Cap torque tester
 | This article includes a list of general references, but it lacks sufficient corresponding inline citations. (October 2012) |
The cap torque tester is used in the packaging industry to measure the opening or closing torque of the screw cap. Proper torque is required for the cap to perform its functions of maintaining a tight seal.[1] It is a piece of specific quality control equipment that can be placed on the production line or in the laboratory. Several designs have been developed. [2][3]
Packaging development
[edit]A torque tester[4] is required during the packaging design process.[5] It can be used as a destructive tester to identify if there is any material weakness of the packaging during the screwing process. It also allows one to define the torque tolerances of the capping machine. The lower torque limit is considered the minimum pressure of the cap to avoid any leak of the product. This torque test needs to be combined with a leak test with secure seal analyzer. The higher torque limit is the maximum torque the customer can apply to open or close the product's cap.
The best application torque and the removal torque can be determined experimentally with the specific capping equipment, bottle, contents, closure, and closure liner.[6]
Production line control
[edit]Once torque tolerances have been defined, the cap torque tester is used as a torque control device on the final product. If measurements are out of the limits, the capping machine needs to be adjusted. Depending on the production process, it could be necessary to control the opening torque, 24 hours after the packaging process. Temperature variations can modify product characteristics with a result of different torque measurement.
References
[edit]- ^ Nairn, J F (2010), "Closures, Bottles and Jars", in Yam, K L (ed.), Encyclopedia of Packaging Technology, Wiley, pp. 269–284, ISBN 978-0-470-08704-6
- ^ US 4,989,459, Faber, "TORQUE TESTING APPARATUS", published 1991
- ^ US 4,539,852, Feld, "VIAL CAP TORQUE TESTER", published 1985
- ^ "Torque Tester | Manual or Automatic". AT2E. Retrieved 2012-10-20.
- ^ "Why to Use a Torque Meter in Packaging Industry? - Technology". Goarticles.com. 2012-09-26. Retrieved 2012-10-20.[permanent dead link]
- ^ Scalzone, L (2018). Experimental characterization of the removal torque of PET bottles as a function of capping conditions (PDF) (MSc). POLITECNICO DI TORINO. Retrieved 10 May 2024.
- Pellett, F. G. (September 1949), "Cap Torque Tester", Modern Packaging, 22 (1): 130
External links
[edit]- Modern Plastics Encyclopedia issue
- Food science abstracts, Volumes 18-20
- ASTM standardization news, Volume 32
- Great Britain. Dept. of Scientific and Industrial Research, Great Britain. Food Investigation Board, H. M. Stationery Off., 1955 - Technology & Engineering
