Standard Test Method for Determining Compressive Resistance of Shipping Containers, Components, and Unit Loads

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
Compressive resistance is one of the properties used to evaluate the ability of shipping containers, components, and unit loads to successfully survive the compressive forces they are subjected to during storage and distribution (see Note 1).
Note 1—For constant load test refer to Test Method D4577.
Compressive resistance may be determined with either fixed- or swiveled-platen-type testing machines. However, a fixed-head compression machine is required to perform edge-to-edge and corner-to-corner orientations on test specimens (see Note 2). Also, unit loads are generally tested only in the top-to-bottom orientation.
Note 2—Fixed-platen machines generally cause specimens to fail at their strongest point, while swivel-platen machines cause specimens to fail at their weakest point. The swiveled platen is allowed to move to the weakest point of the container.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers compression tests on shipping containers (for example, boxes and drums) or components, or both. Shipping containers may be tested with or without contents. The procedure may be used for measuring the ability of the container to resist external compressive loads applied to its faces, to diagonally opposite edges, or to corners (Fig. 1 and Fig. 2). This test method covers testing of multiple containers or unit loads, in addition to individual shipping containers, components, materials, or combination thereof.
1.2 The test method of applying load may be used to compare the characteristics of a given design of container with a standard, or to compare the characteristics of containers differing in construction.
1.3 This test method is related to TAPPI T804, which is similar for fixed platen machines but does not recognize swivel platen machines. This test method fulfills the requirements of International Organization for Standardization (ISO) Test Method 12048. The ISO standards may not meet the requirements for this test method.
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 and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

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ASTM D642-00(2010) - Standard Test Method for Determining Compressive Resistance of Shipping Containers, Components, and Unit Loads
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NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or withdrawn.
Contact ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest information
Designation: D642 − 00(Reapproved 2010)
Standard Test Method for
Determining Compressive Resistance of Shipping
Containers, Components, and Unit Loads
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D642; 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.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the Department of Defense.
1. Scope 2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
1.1 This test method covers compression tests on shipping
D644 Test Method for Moisture Content of Paper and
containers (for example, boxes and drums) or components, or
Paperboard by Oven Drying (Withdrawn 2010)
both. Shipping containers may be tested with or without
D996 Terminology of Packaging and Distribution Environ-
contents. The procedure may be used for measuring the ability
ments
of the container to resist external compressive loads applied to
D2016 Methods of Test for Moisture Content of Wood
itsfaces,todiagonallyoppositeedges,ortocorners(Fig.1and
(Withdrawn 1987)
Fig. 2). This test method covers testing of multiple containers
D4169 Practice for Performance Testing of Shipping Con-
or unit loads, in addition to individual shipping containers,
tainers and Systems
components, materials, or combination thereof.
D4332 Practice for Conditioning Containers, Packages, or
1.2 The test method of applying load may be used to
Packaging Components for Testing
compare the characteristics of a given design of container with
D4577 Test Method for Compression Resistance of a Con-
a standard, or to compare the characteristics of containers
tainer Under Constant Load
differing in construction.
E4 Practices for Force Verification of Testing Machines
1.3 This test method is related to TAPPI T804, which is
E122 Practice for Calculating Sample Size to Estimate,With
similarforfixedplatenmachinesbutdoesnotrecognizeswivel
Specified Precision, the Average for a Characteristic of a
platen machines. This test method fulfills the requirements of
Lot or Process
International Organization for Standardization (ISO) Test
2.2 TAPPI Standard:
Method 12048. The ISO standards may not meet the require-
T 804 Compression testing of fiberboard shipping contain-
ments for this test method.
ers
2.3 ISO Standard:
1.4 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded
ISO 12048 Packaging—Complete, filled transport
as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical
packages—Compression and stacking test using compres-
conversions to SI units that are provided for information only
sion tester
and are not considered standard.
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the 3. Terminology
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
3.1 Definitions—General terms for Packaging and Distribu-
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
tion Environments are found in Terminology D996.
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use. 2
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website.
1 3
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D10 on The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced on
Packaging and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D10.21 on Shipping www.astm.org.
Containers and Systems - Application of Performance Test Methods. Available from the Technical Association of the Pulp and Paper Industry, 15
Current edition approved Aug. 1, 2010. Published October 2010. Originally Technology Parkway South, Atlanta, GA 30092.
ϵ1 5
approved in 1941. Last previous edition approved in 2005 as D642 – 00(2005) . Available from American National Standards Institute, 25 W. 43rd St., 4th
DOI: 10.1520/D0642-00R10. Floor, New York, NY 10036.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D642 − 00 (2010)
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard: the specifications covering the containers to be tested. It is
3.2.1 fixed platen testing machine—a testing machine recommended that the atmospheres for conditioning be se-
equipped with two platens which are both restrained from lected from those shown in Practice D4332. Unless otherwise
tilting. specified, fiberboard and other paperboard containers shall be
preconditioned and conditioned in accordance with the stan-
3.2.2 swiveled platen testing machine—a testing machine
dard atmosphere specified in Practice D4332.
equipped with two platens, one rigidly restrained from tilting
while the other platen is universally mounted and allowed to
6. Sampling, Test Specimens, and Test Units
tilt freely.
6.1 Choose test specimens and sample quantities to provide
4. Significance and Use
an adequate determination of representative performance. For
large production runs, lot sampling is advised. Application of
4.1 Compressive resistance is one of the properties used to
Practice E122 is suggested.
evaluate the ability of shipping containers, components, and
unit loads to successfully survive the compressive forces they
6.2 Whenever sufficient containers and contents are avail-
are subjected to during storage and distribution (see Note 1).
able, it is recommended that five or more replicate tests be
conducted to improve the statistical reliability of the data
NOTE 1—For constant load test refer to Test Method D4577.
obtained.
4.2 Compressive resistance may be determined with either
6.3 The specimens being tested shall be complete in all
fixed- or swiveled-platen-type testing machines. However, a
respects. Depending on the purpose of the test, interior
fixed-head compression machine is required to perform edge-
components may or may not be included. Tests shall be made
to-edge and corner-to-corner orientations on test specimens
on specimens with or without contents as prescribed.
(see Note 2). Also, unit loads are generally tested only in the
top-to-bottom orientation.
6.4 The test specimen shall be closed and secured in the
same manner as will be used in preparing them for shipment
NOTE 2—Fixed-platen machines generally cause specimens to fail at
unless otherwise specified. The method of flap securement for
theirstrongestpoint,whileswivel-platenmachinescausespecimenstofail
at their weakest point. The swiveled platen is allowed to move to the corrugated containers may affect test results (see Appendix
weakest point of the container.
X1).
5. Apparatus
7. Calibration and Standardization
5.1 Compression Testing Machines:
7.1 The accuracy of the test equipment must be verified to
5.1.1 Fixed-Platen Testing Machine—Two platens, flat to
ensure reliable test data.
within0.01in.(0.25mm)foreach12in.(304.8mm)inlength,
7.1.1 The overall system accuracy of the recorded or indi-
and one of which is movable in the vertical direction so as to
cated applied load (force) shall be verified in accordance with
compress the container between the platens. One is the load
Practice E4. The verified loading range shall be specified, and
measuring platen, and both should be of sufficient size so that
errors within the loading range shall not exceed 61.0 % of
the test container does not extend beyond the edges of the
reading (as calculated in Practice E4). If testing below the
platens. Both platens are fixed in the horizontal directions so as
Practice E4 verified loading range is desired, then the maxi-
tohavenolateralmovementgreaterthan0.05in.(1.3mm),and
mum permissible error shall not exceed 60.2 % of the full
are held parallel throughout the test to within 0.04 in. (1 mm)
range of the force sensor. Calculate as follows:
for each 12 in. (304.8 mm) in the length and width dimensions.
E 5 F 30.002 (1)
S
5.1.2 Swivel-Platen Testing Machine—Two platens, flat to
within0.01in.(0.25mm)foreach12in.(304.8mm)inlength,
where:
and one which is movable in the vertical direction so as to
E = maximum permissible error, lbf or N, and
compress the container between the platens. One is the
F = force sensor’s full range, lbf or N.
S
load-measuring platen, and both should be of sufficient size so
7.1.2 The accuracy of the recorded or indicated platen
that the test container does not extend beyond the edges of the
displacement must be verified in accordance with the equip-
platens. One platen is fixed in the horizontal direction so as to
ment manufacturer’s recommended procedures. The error,
have no lateral movement greater than 0.05 in. (1.3 mm). The
including the effects of any backlash in the loading system,
second platen is attached to the machine by a swivel or
shall not exceed 60.1 in. (62.5 mm).
universal joint to a point directly centered on the platen,
7.1.3 The accuracy of the platen travel rate at 0.5 in./min
allowing the platen to tilt freely.
(12.7 mm/min) must be verified throughout each loading range
5.2 Suitable Closure Apparatus —See Appendix X1.
in accordance with the equipment manufacturer’s recom-
mended procedures. The error, including any backlash in the
5.3 ConditioningApparatus—Provideadequatefacilitiesfor
conditioning test containers at proper relative humidity and loading system, shall not exceed 60.10 in./min (62.5 mm/
min).
temperaturepriortotestinaccordancewiththerequirementsof
8. Conditioning
Singh, S. P., Burgess, G., Langlois, M., “Compression of Single-Wall Corru-
8.1 Test specimens shall be conditioned prior to test or
gated Shipping Containers Using Fixed an
...

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