This tutorial starts off with our disclaimer about compatibility for the simple fact that this part of the design process is so important, reputable vendors will hesitate to fill your order without testing. Furthermore, product compatibility is the responsibility of the Packaging Designer, Research Department or Project Director / Manager. As a vendor partner or supplier we are not privy to your trade secrets (nor should we be) and would only be able to foresee general compatibility issues.

Leak/Seal Testing:
First your bottle is filled with water to 3/4 of capacity and the closure is torqued to the filler's or packaging manufactures' specifications. Next, external pressure is applied creating about 10 to 15 PSI of internal pressure. Then the package is inspected for leaks. Pearce Plastics offers this test at no charge to customers considering our closures.

Stability Testing:
These testing procedures are employed to insure the package you have chosen and your products are free of unforeseen compatibility issues. First the container should be filled with your product. You should reproduce the filling process as close as possible, i.e. the exact formulation, temperature, the torque of the closure, and you should also determine if any modifications are needed for your filling line to accommodate the container.

Accelerated Shelf Life Test:
Packages are held at an elevated temperature for several weeks and then inspected for any change in appearance or weight. Accelerated shelf life testing effectively reproduces what will happen if a container sits on the shelf for one year. This test is one of the more important elements of Stability Testing.

Vacuum / Pressure Testing:
This test is used to determine if there will be any changes in appearance or weight during shipping. Changes in altitude may create gaseous build-up that might result in a container blowing out or a closure losing its seal. If you ship via air or over the Rocky Mountains this test should be performed.

Pearce Plastics offers this test upon request. If it is determined that gaseous build-up is an inherent problem due to product formulation, our Venting Cap Technology can be employed to reduce or eliminate packaging failure. For more product information on our patented venting technology please contact our customer service department 626.797.8481 for more information.

More elaborate testing methods may also be needed depending upon your product's formulation and requirements. You may need to test over a wide range of temperatures and humidity conditions.

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