1.Thickness measurement

The precise thickness of each layer of a tube is fundamental to its performance. This test uses a micrometer or specialized thickness gauge to measure the actual thickness of each layer (from the inner barrier film to the outer printed layer), typically at five to ten points throughout the tube. The goal is to ensure compliance with design specifications.

2.Sealing performance test

Heat Seal Strength (Tube End): Tube ends are sealed using heat during the manufacturing process. This test measures the force required to tear the seal. It ensures that the seal will not crack during extrusion, transportation, and storage. Standards generally require a minimum strength to ensure reliability.

Torque Test (Tube End to Cap): This test evaluates the tightness of the connection between the tube end and the cap. A torque meter measures the force required to unscrew or tighten the cap, ensuring it is neither too loose nor too tight. Typical ranges vary depending on product type—cosmetic tubes may require 0.5-1.5 Nm.Positive/Negative Pressure Test: To simulate extreme conditions, the tube is subjected to positive or negative pressure in the seal. This can identify micro-leakages in the seal that may be missed by standard visual inspection.

3.Barrier performance test

Barrier performance is crucial for products susceptible to external influences like oxygen and light. 

Two key test types dominate this category:

Oxygen Transmission Rate (OTR): According to the standard, this test measures the amount of oxygen that passes through the tubing material over time. A low OTR is crucial for products like vitamin C serums or essential oils, as oxidation can reduce their effectiveness.

Water Vapor Transmission Rate (WVTR): According to the standard, this test quantifies the amount of moisture that migrates through the tubing. This is crucial for dry products (such as powdered skincare) or water-sensitive formulas, as excessive moisture can lead to clumping or microbial growth.

4.Mechanical strength testing

Compression resistance: This test simulates warehouse stacking, placing the hose under pressure for a week. This checks for deformation, collapse, or seal failure under sustained load.

Drop test: Tubes (empty and full) are dropped from various heights (e.g., 1 meter, 1.5 meters) and at various angles (vertical, horizontal, diagonal) to simulate an accidental drop. This test ensures there are no cracks, leaks, or cap detachments.

Flex resistance: The tube is repeatedly flexed, particularly at the shoulder (where the barrel meets the nozzle), until it breaks, typically over 10,000 cycles. This test assesses the durability of travel-sized hoses or products designed for portable use.

5.Extrusion performance testing

You know what? A user's experience with a product is largely tied to how easy it is to squeeze the stuff out and how clean the whole process is.Take those squeeze tests, for example. We use something called a texture analyzer to measure just how much force is needed to get the product out of the tube. The goal here is to make sure it's not a total nightmare to squeeze (because who wants to get all frustrated, right?). But at the same time, it shouldn't be so easy that you end up squirting out way more than you need.And it doesn't stop there. The testers also keep an eye out for issues like "rat tails." You know, those stringy bits that hang around after you've squeezed the tube? Or problems with uneven flow. These little things might seem minor, but they can lead to a whole lot of wasted product and just a generally crummy experience for the user.Now, when it comes to medicine tubes where you need to get the exact right dose every single time, things get even more serious. The consistency of how much comes out with each squeeze is checked super carefully.