ASTM_F_1886_-_F_1886M_-_16.pdf

Designation:F1886/F1886M16Standard Test Method forDetermining Integrity of Seals for Flexible Packaging byVisual Inspection1This standard is issued under the fixed designation F1886/F1886M;the number immediately following the designation indicates the yearof original adoption or,in the case of revision,the year of last revision.A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval.A superscript epsilon()indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.1.Scope1.1 This test method covers the determination of channels inthe package seal down to a width of 75 m 0.003 in.with a60100%probability(see Section 8).1.1.1 The ability to visually detect channel defects inpackage seals is highly dependent on the size of channel,thedegree of contrast from sealed and unsealed areas,the amountand type of adhesive between the two package layers,reflect-ing light angle,types of material used,the use of magnification,and the inspectors level of training and experience.1.2 This test method is applicable to packages with at leastone transparent side so that the seal area may be clearlyviewed.1.3 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound unitsare to be regarded separately as standard.The values stated ineach system may not be exact equivalents;therefore,eachsystem shall be used independently of the other.Combiningvalues from the two systems may result in non-conformancewith the standard.1.4 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:2F17 Terminology Relating to Flexible Barrier Packaging3.Terminology3.1 For terminology related to flexible barrier packaging,see Terminology F17.4.Summary of Test Method4.1 This test method provides a qualitative(accept/reject)visual inspection method to evaluate the appearance character-istics of unopened,intact seals in order to determine thepresence of defects that may affect the integrity of the package.5.Significance and Use5.1 Seal attributes can be linked directly to a number ofvariables in process parameters,equipment,or material,as wellas environmental(room temperature and relative humidity).Visual seal characteristics and defects can provide evidence ofpackage integrity and production sealing problems.5.2 Visual seal defects often will be the first indication ofheat sealing process variation.They also will indicate a lack of,or potential compromise to,package integrity after physicalpackage performance testing.6.Apparatus6.1 Illuminant,lighting arrangements to give about 540lumens/m250 fc of white light or daylight on the specimens.6.2 Indelible Marking Pen.7.Procedure7.1 Visual acuity shall be such that the inspection of the sealmay be performed at a distance of 30 to 45 cm 12 to 18 in.NOTE1Magnification devices,such as eyeloops,may be used as ananalytical tool to characterize identified seal defects.7.2 Inspect the entire sealed area of the package for com-pleteness and uniformity.NOTE2Different package sizes and shapes may require differinglengths of time to adequately inspect the entire seal perimeter.Any timerequirement associated with visual inspection should allow for completeseal inspection.NOTE3Some packaging materials and adhesives may fluoresce underultraviolet light.Viewing the seal area in a UV light box will enhance thesealed-to-unsealed area contrast,and provide for easier defect identifica-tion.7.3 Identify and record any part of the seal where channelsappear.Mark the location of the channels.NOTE4All other seal characteristics noted(refer to Appendix X1)should be categorized according to user defined accept/reject criteria.1This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F02 on PrimaryBarrier Packaging and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee F02.40 onPackage Integrity.Current edition approved Oct.1,2016.Published October 2016.Originallyapproved in 1998.Last previous edition approved in 2013 as F1886/F1886M 09(2013).DOI:10.1520/F1886_F1886M-16.2For 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 Define the actions to be taken in the event seal characteristics are detectedduring normal production runs.7.4 Record the number and location of channels identifiedon each package.NOTE5If confirmation of channels or incomplete seal areas inpeelable packages is necessary,hand peel such suspected packagecompletely separating the two material components and inspect the sealarea of the transferred adhesive for the same incomplete seal attributes asthe unopened package.Care s