Packaging Materials and Systems for Medical Devices to be Sterilized - Heat and Self-Sealable Pouches and Reels of Paper and Plastic Film Construction (EN 868-5)

This method is used to investigate the strength of the heat seal joints used for heat and self-sealable pouches, and reels for use as packaging of medical devices that are sterilized . The EN 868-5 test method is suitable for use with a range of materials manufactured from paper and plastic film used in packaging.

In principle, the free ends of the test specimen is supported between two clamping jaws and is pulled apart until failure at a constant rate of displacement. This test is to determine the peel characteristics of paper/plastic laminate products, as well as the strength of the heat seal joint for pouches and reel material.

We use screw action grips, pneumatic action grips with rubber coated jaw faces for clamping of the material, which are fitted to a tensile testing machine - normally a single-column or dual-column table-top design. Using materials testing software, such as Bluehill® 2, you are able to input specimen details, set the desired test control, automatically calculate the desired results and statistics, and produce a test report all in accordance with the standard.

We suggest reviewing EN868-5 to fully understand the test fixture and results requirements.