Description
This laboratory contains equipment to fabricate and test prototype packages of many types and sizes (e.g., bags, pouches, trays, cartons, etc.). This equipment can be used to simulate the shock and vibration a package endures during shipping and handling, with the capability to fabricate packages that can withstand production runs and to test how well packaging materials or packages perform in environmental extremes (such as desert, arctic, or tropical conditions) in the packaging environmental chambers.
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Compression TesterCompression Tester
Is a fully automated test system used to determine the compression strength, load carrying capacity, or long-term stacking strength of large packages. The tester uses a precision load frame, system controller, and personal computer. A command signal from the control system to the load frame advances the upper platen toward the product and applies a compressive force until the test concludes. The system controller measures and records force, deflection, and time data in accordance with ASTM Standards D-642 and D-4577.
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Drop TesterDrop Tester
Simulates the fall of a packaged shipping container. The container is lifted to a standard height and dropped ten times on the bottom corner of the manufacturer's joint, i.e., the three edges leading away from that corner and all faces, in accordance with ASTM Standard D-5276.
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Environmental ChambersEnvironmental Chambers
Tests the durability of packaging materials and ensures the quality of food in extreme environmental conditions. Since military rations are shipped and stored around the globe, environmental testing ensures that Warfighters receive high-quality rations no matter where they are located.
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Hermetic SealersHermetic Sealers
Metal Traycan Sealer/Polymeric Tray Sealer - Hermetically seals both metal and polymeric trays prior to thermal processing.
Thermal Impulse Heat Sealers - Are adjustable, and apply uniform, consistent air-tight/water-tight seals in most thermoplastic films and laminates.
Vacuum/Gas Flush Heat Sealer - Evacuates headspace and applies a fusion (hermetic) seal to the pouches. The pouch is isolated from the atmosphere in an enclosed chamber. The chamber is then evacuated, and two bars are used to heat-seal the pouch.
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Incline Impact TesterIncline Impact Tester
Tests impact resistance of shipping containers in accordance with ASTM Standard D-880.
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Packaging Fabrication EquipmentPackaging Fabrication Equipment
Ultrasonic Welder - Enables the precision, high-strength joining of thermoplastics using ultrasonics.
Horizontal Form-Fill Seal Machine - Fabricates the right-sized packaging on-line with rollstock materials. A base cavity is drawn, the product filled, and the lidding applied on-line. This simulates the commercial production of some military food products.
Kongsberg XL22 Computer Aided Manufacturing Table with Artios Design Software - Provides the capability to design and manufacture container packaging samples made of a wide range of corrugated fiberboard, solid fiberboard, and foam materials.
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Packaging Quality AnalysisPackaging Quality Analysis
Mead Jar Tester - Enables the non-destructive examination of leakage paths through finished cans and flexible/rigid packages.
Headspace Gas Analyzer - Draws a headspace sample and analyzes it for oxygen and carbon dioxide content. The system is used for package integrity testing, quality control in food applications, and bioprocess and fermentation testing. The unit is rugged, and portable when needed via battery operation. The analyzer measures oxygen from 0.1%-100%.
Taptone Seal Integrity Tester - Is a non-destructive device that measures the seal integrity of small trays and containers.
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Pouch/Tray Burst TestersPouch/Tray Burst Testers
Measures the ability of pouches and trays to withstand changes to internal pressure.
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Spray ChamberSpray Chamber
Tests the water resistance of shipping containers in accordance with ASTM Standard D-951.
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Vibration TableVibration Table
Simulates the forces and motions of motor trucks, railroad cars, and aircraft. This is standard practice for performance testing of shipping containers and palletized unit loads. It is used to verify protective capabilities of packaging in accordance with ASTM Standard D-999.