Correct crimping of sample bottles in laboratories

Crimping is a daily procedure in most laboratories and is essential for the correct storage of products. Hence, the correct way of crimping is extremely important. The following is a summary of important facts, tips, product examples and ways of identifying errors in crimping. Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact our team.

Types of crimping pliers

There are two types of crimpers: manual and electronic crimpers.

Manual crimpers:

• Easy-to-use
• Good chemical resistance of the surface coating
• Stainless steel crimping tools suitable for use in clean rooms
• Adjustable using an adjustment screw
• Product examples: manual crimpers (11 mm), manual crimpers (20 mm)

Electronic crimpers:

• • Secure, tight and reproducible crimping
• • Quick and easy removal of caps
• • Ergonomic design and the possibility of crimping at the push of a button enabling a large number of sample bottles to be processed at a short time
• • Product examples: electronic crimpers (11 mm), electronic crimpers (20 mm)

Correct use - demonstration video and spotting errors

As illustrative material, here is a video and chart demonstrating the correct use of manual and electronic crimping tools and ways to spot errors.

Correct crimping: How to spot errors

Correct crimping Flat cap surface Flat septa surface Aluminum cap fits tightly Cap sides undamaged
	Aluminum cap not tight	Bowing of the septa	Deformation on the sides	Convex bowing of the septa	Intense bowing of the septa
	Adjustment of screw necessary	Adjustment of screw necessary	Adjustment of screw necessary	Adjustment of screw necessary	It is especially important not to overcrimp headspace samples. If these are overcrimped, they tend to burst at a predetermined breaking point of the aluminum cap even at low internal pressures (less than 3 bars) or might even break apart.