ASTM D880-92(2021)

Standard Test Method for Impact Testing for Shipping Containers and Systems

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 The impact test has been found useful in laboratory simulation of impacts such as those encountered in manual and mechanical handling and transportation. The impact test simulates some types of shocks that could occur in the handling of packages or shipping units and helps evaluate the ability of the package to protect the contents against these shocks. The test may also permit observation of progressive failure of a package and damage to the contents.  
5.2 The test results within a given laboratory using this test method may be useful for evaluating and comparing packages. However, because of the variability of test machines that have been used in the past, especially the impact surface (backstop), it has been found that interlaboratory correlation of test results has been poor.  
5.3 These procedures are not intended to simulate rail car coupling environment. Refer to Test Method D4003 and Test Methods D5277.  
5.4 This test method fulfills the requirement of ISO 2244.
Note 1: ISO 2244 may not meet the requirements for this test method.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers two procedures for conducting impact tests on loaded containers or shipping units (pallet loads), as follows:  
1.1.1 Procedure A, to test the ability of a container or shipping unit to withstand impacts, and  
1.1.2 Procedure B, to test the ability of a container or shipping unit or interior packing, or both, to provide protection to the contents, when subjected to impacts.  
1.2 Either of these two procedures may be used to evaluate different designs of containers of the same size and carrying the same load. These procedures are suitable for testing various types of containers such as boxes, crates, barrels, drums, kegs, bags, sacks, or pails made of various materials or combinations of materials and for shipping units such as pallet loads or palletized units.  
1.3 The procedures described in this test method are particularly suitable for testing large or heavily loaded containers.  
1.4 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.  
1.5 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. Specific precautionary statements are given in Note 1 and Section 7.  
1.6 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: 30-Sep-2021
• ICS: 55.040 - Packaging materials and accessories
• Technical Committee: D10 - Packaging
• Drafting Committee: D10.21 - Shipping Containers and Systems - Application of Performance Test Methods

Relations

• Refers: ASTM D4003-98(2019)e1 - Standard Test Methods for Programmable Horizontal Impact Test for Shipping Containers and Systems
• Effective Date: 01-Aug-2019
• Refers: ASTM D4003-98(2015) - Standard Test Methods for Programmable Horizontal Impact Test for Shipping Containers and Systems
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2015
• Refers: ASTM D4332-13 - Standard Practice for Conditioning Containers, Packages, or Packaging Components for Testing
• Effective Date: 15-Mar-2013
• Refers: ASTM E122-09e1 - Standard Practice for Calculating Sample Size to Estimate, With Specified Precision, the Average for a Characteristic of a Lot or Process
• Effective Date: 01-Aug-2011
• Refers: ASTM D996-10a - Standard Terminology of Packaging and Distribution Environments
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2010
• Refers: ASTM E122-09 - Standard Practice for Calculating Sample Size to Estimate, With Specified Precision, the Average for a Characteristic of a Lot or Process
• Effective Date: 01-Aug-2009
• Refers: ASTM D4003-98(2009) - Standard Test Methods for Programmable Horizontal Impact Test for Shipping Containers and Systems
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2009
• Refers: ASTM D5277-92(2008) - Standard Test Method for Performing Programmed Horizontal Impacts Using an Inclined Impact Tester
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2008
• Refers: ASTM E122-07 - Standard Practice for Calculating Sample Size to Estimate, With Specified Precision, the Average for a Characteristic of a Lot or Process
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2007
• Refers: ASTM D4332-01(2006) - Standard Practice for Conditioning Containers, Packages, or Packaging Components for Testing
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2006
• 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 D4332-01e1 - Standard Practice for Conditioning Containers, Packages, or Packaging Components for Testing
• Effective Date: 10-Apr-2001
• Refers: ASTM D4332-01e2 - Standard Practice for Conditioning Containers, Packages, or Packaging Components for Testing
• Effective Date: 10-Apr-2001

Overview

ASTM D880-92(2021) - Standard Test Method for Impact Testing for Shipping Containers and Systems provides essential procedures for evaluating the impact resistance and protective performance of packaging and shipping units. Published by ASTM International, this standard addresses the laboratory simulation of impact conditions typically encountered during manual and mechanical handling or transportation. By following ASTM D880, organizations can assess the ability of their packaging systems to withstand shocks, minimize product loss, and enhance supply chain efficiency.

Key Topics

• Test Procedures: Defines two procedures:
  • Procedure A: Evaluates the ability of a container or shipping unit to withstand impact stresses.
  • Procedure B: Assesses the capability of the container or interior packing to protect contents under impact.
• Applicability: Suitable for a wide variety of containers, including boxes, crates, barrels, drums, kegs, bags, sacks, and pails, made of diverse materials and for shipping units like pallet loads.
• Realistic Impact Simulation: The test replicates some of the types of shocks that packages may experience in real shipping environments, helping identify design weaknesses.
• Quantifiable Evaluation: Results help compare and benchmark different packaging designs or materials within the same laboratory.
• Limitations: ASTM D880 is not designed to simulate rail car coupling impacts; for such applications, refer to related standards.

Applications

Organizations employ ASTM D880 to:

• Design and Validate Packaging: Ensures that new or modified packaging solutions for large or heavily loaded shipments can withstand accidental drops or sudden impacts, protecting valuable or fragile goods during handling and transit.
• Quality Control: Used by packaging manufacturers and distributors for ongoing assessment and consistency of packaging performance.
• Benchmarking and Development: Compare alternative packaging designs or materials to determine the most robust solution for shipping.
• Regulatory Compliance: Supports compliance efforts by meeting requirements of ISO 2244 and recognized international transportation and packaging standards.
• Risk Management: Helps identify potential ways packages might fail, enabling improvements that reduce product damage rates and lower return or replacement costs.

Related Standards

For comprehensive packaging and shipping container testing and improved interlaboratory correlation, ASTM D880 should be considered together with:

• ASTM D996: Terminology of Packaging and Distribution Environments
• ASTM D4003: Programmable Horizontal Impact Test for Shipping Containers and Systems
• ASTM D4332: Conditioning Containers, Packages, or Packaging Components for Testing
• ASTM D5277: Programmed Horizontal Impacts Using an Inclined Impact Tester
• ISO 2244: Horizontal Impact Test (also referenced within ASTM D880 as a comparable international standard)
• ASTM E122: Calculating Sample Size for Estimating Process Characteristics

Practical Value

By following the ASTM D880-92(2021) standard for impact testing of shipping containers and systems, companies benefit from:

• Consistent Testing Methodologies: Ensures uniform procedures for repeatable, accurate results within a laboratory setting.
• Supply Chain Confidence: Satisfies customer and stakeholder requirements for validated, reliable packaging performance.
• Product Protection: Reduces the incidence of product damage, loss, and claims during shipping and handling operations.
• Process Improvement: Supports data-driven enhancements to packaging design and materials, driving supply chain efficiency and cost savings.

Keywords

impact testing, shipping containers, packaging systems, ASTM D880, transport simulation, laboratory packaging test, packaging performance, impact resistance, supply chain protection, ISO 2244 compliance

For detailed guidance and access to test method documentation, refer to ASTM D880-92(2021) and the latest ASTM packaging standards.

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: D880 − 92 (Reapproved 2021)
Standard Test Method for
Impact Testing for Shipping Containers and Systems
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D880; 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 2. Referenced Documents
1.1 This test method covers two procedures for conducting 2.1 ASTM Standards:
impact tests on loaded containers or shipping units (pallet D996 Terminology of Packaging and Distribution Environ-
ments
loads), as follows:
D4003 Test Methods for Programmable Horizontal Impact
1.1.1 Procedure A, to test the ability of a container or
Test for Shipping Containers and Systems
shipping unit to withstand impacts, and
D4332 Practice for Conditioning Containers, Packages, or
1.1.2 Procedure B, to test the ability of a container or
Packaging Components for Testing
shipping unit or interior packing, or both, to provide protection
D5277 Test Method for Performing Programmed Horizontal
to the contents, when subjected to impacts.
Impacts Using an Inclined Impact Tester
1.2 Either of these two procedures may be used to evaluate
E122 Practice for Calculating Sample Size to Estimate,With
differentdesignsofcontainersofthesamesizeandcarryingthe
Specified Precision, the Average for a Characteristic of a
same load. These procedures are suitable for testing various
Lot or Process
types of containers such as boxes, crates, barrels, drums, kegs,
2.2 ISO Standard:
bags, sacks, or pails made of various materials or combinations
ISO 2244 Horizontal Impact Test (Horizontal or Incline
of materials and for shipping units such as pallet loads or
Plane Test: Pendulum Test)
palletized units.
3. Terminology
1.3 The procedures described in this test method are par-
ticularly suitable for testing large or heavily loaded containers.
3.1 Definitions—For definitions of terms applicable to this
test method see Terminology D996.
1.4 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded
as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
conversions to SI units that are provided for information only
3.2.1 hazard, n—removablesolidobjectofanysizeorshape
and are not considered standard.
placed on an impact surface (backstop) so as to contact a test
specimen at any desired location during the impact of the
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the
specimen into the impact surface (backstop).
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
4. Summary of Test Method
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
4.1 An apparatus having a guided carriage capable of
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
Specific precautionary statements are given in Note 1 and holding a test container or shipping unit impacts into a rigid
impact surface (backstop) with or without hazards at a prede-
Section 7.
termined impact velocity. When testing the ability of a con-
1.6 This international standard was developed in accor-
tainer or shipping unit to withstand impact (Procedure A)
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
multiple tests with the same impact velocity or increasing
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
impact velocities may be conducted until failure occurs. When
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
testing the ability of the container, shipping unit, or interior
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
packing, or combination thereof, to provide protection to the
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
contents (Procedure B), a predetermined number of impacts, at
1 2
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D10 on For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Packaging and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D10.21 on Shipping contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
Containers and Systems - Application of Performance Test Methods. Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
Current edition approved Oct. 1, 2021. Published November 2021. Originally the ASTM website.
approved in 1968. Last previous edition approved in 2015 as D880 – 92 (2015). Available from American National Standards Institute (ANSI), 25 W. 43rd St.,
DOI: 10.1520/D0880-92R21. 4th Floor, New York, NY 10036, http://www.ansi.org.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D880 − 92 (2021)
predetermined velocities, are applied and the container(s) and 6.1.6 The impact surface (backstop) may, if desired, be
contents are then inspected. equipped with hazards that can be so placed as to contact the
container at the time of impact at any desired position between
5. Significance and Use top and bottom edges of the container. The dimensions,
material, and location of the interposed hazard should be
5.1 The impact test has been found useful in laboratory
carefully specified.
simulation of impacts such as those encountered in manual and
6.2 Instrumentation:
mechanical handling and transportation. The impact test simu-
lates some types of shocks that could occur in the handling of 6.2.1 Instrumentation that may be an optical or mechanical
timing device is required to measure the carriage impact
packages or shipping units and helps evaluate the ability of the
package to protect the contents against these shocks. The test velocity to an accuracy of 62 % of the actual value. When
testing is within a laboratory and for comparative purposes
mayalsopermitobservationofprogressivefailureofapackage
and damage to the contents. only, instrumentation is optional.
5.2 The test results within a given laboratory using this test
7. Safety Precautions
method may be useful for evaluating and comparing packages.
7.1 The procedures given in this test method may produce
However, because of the variability of test machines that have
severe mechanical responses in the test specimen. Therefore,
been used in the past, especially the impact surface (backstop),
operating personnel must remain alert to potential hazards and
it has been found that interlaboratory correlation of test results
take necessary precautions for their safety.The test area should
has been poor.
be cleared prior to each test. Stop the test immediately if a
5.3 These procedures are not intended to simulate rail car
dangerous condition should develop. The testing of hazardous
coupling environment. Refer to Test Method D4003 and Test
materials or products may require special precautions that must
Methods D5277.
be observed. Safety equipment may be required and its use
5.4 This test method fulfills the requirement of ISO 2244. must be understood before starting the test.
NOTE 1—ISO 2244 may not meet the requirements for this test method.
8. Sampling
8.1 The number of test specimens depends on the desired
6. Apparatus
degree of precision and the availability of specimens. Practice
6.1 Testing Machine:
E122 provides guidance on the choice of sample size. It is
6.1.1 The test machine shall consist of a guided test carriage
recommended that at least three representative test specimens
with a flat test specimen mounting surface and an impact
be used.
surface (backstop) with the plane of the face perpendicular
within 630 min ( ⁄2 °) to the direction of movement of the
9. Test Specimens
carriage at impact.
9.1 When the specimen is being tested by Procedure A to
6.1.2 There shall be an impact surface (backstop) that is
determine the ability of the container or shipping unit to
integral with a solid mass at least 50 times the maximum mass
withstand impact stresses, either the actual contents or a
of the test specimen. The impact surface firmly attached to the
dummy load simulating such contents can be used. When the
mass, shall be a steel plate not less than ⁄2 in. (13 mm) thick.
specimen is being tested by Procedure B to determine the
The impact surface (backstop) must have dimensions greater
ability of the container or shipping unit or interior packing, or
than those of the impacting surface of the test specimen to
both,toprovideprotectiontothecontents,actualcontentsshall
permit full contact with the shipping container.
be used. For both procedures closing, strapping, or sealing
NOTE 2—The purpose of the apparatus is to provide an impact surface
should be the same as will be used in actual shipment.
(backstop) and mass that will improve interlaboratory correlation of test
NOTE 4—Certain contents or ingredients of the objects under test may
results and the accuracy of tests between laboratories. The test can be
be replaced by inert materials of approximately the same weight and
conducted on apparatus that does not meet the requirements of 6.1.2,
characteristics.
provided it is clearly stated in 14.1.1.
9.2 Identification of Members—See Annex A1.
6.1.3 The test machine shall provide some means of mo
...