CMC KUHNKE Pop and Tear Tester

Brought to you by CMC-KUHNKE, our metal packaging testing specialist brand, our popular tab strength tester is a microprocessor-controlled, programmable automatic gauge. 

The PAT-2100 tab strength tester was developed for testing EO and foil (peel-able) ends. It’s ideal for inspecting the strength of big round, rectangular, oval and HANSA can ends. Depending on the holder, you can pop force test and tear force test ends of various diameters. 

Easy open end (EOE) can inspection

Easy open end cans allow you to gain quick and easy access to the contents of a can, which is convenient for the consumer.  

To enable this to happen the can end is accurately scored around the opening area, thinning the metal. It’s then easy to open this punctured section using a ring pull tab which peels away the lid. Our helpful device works out the tab strength credentials for your R&D and QC testing.  

Types of tab strength testing  

The PAT-2100 Pop and Tear Gauge helps you to measure a range of different parameters relating to the strength of your metal packaging. Here are some explanations of the main tab strength test types it delivers. 

Pop force testing

Pop force testing tells you how much pressure your seal needs to ‘pop’ successfully.  

When you lift the ring of a can it levers the tab down onto a pre-scored area of the end shell. This is pushed down into the can through the now-open aperture. The seal should ‘pop’ open with a predetermined pop force before the tab fails – typically on the attachment rivet where the maximum bend stress is created.  

Tear force testing

Tear force testing provides information on the energy or force required to propagate a tear through a material. Tearing tests are commonly performed on foils, plastics, paper, and textiles. In the case of easy open ends of cans it relates to the amount of tear force required from the consumer to pull off the lid using the can’s ring, following the ‘pop’. This is sometimes known as peel force testing.  

Digitally displayed tab strength test results  

Our pop force and tear force tester quickly collates the results of your tests and displays them clearly on its crisp digital display.  

Tab strength testing in multiple languages

Our pop force and tear force tester is a clever linguist! Choose from German, English or French operating languages. 

More tab strength testing machines

We don’t just make this pop force test and tear force test inspection device, we manufacture a wide range of tab strength inspection devices and accessories.  

Why not check out the QBV Score Residual Gauge, an inexpensive, accurate and feature-rich gauging solution for any type of easy open end? Or perhaps this alternative option, also from Quality By Vision, may better suit your requirements. 

Popping at the seams to support tear force testing

We like to share the lessons learnt over many decades of making pop force and tear force testing machines. Why not check out the knowledge base section of our website where you’ll find blogs like this one on how to perform a range of successful can inspections?