Examinationmethods
Conformity Status
The conformity status is a summing up and evaluation of the available information concerning food regulatory assessment of the specified article. It identifies, where required, open issues of compliance work.
SML (specific migration limit) analysis of individual substances for compliance evaluation
Quantitative analysis of substances with limits (SML, SML(T), QM, QMA etc.) or non-evaluated substances by gas chromatography (e.g. HS-GC, GC/MS), liquid chromatography (e.g. HPLC/MS), mass spectrometry with inductively coupled plasma (ICP-MS) in food simulants or foodstuffs after migration or (residual) content determination in the material or article
10 ppb- Screening or NIAS- Screening (non-target analysis) semiquantitative
Semi quantitative screening for NIAS (non-intentionally added substances) or some SML- substances by GC/MS after migration with food simulant Ethanol 95% for foods that have a hydrophilic or lipophilic character or food simulant E (Poly(2,6-diphenyl-p-phenylenoxide - Tenax ®) for dry foods. Substances with molecular weights of appr. 100- 700 Dalton (resp. app. 100- 700 g/mol) are principally detectable.
mineral oils MOSH, POSH, and MOAH
Determination of hydrocarbons, MOSH (mineral oil saturated hydrocarbons), POSH (polyolfin oligomeric saturated hydrocarbons) and MOAH (mineral oil aromatic hydrocarbons) in food, in food simulants, in packaging or investigation of the barrier of packaging materials against it.
Slip agent content in polyolefines, EA (Erucamide) and OA (oleamide), qualitative and quantitative
Slip agents based on fatty acid amides, such as Erucamide and oleamide, are among the most commonly used additives, particularly in polyethylene and polypropylene films. Analysis by GC-MS after solvent extraction, limit of detection 200 ppm, lower limits and other materials on request.
overall migration acc. Reg. (EU) No 10/2011 standardized testing conditions (OM1- OM7)
Regulation (EU) No. 10/ 2011 (PIM)/ DIN EN 1186 classical food simulants (not alternative tests like Isooctane testing):
A= Ethanol 10 % (v/v), B= Acetic acid 3 % (w/v), C= Ethanol 20 % (v/v), D1= Ethanol 50 % (v/v), D 2= Vegetable oil, E= poly(2,6-diphenyl-p-phenylene oxide) (Tenax ®)
Organoleptic analysis of packaging materials/ transfer of sensory perceptible substances to (test) foodstuffs
Organoleptic determination of the off- flavour transfer (gustatory, retronasal, trigeminal stimuli, but also visual, orthonasal or haptic) from packaging materials to standardised test foodsuffs, commonly known as the "Robinson test".
Damage analysis/ analysis of complaints
In many cases, it is not immediately obvious which kind of tests are necessary and reasonable for the clarification. Furthermore, test results which are available in short time are often helpful for further decisions.
Our “diagnostic concept” provides the agreement of a limited budget (normally 700,- up to 1.000,- Euro) for the screening and evaluation of information already available as well as the realization and assessment of first tests according to an agreed schedule. The result is a more detailed view of the damage, possible solutions and indications for additional and reasonable investigations and researches are given. You will receive first reliable test results and an appropriate documentation of the current situation at short notice and at a fixed price.
Information on the frequency of the anomalies ,point in time of recognition, technical information such as material structure, yet present test results are known to be helpful for successfully examination. If available, please send us reference samples, data sheets, specifications.
Seal strength, tensile test on strips (temperature range -40 to +120 °C)
Seal strength of machine-made sealings from pouches, sacks, packages, lidding films sealed on trays, cups etc. or sealing samples according DIN 55529 or ASTM F 88 (1 inch or 15 mm wide specimen), DIN EN 868 part 5 appendix D of medical packagings inclusive description of appearance of fracture.
Dart Drop Test (Impact resistance)
ASTM D 1709/ ISO 7765-1; free falling dart method, method A (thinner films mf >0,05 kg), method B (stronger films mf > 0,3 kg)
tensile test films and laminates (temperature range -40 to +120 °C)
Determination of: secant modulus, tensile strength, elongation at break (accredited test method)
coefficient of friction COF
Determination of the static (static friction) µs and kinetic coefficient of friction (sliding friction) µD
Sealing properties, verification and comparison by laboratory sealing press
Preparing of sealings on our laboratory sealing press (Kopp) and measuring the sealing strength with a Zwick tensile tester. The sealings are prepared by using pre-agreed parameters. To create sealing curves individual parameters are varied, e.g. for determining the dependence of the sealing properties on the sealing temperature Ts [° C]. Of course, sealing curves can also determined as a function of sealing pressure ps [N / cm] or sealing time ts [s]. Typically, one parameter is varied over 5 equal steps and the results are plotted graphically as a function of the variable. (accredit testing)
bond strength/ peel force of laminates/ multilayer films/ bondings (temperature range -40 to +120 °C)
DIN 53357 A (historical)/ ASTM F 904/ DIN EN ISO 11339 peel test after separation of the laminated layers (accredited test method)
Determination of thickness of plastic films, aluminium foils, plane multilayer-materials and sheets
determination by mechanical scanning (accredited test method)
Puncture resistance, quasi- statical (temperature range -40 to +120 °C)
Test performed with Zwick tensile/ compression- tester, testing speed 25 resp. 100 mm/min, acc. DIN EN 14477 (stylus: Diameter = 0,8 mm, stylus spherical Radius = 0,4 mm). ASTM F 1306, stylus: spherical, radius = 1,6 mm)Tests carried out at room temperature for the standard price. For tests in the thermal chamber additional charge. The minimum and maximum technically feasible temperature ranges are dependent on the material. We will gladly advise you.
grammage
gravimetric determination of grammage of plastic films, paper, fabrics, nonwovens etc., calculation of yield in the dimension [m²/ kg material]
Tearing resistance (Elmendorf)
The examination of the tearing behavior by using the Elmendorf Tear Tester is a dynamic (impact) test. It is e.g. useful for verifying the effectiveness of easy opening devices on plastic bags, and to assess the influence of stretching processes or reduced wall thickness on film properties. The test can be performed on paper, film, flexible laminated film etc.
Surface resistance/ resistivity
Mit circular electrode with shielding or polymeric blade electrode (Bayer- electrode). Documentation in report as direct result (electrode-dependent) and surface resistivity. Conditioning as agreed, measurements even under conditions deviating from the standard climate of 23°C/ 50% r.h. possible in climate chamber.
sealing properties of plastic films/ Hot- Tack- Test
Only suitable for flexible films. Preparing of sealings and testing by means of Hot-Tack- Tester (KOPP- apparatus) analogue ASTM F 1921.The tests are prepared by using pre-agreed parameters. To create sealing curves individual parameters are varied, e.g. for determining the dependence of the sealing properties on the sealing temperature Ts [° C]. Of course, sealing curves can also determined as a function of cooling time [ms], sealing pressure ps [N / cm], sealing time ts [s] or testing speed [m/s]. Typically, one parameter is varied over 5 equal steps and the results are plotted graphically as a function of the variable. (accredited test).
linear dimensional changes/ dimensional stability/ temperature stability of films and sheets
Determination of linear dimensional changes after exposure to temperature (till ca. 175°C, depending on material) of plastic films and sheets. Please select testing temperature. For shrink films we recommend the examination of shrinkage or shrinking stress.
Wetting tension (e.g. for determination of Corona treatment intensity)
Suitable for plastic films and sheets (Union Carbide test) as well as for plastic coatings on paper and other substrates. The test is carried out by wetting the material surface by coloured inks with specified wetting tension for determination of the critical surface tension.. Standard parameter for the assessment of surface tension after corona treatment (also called "dyn-number"). Also suitable for troubleshooting e.g. anti-sealing effect, reverse side treatment, blocking or corona perforation.
tensile test aluminium foils
DIN EN 546-2 determination of tensile strength RM, max. load Fmax, elongation at break A 100 oder A50
tear resistance (also folded edges), (temperature range -40 to +120 °C)
methods available: trapezoid, Trouser, on request: FhG leaflet 6 part 9 (folded edges- trapezoide, extra charge!), Graves
FINAT peel adhesion
Determination of the peel adhesion of adhesive labels, self-adhesive tapes against standard glass or other surfaces / adhesives.
Gelboflextest/ Brugger KFT
Wrinkle test, wherein a sheet of film of approximately DIN A 4 by Brugger KFT tester is wrung together cylindrically over an angle of max. 440 °. Usually 100 cycles are performed, afterwards the sample ist tested e.g. on hole formation, delamination, oxygen- or water- vapour- transmission- rate, optical density, or the like. The base price includes the examination of max. 4 sheets over 100 cycles at an angle of max. 440 °. Other test conditions are available upon request, this will be billed at an hourly rate. Minimum sample size 280 mm x 200 mm
Seal seam quality of PE- pouches or sacks (temperature range -40 to +120 °C)
You send us in pouches, sacks or sealings made of polyethylene film. We determine the seal strength quality in [%] relative to film strength, according GKV-test and evaluation clause Leaf III per seal (eg bottom seam) n = 10 individual measurements to lot size 5000 pieces, additional measurements for larger lots optional. The strength of unsealed flim is measured and set in relation to the strength of the seal tested under identical conditions.
storage test/ accelerated aging in lab drying oven or refrigerator (controlled temperature)
Storage tests with or without filling good for estimating the long-term stability of materials and packages. The storage tests, depending on the requirements, could be carried out in lab drying oven (convection), refrigerator, explosion-protected heating chamber (e.g. solvent-based media,T1- T3 max 105 °C;T 4 max. 70 °C), climate chamber (humidity and temperature controlled, temperature and humidity cycles possible). Please select the appropriate method to avoid unnecessary costs.
Tests by this method are common for accelerated assessment of material aging for long-term applications, also in terms of resistance against chemicals, foodstuffs or other filling goods. The assesment looks purely on technical aspects, for the assessment of compliance with food legislation is referred to relevant legal requuirements. Nevbermind, we strongly recommend parallel tests under real storage conditions to validate the meaningfulness of accelerated aging tests.
To prepare an offer we need the following information:
What type of packaging should be tested (size, filling volume)?
How many packages should be stored?
Are the packages empty or do they have to be emptied before testing?
Which contents are involved (CAS no./ safety data sheet)?
How long should the packages be stored?
Under what ambient conditions should the packages be stored (temperature, controlled relative humidity)?
Seal resistance of printings or coatings (heat resitance)
Over sealing of the sample against fine paper by laboratory sealer with smooth or structurated sealing bars, determination of max Ts [°C] till deterioration of printing or laquer (adhesion, discoloration) with constant ps [N/cm²], ts [s].
curling or flatness
The curl of sheet materials depends generally on temperature and conditioning state. So multilayer materials produced by usage of materials having different coefficients of thermal expansion or unequal expansion/ shrinkage due to differing hygroscopic tendency may tend to curl caused by a kind of bi-metall effect. In addition to that excessive mechanical stress in the processing of rolls can cause curl.
tensile- impact strength
DIN EN ISO 8256, method A, specimen type 2 and 3 available
weathering test/ light fastness- exposure to laboratory light sources or artificial weathering/UV- test
DIN EN ISO 4892-2; with filtered xenon arc lamp, sample area max. 240 x 400 mm²); with water sprinkling (water spray) or dry. Also possible is the determination of light fastness, e.g. from printink inks or coloured materials, acc. DIN ISO 12040 bluescale (wool standard)/ fastness level 1-8.
penetrability of fat/ fat- proof test
Testing of paper, coated paper or plastic films with pigmented palm kernel fat. The sample is covered on the test surface with the test fat and then the glass pane and, if necessary, additional weights are placed on top.At the end of the exposure time, the grease spots up to 1 mm in size, visible to the naked eye on the display paper within the defined test area, are evaluated. If only grease spots up to 1,0 mm are observed, the test is considered to have been passed; in the case of grease spots larger than 1,0 mm, the test has to be performed with a more moderate test condition (a "poorer" grease permeability group).
Fat repellent impregnation of paper, lipophobic properties;Kit-Test
3M-Kit-test, classification of the fat impregnation of papers by wetting tests with solutions on basis of (castor-oil, n-heptane, toluene. If the resistance of plastic- coatings/ laquers, e.g. on paper, against fat penetration should be tested please select the method "penetrability of fat/ fat- proof test".
Abrasion test of printings Dr. Ruf method
Determination of abrasion resistance of printings, laqcuers, etc. The test can be performed dry (as received), wet (after immersion in water) or after storage in liquid media/ filling goods respectively other pretreatments (sterilization, UV irradiation).
Shrinkage of PE-films (Betex- instrument)
In-house method with Betex tester
Principle: On a heating plate, wetted with polyethylene glycol, a round specimen of plastic film with a diameter of 50 mm is placed. The shrinkage takes place while the specimen is free "swimming" in the hot Polyethylenglykole. Suitable e.g. for PE films, test parameters T = 150 ° C / t = 30 s, the shrinkage [%] is determined in machine and transversal direction.
shrinkage stress determination of plastic films
Isothermal or dynamic measurement, temperature range 40-140°C; MD or TD
including a measurement of the contraction force after cooling on the basis of ISO 14616
Impact resistance by instrumented puncture test
Dynamic test by free- falling dart tester, testing speed appr. 4,4 m/s, for simulation of impact stress, ISO 7765-2 (HIST- DIN 53373), similar to ISO 6603-2, also possible: Test of folded edges acc. "Fraunhofer Leaflet 6, part 2, page 2, folded edges"
Seal strength of peelable pouches, sacks, sealed packages under usage of package testing device
Test is performed as a technological practical test on sealed cups, trays, pouches etc. with a defined peel angle and testing speed by usage of Zwick- Fixture.
Compression test with cups, buckets and basins (temperature range -40 to +120 °C)
DIN EN ISO 12048 analogue; from unfilled cups, bowls, etc.; (filled packages with extra charge); determination of Fmax with v= 10 mm/min at first buckling of the specimen. Smaller packages (approx max 100 * 100 * 100 mm³) can be testet a temperature range from - 40 to +120° C also (additional charge!).
Blocking test/ blocking strength
Test of the blocking tendency of plane packaging materials, in dependence of temperature T [°C], pressure p [MPa] and time t [h]. The evaluation is carried out either by manual test or by determination of blocking force Fmax [N] by shear test with tensile tester.
If the sample should by tested under several test conditions separately, please create multiple tests for each test parameter setting.
Indentation hardness (Shore hardness)
Hardness test by means of a durometer for plastics and hard rubber (ebonite), possibly necessary sample preparation will be charged additionally.
The thickness of the test specimens should be at least 4 mm, it can be used to obtain the necessary
thickness can be composed of thinner layers. Determinations made on composite specimens may not be consistent with those made on one-piece specimens because the area between the layers may not be in full contact.
Creep- Test
Creep Test at plastic films acc. DIN EN 13206, DIN 55445 T 2,for exampleT= 23- 80 °C, sample width 10- 20 mm, testing period as agreed, testing weight as agreed
Anti Fogging Test
Examination of transparent films or packages for antifogging properties, as cold fog (storage in refrigerator T = 6° C) and/or hot fog (filling with hot tap water T = 60° C and storage at T = 23° C). The bedewing of the sample is constrained by falling below the dew point, assessed visually and photographically documented.
wrinkle resistance of printings or coatings- dry or after immersion in water
The test may be carried out on printings, coatings on flexible substrates such as films, foils or paper. In addition to an examination after immersion in water of course the test is also possible after storage in filling goods, after UV irradiation or mechanical stress.
Curvature of films
This method is used for measuring the curvature of a lay flat film based on the longitudinal direction. This so-called sheet travel can e.g. be the result of a aslope bubble while blow- film extrusion prozess. The film tends then as to lobed edges of the reel or wrinkling during laminating. We will send you on request our SOP.
drop test of sacks and bags EN 13592
drop test of pouches resp. sacks or tie- band sacks, strength of closure
per test load, standard n = 10 (testing of n= 30 bags: extra charge)
shear strength of glued seams (temperature range -40 to +120 °C)
5 pieces of 15 mm wide strips are taken from the seam and tested in a tensile tester under shear stress. The maximum force to fracture of the seam is determined.
Microtome section
cross section of films, moulded forms, sealed seams, etc. incl. thickness determination of visible layers with reflected or transmitted light microscope (accredited test method)
Infrared (IR)-spectroscopy
Identification of materials, contaminations, additives, laquers, adhesives, adhesive-based anti sealing effect etc. with different techniques depending on sample and problem
DSC/ thermal analysis: melting- and crystallisation behavior
DSC- run (Differential Scanning Calorimetry) for determination of crystal melting point Tpm and melting enthalpy delta H (further characteristics, e. g. crystallisation temperature Tc, depending on material, available on request) by means of two heating runs.
DSC/ thermal analysis: determination of glass transission temperature
In the region of glass transition temperature, there is a sudden change in the heat capacity cp, what with a sudden change in the physical and technological properties is usually accompanied. So some polymers are below the glass transition temperature suddenly hard and fragile (for example PP), others can be thermoformed very well when exceeding the glass transition temperature (for example PET). The measurement by DSC is very smart, but not feasible at all polymers. We are happy to advise you.
Density of plastic materials
DIN EN ISO 1183-1, of monofilms, granules, moulded articles etc. PET samples must have a minimum thickness of 0.3 mm, thin PET- films can not be tested with this method.
Beilstein test
The Beilstein test is used for rapid qualitative detection of halogens, usually the proportion of chlorine (Cl) in PVC or PVDC based polymers. For verification we usually measure an infrared spectrum of the plastic material resp. material layer to be evaluated.
Ash content of plastic materials (polyolefins)
Gravimetric identification for analyzing films, granules etc. on basis of polyolefines (PE, PP) for inorganic shares like fillers, pigments, antiblocking aid etc. The chalk content of white pigments can be calculated from the weight loss by carbonate cleavage at two-step annealing 600/ 950 °C. Further analytical examination of ash composition on request.
microscopical examination by light microscopy incl. photographic documentation
microscopical examination of any samples. Payment based on the time invested.
moisture content/ water content (residual moisture)
The choice of the appropriate method depends essentially on the expected moisture content. Higher water contents can be determined gravimetrically well with the drying oven technique. When lower water contents are expected, the water selective Karl Fischer titration should be chosen, as incorrect measurements, for example by other volatile matters can be excluded. The Karl Fischer method is, however, not intended for determination of higher water contents.
VA content of E/VA-Copolymers
Detemination via IR- spectroscopy in combination withthermal analysis DSC.
TGA-analysis (thermo- gravimetry)
TGA-analysis (thermo- gravimetry), determination of content of inorganic fillers and additives like calcium cabonate, carbone black,polymeric phase, including standard report
haze/ transparency
Method for quantification of the optical properties of transparent or translucent materials (not coulored or metallized). The test method describes the scattering of light caused by deterioration of a film. A low haze value characterizes a low turbidity equivalent to a good visibility of details behind or under the film lying fillings or labels. With increasing haze value the "frosted - glass- effect" increases, ie, details, eg Labels are ultimately recognizable only by direct contact with the surface.
ASTM D 1003 = calibration without compensation port vs. DIN ISO 13468 = calibration with compensation port. The measured values differ slightly, but the measurements are carried out in principle on the same principle.
determination of opacity
The measurements are carried out using a spectrophotometer. In difference to the test methods for paper, such as ISO 2471 or DIN 53146, the method for plastic films uses a white underlay instead of a number of layers of material stacked to complete opacity to determine R∞ and a black underlay instead of a completely black hollow body to determine Ro. An opacity chart (Leneta) type 2 a serves as a black and white base.
UV- VIS- spectroscopy
UV- VIS-spectroscopy 200 -900 nm, transmitted light
optical density
Characteristic value for specification of the light tighness of coloured or metallized films as well as other light- tight materials by densitometer instrument Gretag McBeth.
gloss
Reflectometer value for the determination of the gloss unit. The measuring angle depends on the surface of the sample (measuring angle: high glossy: 20°, medium glossy 60°, matte:85°).
Oxygen transmission rate (OTR) of plastic films, laminates, coated papers, Alufoils, etc.
ISO 15105-2, ASTM D3985, ASTM F1927, DIN 53380-3;coulombmetric method (Mocon)
Water vapour transmission rate (WVTR) plastic films, laminates, coated papers and aluminium foils
Measurement by usage of the hydrolysis- method.
Oxygen transmission rate (OTR) of packages, pouches, moulded parts, bottles, etc. (only suitable for barrier materials, see also "i")
The measurement is carried out using the coulommetric, oxygen-specific carrier gas method.
Attention: This is only suitable for packages with a good oxygen barrier. Materials with high permeation coefficients, such as PP, PE or PS cups cannot be measured because the permeation is too high.
Leak tightness/leakage test/pores
These tests are used to locate defects, leaks, micro-holes (pinholes), leakages and so forth in packagings, pouches, sacks and films. Depending on the problem and material, various methods are used, e.g. gas detection, dye penetration, chemical copper deposition, resistance against water or visual inspection on standardized light box. Please do not hesitate to contact us, we will be pleased to assist you in selecting a suitable method for your questions.
To prepare an offer we need the following information:
What type of packaging should be tested (size, filling volume)?
How many packages should be stored?
Are the packages empty or do they have to be emptied before testing?
Which contents are involved (CAS no./ safety data sheet)?
Carbondioxyde transmission (CO2 TR) rate of plastic films, laminates, coated papers, Alufoils, etc.
Testing performed with the manometric method acc. DIN 53380 T 2 resp. ISO 15105-1 (Brugger- method), also comparable with ASTM D 1434-procedure M.
Water Vapour Transmission Rate (WVTR) bottles, packages, moulded parts, tubes, etc. (only suitable for barrier materials, see also "i")
The measurement is carried out by usage of the the water vapor specific hydrolysis- method, which allows to detect even the lowest permeabilities precisely and reproducibly. Besides the offered standard parameters it is also possible to measure under various different temperature and humidity conditions.
Attention: This method is only suitable for packs with a good water vapour barrier. Materials with high permeation coefficients, e.g. PA, thermoplastic starch, PLA cannot be measured due to excessive permeation.
Water vapour transmission rate (WVTR), gravimetric test
Gravimetric determination of WVTR acc. DIN 53122 or DIN 12572/12086. We recommend the measurement by hydrolysis- method acc. ISO 15106-3 (hist DIN 53122-2). If you have questions at that do not hesitate to contact us.
Water vapour transmission rate (WVTR)/ Sd- value
DIN EN ISO 12572/ DIN EN 12086; formerly hist-DIN 52615, building products: permeable oder breathable materials or moisture barrier materials (elektrolytical measurement according ISO 15106-3) like plastic films and laminates, 3 replicates
Nitrogen transmission rate (N2 TR) of plastic films, laminates, coated papers, Alufoils, etc.
Testing performed with the manometric method acc. DIN 53380 T 2 resp. ISO 15105-1 (Brugger- method), also comparable with ASTM D 1434-procedure M.
permeation (air, methane, helium, argon,others on request) of plastic films, laminates, coated papers, Alufoils
Method depending upon permeant e.g. DIN 53380 T 2; ISO 15105-1 (analogue ASTM D 1434 procedure M)
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