Seal quality inspection is a critical step in the packaging process, as it ensures that the package is properly sealed and will protect its contents from contamination or damage during shipping and storage. This is especially important for packages that are used in industries such as pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and food packaging.
Two common types of packaging materials used in these industries are Tyvek® and porous packaging. Tyvek® is a synthetic material made of high-density polyethylene fibers that are spun together to form a tough, lightweight material that is resistant to tears, punctures, and moisture. Porous packaging, on the other hand, is typically made of materials like paper, cardboard, or fabric that allow air and moisture to pass through. Both Tyvek® and porous packaging require careful attention to seal quality inspection to ensure that the package is properly sealed and that its contents are protected. This may involve using specialized testing equipment to measure the strength of the seal for any signs of defects.
In industries where the contents of the package are particularly sensitive, such as pharmaceuticals, seal quality inspection is often regulated by government agencies like the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to ensure that products meet strict quality standards.
Technologies Offered by PTI for Seal Integrity Testing
1. Seal-Scan® Technology
Seal-Scan® is an Airborne Ultrasonic Technology (ABUS) for offline non-destructive and seal integrity testing analysis of pouch seals. It is a deterministic, quantitative, high-resolution method for inspecting pouch seal defects and seal integrity for consistency. The test is non-destructive, non-invasive and requires no sample preparation. Seal-Scan® offers advanced process control digital imaging software tools that enable detailed analysis of seal quality. The Seal-Scan system uses ASTM test method F3004-13. This test procedure approval was developed using PTI's ABUS technology.
2. Seal-Sensor™ Technology
Unlike Seal-Scan® technology, Seal-Sensor™ technology offers 100% online inspection of final pouch seals. It is a deterministic, quantitative, rapid and reliable method of inspecting pouch seals for defects. The Seal-Sensor identifies a number of imperfect seals, partial or weak areas of seals, and seals that appear visually acceptable but have defects that affect product quality, value, and durability.
Advantages of PTI’s Seal Scan and Seal Sensor Method:
- Deterministic seal quality inspection method that produces quantitative results
- This method works for any material type and combinations regardless of color, transparency, print, surface finish or porosity.
- Non-destructive and non-subjective test method that requires no sample preparation.
- Technology can be integrated for 100% online defect detection of the final pouch seal.
- Repeatable, reproducible and reliable results for seal quality inspection.
- Cost-effective solution for seal integrity testing and seal analysis that characterizes overall quality and uniformity of the seal.