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. 

Investigating the Full Picture of Adhesive Testing

The development of Texture Analysers has opened up a wealth of opportunities for adhesive testing and analysis. 

Most recently the ability to replay, freeze-frame and share your product testing data using a Video Capture and Synchronisation System has been introduced. This is a fantastic tool for teaching others about the nature of your product and for those new to the field or, more importantly, to help you gain a frame-by-frame understanding of your product failure.

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.

Texture Analysis in Action: the Adhesive Indexing System and Adhesive Testing

There is a sizeable range of attachments available, each of which is designed to carry out various aspects of adhesive testing.

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.

Texture Analysis in Action: the Avery Adhesive Test

THE AVERY ADHESIVE TEST
(using probe P/1S)

Over recent years, one objective of the Pressure Sensitive Adhesive industry has been to identify a single, standard, reproducible test to easily measure the tack of a PSA. 

As a result, experiments with probe adhesive testers of various designs have taken place. Some of these testers have measured the tack force, that is, the maximum force recorded during the debonding of the probe from the adhesive.

Others have suggested measuring the tack as a function of energy dissipation during the debonding process. Because of this ambiguity, the probe tack testers have not provided a better definition of tack than other conventional tack performance tests such as loop tack, rolling ball tack, etc.

Texture Analysis in Action: the Tape Unwinding Rig

The TAPE UNWINDING RIG (A/TUR) allows the measurement of unwind adhesion – the force required to unwind the tape from the roll. 

This attachment consists of a spool, with heavy duty ball bearing, the mount for which screws to the test platform. A standard tensile grip secures the loose end of the tape reel and the adhesive strength may be measured as the grip tries to peel the tape from the reel.

The rig allows the measurement of unwind adhesion – the force required the tape from the roll.

Adhesive Product Physical Characterisation

Adhesiveness (often referred to by consumers as ‘stickiness’) is key to perceived product quality, performance and effectiveness.

It can be influenced by many factors, including temperature, liner material, moisture level and repeated use. By matching adhesive performance to functional and consumer requirements, manufacturers can identify the ideal adhesive composition.

Texture Analysis in action: The Adhesive Loop Test

The ADHESIVE LOOP TEST (A/LTS) provides a means of assessing probably the most important and yet the hardest to measure property of pressure sensitive materials, the tack. 

The test performs a loop tape method according to FINAT method no. 9. This allows the end user to compare the “initial grab” or “application tack” of different laminates and can be extremely useful to those working with automatic labelling equipment where this property is of particular importance.