Abstract: A burst testing apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes a burst tester for determining the burst strength of sheet material such as paper. An automatic feeder is provided for advancing the sheet material after each successive test. A photo-optical sensing means may also be provided for sensing the presence of the sheet material and for initiating a test. A control unit is operatively connected to the burst tester and the feeder. The control unit is operative to store and analyze burst test results.

Abstract: An impact testing apparatus and process are provided. The apparatus comprises a thickness verifier to measure the thickness of each specimen. The apparatus further comprises a notcher and a notch verifier which are operative to first cut notches in a test group of specimens and to subsequently verify the accuracy of the notches. The apparatus further comprises a robotic gripper to sequentially deliver specimens to a vise for impact testing. The impact tester of the apparatus is operative to automatically assess the impact on each specimen. Additionally, the impact tester comprises optical sensors to assess the type of break of each specimen subjected to the impact test. A control unit receives input data from the various components of the apparatus, analyzes the data and prepares test reports.