As many packaging engineers and operators are new to this field, we have developed this page to share information about ISBT, ASTM and other torque testing standards available today.
ASTM International
ASTM International is the globally recognized leader in the development and delivery of international voluntary consensus standards. Standards will often include terminology, practices, test methods, specifications, guides, and classifications (including dimensions). This work specifically includes:
1) Defining materials and processes that consider both item and consumer impact; the result being a package and packaged product that are acceptable for delivery,
2) Generating closely related shipping systems design criteria,
3) Developing materials handling standards related to distribution, including measurement of the packaging environment,
4) Assessing the suitability of packaging related standards through round-robin laboratory evaluations, quantitative testing and instrumentation applications, and,
5) Establishing standards on reuse, recycling and disposal of materials related to packaging.
Efforts involving tests on materials where basic research is addressed within other committees shall be closely coordinated with those relevant ASTM committees. In the process of standards development, recognition shall be made of related national and international standards with the encouragement of full participation in those activities.
Standards under the jurisdiction of D10
Each main committee in ASTM International is composed of subcommittees that address specific segments within the general subject area covered by the technical committee. The subcommittee addressing closure integrity questions is Committee D10.32 on Consumer, Pharmaceutical and Medical Packaging (formerly D10.31 on Child Resistant Packaging and Closure Systems).
Update:
In 2016, ASTM D10.32 has merged into F02. There is a new sub-committee: F02.25 responsible for rigid closure related standards.
https://www.astm.org/COMMIT/SUBCOMMIT/F0225.htm
If you are interested in standard development or have a lab and resources to participate in inter laboratory studies, please contact us at torque@mesalabs.com.
See the title of existing standards for this subcommittee. Click on the titles to see the standard’s scope, referenced documents, and more. These links will redirect your browser to www.astm.org
ASTM Committee D10.32 on Consumer, Pharmaceutical and Medical Packaging (formerly D10.31 on Child Resistant Packaging and Closure Systems)
D3472-97(2002) Standard Test Method for Reverse-Ratchet Torque of Type IA Child-Resistant Closures
D3475-05 Standard Classification of Child-Resistant Packages
ASTM (other):
- D5094-90 Standard Test Methods for Gross Leakage of Liquids from Containers with Threaded or Lug-Style Closures
- D5419-95 Standard Test Method for Environmental Stress Crack Resistance (ESCR) of Threaded Plastic Closures
ISBT Voluntary Standard Test Methods for Plastic Flat Top Closures
- Top Closures
- Back-off
- Ball Impact
- Drop Impact
- Elevated Temperature Cycle
- Opening Performance
- Pressure Retention: Zahm Nagel
- Pull Up
- Removal Torque
- Secure Seal Test
- Security
- Strip Torque
- Top Load Vent
- Vacuum Retention
Foreign Test Standards
- DIN EN 12377:1998 Packaging – Flexible tubes – Test method for the tightness of closures
- DIN EN 14401:2004 Rigid plastics containers – Methods to test the effectiveness of closures
- SS-EN 12377 Packaging – Flexible tubes – Test method for the air tightness of closures
USPC Test Methods:
- CHAPTER 671: Containers – Permeation
For more information please call us at (303) 987-8000 or email to torque@mesalabs.com.
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