Examinationmethods
Compliance status
The compliance status is a summary evaluation of the available information for food law assessment of the specified article and points out any open issues of compliance work.
SML (specific migration limit) analysis of individual substances for compliance assessment
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 the presence of NIAS (non-intentionally added substances) or some SML substances by GC/MS after migration with food simulant ethanol 95% for foods with hydrophilic or lipophilic properties or simulant E (poly(2,6-diphenyl-p-phenylene oxide or Tenax ®) for dry foods. In principle, substances with molecular weights of approx. 100 - 700 Dalton (or approx. 100 -700 g/mol) can be detected.
Residual solvents determination
DIN EN 13628-2 (industrial method), Headspace gas chromatography FID, multi-method, listing of solvents: methanol, ethanol, isopropanol, n-propanol, cyclohexane, acetone, benzene, ethyl acetate, methyl ethyl ketone (MEK), 1-methoxy-2-propanol, toluene, n-propyl acetate, 1-ethoxy-2-propanol, 3-methoxy -1-butanol, isododecane, 1-methoxy-2-propyl acetate, 3-butoxy-2-propanol, diacetone alcohol, acetylacetone
Slip agent content in polyolefines, erucamide (EA) and oleamide (OA), 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 ESA 220 ppm, OESA 120 ppm. Lower limits and other materials on request.
Set-off test from printing inks and laquers according Regulation (EC) No. 2023/2006
Laboratory storage test to evaluate the inertness of printed and laquered articles in accordance with Regulation (EC) No. 2023/2006 (GMP), transfer of ink constituents or coating components from the printed surface on the food-contact surface, e. g. in winded reels, stacked hollow bodies, material stacks, materials/objects that are intended for direct food contact, in the laboratory. Specific migrations or NIAS screenings are required afterwards, which must be selected depending on the printing ink/varnish used in order to evaluate whether a migration is occurring (please add additional test).
Damage analysis/examination of complaints
In many cases, it is not immediately obvious which kind of tests are necessary and reasonable for 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 realisation 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 damage, time of detection, technical information such as material structure or test results already known are helpful for a successful processing as experience has shown. If available, please send us reference samples, data sheets, specifications.
coefficient of friction COF
Determination of the static (static friction) µs and kinetic coefficient of friction (sliding friction) µD
Impact resistance by free-falling dart method (Dart Drop), staircase method
This is a widely used and significant test for assessing the impact strength of films. The test is used, for example, for quality monitoring and comparison of films. The Dart Drop impact strength reacts sensitively to quality imperfections on recycled compound blending, formulation inconsistencies, oxidative degradation and strain e.g. from folding, embossing, laser treatment etc..
tensile test films and laminates (temperature range -40 to +120 °C)
Determination of: secant modulus, tensile strength, elongation at break (accredited test method)
Grammage, yield
Determination of the grammage (e.g. plastic film and fabric or nonwoven, packaging film, paper and cardboard, aluminum foil for thickness measurement), calculation of the yield (in the dimension [m²/kg material]).
Sealing and welding properties of films, verification and comparison by laboratory sealing press
Production of sealing or welding seams on our laboratory sealing press (Kopp) and testing of the sealing seams with the Zwick tensile testing machine. The seals are made using previously 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 depending on sealing pressure ps [N/cm] or sealing time ts [s]. Typically, a parameter is varied over 5 equal levels and the results are plotted graphically as a function of the variables (accredited test).
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.
Determination of thickness of plastic films, aluminium foils, plane multilayer-materials and sheets
Determination by mechanical scanning (accredited test method)
FINAT peel adhesion
Testing the adhesive strength of adhesive labels, self-adhesive labels, adhesive tapes, silicone coatings against standard glass plate or original surfaces/adhesives
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.
Gelboflextest/Brugger KFT
Wrinkle test in which a piece of film of approx. DIN A 4 size is cylindrically wrung up at an angle of max. 440 ° in the Brugger KFT tester.
Usually 100 cycles are performed, afterwards the sample is 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, calculation according to time spent. Minimum sample size 280 mm x 200 mm.
Weathering test/lightfastness - artificial irradiation in the laboratory device/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. It is also possible to determine the light fastness, e.g. of printing inks or dyed materials, according to the so-called wool scale (light fastness scale according to DIN ISO 12040 fastness level 1-8).
Sealing/welding properties of films/hot-tack test of films
Only suitable for flexible films. Production and testing of sealed or welded seams with our hot-tack tester (KOPP device) in accordance with ASTM F 1921. The tests are carried out using previously 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 be determined depending on cooling time [ms], sealing pressure ps [N / cm], sealing time ts [s] or testing speed [m/s]. Usually a parameter is varied over 5 equal steps and the results are plotted graphically as a function of the variables (accredited test).
Anti-dew (anti-fog) test
Examination of transparent films or packages for anti-dew 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 forced by falling below the dew point, visually assessed and photographically documented.
Storage test/accelerated ageing 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 according to this method serve to accelerate the estimation of material ageing, e.g. also with regard to resistance to chemicals, foodstuffs or other filling materials for long-term applications. This is an assessment of purely technical aspects. For the assessment of food law conformity, please refer to the relevant legal regulations. For initial sampling, we strongly recommend parallel testing under real storage conditions to validate the validity of accelerated ageing tests.
To prepare an offer, we need the following details/information:
What type of packaging is to be tested (size, filling volume)?
How many packages are to be stored?
Are the packages empty or do they have to be emptied before testing?
What kind of filling material is involved (CAS No./Safety Data Sheet)?
How long should the packages be stored?
Under which ambient conditions should the packages be stored (temperature, controlled relative humidity)?
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 test temperature. We recommend the examination of shrinkage or shrinking stress for shrink films.
Wrinkle resistance of printing inks or lacquers - dry or after immersion in water
The test may be carried out on printings, coatings on flexible substrates such as films or paper. In addition to an examination after immersion in water, testing after storage in filling goods, after UV irradiation or mechanical stress is of course also possible.
Tensile-impact strength
The tensile-impact strength is a tensile test with a relatively high deformation rate. It is well known that materials sometimes behave brittle under dynamic loads, whereas they can appear plastic and deformable in the quasi-static, classical tensile test.
This can lead to unpredictable breakage of packaging materials and technical products, e.g. under impact and drop stress.
Fat-repellent impregnation of paper, lipophobic properties, Kit test
Formerly 3M kit test, classification of fat impregnation of papers by wetting tests with solutions based on castor oil, n-heptane and toluene. If the fat impermeability of plastic coatings/lacquers, e.g. on paper, is to be tested, please select the "fat permeability/fat density" method.
Curvature of films
This method is used to measure the curvature of a flat film in relation to the longitudinal direction. This so-called curvature can be the result of an aslope bubble during the blown film process, for example. The film then tends to have lobed edges on the reels or to wrinkle during lamination. We will be happy to send you our test specification on request.
Curling or flatness
The curling of sheet materials depends generally on temperature and conditioning state. So multilayer materials made of materials having different coefficients of thermal expansion or unequal expansion/shrinkage due to deviating 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 lead ot curling.
Tensile test paper, sealing strength of paper samples
Paper DIN EN ISO 1924-2 determination of tensile strength, stretch at break,TEA (accredited test method)
DIN EN 868-4 Annexe C, measuring the seal strength of machine-made bags or sealed samples made of paper
Bending stiffness
2-point bending method; bending length and angle depending on sample material
Fat permeability/fat density
Testing of paper, coated paper or plastic films with dyed palm kernel fat. The sample is coated with the test fat on the test side, then the glass plate and, if necessary, additional weights are placed on top. After the exposure time has elapsed, the fat passages with a size of up to 1 mm visible to the naked eye on the display paper within the defined test area are evaluated. If only fat penetrations up to 1.0 mm are observed, the test is considered to have been passed; in the case of fat penetrations with a size above 1 mm, the test is to be carried out under a more moderate test condition (a "worse" fat permeability group).
Water absorption of paper/Cobb test
DIN EN ISO 535
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 or DIN 55543-3 per seal (e.g. 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.
Tensile test paper wet strength
DIN ISO 3781 determination of wet breaking load after immersion in water, calculation of relative wet strength relating to initial strength of paper conditioned under standard climate.
Seal resistance of printings or coatings (heat resitance)
Over sealing of the sample by laboratory sealer against fine paper 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].
Blocking test/blocking strength
Testing the blocking tendency of plane packaging materials, in dependence on temperature T [°C], pressure p [MPa] and time t [h]. The evaluation is carried out either by manual test or by determining of blocking force Fmax [N] in a shear test using a tensile tester.
If the sample is to be tested under several conditions, please create the test accordingly several times with the respective parameter settings.
Creep test
Creep test on plastic films according to DIN EN 13206, DIN 55445 T2, for example T = 23 - 80° C, sample width 10 or 20 mm, testing period as agreed, testing weight as agreed.
Weathering test - wet smear resistance of printed peat culture, substrate and humus packaging
Testing the resistance of printing inks to environmental influences such as moisture, sunlight (UV radiation) and to substances eluted from the filling materials (e.g. humic acids, agricultural chemicals) during outdoor weathering. For the practical assessment of the wet smear resistance of the printing and the weather resistance of the film materials in the time-lapse test, including the pallet securing film, by means of artificial weathering with xenon arc light in accordance with DIN EN ISO 4892-2.
Drop test of bags and pouches
Drop test of the pouches or bags or strength of the closure system of drawstring bags 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 until the seam breaks is determined.
Film construction/material characterisation - Analysis package at a fixed price
Qualitative characterisation of plastic films, laminates and plastic products concerning layer construction and basic materials, excepting adhesives, tie layers, inorganic coatings, e.g. metallisations. Methods: DSC screening (- 20 up to 300 °C/2 heating runs) of the material as received, microtome cut to determine and display visible layers and layer thicknesses, determination of the material class of the individual layers with FTIR spectroscopy; Beilstein test for presence of chlorine. Additional tests available by arrangement.
Infrared (IR) spectroscopy
Identification of materials, contaminations, additives, laquers, adhesives, adhesive-based anti sealing effect etc. with different techniques depending on sample and problem
Microtome section/ cross-sectional image
Cross section of films, moulded forms, sealed seams etc., thickness determination of visible layers included,with reflected or transmitted light microscope (accredited test method).
DSC/thermal analysis: melting and crystallisation behaviour
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.
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.
Oxidation stability (OIT) as oxidation induction time or oxidation induction temperature via DSC
ISO 11357-6 Determination of Oxidation resistance via xidation induction time (isothermal OIT) or oxidation induction temperature (dynamic OIT) by Diffential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC). In the isothermal method, the sample is heated under nitrogen atmosphere to a defined temperature, then switched to an oxygen or air atmosphere and the time until oxidation begins is measured. In dynamic testing, the sample is heated under an oxygen or air atmosphere at a constant heating rate until oxidation occurs. The temperature at which oxidation begins is measured.
Coating quantity/weight of adhesives, lacquers, coatings, hotmelts, cold sealants
Gravimetric determination according FhG information sheet 11 part 1, results in [g/m²]
Note: The application weight of the cured reactive adhesives or laquer systems (e. g. polyurethane laminating adhesive in composite films or epoxy laqueres) mostly can not be determined, because the method works only by removability of the layer to be tested, e.g. by dissolving under usage of solvents. We recommend in such cases an orienting light microscopic measurement of the adhesive or lacquer layer thickness by means of a microtome cross section.
Analysis of gels/ inclusions
Analysis package for determining the position, size and the character of material of gels and inclusions in films and other products made of plastics including photo documentation. Methods depending on the task, e. g. infrared microspectroscopy, microscopy, hot stage microscopy, microtome cross-section, thermal analysis DSC
Microscopic examination with light microscopy, photographic documentation included
Microscopic examination of any samples. Invoicing according to time spent.
Solids content of printing inks, adhesives, lacquers (gravimetric)
Of liquid printing inks, adhesives, lacquers by gravimetric determination.
Haze/transparency
Method for quantification of the optical properties of transparent or translucent materials (not coulored opaque or metallized). The test method describes the hazing of a film caused by light scattering. A low haze value characterizes a low turbidity equivalent to a good visibility of details of filling goods or labels lying behind or under the film. By increasing the haze value, the "frosted glass effect" increases, i.e. details such as labels are ultimately only recognisable when in direct contact with the film surface.
ASTM D 1003 = calibration without compensation port, DIN ISO 13468 = calibration with compensation port.
The measured values differ slightly, but the measurements are basically carried out according to the same principle.
Gloss measurement
Reflectometer measurement to determine the degree of gloss. The measuring angle depends on the surface of the sample (measuring angle: high glossy: 20°, medium glossy: 60°, matt glossy: 85°).
Optical density
Characteristic value for specification of the light density of coloured or metallized films as well as other light-tight materials by densitometer instrument Gretag McBeth.
Water vapour transmission rate (WVTR) plastic films, laminates, coated papers and aluminium foils
Measurement is performed using the water vapor specific hydrolysis method. Usually deviating from the standard as a double determination.
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.
Water Vapour Transmission Rate (WVTR) of moulded parts, packages, pouches, bottles, etc. (only suitable for barrier materials, see also "i")
The measurement is carried out by using the the water vapor specific hydrolysis method, which allows to detect even the lowest permeabilities precisely and reproducibly. Besides the standard parameters offered, measurements can be carried out under a wide variety of 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 or PLA, can not be measured due to excessive permeation.
Water vapour transmission rate (WVTR), gravimetric test
Gravimetric determination of WVTR. We recommend the measurement by hydrolysis method acc. ISO 15106-3 (hist DIN 53122-2). If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.
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 to ASTM D 1434-procedure M. Usually deviating from the standard as a double determination.
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 to ASTM D 1434-procedure M. Usually deviating from the standard as a double determination.
Permeation (air, methane, helium, argon, others on request) of plastic films, laminates, coated papers, Alufoils
The method enables permeation measurement of permanent gases according to the non-selective manometric method. The measurement is only possible with dry gas (0% relative humidity).
Determination of (residual) oxygen and carbon dioxide content in ready-made packages
(Residual) oxygen and carbon dioxide content in sealed containers of any kind provided with modified gas atmosphere (MAP), e. g. cups, bottles, pouches, trays. The testing can be carried out with filled as well as empty packages. The method is not suitable for testing vacuum packages. Basic price, measurement of 5 emptied and cleaned packages included, additional measurements according to time.
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