Flexible Packaging Lab Testing Sample Reports

Flexible Packaging Lab Testing Sample Reports

Here at Flex-Pack Engineering we often speak with customers who have questions about what type of information they will receive in our testing reports. Following, we have compiled some sample data using a FedEx mailing envelope as a reference subject, and we performed the following tests:

  • Optical Microscopy X Section using FPE as the test method and performed on an Olympus BX-51
  • Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) using ASTM E1252 as the test method and performed on a Perkin Elmer Spectrum II
  • Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) using ASTM D3418 as the test method and performed on a Metter Toledo DSC2

All equipment used in these tests are calibrated annually to a NIST traceable standard, and all equipment was verified to be working properly prior to all testing conducted.

Our sample reference subject (FedEx mailer)

Lab Testing Results Summary

Optical Microscopy X Section using FPE as the test method and performed on an Olympus BX-51

Optical Microscopy – Visually we can only see 2 layers, 1 wide white layer (55 microns) and 1 narrow black/gray layer (20.6 microns).  From experience, we know that this film structure is very likely a 3 layer coextrusion with 2 white layers (totaling 55 microns) and 1 black layer (20.6 microns).  That would be white/white/black/gray.  This type of product is made this way in order to increase the opacity of the film such that no documents can be read through the film from the inside to the outside of the film. In the gray/black layer of the film we can see a lot of gels, suggesting the presence of a high degree of reprocessed material being present. This would be normal for cost considerations.

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Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) using ASTM E1252 as the test method and performed on a Perkin Elmer Spectrum II

FTIR-ATR – Using a diamond ATR attachment indicates the presence of only PE on both the inside and outside of the pouch.  Normally, we would run a transmission scan as well, but due to the high loading level of TiO2 and black/gray pigment, almost all the IR light is blocked, and the resultant scan is not very useful.  We can refer to the DSC to help us understand if there are any other non PE polymers are present.

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Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) using ASTM D3418 as the test method and performed on a Metter Toledo DSC2

DSC – Indicates the presence of 3 different polymers present. On the 1st heat we can see a small shoulder at around 110C.  This is indicative of LDPE.  We can also see a double peak (121.91C, 123.30C), that suggests the presence of a blend of LLDPEs.  From experience, it would be normal to have multiple resins in this type of structure.  (example, 1 clear LLDPE resin, 1 white masterbatch carrier resin, 1 gray/black masterbatch carrier).  One or both of the carrier resins could be used as the LDPE portion of the blend + the LLDPE to increase strength.  We see in the 2nd Heat that we have one broad peak at 112.83C.  This can be attributed to the LDPE portion of the structure.  The other peak we see at 123.18C can be attributed to the LLDPE(s).  This peak is also very narrow, suggesting it is a metallocene catalyzed LLDPE (high performance).  

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Lab Testing Result Recommendations

If we wanted to know the % TiO2 (white pigment) we could run an Ash or TGA test.  If we want to know if there is any calcium carbonate present, we could run TGA with a step analysis to sort out total TiO2 + calcium carbonate.  We could also test for total carbon black content.  We could also test for total Opacity and back calculate how much TiO2 and carbon black would be needed to achieve the desired opacity level and then suggest that the customer measure and adjust online while in production. 

Flexible Film Packaging Testing: Results with Actionable Intelligence

The Flex-Pack Engineering team doesn’t just deliver fast test results, we offer insights and recommendations for our customers to interpret the test results and make better decisions on their flexible packaging products and processes. We contribute our 30 plus years of experience in the science and practice of flexible film packaging to our customers’ projects to improve efficiencies, save money, and get products to market faster! For a more complete list of our analytical and physical testing services, visit our Flexible Packaging Testing Services article.  

Flex-Pack Engineering – Your Best Choice for Flexible Packaging Solutions

At Flex-Pack Engineering we offer competitive pricing, quick turnaround times, and thoughtful, quality driven customer service. If you are looking for product development, process optimization, testing services, or have a tough problem that you need help solving, reach out to the team here at Flex-Pack and we can help with all of your flexible packaging challenges, and solutions!

Let’s have a conversation! Call us today at 330-704-9436 or fill out our request information form.

 

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    Reverse Engineering for Flexible Packaging Products

    Reverse Engineering for Flexible Packaging Products

    At Flex-Pack Engineering we understand the importance of reverse engineering in the flexible packaging industry. When we have a reverse engineering project the starting point is always with Optical Microscopy (Scope), Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) and Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC).

    In the microscope cross-section we take the film and look for the number of layers present and measure the thickness of each layer. The cross-section will also help us determine if it is a lamination with adhesive or if it is a co-extrusion, because those layer interfaces look different under magnification. Once we have this data we can infer, based on our experience, what most likely is the film structure. For example, a 7 layer structure will usually have the barrier layers located in the center layers.

    Once we have this initial understanding of the film, we run multiple  FTIR scans to provide a thorough chemical fingerprint. We scan the outside layer, the inside layer and  then run a transmission scan that goes all the way through the layers, to pick up anything that is on the inside of the film. From these analyses we can determine the family of polymers and additives that are present in  the film.  If necessary, we can use additional techniques such as  FTIR microscope to further analyze the structure, layer by layer to gain more detailed information. 

    Now that we understand the structure of the layers as well as the chemical composition of the material, we then employ DSC to produce a thermal fingerprint of the film. This thermal analysis fingerprint is used to look at the specific melt points of the polymers to further identify what specific polymers and additives are present.

    By using the Microscope Cross-Section, FTIR Chemical Fingerprint, and DSC Thermal Analysis we can see what is present  physically, chemically, and thermally, and based on our experience we can pretty well determine what is the overall structure and what materials were used in its construction 

    Why Flex-Pack Engineering for Reverse Engineering Services?

    Flex-Pack Engineering is your ideal partner for reverse engineering services in the flexible packaging industry. We bring our long history (over 30 years of experience) to packaging analysis and evaluation. We not only provide you with results, but we also provide insights and recommendations on what the results mean and how to improve or upgrade your current capabilities to be able to participate in additional industries and market segments.

    Let’s have a conversation! Contact us today at 330-704-9436 or fill out our request information form and learn how Flex-Pack Engineering can help with your reverse engineering initiatives!

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      Antiblock Additives in Flexible Packaging

      Antiblock Additives in Flexible Packaging

      At Flex-Pack Engineering we have many years of experience in developing antiblock solutions for our customers. But what is “blocking”?

      Blocking is when your packaging or film sticks to itself. This happens due to a glass plate effect where all of the air between the layers of packaging has been removed or squeezed out, usually due to the polymer being extruded very smoothly and then wound tightly on to a roll. To avoid this sticking, you can put antiblock additives into the plastic which are usually inorganic minerals such as talc, synthetic silicas, or polymeric materials that are added into the polymer that create a rough surface on a micro layer. This rough surface on the polymer allows the two packaging layers to come into contact with each other and not stick or cling to one another. This is very desirable for the end-use consumer as it helps in the opening of flexible packaging products.

      Finding Antiblock Solutions for Flexible Packaging

      At Flex-Pack Engineering we have a great deal of experience in antiblock additive design and a robust network of trusted mineral suppliers and polymer additive vendors. When working with antiblock additives there are many factors to consider such as mineral selection, particle size, particle size distribution, top cut, and color. It is critical to design and choose minerals for antiblock additives that will not alter the color or clarity of the final flexible packaging product. We understand minerals, mineralogy, optimum particle size and particle size distributions to create the best antiblock additive effectiveness to be able to optimize your antiblock performance in end-use applications. We do this by selecting a number of mineral types and go through a compounding step to create very well disbursed masterbatches that will then be tested for their dispersion, to ensure their dispersion is pristine.

      The second step is to take those masterbatches and use a second compounding step where we let those masterbatches down into a final resin that doesn’t contain any other antiblock additives. Our goal is to fully evaluate through the experiment the mineral or polymer additive loading level to be able to determine the optimum loading level for the best antiblock performance without impacting clarity, gloss, coefficient of friction, yellowness index or any other color performance criteria.

      After these first two compounding steps are completed, we will do a third processing step which is making film. We’ll make a thin film usually on a blown film line because that process is most common and the particles are free to move within the polymer matrix so that they get to the surface, and you are not hindering the particles with anything but air, so they create a nice, rough surface to keep the subsequent layers from sticking together.

      Once we make the film, we take it into the laboratory and perform tests to evaluate the performance of the antiblock additive. We look at blocking force, coefficient of friction, haze transmission and clarity, color change or effect, and also any gloss changes. We want the film to stay as glossy as possible yet still be somewhat rough so we can trap air between the layers so that the film will open up easily.

      In the flexible packaging industry, the idea of using antiblock additives in films is well known but not usually studied under controlled conditions. As mineral companies find different minerals to be used as an antiblock additive, or they look at different blends of antiblock additives, they can improve the performance, especially around clarity and color. At Flex-Pack Engineering, we can bring our knowledge of the latest trends in antiblock mineral additives to optimize a high-performance solution for your situation.

      Oftentimes in the production process if films are blocking, (sticking together), personnel don’t always take into consideration if they can use a better antiblock additive in the film formula. We have seen production problems related to sticking dealt with by turning up the feeder or using more antiblock additive than is really necessary. While these actions may reduce blocking, the other factors such as clarity, color, and gloss can be hindered because there is too much mineral in the process. It’s important to know and consider for each antiblock additive that you use what is the optimal loading level to give you the best performance so you can save money and produce a good and consistent product. This is where Flex-Pack Engineering can really help optimize your antiblock additive strategy.

      Choose Flex-Pack Engineering for the Best Antiblock Solutions

      While the concept of antiblock additives seems simple – you roughen the film surface to mitigate the film sticking together – if you really want to optimize for best performance, efficiency and cost, you really have to understand the type of antiblock additive you are working with, and what the limitations are so that you don’t use too little or too much antiblock in your process. If your customers can’t open their bags due to poor performing antiblock, ultimately they will stop buying from you.

      It’s really important to understand how to best optimize antiblock additives to ensure high performance. And this also goes for all the additives you are using in your production process such as antistatic, slips, UV absorbers and hinderers, antifogs, and everything else. As the film manufacturer you really have to understand what it is you are buying from your masterbatch suppliers and how to best use them. The companies that do invest the time and resources to understand how to use additives are the world-class film producers.

      At Flex-Pack Engineering we will bring our over 30 years of experience to guide the mineral suppliers, polymer additive suppliers, the compounders who are making the masterbatches, and ultimately the film manufacturers in terms of understanding their additives and impacts of those additives. We have been working with anti-block additives for a very long time. We are very technically and detail oriented. We have the knowledge and expertise to provide optimal antiblock additive solutions for the best performance.

      Ready to have a conversation? Give us a call at 330-704-9436 or fill out the request form on this page.

       

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        OxySense and Flexible Packaging Solutions

        OxySense and Flexible Packaging Solutions

        What is OxySense?

        At FlexPack Engineering we have worked with OxySense equipment from Industrial Physics for many years providing oxygen measurement as part of our flexible packaging solutions. They offer oxygen measurement systems that utilize non-invasive optical oxygen sensor technology to measure oxygen levels accurately and quickly in various types of packaging, such as food packaging, pharmaceutical packaging, and other industrial applications.

        Monitoring oxygen levels is crucial in ensuring the quality and shelf-life of products, especially those sensitive to oxygen exposure. OxySense’s technology is used by companies worldwide, including FlexPack Engineering, to optimize flexible packaging processes and maintain product quality.

        How does FlexPack Engineering Utilize OxySense Equipment?

        FlexPack Engineering uses OxySense technology for several reasons:

        • Quality Assurance: Maintaining the desired oxygen levels in packaging is crucial for preserving the quality, freshness, and shelf-life of products, particularly in industries such as food and pharmaceuticals.
        • Product Integrity: Oxygen-sensitive products can degrade or spoil if exposed to oxygen levels outside of specified ranges. OxySense helps FlexPack Engineering ensure that their products remain intact and effective by monitoring and controlling oxygen levels.
        • Regulatory Compliance: Many industries have strict regulations regarding packaging and product integrity. OxySense technology helps FlexPack Engineering comply with these regulations by providing accurate and reliable oxygen level measurements.
        • Cost Reduction: By optimizing packaging processes and ensuring product integrity, FlexPack Engineering can reduce waste and minimize product recalls, leading to cost savings in the long run.
        • Customer Satisfaction: Maintaining product quality and freshness enhances customer satisfaction and loyalty, leading to repeat business and a positive brand reputation.

        Overall, FlexPack Engineering uses OxySense technology to enhance product quality, comply with regulations, reduce costs, and ultimately satisfy our customers.

        Why Choose FlexPack Engineering for Your Flexible Packaging Solutions

        With over 30 years of experience in providing flexible packaging solutions, the team at FlexPack Engineering are experts in designing flexible packages to control oxygen ingress and egress. We have the skills, experience, and tools to design, test and validate packaging systems that have critical oxygen specifications.

        At FlexPack Engineering, our approach is not to simply provide raw data test results back to our customers, but to provide an overall engineered packaging solution.

        Let’s have a conversation today! Call us at 330-704-9436 or fill out our request information form and learn how Flex-Pack Engineering can help you.

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          Custom Polymer Compounding

          flexible packaging testing services

          Custom Polymer Compounding Solutions from FlexPack Engineering

          At Flex-Pack Engineering, we thrive on delving into the most intricate toll, custom, and specialty compounding challenges. By carefully assessing the fitness for use (FFU) and chain of use (COU), and comprehending the performance benchmarks for your compounded product, we expertly choose optimal raw materials, engineer top-performing screw designs, and devise precise process and manufacturing control plans. This experienced approach ensures seamless operation and yields high-performance outcomes.

          After finalizing the optimal design and process, we carefully choose the most suitable compounding line from our network of dependable contract/toll compounding partners. These partners align with our philosophy of tackling the most challenging compounding tasks and delivering high-quality compounds swiftly and affordably.

          Furthermore, when entrusting Flex-Pack Engineering with your custom polymer compounding requirements, you gain access to our dedicated team as your personal advocate every step of the way. Having selected materials and engineered screw designs and processes, we possess insight into potential successes and pitfalls, enabling us to troubleshoot any compounding issues effectively. Serving as a knowledgeable liaison between production and customer, we facilitate a win-win collaboration, ensuring informed decision-making throughout our business relationship.

          Why FlexPack Engineering for Your Custom Polymer Compounding Solution?

          Throughout our journey, we’ve partnered with clients facing diverse technical hurdles or requiring short runs for proof of concept. Embracing smaller projects, we excel in rapid project completion. Leveraging robust scientific and engineering principles, we tackle the most demanding compounding challenges, empowering our clients to overcome obstacles and create outstanding products that foster new business opportunities. And we do it all with speed!

          Ready to have a conversation? Contact us today at 330-704-9436 or fill out our request information form and learn how Flex-Pack Engineering can help with your difficult custom compounding challenges!

           

           

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            Sustainable Flexible Packaging

            Sustainable Flexible Packaging

            At Flex-Pack Engineering we often here from customers with questions on sustainability in the flexible packaging industry. Sustainability is often tossed around as a buzz word in many industries. The following is a brief overview of how sustainability may apply to the flexible packaging industry.

            Sustainable flexible packaging refers to packaging materials that are designed and produced with a focus on minimizing their environmental impact throughout their lifecycle. Flexible packaging typically includes materials such as films, pouches, bags, and wraps that are used for various products, including food, personal care items, and more. The goal of sustainable flexible packaging is to reduce the environmental footprint associated with traditional packaging materials, such as single-use plastics.

            Key characteristics of sustainable flexible packaging include:

            1. Material Selection: Sustainable flexible packaging often involves the use of environmentally friendly materials, such as bio-based plastics, recycled content, or compostable materials. These materials aim to reduce the reliance on fossil fuels and decrease the overall environmental impact.
            2. Recyclability: Packaging that can be easily recycled is a crucial aspect of sustainability. Sustainable flexible packaging may be designed to be recyclable through existing municipal recycling systems, promoting the circular economy.
            3. Biodegradability and Compostability: Some sustainable flexible packaging materials are designed to be biodegradable or compostable, meaning they can break down naturally over time without causing harm to the environment. This is particularly important for reducing plastic pollution.
            4. Reduced Packaging Waste: Sustainable packaging often focuses on optimizing packaging design to minimize the amount of material used without compromising functionality or product protection. This can lead to less overall waste generation.
            5. Energy Efficiency: Sustainable packaging considers the energy consumed during the manufacturing process. Efforts are made to reduce energy usage and employ more energy-efficient production methods.
            6. Life Cycle Assessment (LCA): Sustainable flexible packaging may undergo a life cycle assessment to evaluate its environmental impact from raw material extraction to end-of-life disposal. This holistic approach helps identify areas for improvement and ensures a comprehensive understanding of the packaging’s sustainability.
            7. Innovation: Ongoing research and development efforts aim to discover new materials and technologies that enhance the sustainability of flexible packaging, pushing the industry toward more eco-friendly solutions.

            Sustainable flexible packaging is part of a broader movement within the packaging industry to address environmental concerns and move toward more responsible and eco-friendly practices. As consumer awareness of environmental issues grows, there is an increasing demand for sustainable packaging solutions across various industries.

             

            Flex-Pack Engineering Can Help Your Business with Sustainable Flexible Packaging

            Flex-Pack Engineering helps customers with understanding the ever changing sustainable flexible packaging movement from a design and engineering perspective. We help sort out and characterize sustainable packaging by analyzing standard film products vs. sustainable film products and make recommendations based on the fitness for use and chain of use criteria for your product.

            Furthermore, our team can provide flexible packaging testing and consulting services related to proof of concept on compounding, film making, printing, and laminating. We have the knowledge and expertise with sustainable packaging products to help our customers understand the pros and cons of sustainability, and if it is right for a particular project.  

            When you are ready to have a conversation about sustainable flexible packaging and if it is the right option for your packaging products, call Flex-Pack at 888-300-1482 or fill out our request information form.

             

            Flexible Packaging Films

            Flexible Packaging Films

            Flexible packaging films are materials used in the production of flexible packaging, which refers to packaging that can be easily shaped or altered. These films are typically thin, lightweight, and have the ability to conform to the shape of the product being packaged. They are widely used in various industries for packaging a diverse range of products, including food, beverages, pharmaceuticals, and personal care items.

            At Flex-Pack Engineering we work with flexible packaging films every day and have done so for the last 30+ years. While Flex-Pack Engineering can handle your flexible packaging film testing like a traditional lab, what sets us apart from other labs is our ability to provide valuable insights into the testing results to help our customers solve flexible packaging challenges. We want our customers to come to us not only for testing and specific flexible packaging tasks – we want our customers to come to us because we understand very well what they are trying to accomplish. We can share the benefits of our experience with you so that you can be more successful and be successful faster! We contribute our 30+ years of experience in the science and practice of flexible packaging films to our customers’ projects to improve efficiencies, save money, and get products to market faster!

            Choose Flex-Pack Engineering for Your Next Flexible Packaging Films Challenge

            If you are looking for a collaborative partner in the flexible packaging industry who can not only provide fast, cost-effective analytical and physical testing services but also provide valuable consultative services, insights and recommendations, consider Flex-Pack Engineering. We have invested significantly in testing equipment and can provide fast and accurate testing on flexible packaging films while simultaneously bringing our vast knowledge and expertise of the flexible packaging industry to your business to help you achieve success with your projects and products.

            Let’s have a conversation today! Call us at 330-704-9436 or fill out our request information form and learn how Flex-Pack Engineering can help you.

             

            Differential Scanning Calorimetry Testing

            Differential Scanning Calorimetry Testing

            Differential scanning calorimetry testing is employed to quantify the crystalline content of polymers or materials. When materials exhibit crystalline content, they undergo phase transitions from solid to liquid and back again  The fully relaxed annealed melting point of a material is a distinctive and replicable property that serves as a valuable reference.

            At Flex-Pack Engineering, we utilize differential scanning calorimetry testing in conjunction with FTIR as a thermal analysis tool to assess the chemical composition of organic materials. Our application of differential scanning calorimetry testing is integral to our analytical and evaluative processes, addressing the following objectives:

            • Resolving flexible packaging issues for our customers.
            • Conducting competitive analyses to discern the key factors contributing to the success of competitors’ packaging solutions.
            • Offering reverse engineering services for flexible packaging products.
            • Engaging in product and process development for flexible packaging solutions.

            Differential scanning calorimetry testing is a very useful tool in the analysis of flexible packaging materials and projects.

            Applications of Differential Scanning Calorimetry Testing

            Differential scanning calorimetry testing is used in a wide variety of applications, including:

            • The characterization of polymers: differential scanning calorimetry testing can be used to determine the glass transition temperature (Tg), Heat Capacity (Cp), crystallization temperature (Tc), and melting temperature (Tm) of polymers. These properties can be used to compare different polymers and to understand the behavior of polymers under different conditions.
            • The study of chemical reactions: differential scanning calorimetry testing can be used to study the kinetics of chemical reactions. The rate of a reaction can be determined from the slope of the heat flow curve.
            • The quality control of materials: differential scanning calorimetry testing can be used to determine the purity of materials and to identify contaminants.

            Advantages of Differential Scanning Calorimetry Testing

            Differential scanning calorimetry testing is a versatile and powerful technique that has many advantages and can be used in conjunction with  other thermal analysis techniques such as Thermo Mechanical Analysis, (TMA) and Dynamic Mechanical Analysis (DMA). Some of the advantages of differential scanning calorimetry testing:

            • It provides a direct measurement of heat flow, ensuring that it remains unaffected by alterations in the sample’s heat capacity.
            • It is applicable for the examination of a diverse range of materials and their correlations with various processes.
            • It is a sensitive technique that can be used to detect small changes in the sample.
            • It is a rapid technique that can be used to obtain results in a short period of time.

             

            Flex-Pack Engineering Provides Fast and Reliable Differential Scanning Calorimetry Testing

            At Flex-Pack Engineering, we bring over three decades of expertise to our flexible packaging analysis and evaluation. Differential scanning calorimetry testing is a pivotal tool in our workflow, allowing us to extract the vital information our customers need for enhancing their flexible packaging products.

            What sets us apart is our investment in cutting-edge differential scanning calorimetry testing equipment, ensuring dependable results delivered in a timeframe that surpasses industry standards. Every piece of our differential scanning calorimetry testing equipment is meticulously calibrated to NIST traceable standards and undergoes rigorous verification to guarantee its proper functioning before testing commences.

            While possessing the requisite knowledge and equipment for precise testing is essential, our customers benefit most from Flex-Pack’s extensive background and experience in the development of flexible packaging products and processes. We go beyond providing mere test results, offering invaluable insights and recommendations for enhancing your flexible packaging design and production line operations. Our competitive pricing, exceptional turnaround times, and friendly customer service cater to all your flexible packaging needs.

            Let’s have a conversation today! Reach out to us at 330-704-9436 or complete our information request form to discover how Flex-Pack Engineering can fulfill your requirements for differential scanning calorimetry testing.

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              Toll Compounding Solutions from Flex-Pack Engineering

              Toll Compounding Solutions from Flex-Pack Engineering

              In the flexible packaging industry, toll compounding and contract manufacturing are terms that are sometimes used interchangeably. Toll compounding occurs when a specific formula has been calculated with specific physical property attributes – in short a formulation or application that has already been worked out – but the primary company is out of capacity and is looking for a contract manufacturer to assist with production. In these relationships, the primary company will provide the formula and formulation components, will ship everything into the toll compounding manufacturer where it will be converted from the raw material blend to a finished pellet blend. The finished pellets would then be marked with the primary company’s labels and then shipped either directly to the end use customer or back to the primary company which will then ship to the customers.

              Why Flex-Pack Engineering for your Toll Compounding solutions?

              At Flex-Pack Engineering we work with a wide variety of toll compounding companies. But we are much more than a mere broker. With over 30 years of experience in the flexible packaging industry we can provide a wealth of expertise in the technical transfer and process engineering aspects of the project. It is critical to ensure that the finished product is the same regardless of which machines are used in the production. We have a deep understanding of compounding chemistry and compounding technology. After working in the flexible packaging industry for so many years, we have many relationships with compounding companies and understand each of their capabilities and capacities and can match each toll compounding project with the best compounding manufacturer to achieve optimal results.

              When you work with Flex-Pack Engineering on a toll compounding project you’re not just talking to a salesperson who will relay your information or needs to an engineer or plant manager. You can articulate your needs or questions directly with Flex-Pack and we have the in-depth knowledge to understand and make recommendations – it is like getting to the “inner-circle” much faster. We’ll ask the right questions to pre-qualify toll compounding projects and match the project up with the best toll compounding manufacturer.

              We know how to take pellets to finished packaging, and we know all the processes in between, that experience is huge for the customers for whom we work. When we understand your application that helps us compound your product correctly to cover all the fitness for use and all the processing hurdles.

              If you are looking for a toll compounding solution, consider talking with Flex-Pack Engineering. Take advantage of our extensive compounding experience, relationships and knowledge to help you find the right solution for your toll compounding challenges.

              Call us today at 888-300-1482 or complete our information request form to discover how Flex-Pack Engineering can assist with your toll compounding solutions!

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                Setting Up a Flexible Packaging Testing Laboratory

                Setting Up a Flexible Packaging Testing Laboratory

                Here at Flex-Pack Engineering we have helped many customers set up their own flexible packaging testing laboratory to perform a wide variety of analytical and physical testing. These in-house laboratories have the ability to perform Tensile Testing, Elmendorf Tear Testing, Dart Drop Testing, Coefficient of Friction (COF) Testing, Haze Testing, Gloss Testing, Heat Seal Testing, DSC (Differential Scanning Calorimetry) Testing, OIT (Oxidative Induction Time) Testing, OTR (Oxygen Transmission Rate) Testing, and MVTR (Moisture Vapor Transmission Rate) Testing just to name a few.

                Knowing when it makes sense to set up an in-house laboratory can be tricky and involves considering a lot of factors. First and foremost, if you invest in the necessary equipment and pay a consultant to set up the lab, you still need someone on your team who can perform the analytical and physical testing and interpret the results accurately as well as make appropriate recommendations based on the results.

                Generally speaking, knowing when it is time to set up an in-house laboratory comes down to when you have a daily need for flexible packaging testing, and you are willing to make the investment in lab equipment, space and furniture for the laboratory, and most importantly hiring new staff who can do the testing, or transferring existing staff from their current duties to perform the testing and fully utilize the equipment.

                At Flex-Pack Engineering we have over 30 years of experience in the flexible packaging testing field. We can help you set up an in-house laboratory with an overall design based on your testing requirements, make equipment recommendations based on our vast experiences with testing equipment and perform initial calibrations of the testing equipment to ensure accurate results. Most importantly, we can educate your team on how to perform the tests, interpreting the results, and make recommendations on how to improve your performance.

                Our process begins by asking what your goals and objectives are, and why you want to add a laboratory rather than outsource the testing to a qualified professional testing company such as Flex-Pack Engineering. If your response is you have too much volume, it is too expensive, and the timing for results doesn’t fit anymore – you need answers now not later – then we understand you have a need for an in-house laboratory.

                Next we will inquire what are the important flexible packaging tests that you need to perform, where is your bottleneck in getting the answers you need quickly. This will help us determine what testing you need to perform and what equipment to recommend to do those tests. Typically, we will implement a good, better, best approach when recommending testing equipment to provide our customers with budgetary as well as performance choices. We then must explore where you are going to put this sensitive equipment because it needs to be in a controlled environment. You can’t just put the equipment out on the plant floor and hope for the best.

                Finally, we explore with you who is going to do the testing, do they have the necessary knowledge, experience and expertise to perform the tests and make recommendations based on the results. Flex-Pack can help in this process by both training your staff as well as performing and managing the testing until your team is ready to take over.

                Ready to have a conversation about setting up an in-house lab? Give Flex-Pack Engineering a call today at 330-704-9436 or fill out our request form on this page.

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