TOPLOAD testers for bottles

TOPLOAD & Crush Resistance Testers

ANDILOG's STENTOR II provides a complete, ready to use top compression force measurement system for use on PET plastic bottles or containers required in the packaging, pharmaceutical and beverage industries.

This quality control requirement is called a top load strength test or crush test, it ensures:

• Strength, stacking and stability information for the critical stages of storage, transport and display
• Identifying thinned areas in the walls of bottles, which can result in bottle and/or stackability weaknesses (damage/safety)

Thanks to the features of the STENTOR II, performing a  top load test has never been simpler. This model offers the advantage to measure and display in real time the axial compression force applied to the bottle, and to set a deflection limit. The color touch screen also simultaneously displays the curve, the force applied and the maximum compression or the force at deflection value.

 

TOP LOAD tester by ANDILOG

ANDILOG offers two complete, all-in-one TOP LOAD test systems (which include motorized test stand, an integrated controller, a load cell and two compression platen). Those pre-configured systems allow for quick, easy setups along with accurate repetitive and comprehensive measurements.
The  TOPLOAD 1000/2000 provides an easy method for carrying out compression tests on bottles or other small containers, of any shape.  These instruments can be used in workshops or laboratory environments.

Tester Size:

• The TOP LOAD 1000 is suitable for containers up to 350mm (14 in) height
• The TOP LOAD 2000 is suitable for containers up to 400mm (16 in) height

Types of tests

Different test methods can be followed. The most used methods measure:

• Compression, up to detecting the break point, with automatic return to the original (start) position
• Crush resistance to a desired deflection/distance (i.e. force required to crush 10mm of a bottle)
• Peak compression force measurement of the bottle at a desired height
• Travel measurement at a force (i.e. the travel to compress a bottle 100N)

All of these tests and methods can be performed with an ANDILOG TOP LOAD tester.

Working principles

An operator places a test bottle (or container) atop the wide bottom platen, which is threaded to the test stand's working table, then presses the START button. The trop compression platen automatically travels down (at a fixed speed) and applies a compression force to the botle.

As the test is being performed, the test data (force, travel distance and the force vs. travel curve) is displayed, in real time. Once the test's condition have been met, it returns to its original position in readiness for the next bottle/test.

The color touch screen simultaneously displays the curve, the force applied and the maximum compression, or the force at deflection value or the break point.

Data acquisition and evaluation

The TOP LOAD has several methods of data acquisition:

• The internal memory saves results from up to 2000 (i.e. 2000 Maximum values). Then using the optional RSIC LAB software or an optional USB data recorder DATASTICK II, the data can be downloaded to a PC
• DATASTICK II (optional): save results and curves on a USB drive and then export them to a computer.
• CALIFORT (optional): advanced command and analysis software that allows you to maximize the use of your material testing system; setup and control complex test sequences, ensure data traceability and autoamatically produce test reports.

Interchangeable, remote load cells

TOP LOAD testers are supplied with a highly accurate force load cell designed to provide repeatable results. The force accuracy is 0.1% of the load cell's capacity and with a data acquisition of 1000Hz.

The force load cells are equipped with Plug and Play SPIP technology, which stores all theirs calibration parameters. You can swap out a load cell in accordance with your testing requirement; the load cell is automatically recognized by ANDILOG’s TOP LOAD testers.

Series code:	TOPLOAD
Price
Availability	Usually ships in 2-3 weeks

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