Top-load testing PET bottles
Solution
- Motorised compression test stand
- Digital force gauge
- Vented compression plate
Benefits
- Quick and easy test procedure
- Single button press performms the buckling test
The Mecmesin MultiTest 1-x enables us to ensure the consistently high manufacturing quality of our PET bottles. The system conveniently allows us to perform top-load testing and confirm free height and integrates easily with our data collection system, increasing our analytical efficiency. I would have no hesitation in recommending this first rate instrument.
John Gilroy, Quality Manager
Esterform Packaging Ltd
Requirement
Esterform Packaging manufacture more than a million PET bottles and preforms per day for major processors of bottled water, juices, soft drinks, dairy and household products. During production, Esterform need to be able to assess the axial load capacity of the PET bottles in line with the company's exacting standards of quality. This is a critical factor to ensure the bottles will not buckle during filling and capping, or when stacked for transportation and storage.
Solution
Esterform have used a Mecmesin VersaTest Stand (now superseded by the MultiTest dV range) with an AFG 1000 N Force Gauge for nearly a decade to perform top-load tests as a quality control measure at the point of production. A sample bottle, taken at regular intervals from each production line is placed directly beneath a 50 mm diameter compression plate and a compressive load applied at a rate of 250 mm/min until the bottle has visibly buckled. The AFG records the maximum load experienced during the test and displays this result on its clear, digital screen.
Test equipment
- VersaTest Test Stand (superseded by the MultiTest-dV series))
- AFG 1000 N Force Gauge
- 50 mm Diameter Compression Plate
