ASTM F1886/F1886M-16

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Designation: F1886/F1886M − 09 (Reapproved 2013) F1886/F1886M − 16
Standard Test Method for
Determining Integrity of Seals for Flexible Packaging by
Visual Inspection
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F1886/F1886M; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year
of original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval.
A superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope
1.1 This test method covers the determination of channels in the package seal down to a width of 75 μm [0.003 in.] with a
60–100 % probability (see Section 8).
1.1.1 The ability to visually detect channel defects in package seals is highly dependent on the size of channel, the degree of
contrast from sealed and unsealed areas, the amount and type of adhesive between the two package layers, reflecting light angle,
types of material used, the use of magnification, and the inspector’s level of training and experience.
1.2 This test method is applicable to packages with at least one transparent side so that the seal area may be clearly viewed.
1.3 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in each
system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each system shall be used independently of the other. Combining values from the
two systems may result in non-conformance with the standard.
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility
of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory
limitations prior to use.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
F17 Terminology Relating to Flexible Barrier Packaging
3. Terminology
3.1 For terminology related to flexible barrier packaging, see Terminology F17.
4. Summary of Test Method
4.1 This test method provides a qualitative (accept/reject) visual inspection method to evaluate the appearance characteristics
of unopened, intact seals in order to determine the presence of defects that may affect the integrity of the package.
5. Significance and Use
5.1 Seal attributes can be linked directly to a number of variables in process parameters, equipment, or material, as well as
environmental (room temperature and relative humidity). Visual seal characteristics and defects can provide evidence of package
integrity and production sealing problems.
5.2 Visual seal defects often will be the first indication of heat sealing process variation. They also will indicate a lack of, or
potential compromise to, package integrity after physical package performance testing.
6. Apparatus
6.1 Illuminant, lighting arrangements to give about 540 lumens/m [50 fc] of white light or daylight on the specimens.
6.2 Indelible Marking Pen.
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F02 on FlexiblePrimary Barrier Packaging and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee F02.40 on
Package Integrity.
Current edition approved Aug. 1, 2013Oct. 1, 2016. Published September 2013October 2016. Originally approved in 1998. Last previous edition approved in 20092013
as F1886/F1886M – 09.F1886/F1886M – 09(2013). DOI: 10.1520/F1886_F1886M-09R13.10.1520/F1886_F1886M-16.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM Standards
volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
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F1886/F1886M − 16
TABLE 1 Percent Incorrect by Laboratory
Lab Samples Incorrect Percent (%)
Inspected Analysis Incorrect
1 117 0 0.00
2 117 24 20.51
3 117 5 4.27
4 117 17 14.53
5 117 5 4.27
6 117 12 10.26
7 117 9 7.69
8 117 18 15.38
9 117 26 22.22
10 117 10 8.55
7. Procedure
7.1 Visual acuity shall be such that the inspection of the seal may be performed at a distance of 30 to 45 cm [12 to 18 in.]
NOTE 1—Magnification devices, such as eyeloops, may be used as an analytical tool to characterize identified seal defects.
7.2 Inspect the entire sealed area of the package for completeness and uniformity.
NOTE 2—Different package sizes and shapes may require differing lengths of time to adequately inspect the entire seal perimeter. Any time requirement
associated with visual inspection should allow for complete seal inspection.
NOTE 3—Some packaging materials and adhesives may fluoresce under ultraviolet light. Viewing the seal area in a UV light box will enhance the
sealed-to-unsealed area contrast, and provide for easier defect identification.
7.3 Identify and record any part of the seal where channels appear. Mark the location of the channels.
NOTE 4—All other assessed defects seal characteristics noted (refer to Appendix X1) should be categorized according to user defined accept/reject
criteria. Define the actions to be taken in the event defects seal characteristics are detected during normal production runs.
7.4 Record the number and location of channels identified on each package.
NOTE 5—If confirmation of channels or incomplete seal areas in peelable packages is necessary, hand peel such suspected package completely
separating the two material components and inspect the seal area of the transferred adhesive for the same incomplete seal attributes as the unopened
package. Care should be taken to ensure a smooth continuous peeling motion so as not to cause any extraneous attributes. Heat seals should be cooled
to ambient conditions before peeling open to allow for adhesive bonding to the opposite substrate to occur.
In some instances, a channel or unsealed area may be observed only after the package is peeled open. Adhesive transfer is a qualitative measure of
a material’s ability to release the coating rather than conclusive evidence that the seal has not been made. It is possible to have continuous seal integrity
but fail to give complete transfer. This is because the coating may have a stronger affinity for the substrate on which it is coated rather than the one to
which it is sealed. In such cases, an additional physical seal integrity test may be required to confirm if it is an unsealed area.
8. Precision and Bias
8.1 A round robin study was conducted in 1997, which included ten laboratories, four package types, and two different channel
sizes randomly produced with 75 μm [0.003 in.] and 125 μm [0.005 in.] diameter wire. The negative control consists of the same
type packages produced with no channels. The four different types of packages are:
8.1.1 Open pouch—clear film/coated paper;
8.1.2 Open pouch—clear film/uncoated TYVEK ;
8.1.3 Sealed blister—blue tinted blister/coated TYVEK; and,
8.1.4 Open end pouch—clear film/clear film (clear seal).
8.2 The results of this study are pass or fail; therefore, the data is binomial with an expected average of np and an expected
variance of npq where n is the number of samples, p is the probability of an incorrect evaluation, and q is the probability of a correct
evaluation
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