The production, packaging and filling lines induce a progressive deterioration of the mechanical resistance of glass containers, due to the continuous shocks and scratchings induced between them or with the plant equipment.

In order to simulate this characteristic damage, called scuffing, Stazione Sperimentale del Vetro is equipped with a special instrumentation called Line Simulator, inside which several bottles are put in rotation around their own axis, and in revolution around a carousel, thus substantially simulating the operating conditions of a typical bottling line.

By carrying out mechanical tests on a statistically representative number of containers of the same batch, either or not subjected to the line simulator’s damage, it is possible to appreciate the deterioration in mechanical resistance induced by scuffing phenomena.