Challenges
The dynamic beverage bottling industry continues to evolve and solutions to cap torque testing have done the same.
NCB water:
- Lightweight bottle/cap.
- Retaining pressurization for providing rigidity. Collapsing bottles/pallets.
- Lightweight caps can be sensitive to gripping pressure.
- Sport cap, short cap, 1-piece cap.
CSD:
- CO2 pressurized products.
- Retaining pressurization (CO2), operator safety (high pressure).
- 1-piece cap.
NCB hot-fill:
- Hot products.
- Cap and bottle are different thermoplastics, shrinking at different rates. Operator safety associated with handling hot products.
- Some have induction seal.
- Sport cap, 1-piece cap.
Relevant Tests
Release Torque Testing
Description: With a highly sensitive strain gage-based torque transducer, a 2000 CPR rotary encoder and proprietary pressure controlled cap and bottle gripper designs, our servo-driven automated torque tester can accurately detect both small and large changes in the torque and angle during the removal of a closure.
TEB (Tamper Evident Band)
Description: When tamper evident caps are used just knowing the release torque is not always enough, often knowing the torque required to break the bands is desired. Using a rotation driven release both the thread break and the band break can be measured. (See pg. 45 of ST-120S operator manual for info on how to set this up).
Strip
Description: With the ability to deliver and measure up to 88 lbf.in (10 Nm) of torque, we can find and report the torque it takes to strip out the threads when tightening your containers closure.
Application
Description: Used to tighten a cap to a precise torque. Not often used by itself, aside from an evaluation or validation of a capping process, it can also be combined with the release testing for nondestructive testing as well as fatigue and accelerated aging testing.
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Relevant Mesa Products
ST-120S Industrial Cap Torque Tester
The ST-120S features a servo drive control, infinite chuck rotation, quick-change tooling, a color touchscreen interface, and faster cycle times. It boasts a corrosion resistant stainless-steel head enclosure and anodized aluminum frame construction. The unit is equipped with anti-bridging, anti-tie down anti-repeat dual actuation safety start switches, but for maximum operator safety, the ST-120S can be also equipped with a full machine guard.
Same as ST-120S, but the NEMA construction improves corrosion resistance and environmental rating (IP ingress protection). It is the recommended option in corrosive and wet environments (most beverage packaging lines are “washed down” on a regular basis, or spills occur. A higher NEMA or IP rating is better in those environments to ensure reliable operation. You could couple this with ergonomics, and the safety of both operator and machine.
ST-INLINE Inline Cap Torque Tester
The fully automatic ST-INLINE Bottle Cap Torque Tester samples and tests caps right on the production line. Rugged design, fast response time, ethernet communication make it ideally suited for bottle cap torque testing on any bottling line.
Torqo 1600 Non-Destructive Cap Torque Tester
The Torqo 1600 is a durable and reliable computerized cap torque analyzer which is setting a new standard for torque measurement. With on-board microprocessors, it makes torque testing simple, accurate and affordable. The Torqo 1600 is easy to use, easy to set up, easy to move and low maintenance! Tooling is available for any threaded closure – including child resistant caps – and this compact unit delivers and stores precise results at the touch of a button.
The ST Series of Manual Cap Torque Analyzers are designed to measure application and removal torque of bottle caps up to 50 lbFin [5.65 Nm]. Adjustable posts effectively grip a broad range of container shapes and sizes, while optional flat and adjustable jaws are available for unique profiles. A rugged aluminum design, and simple, intuitive operation allow for use in laboratory and production environments.