Top-load testing (also known as 'column-crush' and 'axial force resistance') is performed mainly on blow moulded, thermoformed or injection moulded plastic containers such as PET (Polyethylene terephthalate) bottles. It measures the compressive strength of such containers to ensure they do not deform or break when subjected to axial forces during the processes of filling, closure, storage and transport. Top-load testing provides a standard method of obtaining data to set acceptance or rejection specifications for quality control, research and development and special designs.
These methods involve compressing filled or empty containers at a fixed speed until they yield at failure or deflect by a pre-set value. The maximum load applied is then recorded and compared against pass/fail criteria.
This solution is suitable for Carbonated Soft Drink (CSD) bottles, ISBT 12, Physical Performance Test Method: Top Load Non-Vented.
Purpose: Empty bottles must be able to withstand a top load in the form of counter pressure during lift cylinder filling and capping operations. The purpose of this test is to observe whether empty bottles (non-vented) can sustain top load without failure.
Application: All PET Bottles: CSD; NCB-Cold Fill Pressurized; NCB-Cold Fill-Non-Pressurized; Hot Fill.
Contact our technical sales engineers for a no obligation consultation on your test equipment requirements.
VectorPro test definition
Top-load PET CSD bottle non-vented
OmniTest test frame
A single-column motorised test frame designed to apply tensile, shear, flexural and compressive forces from
Its versatile construction makes it perfectly suited for testing all kinds of materials in a quality control or R&D environment.
Test frame
The single-column OmniTest features a ballscrew-driven motorised test frame, which is designed to apply tensile and compressive forces from 2N right up to 7.5 kN.
A dovetailed crosshead design ensures operators can quickly and easily attach new loadcells, that are automatically recognised by the software.
The base plate of the OmniTest is pre-drilled with threaded holes to directly accept a wide range of grips and fixtures.
Its versatile construction means that the frame has enough daylight to accommodate tall specimens and enough travel to measure the tensile strength of the most elastic of materials.
Connect your computer
The OmniTest requires a Windows PC to run the VectorPro MT software and control the tensile tester. Its compact design and small footprint make it the perfect selection as a bench-top device.
Optional console
Alternatively, a Windows-based touchscreen console can be mounted directly on the OmniTest - save time by not moving to and from a computer.