Van der Stahl Scientific Inc. (Wrightwood, CA) has introduced and patented a system that integrates peel strength testing and visual inspection within one heat-sealing packaging machine.
“The MS-451PV sealer is a paradigm-shifting technology,” says Charlie A. Webb, certified packaging professional, Van der Stahl. “It is part of a new movement we call ‘Forced Compliance.’”
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Van der Stahl Scientific Inc.’s MS-451PV integrates peel strength testing, visual inspection, and heat sealing. |
Webb says that “packaging quality teams do a great job of setting up protocols for testing and sampling, but those protocols can ‘decay’ during operations. Using this machine, QA managers can preset testing frequency. For instance, after every 500 seals, the machine’s on-board microprocessor would prompt operators to test the seals before the machine could proceed with further sealing.”
The unit has been under development for about 10 years, Webb says. “Ten years ago we saw that medical device companies weren’t doing a lot of testing, and we feel that is still the case. It makes sense to build testing into the sealing process.”
The machine’s on-board visual testing aid, Viu, allows firms to test according to ASTM F1886. It uses low-lighting and magnification to allow operators to inspect seals in a way that Webb says illuminates more defects. “When using a microscope with overhead fluorescent lighting, that light would wash out any shadowing effects of the defects. We actually realized the benefit of lower lighting during a hike in which we noticed that the lower angle of light in the latter part of year allowed us to see more details on flowers. So we brought that thought back to the lab and applied it to visual inspection.” Viu was introduced a few years ago, and Webb has since made further lighting adjustments.
No proprietary testing methods were developed for the machine’s use. “We developed the system to accommodate existing ASTM methods F88 and F1886,” says Webb.
An advanced transducer manages platen pressure that electronically feeds data back to the microprocessor in real time. The sealer holds all visual and peel data on the sealers own on-board memory card. It can be purged from the sealer at anytime with the included software for data record archiving and packaging compliance evaluation.
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Peel Tester
The Heat Seal Tester is a crucial device for assessing the sealing strength and quality of packaging materials. By testing various heat seal parameters—temperature, pressure, and dwell time—it ensures optimal packaging integrity, preventing leaks and damage. Essential for industries focused on food safety, pharmaceuticals, and durable packaging solutions.
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