Edge Crush Tester & Loop Tack Tester – Essential Tools for Quality Packaging

In today’s fast-paced manufacturing and supply environment, packaging plays an essential role in ensuring the safety, durability, and reliability of products. As industries expand globally, packaging materials must endure different stresses during shipping, handling, and storage. To ensure packaging performs as expected, manufacturers depend on accurate and reliable testing systems. Two of the most widely used instruments in this domain are the Edge Crush Tester (ECT/RCT/FCT) and the Loop Tack Tester.

Both machines are crucial for evaluating the structural strength of corrugated packaging and the adhesive performance of pressure-sensitive materials. This article provides a complete understanding of these instruments, their working principles, benefits, and why industries trust Pacorr Testing Instruments for precise quality evaluation.

Importance of Packaging Quality Testing

Quality packaging is more than just a box or a label. It is the first line of defense that protects products from mechanical damage, weather conditions, and transportation stresses. Poor-quality packaging can result in product breakage, customer complaints, financial losses, and damage to brand reputation.

To avoid such issues, packaging materials need rigorous and standardized testing.
This is where equipment like the Edge Crush Tester and Loop Tack Tester become essential tools for packaging manufacturers, corrugated box makers, adhesive manufacturers, and QC laboratories.

Edge Crush Tester (ECT): Evaluating Corrugated Strength

The Edge Crush Tester is specifically designed to assess the edgewise compressive strength of corrugated boards. This strength determines a box’s ability to withstand vertical loads during stacking.

How the ECT Works

A small strip of corrugated board is placed vertically between two rigid compression plates. A precise uniform load is applied until the sample collapses. The maximum force endured by the sample before failure is recorded as the Edge Crush Test value.

Why ECT Is Important

  • Predicts Box Compression Strength (BCT)

  • Ensures boxes do not collapse under stacking load

  • Helps optimize material selection

  • Useful for designing lightweight yet strong packaging

Industries like e-commerce, FMCG, electronics, and pharmaceuticals rely heavily on ECT to ensure safe transportation of goods.

Ring Crush Test (RCT): Evaluating Raw Paper Strength

The Ring Crush Test is another function performed by the same machine. It measures the crushing strength of paper or linerboard, which helps determine the quality of raw materials used in corrugated production.

How RCT Works

A paper strip is formed into a circular ring and compressed until it collapses. The force required to crush the ring reflects:

  • Fiber quality

  • Raw material strength

  • Suitability for corrugated medium or linerboard

Higher RCT values mean stronger and more reliable corrugated boards.

 Flat Crush Test (FCT): Measuring Flute Strength

The Flat Crush Test is used to measure the flute strength of the corrugated sheet. Since flutes act as the cushioning component of corrugated packaging, their performance is crucial.

Benefits of FCT

  • Shows the ability of flutes to resist top-load pressure

  • Ensures inner cushioning remains intact

  • Helps maintain structural integrity during shipping

Together, ECT, RCT, and FCT offer a complete understanding of the mechanical properties of corrugated materials.

 Applications of ECT/RCT/FCT

These tests are indispensable in:

  • Corrugated box manufacturing

  • Paper mills

  • Packaging design centers

  • Quality control labs

  • R&D departments

  • E-commerce packaging supply chain

By analyzing crush strength, industries can produce strong, reliable, and cost-efficient packaging.

Features of Pacorr’s Edge Crush Tester

Pacorr’s Edge Crush Tester is engineered for accuracy, durability, and ease of use. It is widely preferred for its consistency and compliance with international standards like ISO, TAPPI, and ASTM.

Key Features Include:

  • High precision load cell

  • Digital or microprocessor-based display

  • Rigid compression plates for uniform force

  • Smooth and silent operation

  • Strong steel body construction

  • Option for sample cutters

  • Safety limit switches

  • Repeatable and reliable test performance

Pacorr ensures that every machine provides laboratory-grade accuracy even in heavy-duty industrial environments.

 Loop Tack Tester: Understanding Adhesive Tack Performance

While the Edge Crush Tester focuses on corrugated strength, the Loop Tack Tester evaluates adhesive performance, particularly the quick-stick ability of pressure-sensitive adhesives.

PSA materials like labels, tapes, stickers, and protective films must instantly bond to surfaces. Loop Tack Testing helps ensure this.

How Loop Tack Testing Works

A strip of adhesive material is formed into a loop and brought into contact with a standardized surface. The machine then pulls the loop away at a controlled speed and measures the peak force required to detach it.

Why Tack Matters

  • Ensures labels do not peel off

  • Confirms tapes stick instantly

  • Helps in adhesive formulation

  • Ensures consistency across production batches

  • Meets ASTM D2979 standard requirements

Strong tack performance means the adhesive is suitable for high-speed packaging lines and demanding applications.

Industries That Use Loop Tack Testing

Loop Tack Tester is used in:

  • Tape and label manufacturing

  • Flexible packaging

  • Printing and lamination

  • Automotive components

  • Electronics and appliance industries

  • R&D labs

  • Packaging material suppliers

This test helps manufacturers deliver adhesives that perform reliably across different surfaces and conditions.

Why Choose Pacorr Testing Instruments

Pacorr is known for providing advanced, user-friendly, and reliable testing equipment across India and internationally. With a focus on precision engineering and customer support, Pacorr has built a strong reputation in the packaging industry.

Pacorr Advantages

  • Accurate and repeatable results

  • Durable and long-lasting machines

  • Compliance with international testing standards

  • Affordable pricing and customization

  • Quick delivery and installation

  • Skilled technical support team

  • Free demo and training sessions

Pacorr instruments help industries achieve consistent quality control and improved production efficiency.

Request a FREE Demo – Contact Pacorr

Pacorr offers FREE demos for all testing instruments, including the Edge Crush Tester and Loop Tack Tester. You can see real-time testing, learn the operation, and ask questions before purchasing.

📩 Email: info@pacorr.com
📞 Phone / WhatsApp: +91-8882149230
🎯 Free Demo: Available for all instruments

Book your demo today and experience the accuracy and reliability of Pacorr’s testing solutions.

Conclusion

The Edge Crush Tester (ECT/RCT/FCT) and Loop Tack Tester are essential instruments for ensuring the durability, strength, and adhesion performance of packaging materials. As industries continue to demand high-quality packaging, accurate and standardized testing becomes increasingly important. With Pacorr’s advanced testing machines, manufacturers can achieve consistent quality, reduce product damage, and build stronger, more reliable packaging systems.

For expert guidance, powerful instruments, and a FREE demo, get in touch with Pacorr today.

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