TAPPI/ANSI T 822 is a test method for measuring ring crush strength of paperboard using a rigid support specimen holder. Ring crush results are commonly used as an indicator that correlates with edgewise compression strength of paperboard used in packaging and converting.
This method is typically applied to paperboard in a defined thickness range and is sensitive to specimen preparation and alignment in the holder. If you need help mapping a customer or internal requirement to the right edition and setup, talk with our team.
Ring crush of paperboard (rigid support method), Test Method TAPPI/ANSI T 822 om-22
TAPPI T 822 is used to determine the maximum compressive force a paperboard strip (formed into a ring and supported in a rigid holder) can withstand before it collapses. It is widely referenced in containerboard and paperboard evaluation where in-plane compression performance is important.
The method is often used as part of a broader packaging-material performance picture alongside other compression-related tests and finished-product requirements.
Quick Definition
TAPPI T 822 measures ring crush strength by compressing a ring-formed paperboard specimen held in a rigid support fixture between compression platens until failure, providing a value that correlates with edgewise compression strength.
What This Standard Covers
What it measures: Ring crush strength of paperboard using a rigid support holder.
What it is intended for: Paperboard within the thickness range stated in the standard (with cautions for thinner or thicker materials where results may be less reliable).
What it is not: A full corrugated board box performance test. It is a component-material method used to evaluate paperboard behavior under compressive loading.
Why This Standard Matters in Testing
Ring crush is commonly used for routine quality checks and comparative evaluation of paperboard intended for packaging. Because ring crush correlates with edgewise compression strength, it can support decisions around furnish changes, process adjustments, supplier comparisons, and acceptance criteria where compression performance is a concern.
For equipment selection, repeatability depends heavily on producing consistent strips and maintaining correct alignment and support in the ring holder during compression.
Common Materials, Product Types, or Applications Covered
Common materials: Paperboard used in packaging and converting applications, especially grades evaluated for compression-related performance.
Common applications: Incoming material checks, mill/process control, product development comparisons, and technical documentation for packaging supply chains.
Common Test or Verification Workflow
Labs typically run TAPPI T 822 as a controlled compression test using standardized specimen preparation and a dedicated ring crush holder. A uniform compressive motion is applied through the platens until the specimen collapses, and the peak force is recorded per the method’s reporting conventions.
Practical workflow considerations: Conditioning requirements, specimen cutting quality, ring-forming consistency, and platen/fixture alignment can materially affect results, so the workflow is usually treated as setup-sensitive.
Equipment Commonly Used for This Standard
TAPPI T 822 is equipment-oriented and typically points to a compression-capable test frame plus the correct ring crush support hardware.
Common equipment: Compression testing machine or universal testing machine with compression platens; rigid support ring crush specimen holder/fixture; specimen strip cutter suitable for paperboard; thickness measurement capability (to support method requirements and fixture selection); standard lab conditioning capability where required by the test program.
If you are selecting a load frame capacity, fixture style, or automation options for routine QC throughput, you can request a detailed quote for a configuration matched to your sample volume and reporting needs.
How to Read This Designation or Revision
TAPPI test methods are commonly cited in a format such as T 822 om-22 (sometimes shown as ANSI/TAPPI or TAPPI/ANSI).
Designation basics: “T” indicates a TAPPI test method; “822” is the method number; “om” indicates an Official Method classification; and the two-digit year suffix (for example, “-22”) indicates the edition year shown in the designation.
Revision sensitivity: Fixture details, applicability ranges, and reporting expectations can be edition-dependent, so procurement specs and customer requirements should be matched to the exact cited designation.
Related Standards, Methods, or Frameworks when useful
ISO 12192: Commonly referenced internationally for ring crush (RCT) testing of paper and board, often discussed alongside TAPPI T 822 in packaging and paper testing workflows.
Other container testing methods: Depending on the product and requirement, ring crush may be used alongside edge crush and flat crush methods and other compression-related evaluations used in corrugated and containerboard testing programs.
Get help selecting an RCT / ring crush setup
If you need to run TAPPI T 822 routinely, the biggest purchasing variables are usually fixture style, alignment control, load capacity, and how you want results captured for QC reporting. For help scoping a complete setup around your paperboard range and throughput, contact our team.