IDM Instruments has designed a packaging testing machine for determining the amount of force required to break open perforated carton packaging boxes.
A manufacturer approached IDM with a need for a machine that would be able to test the quality of its final product, and how well the package would sustain to force being applied. The machine had to be capable of obtaining results in a timely and efficient manner, with minimal operator handling.
IDM approached the task with Mark 10 in mind. With the Mark 10 ESM motorised test stand, powered by the BG 50lb capacity force gauge, and utilising inventive flair, IDM was able to design a machine according to the customer's specific requirements.
The testing machine allows a whole carton box to be placed against one side of the machine, to be tested. A dart-like impacter is used in this test as a fixture to puncture the package, while the force gauge is used to display the peak force required to open the box.
Once the package has opened, and the force is displayed, the gauge holds this force for test evaluation and retrieval. With an RS232 cable, users are also able to link a PC to the force gauge. This feature allows for easy retrieval of data using graphs, where the force being applied can clearly be seen as the test is being conducted.
One of the major benefits of the test stand is its modular design, as it can be configured to vertical and horizontal positions. For this particular test, it required the test stand to rest horizontally. The stand is also compatible with all Mark-10 force gauges, as well as fixtures, which allow a limitless array of testing procedures.
The speed of the test stand is adjustable in up and down directions, driven by the remote control unit, for added safety. There is also a manual fine knob and a stepper motor, which prevents speed variation with load, for precise and repeatable testing.