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:

 

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.