Numerical Investigations of the Seam Opening Behavior of Peelable Seal Seams as a Function of the Seal Seam Formation

In the process of heat contact sealing of thin, flexible polymer films, the choice of the film material, the layer structure, the sealing tools, and the process parameters influence the melt flow. A pronounced melt flow dynamic, which is to be expected in industrial applications due to the high temperatures and pressures, favors the formation of sealing edges that negatively affect the user-friendliness when opening the packaging. In this study, the influence of seal seam formation on the opening behavior was systematically investigated by numerical simulation. A detailed model was developed that simulates the seam opening process, accounting for the composite structure, the detailed geometry of the seal seam, and the separation process. The numerical results of the force-offset behavior showed good agreement with experimental data. Parameter studies revealed that the thicker and more pronounced seal seams lead to higher tear-off forces, while thinner and less pronounced seams result in lower forces. These findings provide valuable insights into the interactions between seam formation and the mechanical behavior of flexible films, enabling the optimization of sealing processes for improved package performance.