IGR Institut für Glas- und Rohstofftechnologie GmbH and Schumann-Analytics have decided to collaborate on the joint development of cost-effective testing systems for the container glass industry. The aim of the collaboration is to provide modern and high-performance testing technology at significantly more attractive purchase prices than before for glass manufacturers, testing laboratories, bottlers and glass distributors.

The motivation behind the project

In addition to chemical and physical analyses, the IGR also regularly carries out tests on the vertical compressive strength and internalcompressive strength of glass containers. In recent years, the same challenge has arisen time and again: the testing systems available on the market are offered by only a handful of manufacturers and often involve high capital expenditure.
Added to this are, in some cases, substantial maintenance and service costs, which present a financial hurdle, particularly for smaller companies, testing laboratories or bottling plants.

For this reason, the IGR has spent several years searching for a technically reliable yet costeffective alternative. In Schumann-Analytics, it finally found a partner with extensive experience in the development of modern measurement and testing technology. Together, they came up with the idea of developing high-performance testing systems that meet the requirements of the container glass industry, whilst at the same time being significantly more cost-effective to purchase and operate.

First result: the new vertical pressure tester

As the first result of this collaboration, the new vertical pressure tester is now available from Schumann-Analytics.

In the coming months, an internal pressure tester for determining the internal pressure resistance of glass containers and an innovative heating wire system for separating glass specimens will also be developed. This system enables glass to be separated without the use of saws and without contact with water, and is particularly suitable for sample preparation and damage analysis.

Precise testing of vertical load-bearing capacity

The vertical compression tester was developed to determine the resistance to vertical load of glass containers in accordance with EN ISO 8113-2004. The test rig simulates the loads to which glass containers are subjected during capping, stacking, transport and storage, and enables the breaking force or test force to be determined accurately and reproducibly.
During the test procedure, the container is placed in the test chamber. A hydraulic actuator then applies the specified vertical load. Once the test is complete, either the test force reached or the breaking force is automatically recorded and documented.

Watch the video below for a quick overview of how it works:

Two models for different requirements

The vertical load tester is a stand-alone device and is available in two versions:

Basic
The ‘Basic’ model is aimed in particular at testing laboratories, bottlers, glass traders and smaller production facilities. It offers all the essential functions for reliable, standards-compliant vertical load testing at a particularly attractive price-performance ratio.

Industrial
The ‘Industrial’ version has been specially developed for daily and intensive use in glassworks. It is designed for high test volumes and offers maximum robustness as well as high availability in a production environment.

User-friendly operation

The large touch panel allows for simple and intuitive setup of test jobs. In the ‘Industrial’ version, test methods, load values, limit values and other parameters can be conveniently selected and saved.
Previously created test programmes can be recalled at any time, which significantly speeds up the setup of new tests.

Technical specifications

• Testing in accordance with EN ISO 8113-2004
• Vertical load capacity up to 1470 kg or 14.7 kN
• Large test chamber for containers up to 65 cm in height and 45 cm in width
• Hydraulic actuator for precise and reproducible load application
• Automatic recording of test and fracture forces
• Automatic return of the test plate upon completion of the test
• Results displayed on the HMI and exportable via USB or network
• Illuminated interior for optimal observation of the test process
• Robust stainless steel construction for industrial use
• Safety-locked test chamber door with safety window
• User-selectable force units (kgf or kN)
• Storage and recall of test parameters and test jobs in the ‘Industrial’ version

Available test methods in the ‘Industrial’ version

The vertical load tester supports various test procedures, including:

• Pass/fail test at a preselected load level
• Test until vessel rupture
• Individually configurable load profiles
• Limit value monitoring for quality control

High levels of workplace safety and easy cleaning

The scope of delivery includes a glass shard container that safely collects all glass shards. This ensures that no shards or splinters remain in the work area.

The enclosed test chamber, the secure locking mechanism during the test procedure and the ease of cleaning ensure a high level of workplace safety and enable clean and efficient laboratory and production operations.

With the new vertical load tester, IGR and Schumann-Analytics offer a cost-effective, robust and user-friendly solution for determining the vertical compressive strength of glass containers, thereby providing an attractive alternative to the test systems previously available on the market.