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Flex Durability Tester – QualiFlex™ FDT Series

Flex Durability Tester
Product Categories
Flexible Packaging & Film Testing Equipment
Standards
ASTM F392

Flex Durability Tester – QualiFlex™ FDT Series

Flex Durability Tester – QualiFlex™ FDT Series is a precision flex durability tester designed to evaluate the resistance of flexible barrier materials to repeated bending, twisting, and compression stresses encountered during handling, transportation, and end use.

The system automates the ASTM F392 (Gelbo Flex) test method, applying controlled torsional and compressive motion to simulate real-world fatigue conditions that can cause micro-cracks, pinholes, and barrier failure.

Engineered for reliability and repeatability, the QualiFlex™ FDT Series provides quantitative assessment of flex-crack formation and durability degradation in films, laminates, composites, and coated materials. It is an essential quality-control instrument for packaging, medical, and industrial materials laboratories where long-term barrier integrity is critical.

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Flex Durability Tester – QualiFlex™ FDT

Flex Durability Tester – QualiFlex™ FDT Series Applications

The Flex Durability Tester – QualiFlex™ FDT Series is widely used for flex fatigue and barrier durability testing in:

  • Flexible Packaging Films & Laminates
    • Evaluation of PE, PP, PET, EVOH, and multilayer composite films to assess flex-crack resistance and prevent pinhole formation that compromises shelf life.
  • Barrier-Coated and Metallized Films
    • Testing of coated substrates used in high-performance packaging to ensure coating adhesion and barrier stability under repeated flexing.
  • Medical and Sterile Packaging
    • Verification of pouch and package integrity to withstand flex fatigue during handling, sterilization, and distribution.
  • Industrial and Protective Films
    • Assessment of geomembranes, agricultural films, and industrial barrier materials exposed to cyclic mechanical stress.
Flex Durability Tester – QualiFlex™ FDT SeriesFlex Durability Tester – QualiFlex™ FDT Series
Flex Durability Tester – QualiFlex™ FDT SeriesFlex Durability Tester – QualiFlex™ FDT Series

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Flex Durability Tester – QualiFlex™ FDT SeriesFlex Durability Tester – QualiFlex™ FDT Series

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Stage 4

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Stage 8

Standard:

ASTM F392 (Gelbo Flex) test method is a standardized procedure used to evaluate the flex durability of flexible packaging materials by subjecting specimens to repeated twisting and compression to assess their resistance to flex cracking and pinhole formation under simulated handling conditions.

Flex Durability Tester – QualiFlex™ FDT Series Key Features

  • ASTM F392 Gelbo Flex Compliance
    • Fully automated execution of the standard Gelbo flex durability test method.
  • Programmable Test Modes
    • Five predefined flex programs enable quick screening or extended endurance testing.
  • Multiple Test Stations
    • Available configurations support parallel testing for improved throughput and comparative analysis.
  • Precise Motion Control
    • Controlled torsional angle, compression stroke, and cycle frequency ensure repeatable and standardized testing conditions.
  • PLC Control with Touchscreen HMI
    • Industrial-grade PLC and intuitive touchscreen interface simplify setup, operation, and test monitoring.
  • High Mechanical Stability
    • Rigid construction minimizes vibration and ensures consistent mechanical loading throughout long test cycles.
  • Flexible Sample Handling
    • Supports standard specimen sizes commonly used for flexible barrier materials and laminates.

Theory and Method

The QualiFlex™ FDT Series operates on the Gelbo Flex principle, a standardized flex durability method defined by ASTM F392.During testing, specimens are mounted on rotating mandrels and subjected to:

  • Combined torsional twisting (up to 440° over a defined stroke length)
  • Simultaneous horizontal compression
  • Controlled cyclic motion at a fixed frequency

This combined motion induces repeated mechanical stress that accelerates flex fatigue. After a specified number of cycles, specimens are examined for:

  • Pinhole formation
  • Flex cracks
  • Changes in gas transmission rate (GTR), oxygen transmission rate (OTR), or water vapor transmission rate (WVTR)

The test provides a reliable correlation between laboratory results and real-world handling performance.

Flex Durability Tester – QualiFlex™ FDT Series Technical Specifications

ParameterQualiFlex™ FDT-01QualiFlex™ FDT-02
Test StandardASTM F392ASTM F392
Flex Frequency45 cycles/min45 cycles/min
Flex Angle440° (90 mm) or 400° (80 mm)440° (90 mm) or 400° (180 mm)
Horizontal Stroke155 mm or 80 mm155 mm or 80 mm
Torque Capacity2.5 N·m3.5 N·m
Test Stations43
Sample Size280 mm × 200 mm280 mm × 200 mm
Control SystemPLC + Touchscreen HMIPLC + Touchscreen HMI
VoltageAC 110–220 V, 50 HzAC 110–220 V, 50 Hz

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