ASTM D6055-96(2002)

Standard Test Methods for Mechanical Handling of Unitized Loads and Large Shipping Cases and Crates

SCOPE
1.1 These test methods are suitable for testing the integrity of unitized loads and large cases and crates, but not individual drums or palletized drums, as well as the ability of the contents to endure normal handling, using standard mechanical handling equipment. Not all of the test methods are applicable to all products containers and loads. These test methods are applicable to common means of material handling, including pull pack, clamp truck, and spade lift-type handling equipment as follows:
1.1.1 Test Method A—Fork Truck Handling—For testing the ability of the shipping unit to withstand repeated handlings by this test method.
1.1.2 Test Method B—Spade Lift Test—For lifting by spade lift attachment to determine the ability of the handling flap of the case or shipping unit to withstand repeated lifting and handling by this test method.
1.1.3 Test Method C—Clamp Handling Test—For lifting by hydraulic clamp attachment, to determine the ability of the shipping unit to withstand squeeze clamp handling consisting of repeated side compression and lifting.
1.1.4 Test Method D—Push-Pull Handling Test—For testing the ability of a unitized load on a slip-sheet to withstand repeated handling by this test method.
1.1.5 Test Method E—Grabhook Test—For lifting by grabhooks to determine the ability of the shipping unit to withstand the horizontal pressures of grabhooks.
1.1.6 Test Method F—Sling Tests—For lifting by wire rope, cable, or woven fiber slings to determine the ability of the shipping unit to withstand the compression of slings.
1.2 Additional Test Methods:
1.2.1 Additional test methods that apply to mechanical handling and rough handling tests of unitized loads and large cases and crates include incline impact tests, described in Test Method D 880; horizontal impact tests, described in Test Method D 4003.
1.2.2 Practice D 4169 provides a series of options for selecting and running performance tests on all types of shipping containers and systems.
1.3 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 and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

General Information

• Status: Historical
• Publication Date: 09-Dec-1996
• ICS: 55.160 - Cases. Boxes. Crates
• ICS: 55.180.99 - Other standards related to freight distribution of goods
• Technical Committee: D10 - Packaging
• Drafting Committee: D10.21 - Shipping Containers and Systems - Application of Performance Test Methods

Relations

• Replaced By: ASTM D6055-96(2007)e1 - Standard Test Methods for Mechanical Handling of Unitized Loads and Large Shipping Cases and Crates
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2007

Standards Content (Sample)

Designation:D6055–96 (Reapproved 2002)
Standard Test Methods for
Mechanical Handling of Unitized Loads and Large Shipping
Cases and Crates
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D 6055; 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 (e) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope 1.2.2 Practice D 4169 provides a series of options for
selecting and running performance tests on all types of
1.1 These test methods are suitable for testing the integrity
shipping containers and systems.
of unitized loads and large cases and crates, but not individual
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the
drums or palletized drums, as well as the ability of the contents
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
to endure normal handling, using standard mechanical han-
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
dling equipment. Not all of the test methods are applicable to
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
all products containers and loads. These test methods are
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
applicable to common means of material handling, including
pull pack, clamp truck, and spade lift-type handling equipment
2. Referenced Documents
as follows:
2.1 ASTM Standards:
1.1.1 Test Method A——Fork Truck Handling—For testing
D 880 Test Method for Impact Testing for Shipping Con-
the ability of the shipping unit to withstand repeated handlings
tainers and Systems
by this test method.
D 996 Terminology of Packaging and Distribution Environ-
1.1.2 Test Method B—Spade Lift Test—For lifting by spade
ments
lift attachment to determine the ability of the handling flap of
D 4003 Test Methods for Programmable Horizontal Impact
the case or shipping unit to withstand repeated lifting and
Test for Shipping Containers and Systems
handling by this test method.
D 4169 Practice for Performance Testing of Shipping Con-
1.1.3 Test Method C—Clamp Handling Test—For lifting by
tainers and Systems
hydraulic clamp attachment, to determine the ability of the
D 4332 Practice for Conditioning Containers, Packages, or
shipping unit to withstand squeeze clamp handling consisting
Packaging Components for Testing
of repeated side compression and lifting.
1.1.4 Test Method D—Push-Pull Handling Test—For test-
3. Terminology
ing the ability of a unitized load on a slip-sheet to withstand
3.1 Definitions: General terms in these test methods are
repeated handling by this test method.
defined in Terminology D 996.
1.1.5 Test Method E—Grabhook Test—For lifting by grab-
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
hooks to determine the ability of the shipping unit to withstand
3.2.1 clamp lift attachment—a lift truck attachment used for
the horizontal pressures of grabhooks.
clamp handling products packaged in flat-sided packages.
1.1.6 Test Method F—Sling Tests—For lifting by wire rope,
3.2.2 forklift attachment—a lift truck attachment used to
cable, or woven fiber slings to determine the ability of the
handle large unitized or palletized loads.
shipping unit to withstand the compression of slings.
3.2.3 large shipping case or crate—shipping container con-
1.2 Additional Test Methods:
structed of any material and of such size and weight to require
1.2.1 Additional test methods that apply to mechanical
mechanical handling. A case or crate of this type may weigh
handling and rough handling tests of unitized loads and large
from 100 lb (45 kg), up to many tons and measure proportion-
cases and crates include incline impact tests, described in Test
ately. The case or crate may be secured to or carried by a base
Method D 880; horizontal impact tests, described in Test
or pallet. Frame members may be provided for rigidity
Method D 4003.
throughout the container.
3.2.4 push-pull attachment—a lift truck attachment used for
push-pull handling products packaged using slip sheets.
These test methods are under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D10 on
Packaging and are the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D10.21 on Shipping
Container Environment.
Current edition approved Dec. 10, 1996. Published February 1997. Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 15.09.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.
D6055–96 (2002)
3.2.5 shipping unit—the smallest complete unit that will be cases wrapped or banded together, it is not possible to test an
subjected to the distribution environment, for example, a entire unitized load, then sufficient cases should be assembled
shipping container and its contents. such that the height and one base dimension are nearly the
3.2.6 spade lift attachment—a lift truck attachment used for same as the proposed unitized load. For the clamp, spade lift,
top handling products packaged in interlocked double-cover or push-pull test, use an entire unitized load. The same case or
boxes or folded cap- or folded flap-style cartons. unitized load may often be used for all applicable tests if not
3.2.7 unitized load—consists of a number of packages (two tested to failure. Load the shipping unit for the test with the
or more) secured together as a shipping unit. These packages actual contents for which it was designed, or if this is not
when unitized typically weigh more than 100 lb (45 kg). The possible, with a dummy load simulating such contents in mass,
unitized method may be shrink wrapping, stretch wrapping, shape, and position in the shipping unit.
banding, strapping, taping, or gluing. A base consisting of a
pallet or slip sheet may or may not be used. 7. Conditioning
7.1 It is recommended that atmospheres for conditioning be
4. Significance and Use
selected from those in accordance with Practice D 4332.
4.1 These test methods are designed for use in most cases Unless otherwise specified, fiberboard and other paperboard
with the actual equipment to be used in load handling. containers shall be preconditioned and conditioned in accor-
4.2 These test methods may be used in evaluating the dance with the standard atmosphere specified in Practice
shipping unit as to suitability for mechanical handling by D 4332.
standard user-specified load-handling equipment.
4.3 These test methods will allow the user to determine 8. Acceptance Criteria
integrity and stability of the load as well as provide guidance
8.1 Reference Practice D 4169 for acceptance criteria and
to improve the design of the unit load where deficiencies are
the correlation to relative performance criteria.
found.
4.4 Damagetoproductsorpackagesobservedduringtesting
9. Mechanical Handling Tests with Lift Trucks
may be expected to correlate at least in a qualitative way to
9.1 Test Method A—Fork Lift Test Procedure
damage observed in actual distribution handling systems.
9.1.1 Handling on Test Course:
9.1.1.1 Use an actual lift truck equipped with user-specified
5. Apparatus
fork attachments. See Annex A1 for recommended standard
5.1 Fork Truck Test Apparatus—In performing the fork
course for lift truck handling tests.
truckhandlingtest,useanactuallifttruckwithforkattachment
9.1.1.2 The operator is to lift and transport to each obser-
to lift the shipping unit. The lift truck and blade(s) shall be
vation point in a manner typical of current practice.
capable of handling the size and quantity of products in
9.1.1.3 The minimum number of handlings and fork type
accorance with current practice.
and size shall be specified by the user; however, it should be
5.2 Spade Lift Test Apparatus—In performing the spade lift
noted that the effects of temperature and humidity in the testing
test, use an actual lift truck with spade lift attachment to lift the
environment may vary greatly and, if so, may affect the
shipping unit under the lifting flap. The lift truck and blade(s)
strength of the shipping unit. For this reason, it may be useful
must be capable of handling the size and quantity of products
to specify the minimum number of handlings based on test
in accordance with current practice.
periods representing these extremes.
5.3 Clamp Lift Handling Test Apparatus—In performing the
9.1.1.4 Examine the load during and after each test cycle to
clamp handling test, use an actual lift truck with the appropri-
determine if failure occurred.
ate load clamping device to lift the shipping unit. Provision
9.2 Test Method B—Spade Lift Test Procedure:
shall be made to measure the clamp force between the platens
9.2.1 Use an actual lift truck equipped with the spade lift
using a load cell(s) or other suitable device.
attachment to be used in actual practice. See Annex A1 for
5.4 Push-Pull Test Apparatus—In performing the push-pull
recommended standard course for lift truck handling test.
test, use an actual lift truck with the appropriate gripper jaw for
9.2.2 The operator is to engage, lift, and transport the load
pulling the load by the slip sheet tab onto the load plate.
to each observation point in a manner typical of current
Alternatively, any suitable pulling device equipped with a
practice.
gripper jaw may be used.
9.2.3 If normal handling requirements specify two or more
5.5 Grabhook Test and Sling Test Apparatus—In lifting the
unitshigh,thetestshouldbeconductedwithanequivalentload
case or crate with grabhooks or slings, a hoist with grabhooks
on the test specimen. This test can be repeated for a predeter-
or slings attached is the simplest and easiest, but the test may
mined number of handlings or until failure occurs. The
be made with a tackle or by lifting the case or crate with jacks
minimum number of handlings required shall be specified by
and setting it into grabhooks or slings supported by some form
the user; however, it should be noted that the effects of
of truss.
temperature and humidity in the testing environment may vary
greatly and, if so, will affect the strength of the handling flap.
6. Test Specimen and Number of Tests
For this reason, it may be useful to specify the minimum
6.1 Test several shipping units of a given design, if possible, number of handlings based on test periods representing these
to obtain replication of results. If in the instance of a number of extremes.
D6055–96 (2002)
9.2.4 Examine the shipping unit during and after the test 9.3.6.1 The operator is to clamp, lift, and transport to each
cycle to determ
...