Coravin ABS Testing

Problem:

Coravin was looking for a way to reduce costs on their 'core' products. Coravin's core products allow the consumer to pour a glass of wine without ever removing the cork, leaving it as if it were unopened. This allows consumers to have a glass of wine without finishing the bottle and allowing it to stay fresh for years. The current material is quite expensive but allows for the product to be used for years without ever fatiguing.  

 

Action:

Determine if ABS would be a suitable replacement for current material:

• Tested ABS under different loads

  • Created a cyclic test with the Instron ​

  • Independently learned how to setup and use Instron

  • Simulated the forces this part would experience in use

  • Tested up to 3X safety factor

  • Documented findings & any issues

• Held a blind test with engineering & marketing to see if there were any issues

• Qualitatively asses appearance of ABS vs Glass Filled

 

Result:

The ABS passed all of the Instron tests. The ABS part was able to withstand a 3X load and not plastically deform in any way. The company wanted to keep the same tooling, ABS shrinks more than the control. This caused a gap to occur when the parts were under load. After the Instron test a blind test using the ABS parts and control parts was conducted with engineering and marketing. Engineering & marketing had two major issues with the ABS part that could easily be spotted. The ABS had a gap that was unpleasing and also had a much higher torque to turn than the current material. This high torque to turn made attaching the part quite hard and was allowable. Overall, ABS passed the strength test but could not be used due to its qualitative properties.

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