In this video, Torqo International Channel Manager Greg Wilson demonstrates how to run a simple cap removal test using the Torqo Model 1600 computerized cap torque analyzer. For more on the Torqo computerized cap torque analyzer, click here.
A new trend in the bottling industry is creating difficulties for those trying to test cap torque values within their bottling line. New, thinner plastic bottles are increasing in popularity by bottlers due to the fact that they are lighter and cheaper, thus reducing overhead costs and increasing the company’s environmental reputation. This trend, however, does create some issues for cap torque testers.
The lighter plastic makes it more difficult for traditional torque testing devices to grip the bottles using standard techniques and equipment/accessories. (more…)
Quality programs typically require that measurement equipment is verified for accuracy periodically. Users originally would have to use designated weights and brackets to perform verification. That process was difficult to accomplish consistently, required downtime, and the parts needed are cumbersome and easy to misplace.
With this in mind, Mesa offers the Gold Bottle, a quick and easy “Gold Standard” used to verify that the Torqo calibration is within specifications. With the Gold Bottle, the user is able to quickly verify the Torqo™ without having to go through the calibration verification procedure.
The gold bottle cap can be customized to match any specific tooling that the user might have. This bottle has high energy permanent magnets and can be preset for the customer to any specified torque value from .5 to 32 in/lbs. Since the cap torque of this bottle is the torque produced by the permanent magnets, the value will always be consistent (+-.2 in/lbs.). This product gives the customer peace of mind knowing that their Torqo is calibrated properly. (more…)
Many wineries have been looking for new technologies to assure top-quality wines minus the usage of cork closures. Cork closures were the traditional means of closing off oxygen from the produced wine. There are not enough cork trees in the world to be used in the consumption of wine bottles around the globe. Cork trees can only be used every ten years, and with the increasing wine consumption around the world, there needs to be a different material.
This brings us to screw caps. They are and will continue to be created with tin or aluminum which are both recyclable. Wineries started this back in 2000 in New Zealand. New Zealand now uses 90% screw caps vs. cork closures. So why use the screw cap? Screw caps increase the age potential for wines as they are able to prevent oxygen from infiltrating (commonly referred to as ‘cork taint’) and prematurely aging the wine. Also, having a screw cap eliminates the necessity of an opener thus increasing the convenience for the end user.
So how do they test the torque on a cap screw which was not necessary with cork closures? Mesa Labs manufactures a machine which is made just for this type of product called Torqo. The Torqo is a durable and reliable computerized cap torque analyzer, which is setting a new standard for torque measurement throughout the packaging industry. The Torqo has been used by companies from Pepsi to Procter & Gamble.
I am sure you are asking yourself why not use a hand held torque tester. (more…)
The Torqo II+ 1600 Cap Torque Testing System is the ideal system for repeatable, non-destructive automated cap torque testing for any threaded closure. It is easy to use, set up and easy to maintain. In addition, Mesa Labs offers the Torqo Graph It software for more advanced representation of your cap torque testing results.
The Graph-It software program was designed to produce a live display of torque vs. position when a Torqo torque test system is connected to a PC. The software generates X charts, R charts and histograms, while the processor calculates the standard deviation and range. Both English and Metric units of measurement are selectable with the click of a mouse. Graphing tools are provided for customizing graphs and data can be easily exported to Excel® and other commercially available programs. (more…)
Forbes ranks companies in the United States every year based on their growth rate and level of success. The 100 Best Small Companies in America on this list show strong sales and earnings growth across industries. Candidates must have been publicly traded for at least a year, generate annual revenue between $5 million and $1 billion and boast a stock price no lower than $5 a share. (more…)
Pack Expo took place about two weeks ago in McCormick Place Convention Center in Chicago, Illinois. It was a four day event that laid down new records for 2012. This was named the largest Packing and Processing Expo in the world for this year to date. It covered more than 1.1 million net square feet and had close to 2000 diverse exhibiting companies from numerous different countries. This was a affirmative increase of over six percent for space and around seven percent for exhibiting companies from the past show in 2010.
Mesa Labs joined in on the large quantity of attendees to show case our Torqo product line along with our Data loggers which is our DataTrace product line.
For packaging professionals, strength in packaging equals quality seals, quality product, and quality solutions. But what about for consumers? Do consumers appreciate tightly sealed caps?
As Americans age and the baby boomer population reaches retirement, more and more consumers will be attempting to open tightly sealed caps with increasing difficulty as fingers, knuckles and wrists ache from arthritis. Packagers need to consider the specialized needs of this group moving forward as they will continue to represent a growing portion of the US market.
One of the best ways to overcome this issue is to take steps to ensure that your manufacturing process is applying caps at a consistent torque throughout the manufacturing process. This is nearly impossible to do with inconsistent hand torque testers as human operators will naturally apply different pressure.
Torqo from Mesa Labs is a computerized cap torque tester that applies the exact same torque test after test, giving packagers the most accurate results possible. To see how Torqo can accomplish this with a quick return on investment due to its non-destructive testing, view our Torqo video here.
Serrated caps frequently used in the beverage and pharmaceutical industry are prone to slippage during torque tests especially when used with hand testers or “universal” type chuck solutions. Torqo, the computerized cap torque testing unit offered from Mesa Labs, offers a customized chuck for each bottle and cap type developed from samples provided by the customer. These customized chucks provide significant advantages including:
1. Ensuring the most accurate testing because the EDM chuck is designed to exactly fit the unique serration pattern of the closure.
2. Allowing for consistent and repeatable testing because the chuck fits the cap the same way each time. Cannot be adjusted.
3. Reduces the prep time before the test because the user does not have to re-adjust the universal plugs. (more…)
Mesa Labs attends many trade shows every year! We are looking forward to attending PACK EXPO!
Mesa Labs will be highlighting DataTrace, our line of high quality data loggers that measure temperature, humidity, and pressure inside a process or inside a product during manufacturing.
We will also be highlighting Torqo, Mesa’s highly durable and reliable computerized cap torque analyzer, which is setting a new standard for torque measurement throughout the packing industry. (more…)
