PHYSICAL RESPONSE TESTERS

Physical testing equipment simulates real-world conditions to measure how well a material responds, according to its intended purpose. The critical properties that affect performance include strength and thickness, which can be a constant or dependent on factors such as temperature.

FAQs ABOUT PHYSICAL TESTING OF PACKAGING AND MATERIALS

What is physical testing used for in packaging and materials development?

Physical testing measures how materials, components, or packages respond to defined forces and conditions. It supports material selection, product development, failure investigation, and quality control. Depending on the application, measurements may include strength, elongation, resistance to tearing, or puncture resistance. Select tests around the performance requirement(s) being investigated.

How do I choose the right physical test for my material or packaging?

Start with the property or failure you need to understand. Stretching, layer separation, tearing, score bend examination, and puncture require different test methods. Identify the material, specimen format, expected loading conditions, and relevant customer specification. Then select equipment, fixtures, and measurement capabilities that support the procedure. Where laboratory results are intended to predict practical performance, confirm that the test meaningfully represents the application.

What is the difference between tensile, peel, tear, flexural, score bend, puncture, and impact testing?

These tests apply different loading conditions and measure different behaviours:

• Tensile testing assesses a specimen as it is pulled, measuring properties such as strength and elongation.
• Peel testing measures resistance to separating joined surfaces, such as a seal or bonded layers.
• Tear testing assesses resistance to initiating or propagating a tear, depending on the method.
• Flexural testing measures the flex durability and stress resistance of flexible barrier materials.
• Score bend testing assesses the performance of a score once it has been creased and folded.
• Puncture testing assesses resistance to penetration by a specified probe.
• Impact testing measures a specimen’s ability to withstand sudden impact forces without rupturing.

Results are method-specific and should not be treated as interchangeable.

Should I test the raw material, a component, or the finished package?

Choose the testing level according to the question. Material specimens help characterise properties and compare supplies; component testing examines features such as seals or bonded layers; finished-package testing evaluates the assembled structure. A material-level result does not automatically establish finished-pack performance. A useful test programme may combine these levels to distinguish material variation from changes introduced during converting, sealing, or assembly.

Can one physical testing instrument perform several different tests?

Some instruments can perform multiple tests using suitable grips, fixtures, probes, and software. However, compatibility depends on more than changing an accessory. Force range, measurement accuracy, travel, speed control, specimen access, and extension measurement must also suit the procedure. Confirm each intended test against the instrument’s documented capabilities rather than assuming a versatile machine supports every method. For example, the LCT tests crease strength, box forming force, spring-back, and friction, whilst the SST-3XS serves as a seal strength, tensile, and compression tester.

Which standards apply to physical testing of packaging materials?

The appropriate standard depends on the material and property being measured. Examples include ASTM F392 for conditioning materials for flex durability, ASTM D1709 for measuring the impact resistance of plastic films using a free-falling dart, and ASTM F88/F88M for seal strength of flexible barrier materials. Confirm the required edition, specimen preparation, fixtures, and procedure before testing. Equipment capability alone does not establish that a test complies with a standard.

What factors affect the repeatability of physical test results?

Repeatability depends on controlling specimen preparation and test conditions. Relevant factors include dimensions, thickness, conditioning, material orientation, alignment, grip arrangement, and test speed. Extension measurement and specimen-support technique can also influence particular results. Follow the selected method consistently, document deviations, and record the failure mode where required. Comparisons become less meaningful when preparation or operating conditions change between test series.

How are pass/fail limits established for physical testing?

Acceptance limits should connect a defined measurement to the product’s performance requirements. Use applicable specifications, customer requirements, development trials, and evidence from representative samples to establish appropriate criteria. Define the method and test conditions alongside the limit. A higher result is not always preferable. For example, a peelable seal may need both sufficient closure strength and an upper limit to maintain opening performance.

Can physical testing help compare recyclable or alternative packaging materials?

Yes. Physical testing can compare candidate materials against the properties and failure modes relevant to the application. Use consistent methods and account for differences in construction, thickness, and specimen preparation. Avoid selecting a replacement on one favourable result alone. Mechanical performance should be considered alongside other relevant requirements, such as sealing, barrier performance, and process compatibility; it does not establish recyclability.

What information should I provide when choosing physical testing equipment?

Provide the material type and construction, specimen dimensions, properties to be measured, and applicable test methods. Include expected forces and extension, required test speeds, sample throughput, and reporting needs where known. Explain whether you are comparing materials, investigating a failure, or carrying out routine quality control. Representative samples and existing procedures can help RDM Test Equipment assess suitable equipment and fixtures.