ASTM_D_3474_-_90_2012.pdf

Designation:D347490(Reapproved 2012)Standard Practice forCalibration and Use of Torque Meters Used in PackagingApplications1This standard is issued under the fixed designation D3474;the number immediately following the designation indicates the year oforiginal adoption or,in the case of revision,the year of last revision.A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval.Asuperscript epsilon()indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.1.Scope1.1 This practice covers the calibration and use of torquemeters of the type normally used in packaging applications.1.2 This standard does not purport to address all of thesafety concerns,if any,associated with its use.It is theresponsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.2.Referenced Documents2.1 ASTM Standards:2D3198 Test Method for Application and Removal Torque ofThreaded or Lug-Style Closures3.Terminology3.1 DefinitionsFor definitions of application torque andremoval torque,see Test Method D3198.3.1.1 stripping torquea force or system of forces acting ina tightening direction that causes overrunning of the threads orrotation of an overshell with respect to its supporting member.4.Summary of Practice4.1 CalibrationReference torque values are obtained bymeans of vertically suspended dead weights acting at specificdistances from the axis of the mounting platform of the tester.4.2 UseTorque values to apply or remove closures areobtained by mounting containers on the platform and eitherapplying or removing the closures.In some applications,theclosure is mounted on the platform and the container is rotated.5.Significance and Use5.1 This practice can be used to check devices used tomeasure the application and removal torques of continuous orintermittent thread and lug closures.5.2 This practice can be used to determine the amount oftorque to either apply or remove a closure.6.Apparatus6.1 AdapterA circular plate that can be mounted concen-trically on the platform of the tester.If the platform itself issuitable,an adapter is not necessary.The adapter should be ofsuch diameter that its radius multiplied by appropriate weightswill give torque values equal to14,12,and full-scale meterreadings.(Typical devices for packaging applications haveranges from:0 to 10,0 to 25,0 to 50,and 0 to 100 lbf-in.(0to 1.13,0 to 2.8,0 to 5.7,and 0 to 11.3 N/m,respectively).6.2 Connecting MeansA very flexible,thin filament,suchas a wire or fishing line that transmits the force of hangingweights to the circumference of the adapter.6.3 Pulley,low friction,used to change the direction of theconnecting means from horizontal to vertical.6.4 Appropriate Dead Weights,for example:2,4,and 7-lb(0.9,1.8,and 3.2-kg)for a torque meter with a 7 in.(178 mm)diameter plate or platform and a range of 0 to 25 in-lbs(0 to 2.8N-m).7.Conditioning7.1 Prior to calibration,the torque meter and weights shallbe allowed to come to ambient room conditions.8.Calibration Procedures(see Fig.1)8.1 Spring-Loaded Type Testers:8.1.1 Verify that the meter needle moves freely throughoutits entire range and rests on zero when not loaded.Adjust ifnecessary.8.1.2 If an adapter is used,fasten it securely and concentri-cally to the tester platform or spindle.8.1.3 Secure the torque meter to a table or work surface.8.1.4 Secure one end of the connecting means to a point onthe circumference of the adapter or rotating platform and wrapit at least halfway around the circumference.1This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D10 on Packagingand is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D10.32 on Consumer,Pharmaceutical,Medical,and Child Resistant Packaging.Current edition approved April 1,2012.Published May 2012.Originallyapproved in 1976.Last previous edition approved in 2007 as D3474 90(2007).DOI:10.1520/D3474-90R12.2For referenced ASTM standards,visit the ASTM website,www.astm.org,orcontact ASTM Customer Service at serviceastm.org.For Annual Book of ASTMStandards volume information,refer to the standards Document Summary page onthe ASTM website.Copyright ASTM International,100 Barr Harbor Drive,PO Box C700,West Conshohocken,PA 19428-2959.United States1 8.1.5 Run the connecting means over a low friction pulleylocated near the edge of a bench or table,and let it hangvertically for the attachment of weights.8.1.6 Sequentially,attach dead weights appropriately to givetorque values equal to14,12,and full-scale meter readings.Make certain that the weights are hanging freely.Record theweight,radius and the meter reading at each test point,makingcertain that the needle returns to zero when the weights areremoved.8.1.7 If the difference between the measured and indicatedreadings differ from the manufacturers specification(usually64%of full scale),the user will need to generate a calibrationchart or have the instrument repaired.8.1.8 For torque meters that measure both clock