Texture Analysis in Action: the Universal Peel Rig

The UNIVERSAL PEEL RIG (A/UPS) is a flexible solution to peel testing.

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

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. 

Assessment of the peel properties of
a yoghurt pot

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 Exponent software, the appropriate test fixture produces fast, accurate results for comparing batches in packaging and adhesive quality control and product development programmes.

Measuring Peel Strength of Packaging

Peel lids and covers are one of the most popular packaging methods in applications like medical devices and FMCG products, particularly personal care and parts of the food industry. As well as measuring the characteristics of the lid’s material when it is in sheet form, equally important is investigating its adhesion to the pack. The performance of the seal between lid and pack is not only critical to the quality and safety of products, but is also a vital factor in user-friendliness. The adhesive bonds must be strong enough to withstand handling, shipping and storage without rupture or breakage, while being easy to peel back when necessary.

The Peel Strength Test Rig can carry out a popular test of this nature. The container is positioned in a carrier plate mounted on the base of the instrument. This carrier plate is positioned so that a pulley and captive wire are located precisely below the instrument’s loadcell. One end of the wire is connected to the loadcell and the other is attached to the pull-tab on the lid. Results of a typical test on a yoghurt pot are shown in graph 1. It shows around 650g of force were needed to break the first adhesive bonds, after which variations of force are shown as the lid is gradually peeled away from the circumference of the pot to a distance of around 90mm, when the lid detached completely.

The Universal Peel Rig incorporates a multi-position platform, allowing containers to be held flat, or at 45° and 90° angles. Using this, manufacturers can more precisely simulate the action of consumers, or users, to assess accurately both ease of use and the stability of packaging seals.

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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!

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