The problem of missing dots occurs especially in gravure printing.
Quantifying the amount of missing dots using the right tools allows you to monitor the problem to see if the if the print quality is acceptable.

The print quality demands on gravure printed samples are often very high and missing dots will lower the print quality. The measured amount of missing dots correlates well to visual impression of the areas.

Besides to get a quantification of the amount of missing dots on the samples, it’s also possible to buy the software STFI-Mottling Expert and the missing dots toolbox from us to make the measurements in your own lab. The STFI-Mottling Expert method is described on the web page.
It is also possible to predict the missing dots by studying the unprinted surface of paper or paperboard. This helps you to understand how the product surface should be improved to get a better print quality. For this, we use the OptiTopo method.

A flatbed scanner is used to collect the images in high resolution (1200 dpi) and the data is calibrated to reflectance using a calibration set. Image analysis including a distance transform is used to find the missing dots. The printed areas should be at least 15 x 15 mm.
Normally, several areas are evaluated for better accuracy.

Measurements of the amount of missing dots saved to an Excel file

Delivery of results within 2 weeks after receiving the samples

Contact us to get price information

Taximeters and accessory devices are intended to make shure that the customer can feel safe with the final price after a taxi ride. A taximeter shall calculate the price of the fare based on certain predetermined parameters and the accessory device shall, among other things, print the receipts of the fare.

The purpose is to create safety for the taxi customer regarding the price to be payed for the taxi ride and that the information on the reciept is in accordance with the calculated taximeter price.

We can offer a complete solution since we are a notified body for the MID (Measuring Intruments Directive), a technical service for E-marking and an accredited certification body for STAFS 2022:2 (accessory devices).

We perform testing and certification of taximeters and / or accessory devices* according to Swedac's regulations. We perform testing in our own labs and we use the international requirements in OIML R21 for the environmental- and EMC-requirements for taximeters and accessory devices.

*An accessory device means a printer with associated software.

After the evaluation and functional testing (with approved results), the customer will receive test reports and certificates.

According to offer.

For ordering, please contact the contact person below.

According to offer.

Direktiv 2014/32/EU

STAFS 2016:1

STAFS 2022:1

STAFS 2022:2

OIML R21

CT-007

WG12.1

Optical formation is the variation you see when looking through a paper illuminated from the back side. Fibre flocks of different sizes and shapes can be seen as well as wire marks.
For coated paper qualities the coating can reduce paper thickness variations but then the coating layer thickness will have a variation, and this can cause mottle.

Measurements of the optical formation is a tool that shows how smooth the paper machine makes the paper. Fibre flocs of different sizes are unwanted but always present to some extent.

The formation is important for the wet pressing and drying in the papermaking process, as well as for the end use properties of the paper.

Note: The optical formation depends on the light-absorption and light-scattering properties of the material. Coating will more effective prevent the light from passing the paper compared to fibres and filler.

An alternative method is to use beta formation. The beta radiation method is directly dependent on the mass of the material in contrast to optical formation.

The measurements can be used for:

• Measure if the optical formation is acceptable and stable over time
• Monitor how new settings in the productions affect the optical formation
• Check if new products are better or not when it comes to optical formation

The samples are scanned in a flatbed scanner with a transparence unit in 300 dpi resolution or higher. Frequency analysis is applied to divide the variations coming from flocs into size intervals.

The optical formation value, which is the gray level variations as Coefficient of Variation in size interval (wavelengths) 1-8 mm and also, detailed optical formation divided in spatial octave bands, ex. 0.25-0.5 mm, 0.5-1 mm, 1-2 mm, 2-4 mm, 4-8 mm and 8-16 mm revealing the optical formation in fine scale, medium scale and large scale.
The results are saved in an Excel file.

Delivery of results within 2 weeks after receiving the samples

Solar collector testing according to EN 12975-1 and ISO 9806 for performance and durability.

Performance and durability testing of solar collectors and PVT modules according to EN 12975-1 and ISO 9806.

Third-party thermal performance testing according to ISO 9806 and fulfilment of the durability requirements according to EN 12975-1.

Indoor and outdoor testing according to EN 12975-1 and ISO 9806.

Technical report summarizing the performance and durability of the collector according to the guidelines in EN 12975-1 and ISO 9806.

EN 12975–1

ISO 9806

The micro gloss variation measurement gives a more comprehensive and correct understanding of how the surface is perceived when it comes to gloss compared to the standard gloss equipment like Hunter, Lehman and Zehntner devices giving only a single mean gloss value.

A sample can have a high mean gloss value (normally considered as good) but at the same time have a high gloss variation which is disturbing when looking at a printed picture. The micro gloss method can quantify such disturbing gloss textures and ‘glare effects’ on printed and unprinted samples.

This method can be used for:

• Measure if the gloss variation is acceptable and stable over time
• Benchmark to competitors
• Monitor how new settings in the production affect the gloss variation
• Check if new products are better or not when it comes to gloss

Images of the samples are captured using a 20º/20º degree setup for camera and illumination. Frequency analysis is used to calculate the gloss variations at small-, mid- and large scales.

The image size is 13x13 mm and normally 9 areas are evaluated for better accuracy. Both printed and unprinted samples can be measured. The method is best suited for glossy papers.

The gloss variations divided into wavelength classes.

Since wavelengths in the range of 0.5 – 4 mm are most disturbing at normal reading distance these are the most important data.

The most disturbing gloss variations in the range of 0.5 to 4 mm are also combined into one single gloss variation value that correlates well to the human perception.

The results are saved in an Excel file.

TIFF-images showing the gloss variation of the samples (optional).

Delivery of results within 2 weeks after receiving the samples

Samples and fragments of unknown material that may be glass are analyzed and identified. It can for example concern customer complaints where glass splinters or glass fragments were found in foodstuff.

The purpose is to verify whether splinters, fragments, pieces are of glass, to identify the type of glass, and to give an opinion on possible origin.

The result can be used as a basis for dialogue with customers in complaints cases, and to determine whether the source can be derived from their own production.

The examination begins with a visual and light microscope review. We can often determine at an early stage if it is not glass, but for example plastic. Depending on the size and appearance, it can sometimes be seen how the glass broke and some information about how it was manufactured. The next step is to analyze the sample using X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) in scanning electron microscope (SEM). For the analysis, we need to cut out and prepare a small piece. If the sample is very small, it all goes to the analysis.

We compare with known glass samples and get a quantitative chemical analysis of the main components. We can then decide what type of glass it is and give comments about what such glass is usually used for. Many glasses are chemically quite similar, but if you have samples of a possible original glass to compare with, it can be determined whether it can be the same source or not.

A report with photo, chemical composition, and expert opinion on glass type and possible origin.

The result is normally reported within three working weeks from the time that the sample has arrived at RISE, Glas in Växjö, Sweden. Urgent handling can be arranged when needed.

Price is given on request for quotation.

Pack the sample so that it cannot be damaged in transport. Avoid using adhesive tape that adheres to the surfaces.

In the paper machine is water pressed out of the wet sheet. At RISE we have a lab equipment to study different press nips, e.g. roll nips or shoe press nip. 

The purpose is to show how different fibres or pulps behave during pressing. 

If the pressing can be optimized, then less water need to be removed by drying.

Press puls:Programable shape of pulse (e.g. roll press pulse, shoe press pulse). Minimum pulse duration: roll pulse: approx. 10 ms, shoe press pulse: 15 to 20 ms (pulse duration depends on how much deformation is required to achieve a certain deformation in the nip). Max peak stress 10 MPa

Papper samples: Circular samples 60 mm diameter; both laboratory sheets or wet machine sheets (for example if available from FEX trials) can be used. 

Grammage: minimum grammage is dependent on initial wet strength of pulp type, practical no limit regarding maximum grammage.

Contacting surfaces: Felts or solids surfaces (simulating rolls), where drainage grid are located below felts. The drainage grid is located in a suction chamber where a low underpressure can be applied.

Movie showing the method with and without rewetting:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GKkwLbf6tXw

Development of dry content before and after drying.

Out-of-plane shear properties are often very critical in paperboard. The out-of-plane shear strength is much weaker than the in-plane strength. Shear damage are therefore often causing failure. In the creasing operation paperboard will be loaded in shear, which is utilized to make purpose made damage to improve foldability and package performance.

If paperboard is designed in the ZD direction it will be possible to optimize the paperboards performance in different applications. One can position locations in different ZD positions. This can be done by either working with the interfaces or the middle ply. The shear strength profiles can be used to characterize the different paperboards designs.

At RISE we have measured hundreds of shear strength profiles, and we can give you and provide help to optimize industrial processes to design paperboard performance. 

Shear strength profiles can be measured in different positions in the through thickness direction (ZD). The double notched shear specimen is used to measure the shear strength.  Two notches meet in a certain ZD postion. When the specimen is loaded in tension with force F, the specimen will fail in shear between the notches. Shear strength is calculated as: F^max/Lw

where width w=15 mm and the length L=5 mm. The repeatability of the method if often very good, and there are mostly larges variations within a paperboards than between samples.

Shear strength profiles in the thickness direction.

In paper and paperboard the out-of-plane ZD properties are often much lower than the in-plane properties and can cause delimination in the board. In order to improve packaging performance it is therefore important to measure out-of-plane ZD-properites.

To fully understand how paper materials behave in different processes it is important to be able to measure the stress-strain behaviour in tension and compression.

To enable finite element simulation of converting operations or produce applications it is needed to have stress-strain descriptions of the material in each direction, which can be provided by the ZD tension and compression methods.

The testing of stress-strain behaviour may also give values of pre-peak and post-peak properties, which have different importance in different applications. 

The standard method ISO 15754 is available but is not applicable to all material and only provides the max strength and not the complete stress-strain relation. A new method has been developed at RISE Bioeconomy where a 10 cm² circular paper or paper board sample is laminated between  two metal sample holders. The ZD-specimens are tested in a universal testing system and displacement is measured with an attached extensometer.

Stress-strain curves can be determined. In addition, properties such as stiffness, strength and energy can be determined.

Accelerated corrosion testing with salt spray, it can be continuous, as ISO 9227 (NSS and AASS) or cyclic, e.g. ACT or IEC provides opportunities to expose materials to stress in a controlled manner to test their corrosion resistance. The laboratory has flexible accreditation through Swedac according to ISO 17025.

Accelerated corrosion tests provides the possibility to expose materials under controlled and stressed conditions to test their corrosion resistance. One advantage with accelerated corrosion tests are shorter exposure times compared to outdoor exposures.

Accelerated corrosion tests do not correspond exactly to real life exposure but have several advantages like reproducibility and time savings in the product development process.

We offer corrosion testing in accordance with most standard methods. We also set up testing to meet the customers’ requirements. For examples of test methods we perform, see the section Standards. The majority of our test methods are accredited by SWEDAC. Please contact us for further information.

The testing is performed in salt mist chambers in our well-equipped laboratory. We can expose test parts, panels, or complete components.

The evaluation is performed according to customer demands. Examples of evaluations are visual inspections, adhesion tests, corrosion from scribe etc.

The test result is reported in a test report if no other agreement is made.

For offer and ordering please contact one of the contact persons below.

The customer is responsible for preparation of the test samples if nothing else is agreed.

ISO 9227 - ”Corrosion tests in artificial atmospheres - Salt spray tests”

ASTM B 117 – ”Standard Practice for Operating Salt Spray (Fog) Apparatus“

MIL STD 810G - ”Method 509.5 Salt fog”

IEC 60068-2-52 – ”Environmental testing – Part 2-52: Tests – Test Kb: Salt mist, cyclic (sodium chloride solution)”

IEC 60068-2-11 - Test Ka: Salt mist

Volvo STD 423-0014 - "Accelerated corrosion test”

Scania STD 4319  -"Accelerated corrosion test"

EN 1670 – ”Building hardware - Corrosion resistance - Requirements and test methods”

ISO 6270 -2 – ”Paints and varnishes - Determination of resistance to humidity - Part 2: Condensation (in-cabinet exposure with heated water reservoir

ISO 12944-6 – ”Paints and varnishes - Corrosion protection of steel structures by protective paint systems - Part 6: Laboratory performance test method

ISO 4628 – ”Paints and varnishes – Evaluation of degradation of coatings –”

MIL-DTL - 5541F – ”Chemical conversion coatings on aluminium and aluminium alloys"

SO 11997-1 – ”Paints and varnishes - Determination of resistance to cyclic corrosion conditions - Part 1: Wet (salt fog)/dry/humid”