DIN 53128 is a DIN standard for determining the tearing resistance of paper using the Elmendorf method (a single-tear, pendulum-type tearing tester).
This designation is commonly encountered in legacy quality specifications for paper and packaging materials where tear performance is a critical functional requirement. If you need help mapping an older DIN callout to today’s commonly used references and equipment, talk with our team.
DIN 53128: Testing of paper; determination of tearing resistance according to Elmendorf (single tear tester)
DIN 53128 describes a standardized approach for measuring the resistance of paper to tearing using an Elmendorf-type instrument. The method is widely recognized in paper testing because it links tear performance to a repeatable instrument setup and test sequence.
DIN 53128 is a withdrawn DIN document, but it still appears in older product specifications, internal QC documents, and long-lived procurement requirements.
Quick Definition
DIN 53128 is a paper test method that measures tearing resistance using an Elmendorf (pendulum) tearing tester, sometimes described as a “single tear tester.”
What This Standard Covers
This standard focuses on the tearing resistance property of paper determined by an Elmendorf-type tearing device. It is intended for paper evaluation where tear behavior is used as a performance indicator.
Property measured: Tearing resistance / tear performance (Elmendorf method).
Primary material focus: Paper.
Why This Standard Matters in Testing
Tear resistance is often used to compare paper grades, validate process changes, and support acceptance decisions for paper used in converting and handling. A standardized Elmendorf method helps reduce variability between operators and test stations by anchoring results to a consistent instrument concept.
For many organizations, the practical need is ensuring the correct instrument type, capacity range, and configuration are used so results remain comparable to historical records tied to DIN 53128.
Common Materials, Product Types, or Applications Covered
DIN 53128 is most commonly associated with paper specifications where tear performance is a selection or QC criterion, including packaging and other paper-based products that must resist propagation of a tear during handling or use.
Common use cases: Incoming material checks, in-process QC, grade-to-grade comparisons, and verification against legacy purchase specs referencing DIN 53128.
Common Test or Verification Workflow
Most labs run an Elmendorf tear workflow as a routine physical test alongside other paper properties. The standard typically drives how the tear test is planned, recorded, and reported so results can be compared over time.
Typical workflow: Condition samples per your lab practice, prepare specimens using an appropriate cutter/template for the Elmendorf method, run multiple replicates in each required direction (as specified by the controlling product requirement), and report the tear result with instrument configuration and relevant specimen details.
Equipment Commonly Used for This Standard
DIN 53128 points directly to an Elmendorf (pendulum) tearing tester configuration suitable for paper testing. Selecting the right capacity range and ensuring the test setup matches the cited method are usually the key purchasing and setup decisions.
Common equipment: Elmendorf tearing tester (single-tear, pendulum type), specimen cutting tools/templates appropriate to the method, calibration/verification accessories (as used by your lab’s quality system), and basic conditioning/handling tools used in paper testing labs.
If you are aligning an Elmendorf tester configuration to an internal spec that references DIN 53128 (including capacity selection and options), you can request a detailed quote for an equipment package matched to your workflow.
How to Read This Designation or Revision
DIN 53128 is published as DIN 53128:1978-01 and is marked as withdrawn. Many older documents cite “DIN 53128” without a year; in practice, confirming the exact edition referenced in your internal or customer requirement helps avoid mismatches in reporting expectations.
Revision sensitivity: When a specification still cites DIN 53128, confirm whether it requires strict historical continuity or whether it allows use of the replacing EN method for current compliance reporting.
Related Standards, Methods, or Frameworks when useful
DIN 53128 has been replaced by DIN EN 21974:1994-09 for the Elmendorf tearing resistance method in the DIN/EN system. In many lab environments, ISO 1974 is also referenced for Elmendorf tearing resistance, depending on customer and market requirements.
Practical tip: If your customer documentation cites DIN 53128 but your lab operates to DIN EN 21974 or ISO 1974, align the reporting language and acceptance criteria to what the purchase or quality requirement explicitly allows.
Get help selecting an Elmendorf tearing tester setup
If you need to match an Elmendorf tearing tester to a DIN 53128 callout (or its replacing reference) and want help confirming capacity, configuration, and documentation expectations, contact our team to discuss your material and reporting requirements.
