Automated system for performing capping tests

Abstract

An automated system (1000) for performing capping tests includes: an electronic processor device (500); a first container (10) for holding a plurality of randomly arranged caps (T); a second container (20) for holding a plurality of randomly arranged preforms (P); a quality control device (200) for the caps (T) and preforms (P); a robot device (100) configured to identify, select, and pick up caps (T) to be tested from the first container (10) and to identify, select, and pick up preforms (P) to be tested from the second container (20), and to subsequently place the caps (T) and the preforms (P) into corresponding seats (201) of the quality control device (200); and a capping control device (300) disposed in... Downstream of the quality control device (200), and configured to: perform at least one cycle of applying the cap (T) to the preform (P) to obtain a sample, and determine one or more characteristics of the sample based on mechanical and / or physical quantities detected during the application cycle, and a marking device (600) configured to attach a mark to each test sample to identify the characteristics determined herein, wherein the electronic processor device (500) is implemented with a software device configured to determine one or more parameters optimal for performing the application of the cap to a container, the cap and the container having the same mechanical and physical characteristics as the cap (T) and preform (P) forming the sample, respectively.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an automated system for performing capping tests.

[0002] More specifically, the present invention relates to a system configured to perform a cap test by removing torque analysis in order to determine, based on the characteristics of the sample, one or more parameters for applying a particular cap (e.g., made of plastic or a metal material such as aluminum) to a particular container (e.g., a bottle, flask, etc. made of plastic, glass, or a metal material such as aluminum).

[0003] The present invention also relates to a method for performing capping tests using the above-described system. Background Technology

[0004] In known prior art capping tests, the operator manually picks up the cap and preform and places them under the capping head. Capping is performed using capping parameters set by the operator based on his / her own experience. Downstream of the capping head, the operator uses appropriate tools (e.g., a manual or automatic torque meter) to perform a quality test based on the reopening parameters. The operator uses the reopening parameters obtained during the post-closure testing step to set the closure parameters to be used in the capping head, and this method can be repeated several times until optimal conditions are established for the type of cap used.

[0005] Therefore, based on existing technology, the optimal parameters for applying a particular lid to a particular container are determined in a completely empirical manner based on the results of the reopening test.

[0006] These aspects do indeed have an impact, and sometimes a significant one, on the accuracy and reliability of parameters determined based on the results of conducted tests.

[0007] The known system therefore suffers from several drawbacks, primarily related to the unavoidable error margin due to necessary operator intervention. One drawback stems from the fact that in the known system, the operator manually picks up the cap to be tested and the corresponding preform from the container and then places it into the capping head, thus initiating the capping cycle. At the end of the capping cycle, the operator intervenes again to manually pick up the test sample and perform a subsequent reopening test, for example, via a torque meter.

[0008] First, it is understandable that since placing the cap and preform into the appropriate seat of the cap head is done through manual intervention by the operator, obvious repeatability cannot be guaranteed when performing the placement of the test component.

[0009] Furthermore, given that the parts to be tested (i.e., the lids and corresponding prefabricated parts) must first be handled by the operator, who picks them up and then places them, it is worth noting that they often undergo accidental deformation or damage (e.g., lid ovalization), which can sometimes seriously impair the accuracy and reliability of the test results.

[0010] Furthermore, the need for manual operator intervention during the initial steps of capping testing (picking up the caps and preforms and placing them) and the final step (picking up the capped samples) makes it difficult to conduct a large number of tests.

[0011] On the other hand, it is very difficult to easily, reliably, and clearly track the parameters of samples tested at different times.

[0012] Another drawback of the prior art stems from the fact that certain physical parameters, such as material temperature and cross-sectional ellipticity, which are crucial to the sealing results associated with the cap and preform during capping tests are completely ignored. Even a change in one of these physical parameters may necessitate altering the capping parameters to achieve the same results in terms of reopening parameters. Therefore, although capping tests conducted according to the described prior art utilize the highest possible human skill, the results are inevitably uncertain and variable, and thus not entirely reliable. Summary of the Invention

[0013] In view of the foregoing considerations, the object of the present invention is to provide an automated system for performing capping tests, particularly by removing torque analysis, which allows for the definition of accurate and reliable parameters to optimally perform the application of a particular cap to a particular container.

[0014] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides an automated system for performing capping tests, according to the appended claims.

[0015] More specifically, the automated system for performing capping tests according to the present invention includes:

[0016] - Electronic processor device;

[0017] - The first container is used to hold multiple lids, which can be arranged randomly;

[0018] - A second container for holding multiple prefabricated components, which can be arranged randomly;

[0019] - Quality control devices for covers and prefabricated components;

[0020] - A robotic device is configured to identify, select, and pick up a lid to be tested from the first container and a preform to be tested from the second container, and to subsequently place the lid and the preform into the corresponding seats of the quality control device;

[0021] - A capping control device, located downstream of the quality control device and configured to:

[0022] - Perform at least one application cycle of applying the cap to the preform to obtain a sample, and

[0023] - Determine one or more characteristics of the sample based on mechanical and / or physical quantities detected during application cycles.

[0024] as well as

[0025] - A marking device configured to attach a mark to each test sample to identify the features determined herein;

[0026] The electronic processor device is implemented using software configured to determine one or more parameters optimal for performing the application of a lid to a container based on the characteristics of the sample, the lid and the container having the same mechanical and physical characteristics as the lid and preform that form the sample, respectively.

[0027] Accordingly, the system according to the invention satisfactorily overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art described above, which are mainly related to the manual intervention required by the operator during testing (especially in its initial and final steps).

[0028] Advantageously, the robotic device is a collaborative robot (Cobot).

[0029] The robotic device may include a 3D vision system for identifying and selecting lids and prefabricated components picked up from the first container and the second container, respectively. The vision system is also preferably equipped with a neural network-based control mechanism and is capable of allowing the robotic device to pick up lids and prefabricated components even when they are randomly arranged within their respective containers.

[0030] The robotic device may also suitably include:

[0031] - A mechanical device for picking up the lid from the first container and subsequently supporting it, and

[0032] - A mechanical device for picking up prefabricated components from the second container and subsequently supporting them.

[0033] The marking device can be an inkjet marker.

[0034] The markers that identify each sample can include QR-type codes.

[0035] The quality control device is configured to perform automated measurements of one or more mechanical and / or physical quantities related to the cap and preform to be tested. Typical quantities advantageously measured are the temperature of the material used to make the cap and preform, and the surface ellipticity relative to the optimal circular cross-section.

[0036] Suitable, the system according to the invention may also include an intermediate station for temporarily placing the lid picked up from the first container.

[0037] Furthermore, the system according to the invention may also include a memory storage device comprising a database for storing the characteristics determined for each test sample.

[0038] The present invention also provides a method for performing a capping test using a system according to one or more of the above aspects, the method comprising the following steps:

[0039] - Randomly arrange multiple lids in the first container;

[0040] - Randomly arrange multiple prefabricated components in the second container;

[0041] In an automated manner, the lids from the first container and prefabricated parts from the second container are identified, selected, and picked up.

[0042] - Place the cover and the prefabricated component into the corresponding seats of the quality control device;

[0043] - Perform operations to control the quality of the cover and the prefabricated component;

[0044] - Place the lid and the preform into the corresponding seats of the lid control device;

[0045] - Perform at least one application cycle of applying the cap to the preform to obtain a sample;

[0046] - Determine one or more characteristics of the sample based on mechanical and / or physical quantities detected during application cycles;

[0047] - Affix a label to the sample identifying the features determined herein.

[0048] - The sample, including its label, is stored in a collection container for testing samples, and

[0049] - Based on the characteristics of the sample, determine one or more optimal parameters for applying the lid to the container, the lid and the container having the same mechanical and physical characteristics as the lid and preform that formed the sample, respectively.

[0050] Advantageously, the present invention enables the definition of a capping operation, for example, by using a robot that automatically picks up parts from a box or performs a "box pick-up" to apply a cap to a container.

[0051] Furthermore, advantageously, the system according to the invention enables the identification of appropriate parameters to optimally perform the application of a particular lid to a particular container, and can also be performed in a high-frequency, repetitive pattern.

[0052] This result is achieved primarily by the fact that, according to the invention, the optimal capping parameters are determined through automated operation, preferably by using a Cobot-type collaborative robot to pick up the cap to be tested in a testing apparatus provided for this purpose.

[0053] By incorporating a robot into the work cycle, the system of the present invention achieves full automation, particularly in the following aspects:

[0054] - Selection and pickup of covers and prefabricated components;

[0055] - The measurement of physical quantities related to the picking of items does not cause any changes, such as ellipticization and temperature changes, and essentially eliminates the influence of human intervention on the measurement results;

[0056] - Based on a statistical testing algorithm (torque-speed-parameter), the lid is reused and then removed;

[0057] - Measure physical quantities involved in the lid closing cycle, such as torque, force, speed, and position;

[0058] - Repeat the process of using the lid on the container, and determine the torque-angle ratio in the step of using the container by simulating a specific driving method of torque load based on the above physical quantities;

[0059] - Automatically determines the optimal parameters for capping;

[0060] - It can mark prefabricated parts, for example, by printing them, reading their codes by a suitable vision system, and measuring them at a later stage. Attached Figure Description

[0061] The features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments provided with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0062] Figure 1 This is a schematic front view of an automated system for performing capping tests according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0063] Figure 2 yes Figure 1A schematic top view of the system.

[0064] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A schematic perspective view of the system, in which some components are omitted.

[0065] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 A magnified schematic perspective view of the details of the robotic device of the system.

[0066] Figure 5 Is with Figure 4 Similar views, but from a different perspective.

[0067] Figure 6 It is a schematic perspective view showing details of the mechanical components of the robotic device configured to pick up and subsequently support the cover to be tested, and details of the mechanical components of the robotic device for picking up and subsequently supporting the prefabricated part to be tested.

[0068] Figure 7 yes Figure 4 A schematic perspective view of the robotic device in its working position, where the lid to be tested is placed... Figure 1 The appropriate location for the system's quality control device;

[0069] Figure 8 yes Figure 6 An enlarged perspective view of the mechanical device used to pick up and subsequently support the prefabricated component to be tested.

[0070] Figure 9A yes Figure 6 An enlarged perspective view of the mechanical device used to pick up and subsequently support the lid, which supports the lid after picking it up;

[0071] Figure 9B It is similar to Figure 9A The view shows the lid, but the lid is omitted, and the suction cup device used to pick up and subsequently support the lid to be tested can be seen.

[0072] Figure 10 This is a block diagram of the system according to the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0073] The following provides a detailed description of an embodiment of an automated system for performing capping tests according to a preferred exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0074] The system as a whole is referred to as 1000.

[0075] The system 1000 according to the invention is primarily designed to determine optimal parameters for applying a particular cap (e.g., made of plastic or a metal material such as aluminum) to a particular container (e.g., a bottle or flask made of plastic or a metal material such as aluminum).

[0076] like Figure 1-3 As shown, the system 1000 mainly includes three main stations, which in turn include a robot device 100 for identifying, selecting and picking up the cover T and the preform P to be tested; a quality control device 200 for the cover T and the preform P; and a sealing control device 300.

[0077] More specifically, the system 1000 of this embodiment includes:

[0078] - Electronic processor device 500;

[0079] - A first container 10 for accommodating multiple randomly arranged lids T ( Figure 2-3 );

[0080] - A second container 20 for accommodating multiple randomly arranged prefabricated parts P. Figure 2-3 );

[0081] - Quality control device 200 for cover T and prefabricated component P;

[0082] - A robotic device 100 is configured to identify, select, and pick up a lid T to be tested from the first container 10 and a preform P to be tested from the second container 20, and to subsequently place the lid T and the preform P into corresponding seats 201 of the quality control device 200. Figure 7 );

[0083] - A capping control device 300, disposed downstream of the quality control device 200 and configured to:

[0084] - Perform at least one application cycle of applying the cap T to the preform P to obtain a sample, and

[0085] - Determine one or more characteristics of the sample based on mechanical and / or physical quantities detected during application cycles.

[0086] as well as

[0087] - Marking device 600, configured to attach a mark to each test sample to identify the features determined herein;

[0088] The electronic processor device 500 is implemented using a software device configured to determine one or more parameters optimal for performing the application of a lid to a container based on the characteristics of the sample, the lid and the container having the same mechanical and physical characteristics as the lid T and preform P that form the sample, respectively.

[0089] In the illustrated embodiment, system 1000 is housed within an integrated structure 1000.1 comprising a support frame 1000.2 and side panels 1000.3. Structure 1000.1 includes a pair of openings 10.1 and 20.1 arranged side-by-side and coplanar with the horizontal plane 1000.4 of the structure, for allowing access to a container 10 containing a lid T and a container 20 containing a prefabricated component P, respectively.

[0090] Additionally, according to the illustrated embodiment, the quality control device 200, the robot device 100, and the capping control device 300 for the cap T and the prefabricated part P are associated with structure 1000.1.

[0091] Preferably, the electronic device 500 and the marking device 600 are also associated with structure 1000.1.

[0092] Advantageously, in this embodiment, structure 1000.1 is also provided with adjustable support feet 1000.5 for stable support on the ground.

[0093] The cycle of applying the cap T to the preform P can be carried out, for example, by a turret equipped with sensors, driven by a brushless motor and controlled by a suitable capping algorithm.

[0094] In this way, capping tests can be performed in a fully automated manner by the robotic device 100, without requiring any manual intervention from the operator at any stage of the test.

[0095] More specifically, the possibility of picking up the lid T and preform P to be tested in a fully automated manner by means of the robotic device 100 makes it possible to largely prevent the risk of accidental deformation of the lid T and preform P to be tested (e.g., considering accidental ellipticization of the lid T during the corresponding manual picking and / or placement by the operator).

[0096] The system 1000 according to the invention further ensures complete repeatability of the operation for placing the cover T and the preform P without causing the unavoidable inaccuracies associated with the implementation of manually performed placement operations, and the possibility of performing a large number of tests on each test sample.

[0097] Therefore, accurate and reliable results can be obtained, based on which the optimal parameters for applying a lid with the same mechanical and physical characteristics as the test lid T (e.g., made of a metal material such as plastic or aluminum) to a container (e.g., a bottle, flask, etc., made of a metal material such as plastic, glass, or aluminum) with the same mechanical and physical characteristics as the test preform P can be determined.

[0098] As described above, the system 1000 according to the present invention is configured to perform a capping test by removing torque analysis.

[0099] In this regard, it is important to note that this removal torque is influenced by a number of factors that combine in various ways, such as the temperature of the environment during capping, the materials of the components to be coupled, the speed at which the components are coupled together, and the tightening torque applied.

[0100] By detecting and monitoring the factors (or possibly selecting the most relevant factors based on the circumstances), and by subsequently processing them using appropriate statistical models, the optimal parameters for performing the application of a particular cap to a particular container can be defined, while taking into account the unchangeable variables of the capping process.

[0101] The quality control device 200 can be conveniently configured to perform automatic measurements of one or more mechanical and / or physical quantities related to the cover T and preform P to be tested.

[0102] The capping control device 300 is a basically known type, so it will not be described further for the sake of brevity.

[0103] The robot device 100 of the system 1000 according to the present invention is in Figure 4-5 The details are explained in the text.

[0104] In this embodiment, conveniently, the robot device 100 is a collaborative robot (Cobot).

[0105] Of course, it should be understood that other configurations of the robot device 100, as long as they are suitable for this purpose, also fall within the scope of this invention.

[0106] Advantageously, in the illustrated embodiment, the robotic device 100 includes, preferably, associated with, a wrist 100.1 of the robotic device 100 (see reference). Figure 6 and 8 -9):

[0107] -Mechanical device 102, for picking up the lid T from the first container 10 and for subsequently supporting it, and

[0108] -Mechanical device 103 for picking up the preform P from the second container 20 and for subsequently supporting it.

[0109] The mechanical devices 102 and 103 of the robotic device 100 substantially define the so-called "end effector" of the robotic device 100 and allow the picking, transporting and subsequent placement of the cover T and prefabricated part P to be tested to be performed in a fully automated manner, while avoiding the risk of accidental deformation (or other forms of damage).

[0110] like Figure 8 As shown in detail, the mechanical device 103 for picking up and subsequently supporting the prefabricated part P may preferably include a clamp 103.1 (e.g., a hydraulically actuated clamp). Preferably, the clamp 103.1 may also be assisted by a clamping device equipped with a pneumatic suction cup and connected to a vacuum system. On the other hand, as... Figure 9B As shown, the mechanical device 102 for picking up and subsequently supporting the lid T may include a retaining suction cup 102.1 configured as a suction cup. The retaining suction cup 102.1 may be made of rubber or other suitable material and is preferably slightly deformable to adapt to the shape (not always regular) of the surface of the lid T to be picked up. Thus, the lid T is picked up and subsequently supported by a suction cup and a vacuum system (see [link to documentation]). Figure 9A More precisely, in the illustrated embodiment, the retaining suction cup 102.1 is mounted at the end of the hollow rod 102.2 for connection to a vacuum system. Additionally, the size of the retaining suction cup 102.1 is advantageously chosen to accommodate the size of the cover T to be picked up. Specifically, the pad 102.1 may, for example, have a truncated conical shape with a circular base, and the diameter of the pad is slightly smaller than the diameter of the seat disposed inside the cover. According to this embodiment of the invention, the clamp 103.1 is associated with a support device 104, which includes a support plate 104.1 having a seat 104.2 for receiving the wrist 100.1 of the robotic device 100, as shown from... Figure 4 It can be easily understood from the representation.

[0111] In this embodiment, plate 104.1 has a substantially rectangular shape, defining opposing, substantially parallel sides. Clamp 103.1 is associated with a first side 104.3 of plate 104.1, while a mechanical device 102 for picking up and supporting cover T is associated with a second side 104.4 opposite to the first side 104.3.

[0112] The 3D vision system 101 is also associated with board 104.1.

[0113] Special reference Figure 6In this particular embodiment, when the cover T and the preform P are held by the clamp 103.1 and the retaining suction cup 102.1 respectively, they are oriented so that their axes are substantially coplanar and perpendicular to each other, and the 3D vision system 101 is arranged substantially parallel to the plane containing the axes of the cover T and the preform P.

[0114] Of course, it should be understood that other configurations of the mechanical devices 102, 103 used for picking up and subsequently supporting the cover T and the prefabricated part P, as long as they are suitable for this purpose, also fall within the scope of the invention.

[0115] The robotic device 100 is equipped with a 3D vision system 101 for identifying and selecting the lid T and prefabricated part P picked up from the first container 10 and the second container 20, respectively. Figure 2 This further facilitates the picking up of lids T and preforms P from their respective containers 10, 20, wherein the lids and preforms can be randomly arranged.

[0116] The 3D vision system 101 is controlled by a dedicated software device, possibly based on a neural network, residing in the electronic processor device 500.

[0117] Advantageously, the marking device 600 can be an inkjet marker of a known type.

[0118] Of course, it is understood that other configurations of the marking device, as long as they are suitable for their purpose, also fall within the scope of this invention.

[0119] For example, the identification marker for each sample may include, but is not limited to, a QR-type code.

[0120] In this way, by using appropriate devices of a known type for reading QR codes, information related to the characteristics determined for each sample can be accessed in a completely simple manner.

[0121] Specifically, the information is read after the sample is reopened (i.e., after the cover T is separated from the preform P again), which can be done immediately after the test has been performed or at an appropriate later stage.

[0122] Advantageously, the system 100 according to the invention may also include an intermediate station (not shown) for temporarily placing the lid T picked up from the first container 10.

[0123] In this way, the cap T can be conveniently placed in the intermediate station through a "pick-up and place" type procedure so that, at a later stage, the cap T can be subsequently picked up from the intermediate station according to the appropriate placement orientation corresponding to the respective seats 201, 301 of the quality control device 200 and the capping control device 300, respectively.

[0124] The system 1000 according to the invention may further include a memory storage device (integrated in or separate from the electronic processor device 500), which includes a database for storing the characteristics determined for each test sample.

[0125] Methods for performing capping tests

[0126] The following provides a detailed description of a method for performing a capping test by system 1000 according to a preferred exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0127] Specifically, the method includes the following steps:

[0128] - Randomly arrange multiple lids T in the first container 10;

[0129] - Randomly arrange multiple prefabricated components P in the second container 20;

[0130] In an automatic manner, the lid T from the first container 10 and the prefabricated part P from the second container 20 are identified, selected, and picked up.

[0131] - Place the cover T and the prefabricated part P into the corresponding seats 201 of the quality control device 200;

[0132] - Perform operations to control the quality of the cover T and the prefabricated component P;

[0133] - Place the cover T and the preform P into the corresponding seats 301 of the sealing control device 300;

[0134] - Perform at least one application cycle to apply the cap T to the preform P to obtain a sample;

[0135] - Determine one or more characteristics of the sample based on mechanical and / or physical quantities detected during application cycles;

[0136] - Affix a mark identifying the determined characteristics to the sample.

[0137] - The sample, including its label, is stored in a collection container 30 for testing samples, and

[0138] - Based on the characteristics of the sample, determine one or more optimal parameters for applying the lid to the container, the lid and the container having the same mechanical and physical characteristics as the lid and preform that formed the sample, respectively.

[0139] Industrial applicability

[0140] This invention has found advantageous applications in the bottling field, such as in the fields of beverages, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, spirits, and general nutritional products.

[0141] As can be seen from the foregoing, the present invention also enables the objectives set forth in the introduction to be achieved in a simple and advantageous manner.

Claims

1. An automated system (1000) for performing capping tests, comprising: - Electronic processor device (500); - A first container (10) for holding multiple randomly arranged lids (T). - A second container (20) for accommodating multiple randomly arranged prefabricated parts (P); - Quality control device (200) for lids (T) and prefabricated parts (P); - A robotic device (100) is configured to identify, select and pick up a lid (T) to be tested from the first container (10) and a preform (P) to be tested from the second container (20), and to subsequently place the lid (T) and the preform (P) into the corresponding seats (201) of the quality control device (200); - A capping control device (300), disposed downstream of the quality control device (200) and configured to: - Perform at least one cycle of applying the cap (T) to the preform (P) to obtain a sample, and - Determine one or more characteristics of the sample based on mechanical and / or physical quantities detected during application cycles. as well as - A marking device (600) is configured to attach a mark to each test sample to identify the features determined herein; The electronic processor device (500) is implemented using a software device configured to determine one or more parameters optimal for performing the application of a lid to a container based on the characteristics of the sample, the lid and the container having the same mechanical and physical characteristics as the lid (T) and preform (P) that form the sample, respectively.

2. The system (1000) according to claim 1, wherein the robotic device (100) is a collaborative robot (Cobot).

3. The system (1000) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the robotic device (100) includes a 3D vision system (101) for identifying and selecting lids (T) and prefabricated parts (P) picked up from the first container (10) and the second container (20), respectively.

4. The system (1000) according to claim 1, wherein the robotic device (100) further comprises: - A mechanical device (102) for picking up the lid (T) from the first container (10) and subsequently supporting it, and - A mechanical device (103) for picking up the preform (P) from the second container (20) and subsequently supporting it.

5. The system (1000) according to claim 1, wherein the marking device is an inkjet marker.

6. The system (1000) of claim 1, wherein the marker identifying each sample includes a QR-type code.

7. The system (1000) of claim 1, wherein the quality control device (200) is configured to perform automatic measurement of one or more mechanical and / or physical quantities relating to the cover (T) and preform (P) to be tested.

8. The system (1000) according to claim 1 further includes an intermediate station for temporarily placing the lid (T) picked up from the first container (10).

9. The system (1000) of claim 1 further includes a memory storage device, the memory storage device including a database for storing the features determined for each test sample.

10. A method for performing a capping test using the system (1000) according to claim 1, comprising the following steps: - Randomly arrange multiple lids (T) in the first container (10); - Randomly arrange multiple prefabricated components (P) in the second container (20); In an automatic manner, the lid (T) from the first container (10) and the prefabricated piece (P) from the second container (20) are identified, selected and picked up. - Place the cover (T) and the preform (P) into the corresponding seats (201) of the quality control device (200); - Perform operations to control the quality of the cover (T) and the prefabricated component (P); - Place the cover (T) and the preform (P) into the corresponding seats (301) of the capping control device (300); - Perform at least one cycle of applying the cap (T) to the preform (P) to obtain a sample; - Determine one or more characteristics of the sample based on mechanical and / or physical quantities detected during application cycles; - Affix a label to the sample identifying the features determined herein. - The sample, including its markings, is stored in a collection container (30) for testing the sample, and - Based on the characteristics of the sample, determine one or more optimal parameters for performing the application of the lid to the container, the lid and the container having the same mechanical and physical characteristics as the lid (T) and preform (P) that form the sample, respectively.

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