Permeability Testing Instruments
Determine the Shelf Life of Your Package with Our
Barrier Testing Instruments from Labthink
Barrier films are coatings or multilayer plastic blends that reduce water vapour and gas diffusion into and out of rigid and flexible packages. Our Permeation Analyzers have the most trusted repeatability in the market so that you are confident that your barrier films from different batches are of good quality and meet specified barrier levels. Our instruments are designed for testing permeation of rigid and flexible barriers.
Key Considerations
Key consideration for choosing the right permeability barrier tester.
Permeability Testing Machine Solutions
Select the right product for your specific requirements
Labthink Oxygen Transmission Rate (OTR) Tester Comparison
Compare Labthink oxygen transmission rate (OTR) testers by test range, resolution, repeatability, temperature, humidity and cell configuration.
OTR test methods: ASTM D3985, ISO 15105-2, DIN 53380-3, ASTM F1307 and JIS K7126-2-B; ASTM F1927 is optional where specified by Labthink.
Scroll sideways to compare all specifications.
| Model | Test range cc/(m2·day) |
Resolution cc/(m2·day) |
Repeatability cc/(m2·day) |
Temperature | Humidity | Cells / results | Specimen size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| C201B | 0.1-200 | 0.1 | Not specified | 15-50 °C ±0.5 °C (optional) | N/A | 1 cell; 1 result | 9.7 × 9.7 cm |
| C201H | 0.01-200 | 0.0001 | 0.01 or 1%, whichever is greater | 15-50 °C ±0.2 °C | 0%; 35%-90% RH ±2%; 100% optional | 1 cell; 1 result | 10.6 × 10.6 cm |
| C230M(2019) | 0.01-5000 | 0.001 | 0.01 or 2%, whichever is greater | 10-55 °C ±0.2 °C | 0%; 5%-90% RH ±1%; 100% | 3 cells; 3 independent results | 10.8 × 10.8 cm |
| C230H | 0.01-200 | 0.001 | 0.01 or 2%, whichever is greater | 10-55 °C ±0.2 °C | 0%; 5%-90% RH ±1%; 100% | 3 cells; 3 independent results | 10.8 × 10.8 cm |
| C203H | 0.01-200 | 0.0001 | 0.01 or 1%, whichever is greater | 15-50 °C ±0.05 °C; 5-60 °C optional | 0%; 5%-90% RH ±1% | 3 cells; 3 independent results | 11.2 × 11.2 cm |
| C403H | 0.01-200 | 0.0001 | 0.01 or 1%, whichever is greater | 15-50 °C ±0.05 °C; 5-60 °C optional | 0%; 5%-90% RH ±2% | 3 cells; 3 independent results | 11.2 × 11.2 cm |
| C206H | 0.02-200 | 0.0001 | 0.02 or 1%, whichever is greater | 15-50 °C ±0.15 °C; 5-60 °C optional | 0%; 5%-90% RH ±2% | 6 cells; 6 independent results | 11.2 × 11.2 cm |
| C406H | 0.02-200 | 0.0001 | 0.02 or 1%, whichever is greater | 15-50 °C ±0.15 °C; 5-60 °C optional | 0%; 5%-90% RH ±2%; 100% | 6 cells; 6 independent results | 11.7 × 11.7 cm |
Shared OTR specifications: maximum specimen thickness ≤3 mm; standard test area 50 cm2.
Labthink Water Vapour Transmission Rate (WVTR) Tester Comparison
Compare Labthink water vapour (water vapor) transmission rate (WVTR) testers by sensor or gravimetric cup method, measurement range, resolution, repeatability or accuracy, and test capacity.
Sensor-method WVTR testers
Infrared sensor standards: ISO 15106-2 and ASTM F1249. Electrolytic sensor standards: ISO 15106-3 and ASTM F3299.
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| Model | Sensor | Test range g/(m2·day) | Resolution g/(m2·day) | Repeatability g/(m2·day) | Temperature | Humidity | Cells / results | Specimen size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| C301B | Infrared | 0.1-40 | 0.1 | Not specified | 15-50 °C ±0.5 °C | 4%-100% RH ±2% | 1 cell; 1 result | 9.7 × 9.7 cm |
| C301H | Infrared | 0.005-50 | 0.0001 | 0.005 or 2%, whichever is greater | 15-50 °C ±0.2 °C | 0%; 35%-90% RH ±2% | 1 cell; 1 result | 10.6 × 10.6 cm |
| C390M | Infrared | 0.05-40 | 0.001 | 0.05 or 2%, whichever is greater | 10-55 °C ±0.2 °C | 5%-90% RH ±1%; 100% | 3 cells; 1-3 independent results | 10.8 × 10.8 cm |
| C390H | Infrared | 0.005-40 standard; 0.005-100 optional | 0.0001 | 0.005 or 2%, whichever is greater | 10-55 °C ±0.2 °C | 5%-90% RH ±1%; 100% | 3 cells; 1-3 independent results | 10.8 × 10.8 cm |
| C303H | Infrared | 0.005-40 standard; 0.005-100 optional | 0.0001 | 0.005 or 2%, whichever is greater | 15-50 °C ±0.05 °C; 5-60 °C optional | 5%-90% RH ±1% | 3 cells; 1-3 independent results | 11.2 × 11.2 cm |
| C403H | Infrared | 0.005-40 standard | 0.0001 | 0.005 or 2%, whichever is greater | 15-50 °C ±0.05 °C; 5-60 °C optional | 0%; 5%-90% RH ±2% | 3 cells; 1-3 independent results | 11.2 × 11.2 cm |
| C306H | Infrared | 0.02-40 | 0.0001 | 0.02 or 2%, whichever is greater | 15-50 °C ±0.15 °C; 5-60 °C optional | 100%; 5%-90% RH ±2% | 6 cells; 1-6 independent results | 11.7 × 11.7 cm |
| C406H | Infrared | 0.02-40 | 0.0001 | 0.02 or 2%, whichever is greater | 15-50 °C ±0.15 °C; 5-60 °C optional | 0%; 5%-90% RH ±2%; 100% | 6 cells; 1-6 independent results | 11.7 × 11.7 cm |
| C330H | Electrolytic | 0.005-50 | 0.001 | 0.005 or 2% | 10-55 °C ±0.2 °C | 5%-90% RH ±1%; 100% | 3 cells; 1-3 independent results | 10.8 × 10.8 cm |
Shared sensor-method specifications: maximum specimen thickness ≤3 mm; standard test area 50 cm2.
Gravimetric cup-method WVTR testers
Gravimetric standards: ISO 2528 and ASTM E96.
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| Model | Method | Test range g/(m2·day) | Accuracy g/(m2·day) | Resolution | Temperature | Humidity | Cups / results |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| W3/031 | Water | 0.1-10000 | 0.01 | 0.0001 g | 15-55 °C ±0.1 °C | 10%-98% RH ±1% | 3 cups; 1-3 independent results |
| W3/060 | Water | 0.1-10000 | 0.01 | 0.0001 g | 15-55 °C ±0.1 °C | 70%-90% RH ±1% | 6 cups; 1-6 independent results |
| W3/062 | Water and desiccant | Water: 0.1-10,000; desiccant: 0.1-2,500 | 0.01 | 0.001 g | 15-55 °C ±0.1 °C | Water method: 70%-90% RH differential ±1%; desiccant method: 10%-98% RH ±1% | 6 cups; 1-6 independent results |
| C360M | Water and desiccant | Water: 0.01-10000/n (1-6); desiccant: 0.01-1200 | Not specified | 0.0001 g | 20-55 °C ±0.2 °C | 10%-90% RH ±1% | 6 cups; 1-6 independent results |
| C360H | Water and desiccant | Water: 0.01-10000/n (1-12); desiccant: 0.01-1200 | Not specified | 0.0001 g | 20-55 °C ±0.2 °C | 10%-90% RH ±1% | 12 cups; 1-12 independent results |
Shared gravimetric specifications: test area 50 cm2 per cup; maximum specimen thickness ≤3 mm.
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – Permeability Testing Instruments
What are permeability testing instruments?
Permeability testing instruments measure how gases, oxygen, and water vapor pass through packaging materials to evaluate barrier performance and protect product quality.
What is OTR (Oxygen Transmission Rate) testing?
OTR testing measures the amount of oxygen that penetrates a packaging material over time, helping manufacturers prevent oxidation and extend product shelf life.
What is WVTR (Water Vapor Transmission Rate) testing?
WVTR testing determines how much moisture vapor passes through a material under controlled temperature and humidity conditions to ensure effective moisture protection.
Why are permeability tests important for packaging?
Permeability testing helps prevent oxygen and moisture ingress that can cause spoilage, contamination, and reduced shelf life in food, pharmaceutical, and medical products.
What is the difference between OTR and WVTR?
OTR measures oxygen permeability, while WVTR measures moisture permeability. Both tests are essential for evaluating the overall barrier performance of packaging materials.
Which materials can be tested using permeability testers?
Materials such as plastic films, multilayer laminates, metalized films, paperboard, flexible packaging, rigid containers, and coated substrates can be tested.
What industries use permeability testing instruments?
Industries including food packaging, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, electronics, FMCG, and research laboratories rely on permeability testing for quality assurance.
What standards are used for OTR and WVTR testing?
Common standards include ASTM D3985, ASTM F1249, ASTM E96, ISO 15105, and ISO 15106, ensuring accurate and globally recognized results.
What factors affect permeability test accuracy?
Temperature, humidity, material thickness, pressure conditions, calibration, and proper sample preparation significantly influence testing accuracy.
How do permeability tests help extend product shelf life?
By identifying materials with strong oxygen and moisture barriers, permeability testing reduces oxidation and moisture exposure, helping preserve freshness and product stability.
