How to Validate Adhesive Performance Standards Before Production Starts

Validating adhesive performance standards before full-scale production requires a multistep, strategic process. For manufacturing leaders, approving a new product line requires complete confidence in its quality control process.  Such confidence is built on a clear understanding of the core validation methods, which begins with addressing the fundamental question — how does peel testing work for adhesives? Before any testing begins, a company must follow these steps.

1.   Defining the Product’s Application and Performance Requirements

Identify the requirements of the final assembly, including the bonded materials, service temperature range, mechanical loads and production environment. This initial step establishes the baseline criteria that the adhesive must meet to be considered successful.

2.   Identifying Relevant Industry Standards

Adherence to industry standards is mandatory for ensuring regulatory compliance and quality. For example, ASTM D3330 is an essential standard for peel adhesion of pressure-sensitive tapes, while ASTM F88 is vital for seal strength in flexible barrier materials used in medical packaging.

3.   Selecting the Appropriate Key Adhesive Performance Test

For adhesive bonds, the most common method used is a peel test. A peel test measures adhesive bond strength by applying a constant tensile force to separate one flexible substrate from another at a constant speed and angle. A tensile tester documents the force required to break the bond and calculates peel strength per unit width.

Interpreting peel results requires analyzing captured data, including peel strength, peak force and failure modes. The force-displacement curve can also show inconsistencies or sudden drops in force. For more accurate results, both shear and tensile testing may be required.

Top Peel Testing Equipment Providers

These companies lead in peel testing equipment to ensure superior quality and adhesive performance.

Thwing-Albert Instrument Company

Thwing-Albert Instrument Company provides reliable peeling tests for adhesives to ensure optimal performance. It maintains an active involvement with major standardization organizations, including ISO, ASTM and TAPPI. The company is committed to providing accurate results, performing popular tests at various peeling angles. It offers the VantageNX Universal Testing Machine — a flexible platform for a range of tests, including peel adhesion. The test completion includes a visual assessment of the failure types.

Instron

Instron has electromechanical and dynamic testing machines that match various types of adhesive joint testing. Its advanced Bluehill^® Universal software simplifies test creation and analysis. Companies must opt for 3400 and 6800 Series universal testing systems, as they are highly configurable for a wide range of peel tests.

TestResources

TestResources provides modular and highly customizable testing solutions. Its main strength is a wide range of over 400 peel test fixtures and grips, allowing it to solve complex business challenges. Its clients include big-name companies, such as Stanford University, Intel and Ford. Each peel test machine is configured to the client’s test requirements.

ADMET

ADMET is a manufacturer of material testing systems serving various industries. It provides peel tests for medical, food and label adhesives and meets ASTM, ISO and FDA standards. Clients can also request that ADMET professionals design a system for their unique and demanding applications. The MTESTQuattro^® software offers a simple, effective way to test adhesion, tear and fatigue.

How the Companies Were Chosen

The list of peel testing equipment providers was created based on different factors, such as:

• Industry experience and reputation
• Adherence to international standards
• Product specialization
• Comprehensive customer support

Summary of the Leading Testing Equipment Providers

Here’s a breakdown of the top companies that offer reliable peel testing systems.

Making the Right Investment in Quality Assurance

Validating adhesive performance is essential for protecting brand reputation and preventing costly postproduction failures. Companies must choose a long-term partner that offers comprehensive support, including installation, reliable maintenance and excellent customer service, to ensure the accuracy of test data for the equipment’s entire lifespan.

*Please note that this list includes sponsored content. Some of the companies, products, or services featured have entered into commercial agreements for placement. Sponsored placements do not necessarily reflect an endorsement and should be considered alongside other options in the marketplace.