Buy a compressometer – The box compression test is one of the most important tests to optimize packaging for the transport of goods, as well as being included among the standards of organizations such as ASTM and ISTA.
Therefore, it is vital to choose where to buy a compression tester that suits the needs of your company and includes the most accurate and advanced technologies.
Buying a compression tester – Things to keep in mind to know where to buy
Currently there are several companies around the world that offer compressometers to carry out box compression tests. When making a decision, it is essential to know the different alternatives and the characteristics of each system.
Therefore, choose where to buy a compression tester according to the following premises:
Opt for the compression tester that best suits the characteristics of your merchandise. Most vendors offer to purchase a compression tester based on the weight and dimensions of your merchandise.
Some compressors also allow tests to be carried out taking into account different types of materials (pallets, unit loads…), so before choosing a compressor it is vital to study the type of load that is going to be tested.
Choose equipment capable of performing different preset test modes. In order to characterize the packaging and design a packaging capable of withstanding the real compression forces that it will face, it is necessary that the box compression test includes different types of compressions appropriate to reality.
The most important ones include steady beat compression, press and hold, and press and solar.
Look to buy a compression tester that complies with international legislation and standards.
Several of the international test protocols on freight transport include a box compression test among the necessary simulations. These standards include:
The protocol EN 15552:2008 Packaging: Complete, fillet transport packages and unit loads. Performance testing schedules for common distribution chains.
Test ASTM D4169-16 Standard practice for performance testing of shipping containers and systems.
ISTA procedures 1C, D; 2A,B; F,H; 4 Series; 6-FEDEX; 6-SAMSCLUB, 6-AMAZON.COM.
For this reason, when choosing where to buy a compression tester, bet on the supplier that guarantees that its machinery is capable of carrying out the box compression tests provided by these international associations.
Think about the intuitive use of equipment. The advantages of acquiring your own testing equipment are many and include being able to carry out an unlimited number of tests without having to depend on third parties. However, all this must be supported by machinery that is easy to use through intuitive systems.
Likewise, it is important that the supplier of the compression tester offer a training service to the team that will later use the machinery, so that errors are avoided and guidelines are established to use the system safely.
Choose the company that guarantees simple maintenance and express service. Acquiring a compressor gives companies the opportunity to carry out compression tests on boxes and other materials independently and safely.
However, it is necessary to ensure that, for any problems in the system, the provider takes responsibility and is able to provide support quickly and efficiently.
Among the services of Safe Load Testing Technologies, they are committed to continuous and express maintenance, and to the training of the teams in charge of using their machinery.
Regarding the compression tester and the types of load, Safe Load allows you to perform the compression test of boxes, pallets, unit loads and shipping containers.
Both Lansmont and Safe Load equipment are designed to meet ASTM, ISTA, TAPPI and ISO testing. In addition, Safe Load, being a European company, has the requirements established by EN.
Therefore, it will be vital to take into account the geographical area of the buyer (as well as the type of protocols and legislation that the company will have to comply with) when choosing where to buy a compression tester.
How does a compression tester work?
A compression tester system basically works through a screw compressor. This technology allows converting energy (from an electric motor, gasoline, diesel, etc.) into potential energy.
In the case of compressor systems, they will be responsible for translating this energy into compression force to carry out the box compression tests.
The compressors work through an electric motor drive that, turning a spindle, moves the compression plate up and down.
In addition, the machine measures the displacement of the pressure plate by means of a linear encoder with micrometer precision, and the force with a load cell. These two technologies are capable of meeting the precision requirements of international standards.
The compressometer also has safety elements such as limit switches (which stop the moving part of the machine at the end of its travel) and emergency mushrooms (which would stop the machine in a risky situation).
A compression tester uses this technology to test the resistance of boxes, pallets and containers to pressure and to the creep test.
Thus, the compressor is applied to anticipate the compression forces that can affect the loads during their handling and storage, within the merchandise distribution cycle. In this way, it is possible to design a packaging capable of withstanding these forces and therefore guaranteeing the safety of the loads during transport.
The compression test is one of the essential tests to design an optimized packaging and protect the goods, minimizing damage and costs to companies during transport.
In what types of tests is a compression tester used?
A compression gauge is used to optimize the packaging so that it is able to protect the cargo during transport and storage.
Box compression test methods include the BCT (Box Compression Test), which involves applying an increasing compression force to a load until failure occurs.
Through this test, it is possible to obtain a force-deformation curve, thus characterizing the resistance of the packaging. This type of information allows decisions to be made regarding the packaging (for example, if it is necessary to opt for a more resistant one).
In addition to the BCT, other types of tests appear:
The Press & Release test, which applies compression forces to a load and then releases. This allows us to check whether the packaging provides resistance.
The Press & Hold test, which applies forces to the load and maintains the pressure to test resistance to these situations.
In short, the packaging compression tests make it possible to establish what type of packaging is the one that guarantees the safety of the load in the face of compression forces.
Are you looking for where to buy a compression tester that adapts to your needs, to the protocols you want to comply with and with an intuitive use?
At Safe Load Testing Technologies we have been providing solutions to companies in the transport simulation industry for two decades. Our systems have already helped many companies looking to protect their merchandise, reducing unnecessary costs and losses, while making an investment with a positive ROI.
Our equipment allows us to anticipate the damage that compression forces can inflict on merchandise, and design packaging with protective capacity. In addition, we put at your disposal our expertise in the industry to offer a consulting service that helps you to know what type of equipment you need, and we customize our equipment according to your needs.
Get in touch with us to find out more about how we can help you.
