Drick DRK133 Touchscreen Heat Seal Tester
| Key | Brand: Drick |
|---|---|
| Model | DRK133 |
| Temperature Range | Ambient to 300 °C |
| Temperature Control Accuracy | ±1 °C |
| Sealing Time | 0.1–999.9 s |
| Sealing Pressure | 0.05–0.7 MPa |
| Sealing Jaw Dimensions | 180 mm × 10 mm (customizable) |
| Heating Method | Dual-zone resistive heating with aluminum-encapsulated heating elements |
| Pneumatic Supply | 0.5–0.7 MPa (user-provided, Ø8 mm polyurethane tubing) |
| Power Supply | AC 220 V ±5%, 50 Hz |
| Dimensions | 400 × 280 × 380 mm |
| Weight | ~40 kg |
Overview
The Drick DRK133 Touchscreen Heat Seal Tester is a precision-engineered laboratory instrument designed for standardized heat seal process evaluation of flexible packaging materials. It operates on the principle of controlled thermal compression—applying calibrated temperature, pressure, and dwell time across parallel sealing jaws to replicate industrial heat sealing conditions under reproducible, traceable parameters. This methodology aligns with fundamental polymer interfacial adhesion theory, where molecular chain mobility, interdiffusion at the interface, and entanglement density govern seal integrity. The DRK133 enables quantitative determination of critical process windows—including minimum seal initiation temperature, optimal dwell time, and pressure-dependent seal strength thresholds—providing essential data for packaging qualification, material selection, and production line validation.
Key Features
- Intuitive 7-inch capacitive touchscreen interface with menu-driven navigation and real-time parameter monitoring
- Dual independent PID temperature control system for upper and lower sealing jaws, ensuring thermal uniformity and minimizing cross-talk between zones
- Electro-pneumatic actuation with dual synchronized cylinders delivering precise, repeatable sealing force (0.05–0.7 MPa) with minimal hysteresis
- Modular jaw design supporting standard 180 mm × 10 mm smooth-surface configuration; custom geometries (e.g., patterned, stepped, or narrow-width jaws) available per application requirements
- Aluminum-encapsulated heating elements with rapid thermal response and long-term stability; quick-disconnect power terminals for maintenance efficiency
- Integrated safety architecture including thermal cut-off switches, mechanical guard interlocks, and insulated jaw housings to prevent operator contact with surfaces >60 °C
- Flexible operation modes: manual trigger via touchscreen or hands-free footswitch activation—optimized for both R&D screening and routine QC testing
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The DRK133 accommodates a broad spectrum of thermoplastic-based packaging substrates, including mono-layer polyolefin films (LDPE, HDPE, PP), coextruded structures, metallized polyester (PET-Al), aluminum foil laminates, paper-plastic composites, and extrusion-coated board. Its design supports ASTM F2029 (Standard Test Method for Heat Seal Strength of Thermoplastic Flexible Packaging Materials), QB/T 2358 (Chinese standard for plastic film heat seal strength), and YBB 00122003 (Chinese pharmaceutical packaging standard). While not a direct measuring device for seal strength, it delivers metrologically traceable sealing conditions required for subsequent tensile peel or burst testing per ISO 11607-2, ASTM F88, or ISTA 3A protocols. All operational parameters are logged with timestamp and user ID, supporting GLP-compliant documentation and audit readiness.
Software & Data Management
The embedded firmware records all test configurations—including setpoints, actual measured temperatures (via dual Pt100 sensors), pressure feedback (via calibrated transducer), and timing sequences—with automatic timestamping. Export is supported via USB 2.0 to CSV format for integration into LIMS or statistical process control platforms. No proprietary software installation is required; raw logs contain no encryption or vendor lock-in. Audit trail functionality meets baseline requirements for FDA 21 CFR Part 11 compliance when deployed in regulated environments—though full electronic signature capability requires integration with validated third-party document management systems.
Applications
- Determination of optimal heat seal parameter envelopes during new packaging development
- Comparative evaluation of seal performance across resin grades, additive packages, or surface treatments (e.g., corona, plasma)
- Root cause analysis of seal failures (leakage, delamination, scorching) by isolating variable effects (T, t, P)
- Validation of packaging line settings prior to scale-up or change control events
- Supporting regulatory submissions for medical device and pharmaceutical primary packaging per ISO 11607-1/2
- Thermal stability assessment of heat-sensitive barrier layers (e.g., EVOH, PVDC) under defined dwell conditions
FAQ
Does the DRK133 include a built-in force or strength measurement system?
No. It is a process conditioning instrument—not a seal strength tester. Seal integrity must be evaluated separately using tensile testers (e.g., ASTM F88) or internal pressurization systems.
Can the sealing jaw width be modified for narrow-format pouches?
Yes. Standard width is 10 mm, but custom jaws from 3 mm to 30 mm are available upon request with lead-time adjustment.
Is compressed air supply included with the unit?
No. Users must provide a clean, dry, oil-free compressed air source meeting 0.5–0.7 MPa pressure range and connecting via Ø8 mm polyurethane tubing.
What calibration certificates are supplied?
A factory calibration report for temperature (±1 °C at 100 °C, 150 °C, 200 °C) and pressure (±2% FS) is included. NIST-traceable recalibration services are available through authorized Drick service centers.
Is the DRK133 suitable for testing paper-based laminates with low-melt adhesives?
Yes. Its low-end temperature resolution (0.1 °C) and fine-tuned pressure control enable precise characterization of heat-activated dispersion adhesives and cold-seal alternatives without thermal degradation.
