Which Instrument Should You Choose for ASTM D1894?
The right quality testing instrument depends on whether COF testing is a primary, dedicated function in your lab or one of several properties you need to test on the same equipment.
- FP-2260 Friction/Peel Tester — a purpose-built benchtop instrument for COF, peel, and seal strength testing. It includes a dedicated COF test mode with interchangeable sled weights and supports testing at elevated temperatures up to 400°F with the optional heated platen, useful for evaluating film behavior under real-world processing or storage conditions.
- VantageNX — a universal testing machine that can be configured for COF testing with the appropriate sled and fixture, ideal for labs that also need tensile, peel, or other physical property testing on the same frame.
- QC-3A — a universal testing machine option for labs needing COF testing alongside a broader range of mechanical test methods, this is a more simplified model that does not require a PC to run tests.
Key Features for COF Testing
- Interchangeable COF sleds to match different normal load requirements
- Automatic load cell recognition and multiple interchangeable load cell capacities
- Optional heated platen for testing film friction at elevated temperatures
- Preset and customizable test method storage via MAP4 Materials Testing Software
- Selectable force units and adjustable crosshead and load cell positioning
Related Standards
The FP-2260 can also be configured to meet related friction and peel testing standards, including:
- ASTM D4521 — COF for Corrugated and Fiberboard
- ASTM D2534 — Coefficient of Kinetic Friction for Wax Coatings
- TAPPI T816 — COF for Corrugated and Paperboard
- ISO 8295 — COF for Plastics
The standards listed on this page represent a selection of common test methods — not a complete list. If you don’t see your standard, contact us and our team can help determine the right instrument for your test method.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between static and kinetic coefficient of friction?
Static coefficient of friction (COF) refers to the force needed to begin moving one surface relative to another, while kinetic COF refers to the force needed to keep the surfaces moving once motion has started. Static COF is typically measured from the initial peak force, while kinetic COF is measured as an average force over a defined sliding distance.
Should I use a dedicated COF tester or a universal testing machine for ASTM D1894?
If coefficient of friction is a routine, high-volume test in your lab, a dedicated instrument like the FP-2260 is often more efficient, since it is purpose-built for COF along with peel and seal testing. If your lab needs COF testing as one of several mechanical properties evaluated on the same equipment, a universal testing machine like the VantageNX or QC-3A configured with a COF sled and fixture can be a more flexible option.
Can coefficient of friction be tested at elevated or reduced temperatures?
Yes. Coefficient of friction testing is often run at standard room temperature, but film behavior can change at the temperatures it will encounter during storage, processing, or end use. The FP-2260 supports an optional heated platen accessory for testing COF at elevated temperatures, which can help characterize how slip properties change under real-world conditions.
What causes inconsistent COF results between tests?
Inconsistent COF results are commonly caused by variation in sled weight or contact area, surface contamination on the sled or test plane, inconsistent film conditioning prior to testing, or testing at inconsistent sled speeds. Because COF measures a surface phenomenon, even small differences in how the film was produced, handled, or conditioned can affect results, so consistent test setup and sample handling are important for repeatable data.
Can the FP-2260 test other properties besides coefficient of friction?
Yes. In addition to its COF test mode, the FP-2260 includes a peel test mode for 180°, 90°, and T-peel testing, and a lightweight tensile test mode for tensile tests up to 10 kg (22 lbs). This makes it a flexible option for labs that need to test friction, peel, and seal properties on plastic film, paper, paperboard, and other packaging materials without multiple dedicated instruments.
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