Top-load

Top-load testing (also known as 'column-crush' and 'axial force resistance') is performed mainly on blow moulded, thermoformed or injection moulded plastic containers. It measures the compressive strength of such containers to ensure they do not deform or break when subjected to axial forces during the processes of filling, closure, storage and transport.

There is an ever-increasing pressure to reduce the weight of plastics being used in packaging, but without compromising on strength and performance. Top-load testing provides a standard method of obtaining data to set acceptance or rejection specifications for quality control, research and development and special designs. It involves compressing filled or empty containers at a fixed speed until they yield at failure or deflect by a pre-set value. The maximum load applied is then recorded and compared against pass/fail criteria. When testing empty containers it is essential to allow air to be released from the container otherwise the accuracy and precision of measurements is adversely affected.

Top-load testers provide a reliable and accurate solution for meeting design standards and are often sited close to filling lines in production or nearby in the QC laboratory. They may also be applied for testing aluminium and steel cans, large cardboard boxes and plastic or metal drums.

Other variants of the top-load test include: Box crush (BCT), Edge crush (ECT), Ring crush (RCT).

Standards

Featured or equivalent test standards for Mecmesin solutions in this section

ASTM D2659-16

Standard Test Method for Column Crush Properties of Blown Thermoplastic Containers

Test types

Further or specific test types in this section

The Mecmesin MultiTest 1-x enables us to ensure the consistently high manufacturing quality of our PET bottles. The system conveniently allows us to perform top-load testing and confirm free height and integrates easily with our data collection system, increasing our analytical efficiency. I would have no hesitation in recommending this first rate instrument.

John Gilroy, Quality Manager
Esterform Packaging Ltd

Case study

MultiTest-dV compression tester and close-up of top-load crush test with a vented plate fixture

Silgan Plastics has utilised the Mecmesin tester in several of our plants over the last two years to monitor top-load. It brings a wealth of features at a very competitive price. We pride ourselves on being the forefront of container performance and capability and the 5-x top-load tester is a valued piece of our strategy.

Randy Blankenship, Quality Engineer
Silgan Plastics

Case study

Top-load plastic bottle testing systems in factory conditions and QC lab

Speak to an expert

Got a question about a product? Request a call back from one of our Technical Sales Engineers now.

Top-load

Standards

ASTM D2659-16

Test types

top-load (column) crush

Top-load testing PET bottles

Top-load crush of plastic bottle with semi-automated test process

Ice cream packaging closure and integrity testing

Ice cream packaging closure and integrity testing

Top-load testing PET bottles

Top-load crush of plastic bottle with semi-automated test process

Ice cream packaging closure and integrity testing

Speak to an expert

Global distribution