Pinholes can compromise the barrier performance and integrity of flexible packaging and may result from material conversion, handling or distribution. Potential damage mechanisms include abrasion, flex cracking, snagging and puncture.
Testing can help identify the presence and location of pinholes, investigate their likely cause and support comparison of materials or packaging performance.
Pinhole testing and pack integrity
Depending on the material and application, Smithers can use vacuum, tracer gas, optical, porosity and dye penetration techniques to investigate pinholes.
Individual pinholes or micro-perforations can be measured using optical microscopy, while pressure decay testing can be used to assess aggregate hole size or leakage at pack level.
Standards and accreditation
Smithers is UKAS ISO 17025 accredited for testing to BS EN 868-1.
Talk to our experts about your flexible packaging material, integrity issue or pinhole assessment requirements.
