Water Vapor Transmission Testing Equipment

Also called the barrier effect, water vapor transmission rate (WVTR) commonly uses the cup method to test a material’s permeability and ability to hold moisture while maintaining optimal performance. WVTR is a critical characteristic of substrates used in refrigerated and potentially wet environments, primarily in food packaging and products used in the construction industry. 

A food package’s ability to prevent moisture migration is essential for maintaining structure while preserving the product’s texture, taste and overall quality. In construction, a strong barrier is vital for protection against extreme temperatures while preventing moisture-related problems like mold and mildew. 

Equipment for Testing Water Vapor Transmission

Thwing-Albert offers various WVTR testing equipment to measure water vapor permeability. These options include several EZ-cup vapometers that ensure easy loading and secure sealing of materials like specialty paper, building materials, foil, vinyl, laminates and other thin-sheet substrates.

EZ-Cup Vapometer Permeability Cups

Our vapometer cups consist of a lightweight aluminum container, a flanged ring and two neoprene gaskets to seal the sample in place. This design eliminates edge leakage while providing fast and stable sealing between the gaskets. Users can quickly load and secure the specimens by simply twisting the upper flange into place.

Options include:

  • 68-3000 (2-inch EZ-Cup): Part number 68-3000 features a 2-inch depth with a 2 ½-inch diameter to test samples up to 1/8 inches thick. The cup weighs 150 grams and complies with ASTM E96 testing requirements. 
  • 68-3002 (¾-inch EZ-Cup): Part number 68-3002 has a ¾-inch depth and a 2 ½-inch diameter capable of testing samples up to 1/8 inches thick. The device weighs 127 grams and complies with ASTM E96.
  • 68-3003 (½-inch EZ-Cup): Part number 68-3003 provides a ½-inch depth with a 2-½ inch diameter to measure samples up to 1/8 inches thick. It weighs 123 grams and complies with ASTM E96.
  • 68-3014 – SAE J2665 (2-inch depth): Part number 68-3014 offers a vapometer package to meet SAE J2665 testing procedures for measuring water vapor permeability through the cup weight loss method. The cup features a 2-inch depth and a 2-½ diameter and comes with a wire mesh screen and a top Teflon ring.

Vapometer Sample Cutters

Thwing-Albert’s sample cutter die punches have 2.9375-inch diameters to cut the perfect size sample for our EZ-Cup Vapometer Permeability Cups. Options include:

  • Vapometer Sample Cutter — Die Punch: Our Die Punch Sample Cutter pairs with our press-style Alfa cutters to prepare specimens by placing the material into the die and then attaching the die to the press. Die heights are available in ¾ or 1-¼ inch sizes.
  • Vapometer Sample Cutter — Mallet Die Punch: Our Mallet Die Punch Sample Cutter allows you to prepare a circular specimen by placing the material under the die and using a mallet to strike the handle to cut the sample.

Contact Thwing-Albert for Water Vapor Transmission Testing Equipment Today

For over 120 years, Thwing-Albert has been a worldwide leader in manufacturing reliable, accurate and cost-effective WVTR equipment and other testing instruments vital for evaluating materials across a comprehensive application range. Our expert team can help assess your needs to determine the optimal testing equipment for your operation. Contact us online today to request a quote or obtain additional technical information.