Peel

Peel testing is a fundamental method in materials testing, used to evaluate the strength of adhesive bonds between two materials. Manufacturers in industries such as packaging, automotive, electronics, and medical devices rely on peel testing to ensure products meet performance and safety requirements. As regulatory demands and consumer expectations increase, accurate measurement of adhesion performance has become essential for quality assurance and product development.

By applying a controlled separation force at a defined angle, peel tests provide measurable data on adhesive performance. This information helps confirm product reliability, reduce failures, and guide material selection during research and development.

A peel test measures the force needed to separate two bonded materials, usually by applying force at a set angle until the adhesive bond fails. Common configurations are 90°, 180°, and T-peel, each suited to different materials and applications.

Results are typically reported as peel strength in newtons per 25 mm or newtons per inch, providing a quantifiable measure of bond integrity. This data is critical for validating adhesive performance, assessing batch consistency, and ensuring long-term reliability.

Peel testing is vital for:

• Product reliability: Detecting weak bonds that could cause failures, safety hazards, or costly returns.
• Research and development: Evaluating new adhesives, including bio-based, UV-curable, and pressure-sensitive formulations.
• Compliance: Producing consistent, reproducible results that align with international test methods and safety requirements.

90° peel test

This method is used for flexible-to-rigid bonds, where the flexible layer is peeled away at a right angle to the substrate. It is common for:

• Packaging films and labels
• Medical dressings
• Protective films in electronics

Typical peel strengths can range from 2–5 N/25 mm for controlled-release medical packaging to over 15 N/25 mm for high-adhesion protective films.

180° peel test

This measures the force to separate two flexible materials by peeling one back over itself. It is widely used for:

• Food and pharmaceutical seals
• Laminated and multilayer films
• Automotive adhesive tapes

It is particularly effective for identifying seal integrity in packaging that undergoes folding or bending during use.

T-peel test

The T-peel test measures the force between two flexible layers pulled apart in opposite directions. It is valuable for:

• Medical pouches and sterile packaging
• Automotive trim and interior components
• Flexible electronics, such as solar films and display laminates

According to ISO 11339, the bonded layers should be separated for a set distance before gripping to minimise bending stresses and focus solely on adhesive performance.

Peel testing is defined by international standards to ensure accuracy, repeatability, and comparability of results. Common standards include:

• ASTM D3330: Peel adhesion of pressure-sensitive tapes
• ASTM D903: Peel strength of adhesives
• ASTM F88/F88M: Seal strength of flexible barrier materials
• ISO 8510-1: Specimen preparation for peel tests of flexible bonded assemblies
• ISO 8510-2: Test methods for peel tests of flexible bonded assemblies
• ISO 11339: T-peel test method for flexible bonded assemblies

Mecmesin offers a full range of peel test machines and fixtures designed for precise, repeatable measurements of adhesive bond strength.

Core features

• Digital force measurement with precise speed and angle control
• Modular fixtures for 90°, 180°, and T-peel tests
• Automated data capture and analysis with VectorPro software
• Custom fixtures for adhesives tested under temperature or UV exposure

Equipment range

• OmniTest: High-capacity universal testers for demanding R&D and QC applications
• MultiTest-i and MultiTest-dV: Versatile systems for capacities from 1 N to 50 kN
• Motorised peel testers to maintain constant test speeds and minimise operator influence

These systems are compatible with key international standards and can be configured for a wide range of adhesives, from recyclable packaging films to high-performance automotive tapes.

• Prepare the specimen: Cut and condition according to the relevant standard.
• Set up the machine: Install the correct fixture for the test type.
• Calibrate and zero: Confirm load cell accuracy and set displacement readings to zero.
• Perform the test: Apply the peel at the specified angle and speed.
• Record and analyse: Review results in VectorPro software for detailed statistical analysis.
• Report results: Export data to QA systems for compliance records.

• Packaging: Testing seal strength in pouches, blister packs, and easy-open systems.
• Medical devices: Validating sterile barrier integrity and dressing adhesion.
• Automotive: Measuring adhesive tape and trim attachment strength under environmental stress.
• Electronics: Testing adhesion of protective films and conductive layers in flexible devices.

If you require accurate and standards-compliant peel testing for quality control, R&D, or compliance purposes, Mecmesin’s technical specialists can help you select the right machine and fixtures. With experience across packaging, medical, automotive, and electronics industries, we provide solutions that ensure your peel strength testing is precise, repeatable, and aligned with global standards.