ASTM F88 Seal Strength & Peel Testing Services
ASTM F88 is the ASTM International standard used to measure seal strength in flexible packaging, giving medical device, food and beverage, and consumer goods manufacturers accredited, defensible data on how well a package seal holds up.
Call (800) 830-8021For products from medical devices to food pouches and beverage seals to consumer goods, a reliable seal is the first line of defense against contamination, spoilage, and damage.
Our facilities are leading providers of ASTM F88 testing services.
- We utilize advanced testing equipment.
- We adhere strictly to the ASTM F88 seal strength standard.
- We provide accurate and defensible data for your product.
This testing is essential for manufacturers seeking to validate their packaging and production processes, supporting compliance with regulatory requirements and customer expectations. A thorough ASTM F88 peel test is about confirming the quality and consistency of your package’s seals as it moves through seal IQ, OQ, PQ validation, package and shelf-life validation.
Understanding ASTM F88 Seal Strength
The ASTM F88 standard, also known as “Standard Test Method for Seal Strength of Flexible Barrier Materials,” measures the force needed to separate a seal on a flexible package. This provides a quantitative value for the seal strength, which is an indicator of the package’s ability to maintain its seal integrity.
ASTM F88 standard testing is applicable to a variety of flexible barrier materials, including pouches, bags, and lidding. The ASTM F88 seal strength value is a critical metric used for:
- Quality control
- Material selection
- Troubleshooting production issues
- Package validation
Our expert team is equipped to handle the complexities of the ASTM F88 test to ensure compliance with the standard. We are familiar with the various test methods outlined in the standard, including different peeling angles and speeds, to best obtain consistent results.
The ASTM F88 Peel Test Procedure
On the surface the ASTM F88 peel test procedure is a straightforward yet highly effective method for evaluating seal integrity. WESTPAK’s knowledge of the standard ensures that none of the details are missed when conducting the testing.
At a high level the testing process is:
- A specimen is prepared by cutting a strip from the sealed area of the package.
- The strip is placed in a specialized tensile testing machine.
- One side of the seal is clamped in a fixed grip, and the other is pulled at a constant rate.
- The force required to peel the two sides of the seal apart is recorded.
WESTPAK provides detailed reports that chart the force-versus-time or force-versus-distance data from each test. In addition to the force data, the failure mode is also identified such as adhesive failure, cohesive failure, or substrate tearing.
Understanding the mode of failure is useful for engineers optimizing their sealing parameters and materials selection. Our experienced engineers and technicians and state-of-the-art load frames can provide the most accurate results for comprehensive analysis.
Setting Your ASTM F88 Acceptance Criteria
Establishing clear ASTM F88 acceptance criteria is a foundational step in your quality assurance process.
- This criterion defines the minimum and sometimes the maximum seal strength required for your product to be considered acceptable.
- It can be based on historical data, internal quality standards, or development studies.
We work with our clients to help them understand how the test data relates to their specific acceptance criteria. This partnership approach can help ensure your testing strategy is aligned with your business goals, providing a path to certification and market readiness.
At WESTPAK, our commitment to providing precise ASTM F88 testing can help you gain confidence in your product’s packaging. Whether you are validating a new material, troubleshooting a production line, or fulfilling a supplier requirement, our team provides test standards expertise to deliver the reliable results you need.
Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to our most frequently asked questions.
What is ASTM F88 and what does it measure?
ASTM F88 is a standard test method for measuring the seal strength of flexible barrier materials. It measures the force required to separate the layers of a package at the seal, providing a quantitative value that indicates the integrity and reliability of the seal.
Why is an ASTM F88 peel test important for packaging?
The ASTM F88 peel test is essential for confirming that packaging seals are strong enough to protect a product from contamination, leakage, and damage during transport and handling, while also being easy enough for the end-user to open. It is a key quality control tool for medical device, food, and consumer product packaging.
What is the difference between an ASTM F88 seal strength test and a burst test?
An ASTM F88 seal strength test measures the force required to peel a seal apart, providing a value in pounds per inch or newtons per meter. A burst test, such as ASTM F2054, involves pressurizing a package until it fails. While both test seal integrity, ASTM F88 provides a direct measure of seal strength, whereas a burst test indicates the package’s overall structural integrity under pressure.
How do you set ASTM F88 acceptance criteria?
ASTM F88 acceptance criteria are typically set based on historical data, internal quality standards, or development studies. For example, a small light weight medical device might have a lower minimum seal strength requirement than a large heavy one. The criteria define the minimum and sometimes maximum force values that a seal must achieve to be considered acceptable for its intended use.
What industries require ASTM F88 testing?
Accreditations:
Testing at Westpak has been accredited by A2LA to comply with ISO 17025.
Westpak testing labs are ISTA certified to perform a variety of tests.
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