Application and removal torque: when can two measurement results be compared?

Do not directly compare the removal torque measured on one closure with the application setting for another. First match the product code and specification revision, then identify which operation was measured, on which package and at what time. The same 38 mm size or the same HDPE material does not define a common torque value.

First, name the operation being measured

Application torque describes the turning effect measured while fitting a closure; removal torque describes it during the opening operation. Combining both results in a single ‘torque’ column can lead to different operations being assessed against the same acceptance limit. Record the operation, the point in the measurement or peak value used, the unit and the interval between application and removal separately in the measurement report. The publicly available scope of ASTM D2063/D2063M-24 addresses removal torque over time under specified environmental conditions for matched continuous-thread closure–container systems. This scope does not show that a Peksan product has passed the test or provide a setting applicable to all closures. [S1]

Two actual specifications, two different records

For 038.015CTP10B, Product Information Form KK.UB-61, Revision 05 / 25.07.2025, records 1.12–1.68 Nm in the ‘Force’ row of the ‘Capping or Application Information’ section. For 038.017CTP10B, KK.UB-68, issued 09.10.2025 / Revision 0, shows 0.64–0.96 Nm in the same row. The unit is a torque unit; the field name used in the specification is also retained here. Although both products are recorded as 38 mm and HDPE, these values are not interchangeable. They are application records in the specified documents, not removal-torque acceptance limits or ready-to-use settings for every filling line. Before ordering or conducting a trial, confirm the current specification version and application conditions for your own package with Peksan. [P1, P2]

Distinguish conditioning time from measurement timing

These two specifications give an application temperature of 20–25 °C and require the product to be held at the application temperature for at least 24 hours. This is not a general rule for all Peksan products. The conditioning period before capping is also a different record from the time elapsed between capping and the removal measurement. Specify both separately in your test plan; do not present an immediate removal measurement and a measurement after storage as unconditionally belonging to the same data set. [P1, P2, S1]

Prepare a measurement record that allows comparison

The suggested checklist for purchasing and quality teams is: full closure code and variant; revisions of the closure specification and bottle-neck drawing; closure and bottle batch identifiers; liner or foil option; capping operation and setting used; measuring instrument and calibration status; unit; sample-conditioning conditions; application-to-removal interval; conditions at the time of measurement; test method used and agreed acceptance criterion. Determine the sample size according to the product and test plan. This list is neither the complete procedure of a standard nor a test service promised by Peksan; it is purchasing guidance that clarifies the information to share with a result.

If results differ, compare the records first

When a report differs from expectations, do not start by changing only the torque setting. Check whether the two reports represent the same closure–bottle pairing, operation, unit, method and waiting interval. Complete any missing conditions first; if a real difference remains, use these records for the technical assessment. A 2014 study by ITAL/CETEA examined application and immediate removal torque on specific 18, 24 and 28 mm packages. Its samples were not these two Peksan 38 mm products; transferring its numerical results to these products would be inappropriate. [S2]

A torque result does not replace the entire acceptance decision

Record torque checks separately from the agreed leak-tightness and line-application checks. A single removal value does not prove suitability for every condition of use, shelf life or package leak-tightness. When the material, neck drawing or sealing component changes, reassess whether the previous trial result covers the new combination. This approach also helps prevent a previous acceptance result from being transferred automatically to a new design during material-reduction or material-change work; it makes no claim of sustainability superiority.

What should you include in a technical enquiry?

When considering 038.015CTP10B or 038.017CTP10B, open the relevant specification alongside the 38 mm closure-selection guide. Include the full product code, versions of the specification and bottle drawing used, the operation measured, unit, time interval and expected acceptance condition in your enquiry. Also share any existing measurement report. A question supported by this information makes clear which setting or measurement is being assessed, rather than simply asking, ‘What should the torque be for 38 mm?’

Related products and specifications

38 mm selection guide