The types of stiffness testers are called as taber bending stiffness testers which are available in both analog and microprocessor models as this works by bending over a test piece through 15 degrees and also measuring testing action. The instrument consist of three major components which are a constant speed motor, a weighted free swinging pendulum with a clamping block for holding the specimen at the face and a powdered gear driven rotating disc with which it signifies that this instrument is a manual instrument which offers accuracy, precision test result for the instrument known as model 150e where the stiffness of the data is read from a scale on the stationery disc where subsequent calculations have to be performed manually. This instrument works with the help of accessory ports where the data can be printed or downloaded on to a computer which can have the readings up to 1000 as these can be stored and identified with a date and time reference as an optional user as defined label.

Another type of stiffness tester is paper cup stiffness testers which is known because of its features like full automatic electrical testing instrument which is easy to use as there is wider testing range and is also equipped with large lcd display along with minicomputer control system. The taber stiffness testers utilize a two directional pendulum type weighing system used for evaluating material stiffness, flexural strength, resiliency and also elasticity properties.