ISO 12625-9:2015 is an ISO test method for determining the ball burst strength of tissue paper and tissue products. It measures resistance to mechanical penetration using a ball burst (puncture) procedure.
This method is commonly used for product qualification and quality control where a quick, comparable “toughness against pushing-through” indicator is needed across tissue grades and finished tissue formats. If you need help aligning your fixture configuration and reporting to the cited edition, talk with our team.
ISO 12625-9:2015 — Tissue paper and tissue products — Part 9: Determination of ball burst strength
ISO 12625-9 is part of the ISO 12625 series for tissue paper and tissue products. This document focuses specifically on a ball burst strength procedure (mechanical penetration resistance) for tissue materials and finished tissue products.
In practice, ball burst results are often used to compare batches, suppliers, and product designs, and to support troubleshooting when converting or end-use handling damage is a concern.
Quick Definition
Document type: Test method (determination of ball burst strength / resistance to mechanical penetration).
Primary output: Ball burst strength value from a controlled penetration test using a ball and clamped specimen.
Key setup sensitivity: ISO 12625-9 specifies use of a 50 mm clamping device; other clamp diameters exist in the market, but results are not directly comparable unless the same configuration is used.
What This Standard Covers
ISO 12625-9 specifies a ball burst procedure for tissue paper and tissue products to determine resistance to mechanical penetration. The specimen is clamped and a ball is driven through the material while force is measured.
The standard also addresses a common industry configuration issue: multiple clamping device diameters are available on the market (including 50 mm and 89 mm), and this document applies to a 50 mm clamping device to support measurement across sample sizes and to align with the related wet ball burst method in ISO 12625-11.
Why This Standard Matters in Testing
Ball burst strength is a practical, equipment-driven indicator of how tissue materials resist localized pushing or poking forces. It can be useful when tensile tests alone do not reflect performance under concentrated contact or handling damage.
Because tissue products are lightweight and structure-dependent, the clamping approach and fixture geometry can strongly influence results. Keeping the clamping device consistent with ISO 12625-9 helps maintain comparability across internal specifications and supplier qualification programs.
Common Materials, Product Types, or Applications Covered
ISO 12625-9 is used for tissue paper and tissue products. Typical examples include base tissue and finished converted tissue formats where puncture-type robustness is a key quality attribute.
Common use cases: Incoming material checks, in-process QC, supplier comparisons, product development benchmarking, and investigating complaints related to tearing or push-through damage during use or converting.
Common Test or Verification Workflow
Most labs run ISO 12625-9 as a repeatable QC method with controlled clamping and a defined ball penetration procedure, then track results over time by grade, supplier, or product design.
Typical workflow steps: Prepare and condition specimens as required by the cited document, clamp using the specified 50 mm device, perform the ball burst test while recording force, and report results using the units, statistics, and any specimen/product descriptors required by the standard.
Equipment Commonly Used for This Standard
ISO 12625-9 is commonly performed on a dedicated puncture/ball burst tester or a universal testing machine configured with a ball burst (penetration) fixture and the required clamping device.
Common equipment elements: Motor-driven test frame, appropriate load cell capacity for tissue products, ball burst fixture with a 50 mm clamping device, and software to capture peak force and produce consistent reports.
If you are comparing tester frames, fixture options, or automation features for tissue QC, you can request a detailed quote for a configuration matched to your throughput and reporting needs.
How to Read This Designation or Revision
ISO 12625-9 identifies Part 9 within the ISO 12625 series (tissue paper and tissue products).
:2015 indicates the published edition year for ISO 12625-9:2015 (Edition 2). A prior edition (ISO 12625-9:2005) exists and is withdrawn; procurement specifications should cite the correct year to avoid fixture and reporting mismatches.
Related Standards, Methods, or Frameworks when useful
ISO 12625-9 is commonly paired with ISO 12625-11 when programs need both dry and wet mechanical penetration resistance. Using aligned fixture concepts across these methods supports more consistent internal comparisons.
Talk to us about ISO 12625-9 equipment setup
If you are standardizing tissue penetration testing across multiple sites or suppliers, contact our team to discuss clamp configuration, force range, and reporting outputs for ISO 12625-9.