Crush Test
Top Load Testing or Crush Testing is a popular test used in the packaging industry to measure the strength of bottles and similar containers. It is most often used on PET plastic bottles but can be used on virtually any container. By crushing samples to a specific distance (usually ¼”) and measuring the load it is possible to determine the quality of the bottles being produced. A sample that fails to produce a certain load at the ¼” displacement indicates problems with the manufacturing process or raw material being used.
Top Load testing is also used in the R&D of new package design to measure how a sample will withstand forces encountered during manufacturing, transportation, and ultimately how it will function when product is added.