The key to correctly interpreting the test results of the heat sealing tester is to combine the heat sealing process parameters (temperature, pressure, time) with the test indicators (heat sealing strength, sealing performance, appearance) to determine whether the heat sealing effect meets the packaging requirements, and to identify possible process issues.
You pay attention to the interpretation of test results, which is a crucial step in converting equipment data into actual production guidance, and can directly help you optimize the heat sealing process. The interpretation should revolve around three dimensions: "core indicator analysis → result judgment criteria → problem tracing", and the specific methods are as follows.
1、 Clarify core testing indicators and interpretation methods
The test results of the heat sealing tester mainly focus on three core indicators, and the interpretation focus of different indicators is different, which needs to be analyzed separately.
1. Core indicator 1: Heat sealing strength (peel strength)
The heat sealing strength is the key to measuring the firmness of the heat sealing layer, which directly determines whether the packaging is prone to cracking and leakage.
Interpretation focus:
Check if the numerical value meets the standard: Compare it with product standards or industry requirements (such as food packaging usually requiring a heat seal strength of ≥ 20N/m, and dangerous goods packaging requiring higher strength), the higher the numerical value, the stronger the heat seal.
Check if the force curve is stable: If the curve fluctuates greatly (with a sudden drop in force), it indicates that the heat sealing layer is not uniformly bonded, and there may be local unsealing; If the curve rises smoothly, it indicates that the heat sealing effect is stable.
Common situation judgment:
Value below standard: It may be due to low heat sealing temperature, insufficient pressure, or short time, resulting in insufficient melting and bonding of the heat sealing layer.
The value is too high but the substrate breaks during peeling: it may be due to the high heat sealing temperature, which causes the substrate (such as film) to be burned and affects the overall performance of the packaging.
2. Core indicator 2: Sealing (leakage test results)
Sealing test (such as negative pressure method, positive pressure method) is used to determine whether there are small gaps in the heat sealed edge, to avoid leakage of contents or invasion of external impurities.
Interpretation focus:
Direct determination of "qualified/unqualified": If the pressure remains stable during the testing process (without any decrease or increase), it indicates that there is no leakage and the sealing is qualified; If there is a fluctuation in pressure (such as a rebound in pressure during negative pressure testing), it indicates the presence of a leak and the leak point needs to be located.
Combined with the analysis of leak location: If the leak is concentrated in a certain area of the heat sealing edge (such as the edge or corner), it may be due to uneven pressure of the heat sealing mold or offset of the heat sealing position; If the leakage points are randomly distributed, it may be due to impurities in the heat sealing layer or defects in the substrate itself.
3. Core indicator 3: Heat sealed appearance
Appearance is the basis for visually judging the quality of heat sealing, and it needs to be comprehensively evaluated in conjunction with instrument testing results.
Interpretation focus: Observe whether there are the following issues with the heat sealed edge, which may indirectly affect strength and sealing:
Oversealing: The appearance of burnt edges, bubbles, and wrinkles on the heat sealed edge may be due to excessive temperature or time, leading to degradation of the heat sealed layer.
Undersealing: The heat sealed edge is dull and uneven, which may be due to low temperature or insufficient pressure, resulting in incomplete fusion of the heat sealed layer.
Overflow glue: The heat sealing layer material overflows the heat sealing edge. If a small amount does not affect the appearance and strength, it is acceptable. Excess may cause poor sealing or contamination of the contents.
2、 Establish a 'standard comparison system' for result determination
Interpretation results should not be viewed in isolation from data, but should be combined with specific packaging requirements and standards to establish clear criteria for judgment.
Comparison with product standards: Different industries have clear heat sealing performance standards (such as GB/T10004-2020 for the food industry and YBB00122003 for the pharmaceutical industry), and it is necessary to first confirm whether the test indicators meet the limit requirements of the corresponding standards.
Comparison with actual usage scenarios:
If the packaging needs to withstand transportation bumps (such as express packaging), a certain margin of heat sealing strength needs to be reserved (if the standard requires 20N/m, the actual requirement is 25N/m or more).
If the contents of the packaging are liquids or hygroscopic items (such as beverages, milk powder), the sealing must achieve "zero leakage", and even small leakage points are judged as unqualified.
Comparison of process parameter records: Associate the test results with the corresponding heat sealing process parameters (temperature T, pressure P, time t), such as "heat sealing strength of 28N/m at 180 ℃ and only 15N/m at 170 ℃ under the same pressure and time", to quickly determine the appropriate temperature range.