Ressources
Top-load/Crush Testing
Top-load/Crush Testing
Top-load testing or crush testing is often a measurement of the resistance of a package or product to a compressive load, to the point where it deforms or collapses.
In the case of PET bottles and cans, these must be strong enough to withstand the capping process as well as being stacked (up to 3 metres high for PET) during storage and shipment. Variations in production equipment, materials and container design have produced many variables over the years, leading to top-load crush failures both on the capping line and during stacking at various stages of the distribution cycle.
Government regulations for environmental protection have been developed over time to limit the amount of primary resource material used in these single-trip containers. Manufacturers need to know if these containers can be made from less material and at the same time withstand the required top-load crushing strength, a process called downgauging.
Benefits of Top-load/Crush Testing
These include:
- Avoiding deformation or collapse of product during capping or stacking
- Reducing material costs and achieving lean manufacturing and environmental goals
- Establishing and maintaining consistency in manufacture
- Compliance with industry standards
Standards
A number of standards for top-load/crush testing have been developed. For example:
- ASTM D2659-95 - Standard Test Method for Column Crush Properties of Blown Thermoplastic Containers
- ASTM D4577 - 05 Standard Test Method for Compression Resistance of a Container Under Constant Load
- ISBT Plastic Bottle Test Methods 2004
