EN 15385:2007 – Packaging – Flexible laminate tubes – Test methods to determine the strength of the head welding

1 Scope
This European Standard specifies a method for the determination of the strength of the head welding of flexible laminate tubes.
It is applicable to flexible laminate tubes used for packing pharmaceutical, cosmetic, hygiene, food and other household products.
2 Normative references
Not applicable.
3 Principle
The test for the strength of the head welding is used to show whether the body laminate deforms before becoming detached from the shoulder.
4 Test equipment
4.1 Cutting device
4.2 Tensile/compression tester
5 Test procedure
a) Cut four strips of equal width (each one quarter of the circumference) from the tube body at the positions shown on Figure 2, ensuring one strip has the side seam in the centre. The cut should cover the entire length of the laminate web including the part over the shoulder.
b) Pull opposing pair of strips at a speed of 130 mm/min and attempt to remove material from shoulder.
c) Ensure that the material has a good weld to the shoulder. The body laminate should stretch/deform not become detached below 3 N/mm of strip width.
d) Repeat for second pair of cut strips.
EN 15385:2007 – Packaging – Flexible laminate tubes – Test methods to determine the strength of the head welding