COF indicator simplifies measuring
friction on packaging film

The Tentoma COF indicator tool estimates whether the coefficient of friction (COF) on the packaging film meets your requirements. It is a simple tool that can be used on-site by your service team or the operators on the packaging line. Doing a slide test with two film samples, you can read the estimated COF value from the integrated scale. If the value indicates an incorrect COF, you must contact your film supplier for a precise measurement of the COF value. Film suppliers typically have access to precise measuring instruments for measuring the COF value following the ISO standard. This will clarify if the packaging film has the required COF value.

Test friction on the film when the packaging machine fails

The right COF value on the packaging film is crucial for optimal performance and reaching the maximum capacity of a packaging machine. However, the COF value on a film roll can differ from the supplier’s specifications. This discrepancy often goes unnoticed until the film is installed, leading to packaging machine failure. Therefore, when experiencing repeated packaging failures, it’s always recommended to verify the COF value of the packaging film. It is to help in such situations that Tentoma has introduced the tool COF indicator ST 1.0.

An affordable tool for estimating COF value

The COF indicator ST 1.0 is a simple slide tester tool designed quickly to estimate COF on packaging film. The tool only estimates the COF value but is more affordable than a precise COF measuring instrument following the ISO standard. Thus, it allows manufacturers with a packaging line to get an estimate of the friction on the packaging film, to clarify if this is an issue.

Guidelines for testing friction

The film samples you want to test must not be wet, dirty, or wrinkled. Before mounting the samples on the COF indicator, it is important to clean the tilt profile and the sled with a dry cloth to remove dirt. Always test the same film sides against each other, meaning inside against inside or outside against outside. Making several measurements with the same film to confirm the estimated value is recommended. The best results are obtained when measuring in rooms with a humidity below 65%. See the user guide for further details. 

IMPORTANT: The COF indicator ST 1.0 only estimate a COF value. To get the exact COF value according to the ISO standard, it is necessary to measure the film with another precise COF measuring instrument.

The COF indicator ST 1.0 is available from Tentoma and can be ordered by submitting the contact form.