Peel Wheel Test

The peel wheel test is a specialised adhesion test method used to measure the strength of adhesive bonds in flexible materials such as plastics, films, and laminates. The method involves peeling a material from its substrate at a controlled angle and speed, typically kept at a consistent 90°, to record the force required to separate the bonded surfaces.

This technique is widely recognised because it simulates peeling forces encountered during manufacturing, handling, and end use. By providing quantifiable peel strength data, it enables manufacturers and quality control teams to assess product reliability, compare materials, and ensure compliance with industry standards such as DIN 53357.

The peel wheel test is relevant to industries where adhesion performance is critical to product function, safety, or durability. It plays a key role in both product development and quality assurance, helping to identify weak bonds before they result in failures.

Packaging

Used to confirm that seals in pouches, films, and laminated packaging maintain their integrity during transport and storage. While the test destroys the tested sample strip, it is considered minimally invasive to the overall batch.

Automotive

Applied to components such as decorative trim, protective films, and interior panels to confirm adhesives withstand temperature changes, vibration, and prolonged service conditions.

Electronics

Used to check adhesion in flexible circuits, insulation films, and protective coatings, ensuring components remain secure under operational stress.

Medical devices

Essential for testing sterile packaging seals and medical tapes, where adhesion must be strong enough to protect sterility but allow controlled release when required.

Plastics and laminates

Critical for products such as labels, protective films, and double-sided tapes. In multi-layer laminates, the test helps prevent delamination, which can cause performance or safety issues.

Standardisation ensures peel wheel tests are consistent and repeatable across laboratories and production sites.

• DIN 53357 – Determines the peel resistance of adhesive bonds in plastic sheets and films.
• ISO 8510 – Specifies peel test methods for flexible bonded assemblies.
• ASTM D3330 – Measures peel adhesion of pressure-sensitive tapes.

These standards define specimen preparation, peel speed, test environment, and equipment requirements. Selecting the correct standard ensures that test results are valid and relevant to the intended application.

Specimen preparation – The bonded material is cut to defined dimensions, ensuring uniformity of size and adhesive application.

Fixture setup – The sample is mounted in a peel wheel fixture that maintains a consistent 90° peel angle during separation.

Test execution – The fixture rotates as the sample is pulled, ensuring a steady angle and constant rate of separation. Force is applied at a speed specified in the relevant standard.

Data collection – The force required to maintain the peel is continuously recorded. Results are expressed as an average peel strength, typically in newtons per 25 mm.

Result analysis – Data is reviewed to identify variations that may indicate inconsistencies in adhesive application or material quality.

Typical force ranges can vary widely. For example, sterile medical films may require only 2–5 N/25 mm to achieve controlled opening, whereas industrial laminates may require 10–20 N/25 mm for structural integrity.

While the peel wheel test maintains a constant 90° angle, other tests such as the 180° peel test are also widely used.

Advantages of the peel wheel test

• Maintains precise and consistent peel angle, improving repeatability.
• Well-suited to flexible materials that might otherwise deform excessively.
• Minimises operator influence when performed with a motorised system.

Limitations

• Requires specialised fixtures.
• Not suitable for rigid or semi-rigid materials that cannot bend around a wheel.

Mecmesin provides standards-compliant, precision-engineered solutions for peel wheel testing across diverse materials and industries.

Standards-compliant and adaptable systems

Our platforms, including the OmniTest and MultiTest-dV ranges, are compatible with DIN 53357, ISO 8510, and ASTM D3330. We supply configurable peel wheel fixtures adaptable to different sample sizes and materials.

Reliable, traceable data

Using high-accuracy loadcells and our VectorPro software, our systems deliver live force-displacement graphs, detailed statistical reporting, and traceable results. This enables engineers to make confident decisions in material selection, quality control, and R&D.

If you need advice on peel wheel testing for compliance, product development, or quality assurance, Mecmesin’s technical specialists can help you choose the right equipment and fixtures. With proven experience across packaging, medical, automotive, and electronics sectors, we provide solutions that ensure your adhesion testing is accurate, repeatable, and aligned with global standards.