ASTM D828 is a standard test method for measuring the tensile properties of paper and paperboard using a constant-rate-of-elongation (CRE) tensile tester. It is commonly used to quantify tensile strength and related tensile performance metrics for product development, manufacturing control, and converting-process evaluation.
If you need help determining whether D828 applies to your material type (or whether another paper tensile method is a better match), talk with our team about your application and test objectives.
ASTM D828: Standard Test Method for Tensile Properties of Paper and Paperboard Using Constant-Rate-of-Elongation Apparatus
ASTM D828 is written for CRE tensile testing of paper and paperboard across a wide range of grades, within the measurement capabilities of the instrument. It focuses on generating repeatable tensile force–elongation results that can be used for product comparison, process control, and performance screening.
This method is widely referenced for packaging and converting-related evaluations where tensile strength, stretch, and energy-to-break influence runnability, web breaks, and end-use durability.
Quick definition
Document type: Test method (CRE tensile test for paper and paperboard).
Measures (examples): Tensile strength and stretch, with additional tensile metrics derived from the force–elongation curve (as applicable to the cited edition and your instrument/software configuration).
Not intended for: Combined corrugated board.
What this standard covers
D828 describes procedures for determining tensile properties of paper and paperboard using a constant-rate-of-elongation tensile tester. The method is applicable to paper, paperboard, paper products, and related materials (within the limitations of the equipment) and is commonly run on instruments configured for vertical or horizontal operation, including computer-controlled systems.
Depending on the edition cited and how your system is set up to capture and calculate results, the method may be used to report values such as tensile strength, stretch, tensile energy absorption, tensile stiffness, breaking length, and tensile index.
Why this standard matters in testing
Tensile properties are often used as fundamental indicators tied to fiber selection, furnish treatment, sheet formation, and other manufacturing variables. D828 results are also frequently used to evaluate the effects of converting operations that can change tensile behavior versus the base sheet.
In practical terms, D828 supports decisions about serviceability and runnability for products that see direct tensile loading or web tension during printing, converting, and use.
Common materials, product types, or applications covered
D828 is commonly applied to paper and paperboard grades where tensile strength and stretch are important for end-use performance or manufacturing behavior.
- Packaging and wrapping papers: Wrapping, bag stock, gummed tape, and similar products where tensile strength relates to handling and service performance.
- Printing and converting webs: Printing papers and other web-fed materials where tensile strength can correlate with resistance to web breaks during processing.
- Creped and conformable papers: Products where stretch (and sometimes tensile stiffness) relates to conformability and functional performance (for example towels, napkins, and certain decorative or specialty papers).
Common test or verification workflow
A typical D828 workflow in a QA/QC or R&D lab is organized around producing consistent CRE tensile curves for defined specimen geometry and orientation, then reporting the tensile values required by the customer specification or internal control plan.
Common workflow steps: Select the required D828 edition and reporting requirements → prepare test strips in the required direction(s) (for example machine direction and cross direction when applicable) → run CRE tensile pulls with appropriate clamping and alignment → report tensile strength and any additional curve-derived outputs required for the project.
Equipment commonly used for this standard
D828 is closely tied to a constant-rate-of-elongation tensile testing setup. Equipment selection typically focuses on controlled crosshead motion, suitable low-force measurement capability for paper products, and grips that prevent slippage or jaw breaks while maintaining repeatable gauge conditions.
Common equipment: CRE universal testing machine or dedicated paper tensile tester, appropriately sized load cell, paper grips/clamps (often pneumatic), specimen cutting tools for consistent strip geometry, and test software that can capture the force–elongation curve and calculate required tensile outputs.
If you are configuring a CRE tensile system for paper testing (machine capacity, load cell range, grip style, and reporting outputs), you can request a detailed quote for a setup aligned with the way you need to run and report ASTM D828.
How to read this designation or revision
Designation: ASTM D828.
Revision year: A suffix such as “-22” indicates the published/revised year of that edition (for example, ASTM D828-22).
Editorial changes: Some ASTM standards may show an added “e” suffix (for example, “-16e1”), which is used to identify an editorial change associated with that edition. When purchasing, quoting, or writing procedures, match the exact edition cited by your customer or internal quality documentation.
Related standards, methods, or frameworks (when useful)
D828 is one of several widely used paper tensile methods. When projects involve international sourcing, customer-specific requirements, or legacy documentation, labs often need to confirm whether results must be generated to ASTM D828 or to an alternate paper tensile method.
- TAPPI/ANSI T 494: Tensile properties of paper and paperboard using a constant-rate-of-elongation apparatus.
- ISO 1924 series: International methods for tensile properties of paper and board using constant-rate-of-elongation equipment (edition and part depend on the material and reporting needs).
Talk to us about ASTM D828 testing setup
For help selecting grips/clamps, load cell range, and reporting outputs for your paper tensile workflow, contact our team with your material type, basis weight/thickness range, and the exact D828 edition you need to cite.