HT-1XS

Heat seal applications are constantly evolving to meet the challenge of higher specification materials and faster production methods.

Food manufacturers, film converters, film producers and resin manufacturers are constantly striving to shorten cycle rates on packaging lines and recognise that optimising the heat sealing process is one way of accomplishing this and ensuring a higher degree of seal integrity.

The number of heat seal applications is extensive, polypropylene and cello films, co-extruded films, thermoformed cups and trays, laminates and blisters, together with non-woven are only a few of the materials emerge in response to environmental demands, so does the need for more accurate, reproducible methods of measuring heat sealing capabilities and performance.

Determination of hot tack performance requires a test method that provides repeatable results, free from operator interference. Other types of hot tack determination methods such as the falling weight or the spring test methods are difficult to regulate and are best suited for rough pass/fail evaluations. Neither method promises quantitive data. The results are either peel or no peel and are inappropriate for the strict demands of true quality control, research and development.

The hot tack tester provides an accurate, repeatable and consistent method of testing the sealing properties of a wide range of materials. Precise control of temperature, pressure and dwell time is controlled via the touch screen display, whilst controls within the hot tack tester automatically pulls the sample away from the heated jaws. The force required to separate the seal is then measured by a sensitive and accurate load cell.

The loading of the sample is quick and easy with a small pneumatic grip at each end of the mechanism. Both clamps are designed to prevent slippage or premature release of the sample material. The resulting seal force can be presented in either grams or newtons by customizing the software.

The HT-1XS can also perform Hot Tack measurement valves using the falling weight test for comparison making it a versatile heat seal performance for apparatus. The HT-1XS Hot Tack Tester meets ASTM F-1921-98