Accelerated Aging Testing of Packaging
Accelerated aging testing evaluates the long-term durability and reliability of products by subjecting them to accelerated environmental stresses. The testing process involves exposing products to harsher conditions than they would typically encounter during their expected life span. The purpose of this test is to predict the effects of aging and wear on the product in a shorter time frame.
Furthermore, accelerated life cycle testing is commonly applied to evaluate how products perform across their entire expected lifespan under intensified environmental conditions.
Why is Accelerated Aging Testing Important?
Many industries, including automotive, aerospace, medical devices, and consumer products, use this aging testing method. The test assesses the durability and reliability of their products under different environmental conditions. Additionally, accelerated stability testing helps determine whether a product can maintain its functional and material properties when exposed to elevated environmental stresses.
Specifically, the purpose of accelerated aging packaging testing is to identify potential problems or weaknesses in a product’s design or materials that could result in product failure or reduced performance over time.
The testing process simulates years of real-life exposure to environmental factors such as temperature, humidity, and light. It also speeds up the aging process to a matter of weeks or months instead of years. An accelerated aging test calculator can be used to estimate equivalent real-time aging durations based on selected test conditions.
Accelerated Aging Testing Process
Accordingly, ASTM accelerated aging standards provide guidance for conducting controlled aging studies that support reliable shelf-life predictions. The accelerated aging testing process involves several steps:
Specifying test conditions: Testing teams define the specific environmental factors to which they will expose the product. For example, temperature, humidity, and light intensity.
Test sample preparation: Technicians prepare and package product samples in a way that replicates how they would be used in real-life situations. For example, technicians package medical devices in their usual packaging and install automotive parts in a vehicle or on a test rig.
Exposure to environmental stressors: After sample preparation, testing teams expose the product samples to accelerated environmental stressors for a predetermined period of time. Testing teams carry this out using environmental test chambers, where temperature and humidity levels can be precisely controlled.
Monitoring: During the testing process, testing teams monitor the product samples to record any changes in their physical or chemical properties. This includes changes in color, strength, and flexibility. Next, testing teams collect and review the data to determine whether the product has passed or failed testing.
Data analysis: Testing teams analyze the data collected during testing to assess the effects of accelerated aging on the product. Teams then use this information to make any necessary adjustments to the product design or materials.
Reporting: After analyzing the data, the testing team generates a detailed report that documents the testing procedures, results, and conclusions. The report may also provide guidance for improving the product design or materials selection.
Expert Accelerated Aging Testing Facility
Keystone Compliance is recognized as an industry leader in accelerated aging package testing. Our lab features dozens of temperature and humidity chambers of various sizes and capabilities. We can test packages ranging in sizes of small vials and boxes to multiple oversized pallets.
Our temperature and humidity capabilities are limitless. In addition to having a wide operating range from low to high temperature, we also offer thermal shock testing. Our thermal shock chambers have a temperature transition time of three to five seconds.
Contact us to receive a quote on your next accelerated aging test program.
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