Screw torque of pump dispensers
Solution
- Manually-operated digital torque tester
Benefits
- Simple and quick test to apply the procedure
- Immediate peak results display
"We perform a variety of tests on our pump products. One of which is to evaluate their release torque. In order to precisely apply torque to screw and unscrew the pumps, we use Mecmesin equipment. These instruments prove their value to us through their ease-of-use and accuracy."
Christoph Szymiczek, Manager, Technical Service
Pfeiffer, now Aptar
Requirement
Pfeiffer, based in Germany, are a leading manufacturer of atomisers and dosing systems for the pharmaceutical and cosmetics industries. The company required a torque test unit to measure the application and release torque of their pump products.
In particular, they wanted to define the correct level of screw torque required to seal the pump dispenser to the container. Incorrect settings for torque application on the production line would result in poor performance of the pump dispenser and leakage of the contents.
Having used Mecmesin force test equipment in the past, Pfeiffer contacted Mecmesin with this new application.
Solution
Mecmesin provided a Tornado manual torque test instrument capable of measuring clockwise and counter-clockwise torque movement. To perform the test, the bottle container is securely positioned between the four gripping pegs.
The pump dispenser is screwed onto the bottle using between 0.8-0.85N.m of torque. The seal tightness of the pump dispenser is then checked and the application torque determined.
To measure the removal torque, the device is set for counter-clockwise measurement and the pump dispenser unscrewed from the bottle.
Test equipment
- Tornado Mk 1 (now superseded a range of digital torque meters)
Optimising accuracy
Hand-operated torque meters are simple, portable, and easy to use with minimal training—perfect for quick QC checking. They’re also compatible with data collection devices for easy logging and storage of test results. Optimisation of the results provided by these instruments can be achieved by cap mandrels, designed to fit snugly to the specific closure design. These removes inconsistent gripping around the neck of the container and improve repeatability of data, from operator to operator.
The latest versions of Tornado provide a graphical readout, enabling tamper evidence characteristics to be seen and considered in the pass/fail criteria. Software control and increased levels of automation are possible to add optimal accuracy and repeatability. The Child-Resistant Closure (CRC) push-and-twist design can also be accommodated with a top-loading feature.
- Company: Pfeiffer (now Aptar Pharma)
- Industry: Medical
- Pfeiffer, based in Germany, are a leading manufacturer of atomisers and dosing systems for the pharmaceutical and costmetics industries. Ing. Erich Pfeiffer GmbH is a member of the Aptar Group.
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