Stable Micro Systems has developed a rig to allow manufacturers of food tins and beverage cans to measure the force needed to lift the ring pull and open the container.

The new rig works by locking the product in place on the TA.XT plus texture analyser and attaching a hook adapter to its ring pull. The hook is pulled upwards, mimicking the action of a person opening the can, while measuring the force needed to lift the ring pull and finally break the seal.

Its universal design means non circular shapes, such as meat or fish cans, can also be accurately analysed. The flexibility of Exponent software has also allowed the development of a special test for tins that require a two-step pulling action.