT) testing

In CRT testing, the probe moves at a uniform rate of travel. This method offers repeatable results for materials where elasticity plays a significant role in failure behaviour, such as elasticated textiles or knitted fabrics. It is compatible with Mecmesin’s OmniTest and MultiTest-dV test systems, using dedicated burst fixtures.

Constant-rate-of-extension (CRE) testing

CRE testing provides a consistent extension rate to the specimen, helping to produce accurate and reproducible measurements of strain-to-failure. It is particularly suited to materials with limited stretch such as industrial non-wovens or bonded laminates.

VectorPro software is used to control the test parameters, record burst force and displacement data, and generate pass/fail criteria based on quality control thresholds.

Ball burst testing is routinely used across sectors where material failure under localised stress poses a risk to performance or safety. Common application areas include:

• Textiles and garments: Ensuring strength and durability of sportswear, protective clothing and industrial fabrics.
• Packaging: Validating the integrity of flexible packaging, especially for food, cosmetics and healthcare sectors.
• Paper and board: Testing strength of paper-based materials used in cartons, sachets and fibreboard packaging.

Reliable burst strength testing delivers several tangible benefits:

• Quantifiable product performance during handling, shipping and storage
• Reduced risk of material failure or leakage in critical applications
• Improved manufacturing consistency and process control
• Compliance with international standards such as ASTM and ISO
• Lower material waste through better quality validation

For engineering teams, consistent test data supports better material selection, design optimisation and supplier quality assurance.

Mecmesin’s testing systems offer high accuracy, repeatability and adaptability across a broad range of burst testing requirements. Our systems support both CRT and CRE test methods, with dedicated fixtures and flexible software to match your exact application.

Advantages of choosing Mecmesin equipment include:

• Expert consultation on test method selection and setup
• VectorPro software for real-time data capture and analysis
• Calibrated and traceable force measurement for compliance
• Customisable fixtures to accommodate a wide variety of materials and sample shapes
• Ongoing service and calibration support for long-term reliability

Food sachet packaging

In a recent study, our equipment was used to test the burst strength of multilayer foil sachets used for single-serve food products. The data helped the manufacturer refine heat-sealing processes to reduce leak rates in high-speed production environments.

Pharmaceutical packaging integrity

A pharmaceutical company used Mecmesin equipment to test burst resistance in foil-laminate pouches. By defining minimum burst thresholds, they ensured packaging compliance with sterility and shelf-life regulations under Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) protocols.

To find out how Mecmesin can support your ball burst testing requirements, speak to one of our technical specialists today. We can advise on standards compliance, system selection and test method setup tailored to your materials and performance goals.