ISO/TS 3550-3:2015

Overview

ISO/TS 3550-3:2015 specifies a standardized laboratory method for measuring loss of tobacco from cigarette ends using a vibro-bench tester. The Technical Specification defines how to simulate mechanical vibration and to quantify tobacco fallout gravimetrically. This method is intended to assess tobacco loss at manufacturing sites, through distribution, and while carried in a smoker’s pocket - helping manufacturers and testing labs evaluate product robustness and quality.

Key topics and technical requirements

• Principle: A conditioned test portion of cigarettes is placed in a vibro-bench whose longitudinal profile follows a cosine function. The bench reciprocates horizontally, causing tobacco to fall from open ends; collected fallout is weighed.
• Apparatus: Includes a stainless-steel mirror-polished vibro-bench, actuating device, analytical balance (0.001 g accuracy), control unit and optional counting trays. The bench geometry and surface finish, as well as vibration parameters, are specified.
• Vibration parameters: The vibro-bench operates at 300 ± 1 cycles/min (5 Hz), amplitude ~19.5 ± 0.5 mm, with a default run of 600 ± 1 vibrations.
• Dimensions and profile: Key bench dimensions and cosine-profile parameters (e.g., bench length ~208 mm, wavelength ~26 mm, cosine amplitude ~1.3 mm) are defined to ensure reproducible mechanical action.
• Sampling & conditioning: Sampling follows ISO 8243 where applicable; test samples must be conditioned to the atmosphere specified in ISO 3402 prior to testing.
• Test portion sizing: Number of cigarettes per test portion depends on cigarette diameter (table provided; typical range 16–31 cigarettes per test).
• Calculations & reporting: Results are reported as end-related fallout (mg per open end) and area-related fallout (mg per cm²). The test report must document sample ID, cigarette dimensions, test conditions, water content, single results, statistics, and any deviations.

Practical applications and users

• Who uses it: Tobacco manufacturers, production/quality control laboratories, independent testing labs, R&D teams and regulators concerned with product quality and consumer experience.
• Why use it: To evaluate and benchmark cigarette construction against tobacco fallout, optimize manufacturing/packaging processes, compare design variants, and document conformity for quality assurance.
• Value: Offers a reproducible, standardized simulation of mechanical stresses experienced during manufacturing, distribution and everyday carriage - enabling actionable quality improvements.

Related standards

• ISO 3550-1 - rotating cylindrical cage method (manufacturing/packaging)
• ISO 3550-2 - cubic rotating box (sismelatophore) method (distribution/pocket)
• ISO 3402 - conditioning atmosphere for tobacco testing
• ISO 2971 - non-contact diameter measurement for cigarettes
• ISO 8243 - sampling of cigarettes

Keywords: ISO/TS 3550-3:2015, cigarettes, loss of tobacco from ends, vibro-bench, tobacco fallout, cigarette testing, ISO 3550.