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Overview and functions of quality control devices
AT2E develops and markets quality control equipment for packaging and for all packaged products across many industries. The company supplies machines for testing to manufacturers of pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, chemicals, food and packaging.
AT2E equipment meets international standards for the testing of packaging, bottles, cans, bags and more.
Below is an overview of quality control devices and their functions.
Torque testers: Measuring devices for opening and closing tops and breaking torque
Torque testers: Measuring devices for opening and closing tops and breaking torque
Torque testers measure the torque when opening or closing bottle caps not tops or other mechanisms.
AT2E offers a manual Torque Meter Version (TMV) as well as an Automated Adapted Torque Meter Version (ADATMV) that allows you to check quality without human intervention. For the ADATMV, you can choose an option for a Cork extraction test.
Torque control for packaging lines
For the quality control of packaging lines and the calibration of the screwed or crimped tops, a dynamometric bottle integrating a torque sensor allows to read and adjust the settings of the heads. This ensures the reading of the torque head by head. It allows to read in real time the values applied by the screwing heads.
You can choose between a wired model with a remote display (the BT-ETA 5 for torque measurement) and a wireless model (the BT ETA COUPLE). You can integrate them into the packaging line or choose a stand-alone, in-line torque monitoring system.
Leak and tightness testers – vacuum leak tests, bubble tests
AT2E has several leak testers, test chambers and bubble testers.
Leak test chambers – vacuum leak tester, pressure test chambers
The vacuum or pressure test chambers (also called vacuum chambers or vacuum leak testers) let you carry out tests on bottles, bags, flasks, tubes, blisters, jars, etc. Depending on the device, the leak detection is done visually with an operator or automatically with the machine locating the leaks.
Three models exist for these test chambers:
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The analog model, which is economical to purchase, maintain and service, called the Vacuum Leak Tester eco (VLT eco)
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The Vacuum Leak tester digital (VLT D) with a small touch screen
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The Programmable Logic Controller (VLT PLC), CFR21 FDA compliance must be informed, which detects leaks without the intervention of an operator and is FDA compliant.
The bubble point analyser – Secure seal analyser for bubble test
Bubble point testers or secure seal analysers pressurize the space between the liquid and the cap of the packaging, the so-called “head space”. These machines can do bubble tests on bottles, bags, flasks, tubes, blisters, jars, cans and boxes for leaks.
Four models of bubble point devices are manufactured by AT2E :
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The economic and analog model: the Secure Seal Analyser Eco (SSA Eco)
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The model with a touch screen: Secure Seal Analyzer Digital (SSA D )
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The fully automatic bubble point device model (Secure Seal Analyser, Programmable Logic Controller or SSA PLC)
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The fully automatic model: the Secure Seal Analyser (SSA Full Automatic)
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Dynamometers, force and resistance testing devices for compression or stretching
Our analog and digital dynamometers allow us to perform peel tests, push tests and pull tests on all types of packaging. AT2E offers a hand-held device or one to be installed on manual or motorized test benches
The Traction and Compression Tester (TCT)
The Traction and Compression Tester (TCT) tests packages by traction and compression. It is a multifunctional model controlled by an easy-to-use touch screen. It meets the test standard for PET bottles, plastics, films and papers (tissue and other).
Bottle top load tester (BTLT)
The Bottle top load tester (BTLT) is used to perform strength tests on glass bottles. This quality control device is, of course, completely safe.
Pop and tear tester (PATT)
This quality control device measures the forces applied to can lids at each opening stage.
Pull off tester (POT)
The Pull-off tester verifies the opening of crown cap O-rings of bottles.
Line measurements under screw heads and crimps
For the control of the force of screwing or crimping heads, we have developed two devices:
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BT ETA Force Calibration Bottle with on-board electronics,
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BT ETA Force SHF has a remote electronics system.
These quality-control devices are integrated into a custom-made bottle or can.
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Resistance tests to expansion, bottle burst tests – packaging strength testers
Plastic Bottle Burst tester
The Plastic Bottle Burst Tester (PBBT) and Plastic Kegg Burst Tester (PKBT) pressurize PET, HDPE and KEGG containers until they deform and/or explode. They are provided with an ultra-modern touch interface and are very simple to use. This interface allows the configuration of the test cycles down to the last detail. These resistance testers are proposed with software for the acquisition and statistical processing of tests. They are available in single and dual station versions.
Glass Bottle Burst tester
The GBBT – Glass Bottle Burst Tester – ensures the bursting tests of glass bottles. The machine creates/ensures (checks) the pressurization until explosion. The Glass Bottle Burst tester configures the test cycles in great detail. It is easy to use and features a state-of-the-art touch screen interface. It is delivered with software for acquisition and statistical processing of tests. There are two versions: single station and dual station.
CO² and pressure and/or internal vacuum measuring devices
CO2 measuring instruments – pressure/temperature method by Henry’s law
These CO2 measuring devices are based on Henry’s law. They make it possible to measure the pressure of CO2 in gaseous liquids on finished products such as soft drinks (CSD). The process is simple: the device pierces the capsule of the sample with a bevelled tube. Through the tube, a needle and a probe are inserted. They will measure the pressure and temperature. The gas contained in the liquid rises to the pressure probe through the needle hole. After degassing, the bottle is shaken so that the pressure and temperature rise to their maximum. When these two data do not change, the correspondence between pressure and temperature is measured using Henry’s law. We obtain the measurement of pressure and temperature.
In its analog version, the device measures temperature and pressure. The volume of CO2 is calculated with the help of a correspondence table provided. In the automatic version, the device reads the pressure and temperature of CO2 in volume and in grams per liter.
In this range of CO² control devices, AT2E offers the analog model, CO² Easy A (Analog), the CO2 Easy D (Digital) and the fully automatic version, CO² DA (Digital Automatic).
Pressure and Vacuum Gauge (PVG) and Aphrometers
Our pressure and vacuum gauges and aphrometers are equipped with analogue or digital pressure and vacuum gauges for measuring the pressure and vacuum levels in packaging – bottles, flasks, cans, boxes
Dimensional and perpendicularity measuring devices
High–accuracy thickness measurements – Accurate Magnetic Thickness Gauge
The AMTG – Accurate Magnetic Thickness Gauge – measures the thickness of packages with a very high accuracy (0.001 mm). It uses the magnetic radiation method (Hall effect). A steel ball is placed in the package and the measurement is performed with the help of the magnetic probe of the AMTG. The data can be stored and sent to the computer.
Dimensional and perpendicularity measurement of circular packages – preform perpendicularity gauge
Our preform perpendicularity gauge (PPG) quality control devices measure the perpendicularity of any type of circular packaging. They are available in analog and digital versions. An automatic calculator is available as an option, which reads the minimum, maximum and deviation. They are particularly suitable for measuring on preforms.
Universal bottle perpendicularity tester
The Universal bottle perpendicularity tester (UBPT) quality control devices measure the perpendicularity of bottles. They are available in analog and digital versions. An optional automatic calculator reads the minimum, maximum and deviation. If desired, these measuring devices can be supplemented with digital trusquins (package height measurement).
Preform and bottle thickness gauge (H3)
The Preform Thickness Gauge (PTG) is designed to measure the thickness of preforms while the Bottle Thickness Gauge (BTG) is designed to measure the thickness of glass bottles. They are available in analog and digital versions
Can and aerosol seam control devices
Seam Quality Analysis – Seam Check
The Seam Check analysis monitor checks the quality of the seam on cans and aerosols. The extremely precise seam cutters prepare the samples that are then ready for analysis. The sample analysis is done automatically by a high-resolution camera. The values and images of the measurements are stored in a software program supplied with the SEAM check analysis monitor. Three types of saws are available: the ANSS – Anti Noise Seam Saw – for beverages or the SS1 and SS2 saws for other formats.
Analysis of preforms and preform blowing
Polariscopes – Polarization light for Preform
Polariscopes, PLP – Polarization light for Preform – equipped with a polarizing film and an adapted light allow the visualization of defects in preforms. The visualization is done from an angle of 0 degrees and 90 degrees. The polariscopes are proposed with a poster listing the analysed defects
Analysis of PET bottle preform blowing – Hot wire bottle cutter
The Hot Wire Bottle Cutter (HWBC) – analyses the material distribution during the blowing of preforms. These devices cut the PET bottles precisely after blowing. The cut sections are weighed after cutting for analysis. The HWBC are available in manual, semi-automatic and fully automatic versions. They are completed by the supply of a precision scale for the weighing of the sections.
Analysis of glass defects: Polariscope and sighting devices
Polariscope for glass defects – Polarization light for Glass
The PLG (Polarization light for Glass) polariscopes equipped with a polarizing film and an adapted light allow the visualization of glass defects. The visualization is done at angle 0 and 90 degrees.
Sight glass for particle detection in glass
Sighting devices facilitate the detection of particles in glass.
Vision measurement of samples
The PBMS (Preform and Bottle Measuring System) equipment measures the dimensions of preforms and bottles with very high precision and without contact. Using vision technology, the equipment automatically detects the type of sample and indicates the values for height, diameter, wall and bottom thickness, as well as the bottle’s mouth: the “finish”.
Impact and shock resistance testers
The PBDT (Plastic bottle drop tester)
This device controls the resistance of the packaging to drops. To do this, a standard drop test is performed. The height, width and inclination are configured in order to carry out different types of tests.
The GIBT – Glass Impact bottle tester
Equipped with an interchangeable tip to meet different international standards, the GIBT (Glass Impact Bottle Tester) tests the impact of glass bottles in case of a fall. The pendulum movement and the load in Joules to be applied on the sample are adjusted. The impact is performed by simple release.
The BIT – Ball Impact tester
This testing machine consists of a bottle holder with adjustable inclination and a directional tube. It is directed to the area of the bottle to be tested. A calibrated steel ball can be inserted at different heights into the tube to impact the sample at the desired position.
The BTT – Bottle tilt tester
This device tests the fall of several bottles at the same time. The bottles are stacked horizontally or vertically. The inclination and speed are adjusted. The BTT automatically detects the fall of one or more bottles. The digital display ensures the reading of the resistance to the inclination.
Accelerated aging tests – Stress cracking test
The SCT – Stress cracking tester – is designed to detect brittleness in the base of PET packaging. They comply with the ISBT test standard. To do this, the bottles are filled and then pressurized before the bottom of the bottle is immersed in a soda solution. The SCTs indicate micro-leaks and explosions. The operator, at the end of the test, can indicate on the software the signs of stress present on the bottles or packages.
Associated services: Calibration and maintenance
Calibration
Calibration of measuring equipment is imperative and guarantees users the veracity and accuracy of the results obtained. These calibrations are carried out with calibrated sensors and masses certified by COFRAC, ASTM NIST, ENAC, DKD and others. Each device is checked following a predefined procedure, ensuring that no human parameter disturbs the measurement.
A calibration certificate is issued for each instrument with a standard and serial number, valid for one year and must be renewed. AT2E provides this service worldwide.
You wish to have your devices calibrated or to know more about our maintenance contracts?
Maintenance of quality control equipment and after-sales service
As a manufacturer with an international presence, AT2E provides maintenance and technical support as well as upgrades for all of its devices and software. In addition to our four factories and offices around the world, we have a network of over 30 trained and supported resellers available almost 24 hours a day worldwide.
Would you like to know more about our maintenance contracts?