ASTM F88 Tensile Testing Seal Strength

Test Method for Seal Strength of Flexible Barrier Materials. It’s intended to be used as a quantitative measurement for process validation, capability, and process control. Seal strength data is not only relevant to opening force and package integrity, but consistency of the seals. This test method is commonly used for validation methods for porous and non-porous heat-sealed medical pouches. Although the maximum seal force is valuable information, the average seal force and the mode specimen failure data could be quite useful. If you have a packaged product that needs to be evaluated, please reach out to one of our packaging experts. Evaluating the seal strength of your packaged goods will help save you thousands overall, ranging from damaged goods costs to packaging re-design and engineering costs. The performance of seals is extremely important today, especially in medical and pharmaceutical seals, considering the level of sensitivity in these kinds of products. The measurement received from the seal strength test will either be enhanced or kept, depending on the validity of the results and current packaging.

Tensile testing seal strength is used to determine the strength of seal bonds between two materials. This testing is important because it allows manufacturers to ensure that their products will perform as expected and meet safety standards. Knowing the seal strength can prevent leaks, contamination, and other problems that may arise in the product’s lifespan. Additionally, retailers and consumers rely on packaging to protect products during transportation and handling, making it essential to test the seal strength. Overall, tensile testing seal strength ensures that the product is reliable, durable, and safe for use or consumption.

The following groups of people or industries may benefit from tensile testing seal strength:

1. Packaging manufacturers: Tensile testing of seal strength can help packaging manufacturers assess the performance of their products and improve their designs. This can lead to the development of stronger and more durable packaging materials.

2. Food and beverage industry: Tensile testing can ensure that food and beverage packaging is tightly sealed to prevent contamination and maintain product freshness. This can improve safety and reduce waste.

3. Medical device manufacturers: Tensile testing of seal strength is important in the development of medical device packaging to ensure that it is secure and sterile.

4. Pharmaceutical companies: Tensile testing can help pharmaceutical companies evaluate the strength of blister pack seals, which can affect the efficacy of the medication inside.

5. Consumer goods industry: Tensile testing can help the consumer goods industry to develop stronger and more secure packaging for products such as electronics, toys, and cosmetics, improving customer satisfaction and reducing returns.

The following are some reasons why tensile testing is used to determine seal strength:

1. Quality control: Tensile testing provides an objective method for evaluating the quality of seals during the manufacturing process and ensuring that they meet the required standards and specifications.

2. Performance: The seal strength of packaging materials is a critical factor that impacts their performance in terms of protection, preservation, and transportation of goods. Tensile testing ensures that the seal can withstand the stresses and strains of the intended application.

3. Regulatory compliance: Many industries such as food, pharmaceuticals, and medical devices require that the packaging materials meet certain standards and regulations. Tensile testing is a standardized method for determining seal strength and allows packaging manufacturers to comply with these regulations.

4. Development: Tensile testing is used in the development of new packaging materials to determine the optimal seal strength. This helps manufacturers to produce packaging that meets the demands of the market and ensures that the seals are strong enough to protect the products during transportation and storage. 

5. Cost savings: Tensile testing helps manufacturers to identify any weak spots in the seal and make necessary adjustments to strengthen the seals. This saves money by reducing waste, improving efficiency, and preventing product damage during transportation and storage. 

Overall, tensile testing is a useful tool for evaluating the seal strength of packaging materials and ensuring that they meet the required standards for quality and performance.