Europe Technical Centre

Rigorous testing is critical for reliable sterile barrier packaging. At Oliver’s technical centers, our experts use advanced equipment and validated methods to assess material performance and conduct defect analysis. Click through to watch examples of common packaging integrity tests.

At Oliver, one of the ways we test our materials is through a seal strength test. This test ensures packaging materials can withstand internal pressures, preventing leaks and ensuring the quality of the packaged contents. This video shows seal strength testing using the ASTM F88 unsupported test method (Technique A).

Seal strength can also be assessed by using the ASTM F88 supported test method (Technique C: Supported 180°). Watch this video to see how.

The Gelbo Flex test is designed to evaluate the flexibility and durability of materials, particularly films and laminates. Gelbo Flex ensuring materials can withstand continuous flexing without compromising their structural integrity or creating flex formed pinholes.

In this video, composite foil is flexed at a specified number of cycles and then evaluated via dye testing to determine pinhole count. It can then be ranked amongst other flexible materials.

This video shows the Gelbo Flex test being conducted with a film to determine flex resistance. A predetermined number of cycles are completed then the material is removed and tested for pinholes using a blue dye. Favorable flex resistance may reduce the risk of the material developing pinholes during transportation. 

After materials have been cycled through a Gelbo Flex test, they are evaluated for pinholes. An absorbent surface is placed beneath the test sheet then dye is spread across the surface of the sheet. The test sheet is removed and the absorbent surface is inspected for stain from the dye. Watch this video to see the results.

A bubble leak test helps identify the tiniest leaks or weak points in a packaging system. This enables manufactures to identify and rectify issues promptly. 

ASTM F2096 is often used to detect leaks in packaging. By detecting leaks and pinholes, manufacturers can rectify their packaging to ensure the safety and efficacy of their products. This video shows an example of a bubble leak test being conducted on a package with a pinhole.

If there are no leaks in a package, a bubble leak test can help rule out a pinhole as the cause for defect. This video shows the ASTM F2096 method being done on packaging without a pinhole.

Detecting seal leaks in porous medical packaging through dye penetration follows ASTM F1929. The dye solution is injected into the package, and the seal area is examined for 5 seconds. The channels in the seal can be readily detected. This video shows packaging without any seal leaks.

Note: Wicking of the dye through the porous packaging will occur with prolonged exposure, making defect detection difficult. 

If there are leaks the seal of a package, they can often be detected by following ASTM F1929 using dye penetration. This video shows a channel in the seal, causing the packaging to fail testing.

Burst testing helps determine the maximum internal pressure a package can withstand. This is important to ensure the packaging maintains integrity through sterilization and shipping.