Servo ST-120 Torque Tester with floating chuck design measuring the tamper evident break and strip torque of crimped aluminum caps
Due to the threaded design of the bottles/caps, the cap travels vertically as it rotates on the bottle threads. In order to measure thread break torque accurately, the vertical force (topload) must be controlled/minimized. One of the challenges in bottle cap torque testing and capping is the control of topload during the cap application/torque measurement cycle. Using our new floating chuck design allows the ST-120 to measure torque accurately even when rotating the cap multiple times. In this demo movie we programmed the ST-120 to measure the removal and strip peak torques in one cycle and display the results on the screen. The RS232 (USB/Ethernet also available) data output is configured for easy interfacing with the InfinityQS SPC software. To minimize product to product changeover time and variability, we also manufactured custom bases.
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Servo ST-120 Torque Tester with Universal Tooling, topload measurement capability and touchscreen HMI
The advantages of the Sure Torque automated torque testers complement the flexibility of the manual container handling in one benchtop torque testing solution. The model in this movie measures topload and torque simultaneously to enable package designers evaluate the behaviour of the container/closure system.
The machine may be configured to test all of these scenarios:
1. Thread and seal break torque measurement of CT closures (no topload).
2. Engagement and thread break testing of CR caps (adjustable topload).
3. Tamper evident bridge break torque testing of CT caps (no topload).
4. Tightening a cap on a container
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ST-LAB Bottle Cap Torque Tester with Automated Product Feeding and Easy changeover
Our customer wanted to automate and re-torque caps on 3 different bottles. We designed and built the ST-LAB with starwheel feeding mechanism. The system can automatically re-torque caps or measure the release torque of the supplied caps, then immediately retorque them. The cap feeding mechanism is driven by a servo/stepper motor. Feeding, discharge and testing are fully automatic. Results can be automatically transferred to an SPC software through the built-in serial port.
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SST-Inline -- Inline Torque testing / Retorquing with “starwheel” feeding mechanism
The SST-Inline is a fully automatic inline torque tester / retorquer. It has all the benefits of the strain gage based, servo motor controller precision testing equipment plus it is fully automated.
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ST-S3 -- Torque testing a medical flow controller / valve
The valve body is held in a custom machined based which is fixed on the base of the torque tester. The top part is designed to mate the valve handle. After pressing the safety start switches, the torque testing head lowers onto the handle and starts the rotation. Per customer specification the peak torque is measured while the handle is rotated 45 or 135 degrees either clockwise or counterclockwise. Click on this link to see the measurement report.
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ST-LAB Bottle Cap Torque Tester with Automated Cap Feeding
We often customize torque testers to fit customer specifications. One example is shown below, an ST-LAB with automated cap feeding mechanism. The system can automatically measure the release torque of the supplied caps, then immediately retorque them. The cap feeding mechanism is driven by a servo/stepper motor. Feeding, discharge and testing are fully automatic. Results can be automatically transferred to an SPC software through the built-in serial port.
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ST-S3 Bottle Cap Torque Tester -- Child-Resistant Cap Tightening Application
In this application the ST-S3 torque tester is used to tighten caps to a setpoint (19 lbf.in). The clamping block concept demonstrated in the movie has a big advantage to any other clamping styles: it allows the container to float when a loose cap is tightened on a container. (Without this “floating” feature -- depending on the thread pitch, materials and test type -- considerable amount of friction may be introduced in the torque measurement. Please note, this type of clamping device is not compatible round containers.
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ST-120 NEMA4x Bottle Cap Torque Tester -- Benchtop Retorquer
SureTorque customized the ST-120 for a medical device manufacturer. The customer asked us to build a benchtop capper withstanding cleaning with strong chemincal solutions and calibration traceable to NIST. In response we designed and built a stainless steel, washdown, NEMA4x version of the ST-120 torque tester. Per customer spec, all controls are built inside the head enclosure to eliminate the operators changing settings. Multi-color indicator is provided for status updates. Dual activation safety start and product specific clamp designs allow 100% safe actuations. Utilizing off the shelf strain gage based transducer and PLC, should the customer require further customization or service, we can easily adapt the machine to the new specs.
The custom machine SS container and cap tooling allows the container to float when a loose cap is tightened on a container.
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SST-LAB Bottle Cap Torque Tester -- Monitoring the Torque of a Magnetic Capper Chuck
In this torque testing application a servo driven torque tester is used to monitor the torque of a magnetic chuck of a capper. Rotation based measurement allows torque monitoring for multiple rotations at a programmable speed. Torque profile is set to apply constant torque. Real-time torque data can be captured and transferred to a PC. Click on this link to see the measurement report.
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ST-120 Bottle Cap Torque Tester -- Testing a Catheter Flow Controller
Per user requirement specifications we modified our ST-120 torque tester to allow accurate torque application on the flow controller. This project was challenging due to the unique shape of the medical device assembly and the low application torque range. We designed and built an auto engaging “zero” topload collet a unique interface board to allow accurate torque measurement.
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