Pira Upgrades Test Instruments for Packaging Industry

Pira is now marketing two improved test instruments, the Crease and Board Stiffness Tester and the Gaydon Unique Film Gauge, for the packaging industry.

The original Pira electronic instrument brought onto the market 15 years ago offered accurate assessment with simplicity of use. However, the introduction of the Crease and Board Stiffness Tester (CBT2) added greater measurement facilities, with the ability to measure crease breaking force and angle, as well as carton opening force all with computer interface.

"Clients were pleased when we introduced the CBT2, but it soon became apparent that they were interested in measuring opening force on cartons with wider side panels, so the CBT2 was modified to have a detachable jaw which can be taken out when testing for carton opening foce. This allows larger cartons to be tested," said Dave Shires, packaging technology manager.

The second product to be upgraded is the Gaydon Unique Film Gauge for cast and blown film products. This instrument allows operators to sample and verify the thickness of fine plastic film products to an even higher degree of accuracy than the first version. Dave Shires explains, "We have found that clients can make large materials savings by testing and then undertaking early process adjustments. The portability of the Film Gauge allows it to be used in the laboratory and for inspection at the end of the production line, eliminating operator error which can cause measurement differences."

For more information contact: Dave Edwards, Pira, 3 Park Ave., 26th Floor, New York, NY 10016. Tel: 212-686-6808. Fax: 212-686-6628.