ASTM D3474-90(2012)

Standard Practice for Calibration and Use of Torque Meters Used in Packaging Applications

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
This practice can be used to check devices used to measure the application and removal torques of continuous or intermittent thread and lug closures.
This practice can be used to determine the amount of torque to either apply or remove a closure.
SCOPE
1.1 This practice covers the calibration and use of torque meters of the type normally used in packaging applications.
1.2 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.

General Information

• Status: Historical
• Publication Date: 31-Mar-2012
• ICS: 55.200 - Packaging machinery
• Technical Committee: F02 - Primary Barrier Packaging
• Drafting Committee: F02.25 - Rigid Container Closure Systems

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM D3474-90(2007) - Standard Practice for Calibration and Use of Torque Meters Used in Packaging Applications
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2012
• Replaced By: ASTM D3474-90(2018) - Standard Practice for Calibration and Use of Torque Meters Used in Packaging Applications
• Effective Date: 15-Apr-2018
• Referred By: ASTM D2063/D2063M-10(2018) - Standard Test Methods for Measurement of Torque Retention for Packages with Continuous Thread Closures Using Non-Automated (Manual) Torque Testing Equipment
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2012
• Referred By: ASTM D7860-14(2022) - Standard Test Methods for Measurement of Torque Retention for Child Resistant and Non-Child Resistant Packages with Continuous Thread Closures Using Automated Torque Testing Equipment
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2012

Standards Content (Sample)

NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or withdrawn.
Contact ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest information
Designation: D3474 − 90 (Reapproved 2012)
Standard Practice for
Calibration and Use of Torque Meters Used in Packaging
Applications
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D3474; 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 5. Significance and Use
1.1 This practice covers the calibration and use of torque 5.1 This practice can be used to check devices used to
meters of the type normally used in packaging applications. measure the application and removal torques of continuous or
intermittent thread and lug closures.
1.2 This standard does not purport to address all of the
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
5.2 This practice can be used to determine the amount of
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
torque to either apply or remove a closure.
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
6. Apparatus
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
6.1 Adapter—A circular plate that can be mounted concen-
2. Referenced Documents
trically on the platform of the tester. If the platform itself is
suitable, an adapter is not necessary. The adapter should be of
2.1 ASTM Standards:
such diameter that its radius multiplied by appropriate weights
D3198 Test Method forApplication and Removal Torque of
1 1
will give torque values equal to ⁄4, ⁄2 , and full-scale meter
Threaded or Lug-Style Closures (Withdrawn 2016)
readings. (Typical devices for packaging applications have
ranges from: 0 to 10, 0 to 25, 0 to 50, and 0 to 100 lbf-in. (0
3. Terminology
to 1.13, 0 to 2.8, 0 to 5.7, and 0 to 11.3 N/m, respectively).
3.1 Definitions—For definitions of application torque and
6.2 Connecting Means—A very flexible, thin filament, such
removal torque, see Test Method D3198.
as a wire or fishing line that transmits the force of hanging
3.1.1 stripping torque—a force or system of forces acting in
weights to the circumference of the adapter.
a tightening direction that causes overrunning of the threads or
rotation of an overshell with respect to its supporting member.
6.3 Pulley, low friction, used to change the direction of the
connecting means from horizontal to vertical.
4. Summary of Practice
6.4 Appropriate Dead Weights, for example: 2, 4, and 7-lb
4.1 Calibration—Reference torque values are obtained by
(0.9, 1.8, and 3.2-kg) for a torque meter with a 7 in. (178 mm)
means of vertically suspended dead weights acting at specific
diameterplateorplatformandarangeof0to25in-lbs(0to2.8
distances from the axis of the mounting platform of the tester.
N-m).
4.2 Use—Torque values to apply or remove closures are
7. Conditioning
obtained by mounting containers on the platform and either
7.1 Prior to calibration, the torque meter and weights shall
applying or removing the closures. In some applications, the
be allowed to come to ambient room conditions.
closure is mounted on the platform and the container is rotated.
8. Calibration Procedures (see Fig. 1)
8.1 Spring-Loaded Type Testers:
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F02 on Flexible
8.1.1 Verify that the meter needle moves freely throughout
Barrier Packaging and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee F02.25 on Rigid
Container Closure Systems.
its entire range and rests on zero when not loaded. Adjust if
Current edition approved April 1, 2012. Published May 2012. Originally
necessary.
approved in 1976. Last previous edition approved in 2007 as D3474 – 90 (2007).
8.1.2 If an adapter is used, fasten it securely and concentri-
DOI: 10.1520/D3474-90R12.
cally to the tester platform or spindle.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
8.1.3 Secure the torque meter to a table or work surface.
Standards volume information, refer to the standard‘s Document Summary page on
8.1.4 Secure one end of the connecting means to a point on
the ASTM website.
the circumference of the adapter or rotating platform and wrap
The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced on
www.astm.org. it at least halfway around the circumference.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D3474 − 90 (2012)
FIG. 1 Torque Meter Calibration Set Up
8.1.5 Run the connecting means over a low friction pulley 9.1.1 Remove the calibration adapter and install the posts in
located near the edge of a bench or table, and let it hang the movable cross members. It is important that the spacing
vertically for the attachment of weights. between the posts shall be such that the container or closure is
8.1.6 Sequentially,attachdeadweightsappropriatelytogive held securely but not deformed.
1 1
torque values equal to ⁄4 , ⁄2, and full-scale meter readings.
9.1.2 Application Torque:
Make certain that the weights are hanging freely. Record the
9.1.2.1 Position the container or closure in the restraining
weight, radius and the meter reading at each test point, making
grippers of the torque tester or holding jig so that the center of
certain that the needle returns to zero when the weights are
the neck is over the center line of the torque tester.
removed.
NOTE 1—It is important that the spacing between the posts be such that
8.1.7 If the difference between the measured and indicated
thecontainerorclosureissecurelyheldbutnotdeformed.Containerswith
readings differ from the manufacturers’ specification (usually
offset neck
...