Mars Inc.

When the pet care brand of global multi-disciplinary conglomerate, Mars, needed to correct the problems linked to inadequate calibration of their packaging testing, they came to us.

Mars had an R&D facility that was filled with our BT Integra Pack: Smart Package Tester leak detection testing instruments. These state-of-the-art machines are made by TM Electronics, our specialist package testing brand. They used the devices for both burst testing and creep testing of their pet food packaging.

The BT Integra-Pack is a bench-top, high-resolution (0.001 psig) device with a small footprint and user-friendly ease of operation. The electronic pressure and flow controls offer you precise and repeatable test conditions and the automatic and high flow output allows testing of large porous packages. Our customer relies on the machines to test a wide range of flexible and rigid, porous and non-porous, open and sealed packages.

A pet food packaging problem!

The pet food manufacturers were delighted with the initial performance of the machines themselves and the repeatable and quantitative results they delivered. However, later they didn’t feel the instruments were performing to the optimal capability they had previously enjoyed.

We learned that the company had been receiving calibration services and verification from a third party. But they had grown concerned that this organization was not handling the calibration properly and so called upon our experts to investigate further. They wanted immediate support and needed us to act in a manner that wouldn’t  impact upon their service or shipping operation.

A straight-to-site service

Once on site we were swiftly able to verify the customer’s suspicions. We soon found out that four of the six package testing machines were reading out of tolerance using our tried-and-tested calibration verification procedures. We were shocked to discover that the third party had been verifying the calibration incorrectly and providing them with a passing certificate.

We were told that the company had been validating the devices at the end of the probe and not providing a proper seal. Once we were on site, we were able to identify which preventative maintenance checks had not been carried out and corrected all of the issues.

Serving up on site solutions

Our expert engineers changed batteries, screen overlays, and buttons. They replaced consumable and cosmetic items and calibrated each device correctly. We also fixed the calibration date and times properly for the first time since the machines had been manufactured. Finally, we passed on some testing tips and provided a list of maintenance recommendations.

The team at Mars were extremely pleased with our work and we took on the contract moving forward. We’ve been invited to return again after six months to check and calibrate the equipment prior to an audit.

Correct calibration for a long life of testing

When your Industrial Physics test and measurement machines are properly calibrated and maintained you’ll enjoy long-term optimal performance and compliance with audits. Working with us is a genuine partnership and our experts are always happy to answer any questions that you may have, whenever they arise.

We want our customers to select the best machines for their needs and get the most out of their testing. Partnering with Industrial Physics will ensure that you have the right experience a phone call, or site visit, away. So, you can relax in the knowledge that your machines are being handled and maintained properly and accurately.

Tests that burst with success!

The BT Integra-Pack™ makes light work of burst testing and creep testing…but why is that important?

Understanding the strength and resistance of packaging and its component parts is a key role of quality control. These incisive tests simulate the pressures your products will encounter in the real world and help you to predict how they will perform.

Burst testing uses hydraulic pressurization on a focused area of your chosen sample – allowing you to produce a ‘bubble’ which is pressurized to the point of burst failure. This process produces a unique stress situation in the flat plane of the material.

Creep testing – also known as creep-to-fail testing, ensures that you won’t get creeped out at the prospect of your products slowly moving, or even changing shape, when a load is applied! To measure creep, and identify any possible failures, typically you’ll need to apply a load, plus a high temperature, for a set period of time.

Invest in the highly accurate, innovative technology of the industry-leading BT Integra-Pack™. You will soon be performing both types of test and enjoying complete confidence that your packaging selections are fit for purpose. Plus you can call upon us to send in our dedicated aftercare teams of calibration and servicing experts, anytime you need our support.

Find out more about the BT Integra-Pack™ by accessing our factsheet today:

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Don’t just take our word for it!
Our valued customer has relied upon the accuracy of our testing devices over many years. Their engineers are delighted to enjoy operating them to their full potential once again.

Scott Chambers, Quality Technician at Mars Inc., said, “I was very happy to be one of the first companies to participate in the mobile calibration program. Ryan Moreno was my technician and was very personable, knowledgeable, and accommodating. The calibrations he performed were very efficient. I like having a technician on site one on one to answer any question I had. Also, not having to ship my BT-Integra units was a major plus. looking forward to future visits at Mars Petcare KKC.”

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Always happy to help

Michael Joseph, Product Manager at Industrial Physics explained that the BT Integra-Pack™ is a popular device that’s used across many of the industries we serve.

He said: “While we understand that some of our customers have agreements in place with third party servicing companies, it makes more sense to call in our experts who know the devices inside out and have specific calibration approaches for every instrument we manufacture.

“We’re always happy to step in and rectify a situation if there’s a problem. But we pride ourselves on the capability of our calibration, validation and preventative maintenance teams – you’ll get the most out of your machines when you partner with us from the outset.”

A genuine test and measurement partnership

At Industrial Physics, we’re here to protect the integrity of packaging, products, and materials for manufacturers, production lines and laboratories. For us, that goes beyond simply supplying test and measurement instruments. It’s about being there for our customers. And acting as a true partner – answering questions, sharing our knowledge, and perhaps most importantly, reacting quickly if something goes wrong.

Wherever you are in the world, our experts are on hand to support your needs – whatever they may be. From installation, through to calibration, repair, and preventative maintenance, we’ve got you covered. We can even provide these services for testing equipment manufactured by third party companies.

We’re bursting to share our expertise!

We like to share our knowledge at Industrial Physics and have written countless articles, blogs and whitepapers on test and measurement related subjects.

For example, this blog explores the differences between burst testing and peel testing. Or perhaps, you may be interested to read about how burst testing saves lives in the medical devices industry.

‍Get in touch today!

If you’d like to find out more about how we can provide you with first-rate test and measurement solutions in packaging, product, or material integrity, or you’d like to know more about our services within installation, maintenance, or calibration, get in touch by clicking below.

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