ASTM D5331-03(2016)
(Test Method)Standard Test Method for Evaluation of Mechanical Handling of Unitized Loads Secured with Stretch Wrap Films
Standard Test Method for Evaluation of Mechanical Handling of Unitized Loads Secured with Stretch Wrap Films
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 This test method is intended for use primarily as a means of comparing the performance of unitizing 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 mechanical handling anticipated during all distribution phases.
4.3 This test method leaves open to the discretion of the user the establishment of test levels and numbers of cycles constituting the test, so that the user might tailor the test to simulate a particular distribution environment. The section on mechanical handling over 100 pounds (45 kg) in Practice D4169 may provide some guidance in this regard.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers evaluation and comparison of the ability of unitizing films to survive various methods of mechanical handling.
1.2 The test method described is applicable to common means of material handling, including the following: forklift, push/pull, clamp truck, crane, and spade lift-type handling systems.
1.3 The test levels may be varied to reflect known levels of intensity accurately for the specific unit load under testing.
1.4 The methodology of performing the mechanical handling tests is described in detail in Test Methods D6055 and Test Methods D6179. This test method will describe only sample preparation and evaluation in the special case of evaluating the performance of stretch film for load unitizing.
1.5 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard.
1.6 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
Relations
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: D5331 − 03 (Reapproved 2016)
Standard Test Method for
Evaluation of Mechanical Handling of Unitized Loads
Secured with Stretch Wrap Films
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D5331; 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 D6055 Test Methods for Mechanical Handling of Unitized
Loads and Large Shipping Cases and Crates
1.1 This test method covers evaluation and comparison of
D6179 Test Methods for Rough Handling of Unitized Loads
the ability of unitizing films to survive various methods of
and Large Shipping Cases and Crates
mechanical handling.
3. Terminology
1.2 The test method described is applicable to common
means of material handling, including the following: forklift,
3.1 Definitions—General definitions for packaging and dis-
push/pull, clamp truck, crane, and spade lift-type handling
tribution environments are found in Terminology D996.
systems.
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
1.3 The test levels may be varied to reflect known levels of
3.2.1 large shipping case or crate—for the purposes of this
intensity accurately for the specific unit load under testing.
test method, a shipping container constructed of any material,
and of such size and weight, to require mechanical handling.A
1.4 The methodology of performing the mechanical han-
case or crate of this type may weigh from 100 lb (45 kg) to
dling tests is described in detail in Test Methods D6055 and
many tons and measure proportionally. The case or crate may
Test Methods D6179. This test method will describe only
be secured to or carried by a base or pallet. Frame members
sample preparation and evaluation in the special case of
may be provided for rigidity throughout the container.
evaluating the performance of stretch film for load unitizing.
3.2.2 spade lift attachment—a lift truck attachment used for
1.5 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded
top handling products packaged in interlocking flange cartons
as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical
(IFC) or folded cap or folded flap style cartons.
conversions to SI units that are provided for information only
3.2.3 unitized load—for the purposes of this test method,
and are not considered standard.
consisting of a number of packages (two or more) wrapped or
1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the
banded together as a shipping unit. When unitized, these
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
packages typically weigh more than 100 lb (45 kg). The
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
unitized method may be shrink wrapping, banding, strapping,
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
taping, or gluing.Abase consisting of a pallet or slip sheet may
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
or may not be used.
2. Referenced Documents
4. Significance and Use
2.1 ASTM Standards:
4.1 This test method is intended for use primarily as a
D996 Terminology of Packaging and Distribution Environ-
means of comparing the performance of unitizing films. It can
ments
also be used to compare the effectiveness of different wrap
D4169 Practice for Performance Testing of Shipping Con-
cycles with the same wrapping materials. No direct correlation
tainers and Systems
between these test results and actual field performance has
been established.
1 4.2 This test method simulates mechanical handling antici-
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D10 on
Packaging and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D10.25 on Palletizing pated during all distribution phases.
and Unitizing of Loads.
4.3 Thistestmethodleavesopentothediscretionoftheuser
Current edition approved Dec. 1, 2016. Published December 2016. Originally
ɛ1
the establishment of test levels and numbers of cycles consti-
approved in 1992. Last previous edition approved in 2009 as D5331 – 03 (2009) .
DOI: 10.1520/D5331-03R16.
tuting the test, so that the user might tailor the test to simulate
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
a particular distribution environment. The section on mechani-
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
cal handling over 100 pounds (45 kg) in Practice D4169 may
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website. provide some guidance in this regard.
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D5331 − 03 (2016)
5. Apparatus 8.4.1 Set dial for gear ratio for desired percent strength;
8.4.2 Actual measured percent stretch;
5.1 Load Wrapping Apparatus—A
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