Force Test Systems

The MultiTest-dV range comprises three outstanding value, superior entry-level force testers. Designed for precision-controlled compression and tension testing, the dV’s simple controls, backed by sophisticated electronics, make it the ideal choice for a wide range of routine testing.

A 135 degree peel test is carried out on a sample of medical packaging to ensure maximum seal with minimum peel.  A custom designed vacuum fixture attached to a MultiTest-i PC-controlled force tester holds the sample firmly so that repeatable results are achieved when the lid is peeled off at a constant speed of 500 mm/min.

A 180° peel test of pressure sensitive adhesives is carried out using a FPT-H1 horizontal friction peel tear tester and a 180° peel test fixture kit. This is suitable for testing to a range of peel testing standards including FINAT No 1 and 3, ASTM D3330, Afera 5001, BS EN 1939 and PSTC 101.

Mecmesin has designed a custom-made fixture to measure the force required to bend card and paper to 45° and 90°.  The fixture is used with a MDD manual test stand and an AFG Advanced Force Gauge.  It can be used to test a range of cards and paper of different thickness and widths, providing information that will be useful when designing packaging and also for production staff concerned about the quality of paper and card.

The FPT-H1 is a dedicated coefficient of friction, peel and tear testing machine ideal for testing plastic films, paper, card, board and sheeting materials.  The FPT-H1 is pre-loaded with programs to undertake testing to internationally recognised test standards e.g. ASTM D1894, ISO 15359, TAPPI T 549, FINAT, ASTM D3330, ISO 850-2 part 2, ASTM D1938-08, ISO 6383-1 etc. 

The FPT-H1 horizontal Friction, Peel and Tear tester is used to measure the strength of flexible seals often used in the packaging for medical devices.  Measurements can be made according to  ASTM F88 or EN 868-5 standards, with all the required calculations handled by Emperor™ software. Results can be recorded in customisable reports. 

This video shows a shear test on an aluminium cap, part of medical device. The test is conducted on a MultiTest motorised test system with an Advanced Force Gauge (AFG), a chisel point accessory, to break-off the cap, and special fixturing to securely hold the sample in place. It is vital that the sample should always break at the same point, so a special cantilever-operated sample holder was custom designed. This enables each cap to be loaded and precisely positioned using the same amount of pressure each time, which minimises variability.

A tensile test is performed to test the integrity of beverage basket carriers and cardboard box packaging.  The test ensures optimimum production line efficiency and that consistent standards of packaging quality are maintained. The tests are conducted on a Mecmesin motorised tensile tester combined with a custom-designed vacuum test fixture, to ensure the tests are performed at a consistent speed to gain better accuracy. 

Tensile testing of surgical glove material is conducted on a MultiTest-i PC-controlled force tester, measuring the maximum tensile strength and elongation at break.  Emperor software controls the test stand, captures the force measurement and plots force and displacement in real time.

This video shows a MultiTest 2.5-xt measuring the insertion and withdrawal force of electrical connectors.  A custom made fixture holds the male and female connectors while Emperor software controls the movement of the test stand, and records the forces at the requisite points in accordance with test standard BS 5057.