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Case Studies / Lipstick Tube Force and Torque Testing

Lipstick Tube Force and Torque Testing

Solution

Motorised, software-operated test system for force and torque measurements
Grips and locating fixtures to securely hold the tube and cap
Custom fixtures to accommodate tube geometries and apply rotational loading

Benefits

Precise load and torque measurement to optimise positive engagement and user experience
Automatic calculation of bespoke pass/fail values for repeatable in-house standards
Versatile platform usable for other cosmetic applicator components and mechanisms

The force and torque testing system called Presto Stantest has contributed to cosmetic manufacturers determining the mechanical performance of lipstick tubes and applicator mechanisms accurately. Manufacturers can measure the cap pull-off force and the rotational torque as well as the consistency of bullet travel movement with software-controlled tensile and torque testers and custom-designed test fixtures with excellent repeatability. All data is captured in real-time; forces and torque values are automatically determined and interpreted with regard to internal quality requirements.

Various shapes of lipstick tubes are securely supported by the special gripping fixtures, where they do not move and are accurately tested on standard and specialty packaging designs. Torque testing also enables manufacturers to determine the smoothness and stability of the lipstick bullet's smooth movement when it is mostly raised and lowered. Through this process of testing, the packaging has been improved, mechanical failures have been reduced, product quality control has been found to be reinforced, and consumers' satisfaction and brand confidence have been reinforced in the global cosmetic market.

Requirement

Lipstick has continued to be one of the most popular cosmetic products in the world, with more than 800 million units sold each year. In addition to formulation and branding, the functionality of the packaging, the lipstick tube, is imperative to consumer satisfaction. The tube should be handheld, should be of a quality to touch, and should be easily operated; it should not open when it is transported. Any mechanical breakdown at the retailing or consumer level can be a major influence on the perception of the brand and increase the returns in some costly ways.

Testing the mechanical performance of lipstick tubes is therefore an essential part of quality control. Leading cosmetics manufacturers rely on software-controlled force and torque testers to evaluate the cap removal force and the rotary action of the lipstick bullet.

Testing Approach

Cap removal requires enough tensile force to prevent accidental detachment but should remain easy to open with one hand. Tensile testers mounted on the bench measure the maximum removal force and compare the result with tolerances that have been set and provide real-time pass/fail information to the production personnel. The gripping fixtures are made so that they can grip numerous tube geometries, including but not confined to classic cones, squares, or specialty designs, without slipping.

The rotation of the lipstick bullet must be smooth and controlled. A typical applicator consists of an outer sheath with a helical inner tube and a grooved cup holding the bullet. The torque required to raise and lower the lipstick is measured using a semi-automated torque tester. The system records a torque vs. angle curve, providing ‘maximum torque’ to initiate movement and ‘average torque’ during operation, ensuring the bullet glides consistently without excessive force or risk of breakage.

Dedicated fixtures secure the tube while isolating extraneous forces, making results repeatable and reliable across varying designs. This approach ensures that lipstick tubes meet both tactile and functional expectations for domestic and export markets.

Test Equipment

MultiTest-dV or OmniTest software-controlled tensile testers for cap pull-off tests
Accessories to grip the tube and a protective cap securely
VortexPro or HelixaPro software-driven torque tester for rotational motion testing
Custom fixtures to hold and rotate the inner barrel of the lipstick tube
VectorPro software to manage force and torque routines from simple to complex scenarios

This solution delivers precise, repeatable testing of cosmetic tubes, optimizing functionality, user experience, and brand confidence globally.

Lipstick Tube Force and Torque Testing