Customized Solutions for any Cap Type

With the vast variety of cap/container combinations and a growing list of requested and required tests, Mesa has gone to great lengths to be able to customize its units for any cap testing situation. Whether we are taking advantage of our advanced floating chuck design or developing a star wheel feeding mechanism, every application is unique and we understand that one size does not fit all. Ultimately, results can be automatically transferred to an SPC software through the built-in serial port on every unit.

We have the capabilities of accommodating the most unique and unusual container and cap combinations including odd-shaped containers, pumps, non-serrated caps, child-resistant closures and several other non-typical applications. This versatility is what sets Mesa apart. Here are just some of the tests we can accommodate:

Closure Application
(Roll on Pilfer Proof) ROPP
Incremental Torque
Container Thread Fatigue
Release Torque
Tamper Evident Band Break
USP Permeation

Closure Removal
Strip Test
Bridge Torque
Closure Thread Fatigue
Re-apply Torque
3 in 1 (Thread Break, TEB Break, Strip)
Much More!

Our design team will evaluate your specific needs and provide you with a durable, easy-to-use solution that will provide you with consistent and accurate results. Challenge us with what challenges you in cap torque testing!

Just a few examples of our work…

One of the challenges in bottle cap torque testing and capping is the control of topload during the cap application/torque measurement cycle. Due to the threaded design of the bottles/caps, the cap travels vertically as it rotates on the bottle threads. In order to measure thread break torque accurately, the vertical force (topload) must be controlled/minimized. In this demo movie we programmed the ST-120 to measure the removal and strip peak torques in one cycle and display the results on the screen.

In this specialized solution, the valve body is held in a custom machined base which is fixed on the base of the torque tester. The top part is designed to mate the valve handle. After pressing the safety start switches, the torque testing head lowers onto the handle and starts the rotation. Per customer specification, the peak torque is measured while the handle is rotated 45 or 135 degrees either clockwise or counterclockwise.

In this application the ST-S3 torque tester is used to tighten caps to a setpoint (19 lbf.in). The clamping block concept demonstrated in the movie has a big advantage to any other clamping styles: it allows the container to float when a loose cap is tightened on a container. (Without this “floating” feature — depending on the thread pitch, materials and test type — considerable amount of friction may be introduced in the torque measurement.

For this application, the customer asked us to build a benchtop capper that can withstand cleaning with strong chemical solutions and with calibration traceable to NIST. In response we designed and built a stainless steel, NEMA compliant version of the ST-120 torque tester. Per customer spec, all controls are built inside the head enclosure to eliminate the operators changing settings. Dual activation safety start and product specific clamp designs allow 100% safe actuations. The custom machine stainless steel container and cap tooling allows the container to float when a loose cap is tightened on a container.

Per user requirement specifications we modified our ST-120 torque tester to allow accurate torque application on the flow controller. This project was challenging due to the unique shape of the medical device assembly and the low application torque range. We designed and built an auto engaging “zero” topload collet a unique interface board to allow accurate torque measurement.