Optiburst — The UK’s Only Dedicated Burst Test Instrument
The Optiburst is the only dedicated burst test instrument manufactured in the UK. Backed by over 15 years of proven market success, it delivers an economic, distributed burst testing capability exactly where it is needed most — directly on your production floor. Designed as a simple, rapid “go” / “no go” gauge, it lets operators take samples straight from the line and verify seal strength in seconds.
Using a single or twin needle technique, the Optiburst evaluates package strength to ASTM F1140 (unrestrained) and ASTM F2054 (restrained) — the core international standards for burst and seal-integrity testing of flexible packaging.
▶ Optiburst — Technical Specifications
| Testing modes | Burst, creep, creep to failure |
| Connections | Single or dual needle |
| Applications | Medical packaging, flexible medical products, food packaging |
| Regulations | ASTM F1140, ASTM F2054 — restrained and unrestrained |
| Pressure range | Selectable, 0.1 – 6.0 bar (100 – 6000 mbar) |
| Accuracy | <1 mbar |
| Linearity | ≤0.5% of span |
| Resolution | 0.01% full scale |
| Calibration | 5 sampling points across span |
| Control | Direct-acting solenoid valves |
| Electrical supply | UK 3-pin plug, 100–240V 50/60Hz single phase |
| Air supply | 0–7 bar supply, 6mm tube connection |
| Accessories | Needles, tubing, burst test sealing spots, needle filters |
| Weight | ~3kg |
Three Critical Testing Modes
The Optiburst features three distinct pressure-testing modes, each engineered to simulate the real-world stresses packaging encounters through the supply chain:
- Burst Mode — a classic rapid stress test that inflates the package at a controlled rate until the material or seal ruptures, capturing the exact peak pressure at failure. Ideal as a fast “go” / “no go” tool beside the line.
- Creep Mode — inflates the pack to a predetermined pressure and holds it for a set duration, evaluating whether seals withstand sustained pressure over time (mimicking warehouse stacking).
- Creep to Failure — holds a target pressure indefinitely until rupture, measuring exact time-to-failure. Invaluable empirical data for validating new, sustainable or thinner film laminates.
Testing Standards Explained: ASTM F1140 & F2054
To stay compliant with global food-safety standards such as BRCGS, SQF and ISO 22000, your quality control must be technically defensible. The Optiburst tests seamlessly against the core standards governing packaging failure resistance:
- ASTM F1140 — Unrestrained Burst Testing: an open-air stress test where the package is internally pressurised until it ruptures, quickly identifying the absolute weakest point of the structure. Ideal for rapid machine set-up after a line changeover.
- ASTM F2054 — Restrained Burst Testing: the package is placed inside rigid restraining plates before inflation, forcing the internal pressure to act uniformly against the seals. This isolates the test to the seal line, giving a highly accurate, repeatable measurement of seal-bond strength.
How the No-Leak Needle Technique Works
Introducing internal pressure without creating a false leak path is essential. The Optiburst achieves this with a single or twin needle configuration, and the process is simple enough to complete on the factory floor in seconds:
- An operator places a high-tack foam burst test sealing spot onto the package surface.
- The test needle is driven through the centre of the sealing spot.
- The compressed foam forms a hermetic seal around the needle entry point, so the air supply pressurises the package internally without escaping.
For data precision, the dual-needle connection lets one needle deliver air via direct-acting solenoid valves while the second independently senses the actual pressure inside the pack — delivering linearity of <0.5% of span.
Typical Applications
The Optiburst handles a wide range of medical, flexible and semi-rigid packaging applications.
▶ View typical packaging applications
| Application | What the Optiburst validates |
|---|---|
| Medical & sterile packaging | Seal strength and burst resistance of flexible medical device pouches and trays |
| Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP) | Seals withstand internal pressure fluctuations without oxygen or moisture ingress |
| Snack bags & pillow pouches | High-volume bags won’t burst during packing, transport or altitude shifts |
| Lidded trays & bowls | Perimeter seals on ready-meals and convenience foods guarantee shelf life |
| Coffee pods & capsules | Burst threshold of delicate foil and plastic lid seals under pressure |
| Industrial liquid pouches | Heavy-duty flexible packaging for liquids, gels and chemicals |
Why Choose the Optiburst?
- Three critical testing modes — Burst, Creep and Creep to Failure for both immediate strength and long-term transit endurance.
- No-leak needle technique — single or twin needle with dedicated sealing spots injects air cleanly without a false leak path.
- Precision engineering — selectable 0.1–6.0 bar range with <1 mbar accuracy, reliable for ultra-thin films through to rugged laminates.
- Factory-floor ready — just ~3kg, running on a standard UK 3-pin plug, built for fast-paced production environments.
Related: burst testing methods & standards | medical packaging integrity testing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Complex Testing Requirements?
