ASTM D5415-95(2020)

Standard Test Method for Evaluating Load Containment Performance of Stretch Wrap Films by Vibration Testing

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 This test method is intended to be used mainly as a means of comparing the performance of stretch-wrap films. It can also be used to compare the effectiveness of different wrap cycles with the same wrapping materials. No direct correlation between these test results and actual field performance has been established.  
4.2 This test method simulates the shipping of unitized loads by way of truck and rail, concentrating on the vibration element associated with these modes. Other elements of the distribution system, such as mechanical handling, are not addressed specifically in this test method.  
4.3 This test method establishes a method for rating the performance of films, but it leaves open to the discretion of the user the establishment of an acceptable rating for the specific end-use intended.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method is used to evaluate and compare the ability of stretch-wrap films to contain unitized loads during shipping.  
1.2 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.  
1.3 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 14-Dec-2020
• ICS: 55.040 - Packaging materials and accessories
• Technical Committee: D10 - Packaging
• Drafting Committee: D10.25 - Palletizing and Unitizing of Loads

Relations

• Refers: ASTM D999-08(2023) - Standard Test Methods for Vibration Testing of Shipping Containers
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2023
• Refers: ASTM D999-08(2015) - Standard Test Methods for Vibration Testing of Shipping Containers
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2015
• Refers: ASTM D996-10a - Standard Terminology of Packaging and Distribution Environments
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2010
• Refers: ASTM D999-08 - Standard Test Methods for Vibration Testing of Shipping Containers
• Effective Date: 01-Aug-2008
• Refers: ASTM D999-07 - Standard Test Methods for Vibration Testing of Shipping Containers
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2007
• Refers: ASTM D996-04 - Standard Terminology of Packaging and Distribution Environments
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2004
• Refers: ASTM D996-02 - Standard Terminology of Packaging and Distribution Environments
• Effective Date: 10-Apr-2002
• Refers: ASTM D996-99 - Standard Terminology of Packaging and Distribution Environments
• Effective Date: 10-Apr-2002
• Refers: ASTM D999-96 - Standard Methods for Vibration Testing of Shipping Containers
• Effective Date: 10-Apr-2001
• Refers: ASTM D999-01 - Standard Test Methods for Vibration Testing of Shipping Containers
• Effective Date: 10-Apr-2001

Overview

ASTM D5415-95(2020): Standard Test Method for Evaluating Load Containment Performance of Stretch Wrap Films by Vibration Testing provides an internationally recognized procedure to assess and compare the effectiveness of stretch wrap films in containing unitized loads during shipping. Developed by ASTM International, this standard method focuses specifically on a controlled vibration test that simulates the transportation environment via truck and rail. While the standard sets a reliable basis for comparing different films and wrap cycles, it does not claim to directly correlate laboratory results with actual field performance, and users are encouraged to establish suitable acceptance criteria relevant to their applications.

Key Topics

• Stretch Wrap Film Performance: The standard is primarily used to compare the load containment capabilities of various stretch wrap films, or the effectiveness of different wrapping methods, under controlled vibration conditions.
• Vibration Testing: The method simulates the vibration stresses encountered by palletized or unitized loads during freight shipment by road and rail, without specifically testing mechanical handling or other logistics factors.
• Test Apparatus and Methodology: The procedure covers the preparation and wrapping of test loads, use of vibration tables (per ASTM D999), determining the resonance frequency, and incrementally increasing vibration amplitude until the containment wrap fails or completes the test.
• Performance Rating: Loads are evaluated based on survival time and vibration level, with failure modes (tearing, splitting, loss of integrity) clearly reported. Performance may be numerically rated, based on G-level and duration survived before failure.
• Reporting Requirements: The standard outlines a comprehensive format for reporting test results, including the description of test loads, details of wrap material and method, vibration performance data, and observed failure characteristics.
• User Responsibility: The standard emphasizes user responsibility for ensuring safety, health, and regulatory compliance when employing this method.

Applications

ASTM D5415-95(2020) is a valuable resource in a range of industries utilizing stretch wrap packaging for distribution, including:

• Packaging Manufacturers and Converters: R&D and QA teams use this method to benchmark new stretch wrap materials or optimize wrap cycles for specific product types or shipping environments.
• Logistics and Supply Chain Professionals: Evaluating and qualifying stretch wrap materials that best maintain load integrity during transit, reducing product damage and returns.
• Distributors and Warehouses: Selecting reliable stretch films for internal transport and external shipments, particularly when loads are subject to vibration on road or rail.
• Retailers and Brand Owners: Ensuring that shipped goods are properly secured, which protects product quality and minimizes loss through distribution.
• Regulatory and Compliance Audits: Supporting proof of tested load containment performance, which may satisfy internal requirements or support claims in regulatory discussions.

The standard allows flexibility for end-users to define what constitutes acceptable performance for their unique distribution needs, making it highly adaptable to various packaging and shipping scenarios.

Related Standards

Organizations applying ASTM D5415-95(2020) often reference the following standards:

• ASTM D996: Terminology of Packaging and Distribution Environments - for definitions and packaging environment specifics.
• ASTM D999: Test Methods for Vibration Testing of Shipping Containers - for guidance on vibration test apparatus and procedures.
• Other ASTM D10 Standards: Guidance on palletizing, unitization, and broader packaging performance evaluation.

These related standards provide context for terminology, apparatus requirements, and broader testing regimens, supporting comprehensive packaging assessment and standardization.

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Keywords: stretch wrap films, load containment, vibration testing, packaging standards, ASTM D5415, unitized loads, performance rating, shipping simulation, packaging test methods, supply chain integrity

Standards Content (Sample)

This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: D5415 − 95 (Reapproved 2020)
Standard Test Method for
Evaluating Load Containment Performance of Stretch Wrap
Films by Vibration Testing
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D5415; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope 4. Significance and Use
1.1 This test method is used to evaluate and compare the 4.1 This test method is intended to be used mainly as a
means of comparing the performance of stretch-wrap films. It
ability of stretch-wrap films to contain unitized loads during
shipping. can also be used to compare the effectiveness of different wrap
cycles with the same wrapping materials. No direct correlation
1.2 This standard does not purport to address all of the
between these test results and actual field performance has
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
been established.
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter- 4.2 This test method simulates the shipping of unitized
loads by way of truck and rail, concentrating on the vibration
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
element associated with these modes. Other elements of the
1.3 This international standard was developed in accor-
distribution system, such as mechanical handling, are not
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
addressed specifically in this test method.
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
4.3 This test method establishes a method for rating the
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
performance of films, but it leaves open to the discretion of the
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
user the establishment of an acceptable rating for the specific
end-use intended.
2. Referenced Documents
2 5. Apparatus
2.1 ASTM Standards:
5.1 Load Wrapping Apparatus—A machine or apparatus to
D996 Terminology of Packaging and Distribution Environ-
wrap the test load. The method of wrap application is prefer-
ments
ably as near as possible to that used in an actual production
D999 Test Methods for Vibration Testing of Shipping Con-
situation (stretch wrapper or manual wrapping unit).
tainers
5.2 Vibration Table—Avibrationtestingapparatusconform-
3. Terminology
ing to Test Methods D999, preferably equipped with the
3.1 Definitions—General definitions for packaging and dis-
capability of varying the frequency or amplitude, or both, of
tribution environments are found in Terminology D996.
vibration input in a controlled fashion and maintaining a set
vibration mode.
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
5.2.1 The table shall be large enough and have a weight
3.2.1 amplitude, n—the maximum value of a sinusoidal
capacity sufficient to hold an entire wrapped shipping unit.
quantity (zero to peak).
5.2.2 The table should have a means for attaching the
3.2.2 resonance, n—a system of forced vibration existing
bottom of the wrapped test unit securely to the table (for
when any change, however small, in the frequency of excita-
example, threaded holes in the table surface for bolting a pallet
tion causes a decrease in the response of the system.
securely to the table).
5.3 Accelerometer (optional), to measure the output re-
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D10 on
sponse of the test load at various vibration table input frequen-
Packaging and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D10.25 on Palletizing
cies. This is the most accurate way of determining the resonant
and Unitizing of Loads.
frequency of the test load.
Current edition approved Dec. 15, 2020. Published December 2020. Originally
approved in 1993. Last previous edition approved in 2012 as D5415 – 95 (2012).
6. Procedure
DOI: 10.1520/D5415-95R20.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
6.1 Prepare the test load. Arrange the units comprising the
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
test load in layers and stack them in the manner normally used
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website. for shipping the product.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D5415 − 95 (2020)
6.2 When the units are normally shipped on pallets, stack Increase the input amplitude at 10-min intervals in 0.25-G
the units on the pallet in the normal manner. increments up to a maximum of 1.25 G. A summary of the
testing schedule is shown in Fig. 1.
6.3 When the units are normally shipped on slip sheets
without pallets, stack the units on slip sheets and affix the
NOTE 1—G = gravity (see Terminology D996).
bottom layer to the slip sheet in the normal manner (glue, hot
6.9 Discontinue the testing if the film tears or the cube
melt adhesive, and adhesion promoter). The slip sheet should
integrity is lost before the entire test is completed. Record the
have been fixed previously to a pallet surface to provide a
G level at which the film
...