Pinhole assessment

Pinholes in packaging films may result from the material conversion process or subsequent manual handling and transit of the primary packaging. Damage mechanisms include abrasion; flex cracking, snagging and puncture.

Pira can locate pinholes in flexible films using a range of vacuum, gas detection, optical, porosity and dye penetration techniques including those detailed in ritish and International standard BS EN 868-1 for which Pira is UKAS, ISO 17025 accredited.

Pinhole testing Pinhole testing

The size of pinholes or micro-perforations can be determined either by optical microscopy or an aggregate hole-size determined for a pack using a pressure decay pack integrity method (see Pack integrity link right).

Expert Profile

  • Doug joined Pira in 1989 and has 20 years experience in the physical testing of packaging and packaging materials. He heads a team specialising in packaging and print related technical investigations. In 2004 Doug gained his postgraduate degree with distinction in Packaging Technology from Brunel University.

    Doug Leatherdale
    Doug Leatherdale

    Head of Physical Testing

    Pira International

    +44 1372 80 2108

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