Texture Analysis in Action: Peel Testing

Stable Micro Systems offers a number of alternative fixtures for testing Peel Strength.
 
UNIVERSAL PEEL RIG (A/UPS)

Significant improvements have been made to previous designs of peel rig for evaluating the quality and strength of container seals and adhesive bonds.

Assessment of the peel properties of
a foil container lid

 
The Universal Peel Rig consists of a multi-position platform which is adjustable to allow the container to be held at 0, 45 and 90 degrees. The platform is screwed securely into position on the base of the Texture Analyser, to suit the container. An adjustable rubber strap accommodates different sized containers and multiple shapes. 

When attached to the peel tab of the container, a low profile peel clip and post maximise the peel length for use on a standard height Texture Analyser.

In combination with a software macro, the appropriate test fixture produces fast, accurate results for comparing batches in packaging and adhesive quality control and product development programmes.

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Measurement of the peel strength of
a container lid

PEEL STRENGTH TEST RIGS (A/PL, A/PS)
Peel Strength Test Rigs are designed to enable an angled pull test to measure the peel strength of the sealed tops of cream, yoghurt and similar product containers. Two sizes of rig are available.

A carrier plate is mounted on to the base of the Texture Analyser so that a pulley and captive wire are located precisely below the loadcell. One end of the wire is connected to the loadcell and the other end is free to attach to the pull-tab on the container at an approximate constant angle. 

The container is held in an insert mounted on the carrier plate which provides an exact fit for the container. Inserts of any shape are made to order for each container, such as those used to hold ready meals, chemical and pharmaceutical products.

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180° PEEL TEST RIG (A/AB) 

 This test can determine the comparative peeling or stripping characteristics of adhesive bonds, essential for the application of adhesive bandages. 

Wound dressings and adhesive strips are required to have qualities such as 'low-tack', water- or moisture-resistance; not only is the selection of the strip material and surface important, but also the properties of the adhesive.

Skin adhesion and drug compatibility are critical performance characteristics of a transdermal system. Because drug delivery is directly proportional to the skin contact area, it may be compromised if a patch does not maintain proper skin adhesion. 

Assigning objective values to adhesive characteristics can predict the effectiveness of transdermal patches.

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ADHESIVE INDEXING AND 90° PEEL RIG (A/90PR)
 
Using this device, a 90 degree peel angle is maintained by the use of a cord and pulley system. A strip of tape is applied to the test bed or other standard surface of interest (according to customer specifications). 

The tape is peeled from the panel at a 90º angle at a specified rate, during which time the force required to effect peel is measured. 

The test is commonly used for quality assurance purposes where the minimum or maximum peel values expected for a particular tape can form an acceptance criterion.

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We can design and manufacture probes or fixtures for the TA.XTplus texture analyser that are bespoke to your sample and its specific measurement.

Once your measurement is performed, our expertise in its graphical interpretation is unparalleled. Not only can we develop the most suitable and accurate method for the testing of your sample, but we can also prepare analysis procedures that obtain the desired parameters from your curve and drop them into a spreadsheet or report designed around your requirements.

For more information on how to measure texture, please visit the Texture Analysis Properties section on our website.

The TA.XTplus texture analyser is part of a family of texture analysis instruments and equipment from Stable Micro Systems. An extensive portfolio of specialist attachments is available to measure and analyse the textural properties of a huge range of food products. Our technical experts can also custom design instrument fixtures according to individual specifications.

No-one understands texture analysis like we do!

To discuss your specific test requirements click here...