In UK manufacturing, packaging integrity is about more than just looks. It is crucial for safety, brand reputation, and meeting regulations. Squeeze tubes are widely used in industries like pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and adhesives. Their reliability depends on strong testing methods. A burst test machine is essential because it lets manufacturers test tube strength by applying controlled pressure. This helps ensure every product can handle transport, storage, and everyday use.
The Critical Importance of Testing for UK Manufacturers
For UK manufacturers, packaging failures can have serious consequences. Whether you make skincare creams or medical ointments, the packaging must protect the product. Using a burst test machine helps quality control teams check both the tube’s strength and the quality of its seals.
With strict health and safety rules in place, guessing your packaging’s strength is too risky. Careful testing makes sure tubes will not burst during packing, shipping, or customer use. It also gives you the data you need to show your process is reliable and safe.
The Risks of Neglecting Packaging Strength
If a manufacturer skips burst testing, both customers and the business face risks.
For consumers, a burst tube can be inconvenient or even cause injury. In pharmaceuticals, a broken seal can contaminate medicine, making it unsafe. In industry, a burst tube of adhesive or chemical can cause burns or damage property.
Manufacturers also face serious problems. One batch of faulty tubes can mean costly recalls, legal trouble, and lost customer trust. Weak packaging also causes waste on the production line, with burst tubes leading to downtime, wasted materials, and clean-up that hurts profits.
How a Burst Test Machine Works
Burst testers are built for accuracy and consistency. The machine holds a sealed tube, either filled or empty, in a special fixture. It then applies compressed air or hydraulic pressure at a steady rate.
The machine tracks the internal pressure until the tube or its seal breaks. It records the highest pressure reached, known as the “burst point.” By comparing these results to industry standards or company benchmarks, manufacturers can spot weak batches before they reach customers.
MSD Ltd: Your Partner in Production Excellence
MSD Ltd is a leading supplier of high-quality testing equipment for UK tube manufacturers. You can buy advanced burst test machines directly from us, so your quality control lab has the best technology.
Our support does not end with your purchase. We know that in busy manufacturing, downtime can hurt your business. That is why MSD Ltd also offers these important services:
- Spare and Replacement Parts: We keep a wide range of parts for tube filling and sealing lines, so you do not have to wait long for replacements.
- Machine Servicing: Your testing and production machines need regular checks to stay accurate. Our skilled engineers offer full servicing to keep your line working smoothly.
- Temporary Machine Hire: If a key machine breaks down or you get a big order, our hire service gives you a flexible and affordable way to keep production going.
Buying a burst test machine from MSD Ltd is a step toward better quality and the protection of your business’s future. Contact us today to see how we can help your tube manufacturing line.
Burst test machine Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can a burst test machine be used for both filled and empty tubes? Yes, the machines provided by MSD Ltd are versatile enough to handle both empty, unsealed plastic tubes and fully filled, sealed units. Testing empty tubes is often used to validate a supplier’s batch quality, while testing filled tubes allows manufacturers to assess the strength of their end-seal process and the performance of the product-packaging combination under pressure.
What specific safety standards does burst testing help comply with? While standards vary by industry, burst testing is a central component for meeting ISO and ASTM packaging standards (such as ASTM F2054). For medical and pharmaceutical manufacturers in the UK, these tests provide the documented evidence required by regulatory bodies to prove that the “sterile barrier system” of the packaging remains intact during the rigours of the supply chain.
How often should a burst test machine be serviced or calibrated? To ensure the data remains legally and operationally robust, we recommend professional servicing and calibration at least once a year. Regular maintenance by MSD Ltd engineers ensures that the pressure sensors and timing mechanisms remain accurate, preventing “false passes” that could lead to a batch of weak tubes entering the market.
What happens if our production line increases and we need more testing capacity? MSD Ltd offers a unique temporary hire service. If you have secured a large one-off contract or are experiencing a seasonal surge, you can hire additional burst testing equipment or tube filling machinery to boost your output without the long-term capital expenditure of a permanent purchase.
Does the machine work on different tube materials? Absolutely. Our machines are designed to test the distinct properties of plastic, laminate, and aluminium tubes. Because each material reacts differently to internal pressure, for example, aluminium may deform before bursting, while plastic might fail at the seal- our machines offer adjustable pressure settings to accommodate the specific failure profile of your chosen material.
