ASTM D2063-91(1998)

NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or
withdrawn. Contact ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest information.
Designation: D 2063 – 91 (Reapproved 1998)
AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR TESTING AND MATERIALS
100 Barr Harbor Dr., West Conshohocken, PA 19428
Reprinted from the Annual Book of ASTM Standards. Copyright ASTM
Standard Test Methods for
Measurement of Torque Retention for Packages with
Continuous Thread Closures
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D 2063; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
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 (e) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope measured at a stated interval, from 1 to 5 min after closure
application.
1.1 These test methods evaluate the torque retention of
3.2.2 torque retention—a comparison between removal
continuous thread closures on containers, with matching fin-
torque at the end of a test period and a predetermined
ishes, for predetermined environmental conditions over time.
immediate removal torque.
1.2 This standard does not purport to address all of the
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
4. Summary of Test Methods
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
4.1 Test Method A: Static Evaluation—At predetermined
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
time intervals, the removal torques of representative samples of
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
a container/continuous thread closure system, previously
2. Referenced Documents stored at various environmental conditions, are measured.
4.2 Test Method B: Dynamic Evaluation—Practice D 4169
2.1 ASTM Standards:
is used to develop a uniform system of evaluating the ability of
D 996 Terminology of Packaging and Distribution Environ-
primary packages, in the shipping units, to withstand the
ments
distribution environment. At the end of predetermined distri-
D 3198 Test Method for Application and Removal Torque
bution cycles, the removal torques of representative samples of
of Threaded or Lug-Style Closures
a container/continuous thread closure system are measured.
D 3474 Practice for the Calibration and Use of Torque
Meters Used in Packaging Applications
5. Significance and Use
D 4169 Practice for Performance Testing of Shipping Con-
2 5.1 This test method allows for the measurement of the
tainers and Systems
torque retention properties of container/continuous thread clo-
D 4332 Practice for Conditioning Containers, Packages or
2 sure systems of various designs, materials, and manufacture,
Packaging Components for Testing
3 and is suitable for packaging development and engineering
E 41 Terminology Relating to Conditioning
evaluation.
E 171 Specification for Standard Atmospheres for Condi-
2 5.2 This test method can be used for the evaluation of
tioning and Testing Flexible Barrier Materials
container/continuous thread closure systems under controlled
E 691 Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to
3 conditions (where the application torque is known and the
Determine the Precision of a Test Method
applied downward force to the closure is zero).
3. Terminology
6. Apparatus
3.1 Definitions:
6.1 Torque Meter, with an appropriate scale that accurately
3.1.1 For definitions of general packaging and distribution
measures within the expected torque range for the particular
terms, see Terminology D 996.
container/continuous thread closure system to be evaluated.
3.1.2 For definitions of application torque and removal
6.1.1 A spring torque meter, if used, will have a scale where
torque, see Test Method D 3198.
the anticipated torque readings are not less than one-third of the
3.1.3 For Definitions regarding conditioning, see Terminol-
maximum range of the scale for the container/continuous
ogy E 41.
thread closure system to be evaluated. Torque results will be
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
available in a visual format.
3.2.1 immediate removal torque—removal torque that is
6.1.2 A digital or automated torque instrument, if used, will
have an appropriate design and scale capacity for the container/
These test methods are under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D-10 on
continuous thread closure system to be evaluated. Torque
Packaging and are the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D10.32 on Consumer
results will be available in either electronic display or printout
Packages.
Current edition approved June 15, 1991. Published August 1991. formats.
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 15.09.
6.1.3 A torque wrench, if used, will have an appropriate
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 14.02.
NOTICE:¬This¬standard¬has¬either¬been¬superseded¬and¬replaced¬by¬a¬new¬version¬or
discontinued.¬Contact¬ASTM¬International¬(www.astm.org)¬for¬the¬latest¬information.¬
D 2063
design and capacity capable of providing a reading within the 10.1.6.1 Maintain one group of test specimens as a control
anticipated range for the container/continuous thread closure by storing this group at ambient laboratory conditions.
system to be evaluated. Torque results will be available in a
NOTE 5—The application torque range is usually determined on the
visual format.
basis of the desired removal torque range.
10.1.6.2 Maintain, as appropriate, one or more groups of
7. Sampling and Test Specimens
test specimens at constant temperatures different than ambient
7.1 Measure no less than ten test specimens for each torque
laboratory conditions. If desired, cycling at various tempera-
measurement point per test variable. See Note 1.
ture and relative humidity conditions may be performed. See
7.2 Select previously unused continuous thread closures and
Note 6.
containers as test specimens.
10.1.7 At the end of each predetermined time period,
8. Calibration determine the removal torque for each test sample.
10.1.7.1 Determine the removal torques either at ambient
8.1 Calibrate spring torque meters in accordance with the
laboratory conditions or at the alternative temperature and
procedures of Practice D 3474.
relative humidity conditions.
8.2 Calibrate digital, automated torque instruments or
10.1.7.2 The following test intervals are recommended:
torque wrenches in accordance with manufacturers recommen-
immediate (between 1 and 5 minutes), 24 h, 48 h, 7 days, 14
dations.
days, and 28 days.
9. Conditioning and Preparation of Test Specimens
NOTE 6—Sterilization cycles, if applied, using steam, ethylene oxide,
9.1 Perform test specimen conditioning in accordance with gamma radiation, or other methods are known to affect certain plastics;
these effects may influence removal torques.
Specification E 171 and Practice D 4332.
9.2 Fill all of the containers with the specified volume or
10.1.8 Determine the removal torque for each test specimen
weight of product, or other materials that yield similar weight
by firmly positioning either the container or the continuous
and thermal characteristics. See Note 2.
thread closure in such a manner that the axis of rotation of the
closure is concentric with the center of the measuring device.
NOTE 1—The total quantity of test specimens sampled will depend
upon the method selected and the number of environmental storage See Note 7.
conditions.
10.1.8.1 Exercise care in positioning the container or con-
NOTE 2—Given the purpose of the evaluation, empty containers may be
tinuous thread closure to prevent distortion of either compo-
used as an option to filled containers.
nent.
10.1.
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