Duo Plast launches ‘trend-setting’ freight testing lab

The company, which is based in Lauterbach, Germany is offering extensive testing technologies at the German Technology Centre for Load Unit & Cargo Security, visitors to trade show FachPack 2012 heard.

Businesses can subject packaging and complete load units to simulated transport-related strains and stresses at the centre and complete distribution processes can be reproduced realistically, Duo Plast claims.

Duo Plast said tests could be tailored to the needs of customers. GPS satellite tracking technology at the centre can even mimic the bumps and rattles associated with specific routes.

Sharp braking​

It could also examine pitches and rolls caused by sharp braking and rounding bends in the road.

In addition to studying vertical vibrations and horizontal accelerations, the effects of climate changes are recreated in a climate chamber.

Temperatures between -25 to 80 degrees Celsius and humidity levels between 15-95% can be reproduced, said Duo Plast.

‘Trend-setting’​​

“Duo Lab will set new standards in the field of analysing and optimising load security concepts,”​ said Duo Plast chief executive Norbert Jaeger.

“Even for research and education, the results of the technology centre will be trend-setting.”​

The laboratory also has the capacity to analyse packaging films.

Partners​

Partners on the project include Steinbeis University, Berlin, and Steinbeis Centre of Management and Technology.

The issue of transport security was becoming increasingly important, said Duo Plast. Poorly or completely unsecured loads are often the cause of serious road accidents.

Damaged products as a result of inadequate transport security can also affect a company’s profits and reputation.