Puncture Shear

Puncture and shear resistance testing is a critical quality assurance process for materials used in packaging, textiles, industrial manufacturing, and protective applications. Puncture resistance evaluates a material’s ability to withstand penetration forces, while shear resistance measures its ability to resist cutting or slicing forces. Both properties are essential for ensuring durability, safety, and compliance with industry regulations.

From stretch wrap films protecting goods in transit, to coated fabrics in safety wear, and container boards safeguarding packaged products, puncture and shear resistance are directly linked to material performance and reliability. Insufficient resistance can result in material failure, product damage, and safety hazards, making accurate and standardised testing essential.

Accurate testing methods, aligned with recognised international standards, help manufacturers:

• Ensure materials meet regulatory and customer requirements
• Optimise product design for strength and durability
• Minimise risks of in-field failures and product returns

Different materials and applications are covered by specific puncture resistance standards, each with its own apparatus and procedure.

• ASTM D5748-95 - For stretch wrap films, measuring protrusion puncture resistance using a clamped specimen and a probe applied at a controlled speed until failure. Results include peak force at failure and total energy absorbed.
• ASTM D751-06 - For coated fabrics, covering multiple physical properties including puncture resistance. Preparation ensures uniformity in thickness and surface finish, with testing used for protective clothing, inflatables, and technical textiles.
• ISO 3036 - For board materials such as carton boards and corrugated fibreboards, using a pendulum-driven puncture apparatus to measure the energy required to penetrate the board.
• TAPPI T 803 - For container board, simulating sharp impacts during transit and handling, measuring both force and energy absorbed before failure.
• EN 14477 and ASTM F1306 - For flexible barrier materials, measuring slow-rate penetration resistance, often for food and medical packaging films.

Testing involves applying a force to a clamped specimen until the material fails, with the method determined by the applicable standard.

Puncture test methods:

• Pendulum impact (ISO 3036, TAPPI T 803) - suited to rigid materials such as boards
• Slow-rate compression (ASTM D5748-95, ASTM D751-06, EN 14477) - suited to films and fabrics

Shear test methods:

• Controlled blade or cutter application at a defined speed and force to measure resistance to slicing or cutting, often for textiles, protective garments, and flexible packaging

Key equipment features

• Clamping fixtures to prevent slippage without damaging the specimen
• Standardised probes and cutting tools matched to the chosen test method
• High-accuracy force and energy measurement systems for repeatable results

For example, flexible films may fail between 5 and 20 N in slow-rate penetration tests, while corrugated boards tested under ISO 3036 can require over 15 J of energy to puncture.

Following recognised standards delivers measurable benefits:

• Improved product quality - validated materials reduce field failure rates
• Regulatory compliance - meeting ASTM, ISO, TAPPI, and EN requirements
• Customer assurance - verified performance supports supplier credibility
• Process consistency - repeatable results across production batches and test sites

Procurement teams can also use standardised results as a benchmark for comparing supplier materials.

Mecmesin offers testing systems for puncture and shear applications across films, fabrics, and boards. Our solutions are engineered for accuracy, repeatability, and compliance with international standards.

Technical advantages include:

• Precision load and displacement measurement with high-resolution load cells
• Systems including the OmniTest, MultiTest-dV, and Vortex ranges for a variety of force capacities and materials
• VectorPro software for real-time data capture, analysis, and reporting
• Configurable fixtures such as the Puncture Resistance Test Jig (MecS511 QC-20) for slow-rate penetration testing to EN 14477 and ASTM F1306
• Robust design for reliable performance in laboratory and production QA environments

Mecmesin equipment is used in industries ranging from packaging and protective clothing to industrial manufacturing, where material performance is critical to safety and functionality.

If you need guidance on puncture or shear resistance testing, selecting the right equipment, or integrating ASTM, ISO, TAPPI, and EN standards into your quality control processes, speak to one of our technical experts today. We can help ensure your materials are tested with precision, efficiency, and full compliance, supporting product reliability and safety.