Mechanical analyses

Using a tensile strength tester, the mechanical characteristics such as tensile strength, stretch (strain), yield and elastic modulus of a foil are measured. The tensile strength is the maximum force that can be exerted from the foil and the stretch is the percentage with which the foils can be stretched. The yield strength or yield point is understood to mean the flowing point: plastic deformation occurs from this point onwards and the foil can no longer return to its original form. Together with the elastic modulus (Young’s modulus), this is a measure for the rigidity of a foil.

The Elmendorf Tear Resistance determines which force is needed to tear the foil further after initially making a small cut in the foil.

The puncture resistance determines the force and energy needed to press a needle or globe through the foil under certain conditions.

This test determines the energy and force needed to push through the foil in which a dart drops through the foil from a certain height.

The shrinkage of products can be determined in longitudinal direction and in transverse direction. This is done by heating a piece of foil and subsequently, by measuring the shrinkage in both directions.

Initially, a seal is made using a foil and subsequently, the strength of the seal is determined using a tensile strength tester.

By means of hot-tack measuring, we can determine the ‘heat’ seal strength. This is important when a seal is already taxed before it cools down.

The coefficient of friction indicates to which extent a foil is smooth or rough. The static coefficient of friction provides an outcome during the start of movement and the dynamic coefficient of friction provides an outcome of the moving friction.