Pharmaceutical Packaging Flex Durability Test with Gelbo Flex Tester

Pharmaceutical packaging must maintain its integrity through production, handling, storage, and distribution. A critical performance parameter in this context is ຄວາມທົນທານ flex, which evaluates how well the packaging material resists damage from repeated twisting and flexing. Maintaining sterility and preventing contamination depends on it. Therefore, pharmaceutical packaging must undergo rigorous durability assessments to comply with quality and regulatory expectations.

Understanding Flex Durability with Gelbo Flex Tester and ASTM F392

Gelbo flex tester, combined with the ASTM F392 standard, is the recognized method to assess the ຄວາມທົນທານ flex of flexible packaging materials. This test simulates real-world mechanical stress through a combination of twisting and compression cycles, mimicking transportation and handling conditions. It reveals the packaging’s susceptibility to pinholes, cracks, or delamination—defects that could compromise barrier properties.

ASTM F392 provides a standardized test method for determining the resistance of pharmaceutical packaging to flex-induced failure. This standard ensures repeatable and reliable results by defining:

• Specific motion profiles (twist angle and compression)
• Test cycle count
• Environmental pre-conditioning (if needed)
• Evaluation criteria (visual inspection or dye penetration)

Materials such as laminated films, foil composites, or barrier plastics used in blister packs, sachets, or medical pouches are particularly tested for their performance under these flex conditions.

Test Method: How the Gelbo Flex Tester Works

ໄດ້ Gelbo flex tester subjects the packaging material to repeated twisting motions between two grips, while compressing it at a fixed frequency. A typical test involves:

1. Sample preparation — usually 9 inches by 3 inches of flat material
2. Twisting and compressing — e.g., 440° twist and 25 mm compression for 20-100 cycles
3. Leak detection — by dye penetration or visual pinhole inspection

This method effectively highlights the mechanical durability of pharmaceutical packaging, identifying weak spots in the laminate or seal layers before the packaging reaches the consumer.

Why Flex Durability Testing Matters for Pharmaceutical Packaging

In the pharmaceutical industry, packaging is more than a container—it’s a critical barrier against contamination, degradation, and dosing errors. The ການທົດສອບຄວາມທົນທານ flex reveals how well materials perform under stress similar to actual supply chain conditions. This data allows packaging engineers and quality assurance teams to:

• Select suitable materials for high-stress applications
• Reduce product recalls caused by packaging failures
• Meet FDA and international compliance standards

Cell Instruments offers precise and reliable Gelbo flex testers, designed to comply with ASTM F392. These instruments help R&D and QC teams in pharmaceutical packaging validate packaging strength, optimize design, and ensure long-term product safety.

Testing the flex durability of pharmaceutical packaging is a crucial step in ensuring product safety and regulatory compliance. Following ASTM F392 using a Gelbo flex tester provides a standardized, accurate evaluation of how materials withstand real-world stresses. For pharmaceutical manufacturers looking to maintain the highest quality, Cell Instruments offers industry-compliant, customizable flex testing solutions.

Let Cell Instruments support your quality assurance efforts with proven technologies tailored for pharmaceutical packaging durability testing.