Tips on Packaging Film Testing and Pertinent Equipment

There are various packaging film tests that are available in laboratories all over the world and there are several tests that can be conducted. Someone who wants to avail of such services must specify what they want to have tested and the labs do it for them. In this article I will enumerate and slightly touch up on several tests which are commonly performed namely:

• Coefficient of Friction (COF)
• Compressive burst
• Penetration resistance
• Blocking resistance or pull off
• Puncture resistance
• Tear Strength/ Tear Resistance
• Tensile strength

Whereas there many technicalities in performing these tests, they are performed on some products such a medical equipment (gloves) to fabrics for inflation. In fact, we always take for granted the level of stringent quality testing most products go through before it actually reaches our shelves. The most basic of reasons for these tests are to ensure the safety and the functionality of these products thus also guaranteeing that the people who have need for it, get what they are paying for.

There are several pieces of equipment needed for every single test that is done. All are machines which should be ISO certified and have been calibrated to near perfection. If one is in need for these particular types of testing or has the need to purchase testing equipment, it is in the consumers interest and the general public that pieces of equipment are purchased from the most reputable companies. The implications of purchasing faulty none ISO certified equipment, or a haphazardly done test with inadequate equipment, can spell the difference between a low-quality end product and a high quality one. Also, since some of the tests enumerated have a direct impact on product safety, these tests should be taken very seriously and in no way compromised.