Migration Testing Conditions That Do Not Match Your Filling Line
Matching migration simulant and thermal parameters to exact filling line mechanics prevents compliance invalidation during customs and market audit checks.
Paperboard Heat Sealing
Thermal Bonding
Industrial packaging lines use thermal energy to join thermoplastic coated boards to create a liquid-tight seal. This process, known as paperboard heat sealing, involves applying heat and pressure to melt the polymer coatings and fuse them together. The resulting bond ensures the mechanical strength and moisture protection of liquid cartons and paper cups.
This operation requires a delicate balance of heating and compression to avoid damaging the paperboard substrate. It represents the primary closure mechanism in modern dairy and beverage packaging where physical integrity must be maintained during distribution.
Process Variable
Sealing temperature and dwell time determine the quality of the thermal bond. If the sealing head is too cold, the polymer does not melt and create a bond. Conversely, excessive heat degrades the polymer and can cause the underlying paperboard to scorch.
Finding the correct combination of settings prevents failure on high-speed filling lines.
Quality Assessment
Strength testing is performed by peeling the sealed joint apart to measure the force required to break it. In a successful paperboard heat sealing operation, the bond is stronger than the paperboard itself, causing fibre tear as the coating holds firm. This destruction of the substrate demonstrates a complete fusion of the polymer layers.