ASTM F1886/F1886M-16
(Test Method)Standard Test Method for Determining Integrity of Seals for Flexible Packaging by Visual Inspection
Standard Test Method for Determining Integrity of Seals for Flexible Packaging by Visual Inspection
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 Seal attributes can be linked directly to a number of variables in process parameters, equipment, or material, as well as environmental (room temperature and relative humidity). Visual seal characteristics and defects can provide evidence of package integrity and production sealing problems.
5.2 Visual seal defects often will be the first indication of heat sealing process variation. They also will indicate a lack of, or potential compromise to, package integrity after physical package performance testing.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers the determination of channels in the package seal down to a width of 75 μm [0.003 in.] with a 60–100 % probability (see Section 8).
1.1.1 The ability to visually detect channel defects in package seals is highly dependent on the size of channel, the degree of contrast from sealed and unsealed areas, the amount and type of adhesive between the two package layers, reflecting light angle, types of material used, the use of magnification, and the inspector's level of training and experience.
1.2 This test method is applicable to packages with at least one transparent side so that the seal area may be clearly viewed.
1.3 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in each system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each system shall be used independently of the other. Combining values from the two systems may result in non-conformance with the standard.
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
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This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: F1886/F1886M − 16
Standard Test Method for
Determining Integrity of Seals for Flexible Packaging by
1
Visual Inspection
ThisstandardisissuedunderthefixeddesignationF1886/F1886M;thenumberimmediatelyfollowingthedesignationindicatestheyear
of original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval.
A superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope 4. Summary of Test Method
1.1 Thistestmethodcoversthedeterminationofchannelsin 4.1 This test method provides a qualitative (accept/reject)
the package seal down to a width of 75 µm [0.003 in.] with a visual inspection method to evaluate the appearance character-
60–100 % probability (see Section 8). istics of unopened, intact seals in order to determine the
1.1.1 The ability to visually detect channel defects in presence of defects that may affect the integrity of the package.
package seals is highly dependent on the size of channel, the
5. Significance and Use
degree of contrast from sealed and unsealed areas, the amount
and type of adhesive between the two package layers, reflect-
5.1 Seal attributes can be linked directly to a number of
inglightangle,typesofmaterialused,theuseofmagnification,
variablesinprocessparameters,equipment,ormaterial,aswell
and the inspector’s level of training and experience.
as environmental (room temperature and relative humidity).
Visual seal characteristics and defects can provide evidence of
1.2 This test method is applicable to packages with at least
package integrity and production sealing problems.
one transparent side so that the seal area may be clearly
viewed.
5.2 Visual seal defects often will be the first indication of
heatsealingprocessvariation.Theyalsowillindicatealackof,
1.3 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units
or potential compromise to, package integrity after physical
are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in
package performance testing.
each system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each
system shall be used independently of the other. Combining
6. Apparatus
values from the two systems may result in non-conformance
with the standard. 6.1 Illuminant, lighting arrangements to give about 540
2
lumens/m [50 fc] of white light or daylight on the specimens.
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
6.2 Indelible Marking Pen.
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
7. Procedure
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
7.1 Visualacuityshallbesuchthattheinspectionoftheseal
may be performed at a distance of 30 to 45 cm [12 to 18 in.]
2. Referenced Documents
2
NOTE 1—Magnification devices, such as eyeloops, may be used as an
2.1 ASTM Standards:
analytical tool to characterize identified seal defects.
F17 Terminology Relating to Flexible Barrier Packaging
7.2 Inspect the entire sealed area of the package for com-
3. Terminology
pleteness and uniformity.
3.1 For terminology related to flexible barrier packaging,
NOTE 2—Different package sizes and shapes may require differing
see Terminology F17. lengths of time to adequately inspect the entire seal perimeter. Any time
requirement associated with visual inspection should allow for complete
seal inspection.
1
This test method is under the jurisdiction ofASTM Committee F02 on Primary
NOTE 3—Some packaging materials and adhesives may fluoresce under
Barrier Packaging and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee F02.40 on
ultraviolet light. Viewing the seal area in a UV light box will enhance the
Package Integrity.
sealed-to-unsealed area contrast, and provide for easier defect identifica-
Current edition approved Oct. 1, 2016. Published October 2016. Originally
tion.
approved in 1998. Last previous edition approved in 2013 as F1886/
7.3 Identify and record any part of the seal where channels
F1886M – 09(2013). DOI: 10.1520/F1886_F1886M-16.
2
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
appear. Mark the location of the channels.
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on NOTE 4—All other seal characteristics noted (refer to Appendix X1)
the ASTM website. should be categorized according to user defined accept/reject criteria.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
1
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This document is not an ASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of an ASTM standard an indication of what changes have been made to the previous version. Because
it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
of the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.
Designation: F1886/F1886M − 09 (Reapproved 2013) F1886/F1886M − 16
Standard Test Method for
Determining Integrity of Seals for Flexible Packaging by
1
Visual Inspection
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F1886/F1886M; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year
of original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval.
A superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope
1.1 This test method covers the determination of channels in the package seal down to a width of 75 μm [0.003 in.] with a
60–100 % probability (see Section 8).
1.1.1 The ability to visually detect channel defects in package seals is highly dependent on the size of channel, the degree of
contrast from sealed and unsealed areas, the amount and type of adhesive between the two package layers, reflecting light angle,
types of material used, the use of magnification, and the inspector’s level of training and experience.
1.2 This test method is applicable to packages with at least one transparent side so that the seal area may be clearly viewed.
1.3 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in each
system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each system shall be used independently of the other. Combining values from the
two systems may result in non-conformance with the standard.
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility
of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory
limitations prior to use.
2. Referenced Documents
2
2.1 ASTM Standards:
F17 Terminology Relating to Flexible Barrier Packaging
3. Terminology
3.1 For terminology related to flexible barrier packaging, see Terminology F17.
4. Summary of Test Method
4.1 This test method provides a qualitative (accept/reject) visual inspection method to evaluate the appearance characteristics
of unopened, intact seals in order to determine the presence of defects that may affect the integrity of the package.
5. Significance and Use
5.1 Seal attributes can be linked directly to a number of variables in process parameters, equipment, or material, as well as
environmental (room temperature and relative humidity). Visual seal characteristics and defects can provide evidence of package
integrity and production sealing problems.
5.2 Visual seal defects often will be the first indication of heat sealing process variation. They also will indicate a lack of, or
potential compromise to, package integrity after physical package performance testing.
6. Apparatus
2
6.1 Illuminant, lighting arrangements to give about 540 lumens/m [50 fc] of white light or daylight on the specimens.
6.2 Indelible Marking Pen.
1
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F02 on FlexiblePrimary Barrier Packaging and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee F02.40 on
Package Integrity.
Current edition approved Aug. 1, 2013Oct. 1, 2016. Published September 2013October 2016. Originally approved in 1998. Last previous edition approved in 20092013
as F1886/F1886M – 09.F1886/F1886M – 09(2013). DOI: 10.1520/F1886_F1886M-09R13.10.1520/F1886_F1886M-16.
2
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM Standards
volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
1
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F1886/F1886M − 16
TABLE 1 Percent Incorrect by Laboratory
Lab Samples Incorrect Percent (%)
Inspected Analysis Incorrect
1 117 0 0.00
2 117 24 20.51
3 117 5 4.27
4 117 17 14.53
5 117 5 4.27
6 117 12 10.26
7 117 9 7.69
8 117 18 15.38
9 117 26 22.22
10 117 10 8.55
7. Procedure
7.1 Visual acuity shall be such that the inspection of the seal may be performed at a distance of 30 to 45 cm [12 to 18 in.]
NOTE 1—Magnification devices, such as eyeloops, may be used as an analytical tool to characterize identified seal defects.
7.2 Inspect the entire sealed area of the package for completeness and uniformity.
NOTE 2—Different package sizes and shapes may require differing lengths of time to adequately inspect the entire seal perim
...
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