ASTM D6179-97(2003)
(Test Method)Standard Test Methods for Rough Handling of Unitized Loads and Large Shipping Cases and Crates
Standard Test Methods for Rough Handling of Unitized Loads and Large Shipping Cases and Crates
SCOPE
1.1 These test methods cover testing the integrity of unitized loads and large shipping cases and crates as well as the ability of the contents to endure rough handling. 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 as follows:
1.1.1 Test Method A, B, C, D, and E—Drop Test—For measuring the ability of the case or crate or unitized load to withstand rough handling impacts and provide information useful in improving the design of the container. Normally, Test Methods A and B are not applied to unitized loads.
1.1.2 Test Method F—Tip Test—For determining the ability of filled tall or top heavy cases or crates to resist tipping over.
1.1.3 Method G—Tipover Test—For determining the ability of filled large shipping cases or crates to resist the impacts associated with tipover hazards, and for determining the ability of the packaging and packing methods to provide protection to the contents, when the case or crate is tipped over.
Note 1—Test Method G fulfills the requirements of ISO 8768. ISO 8768 may not meet the requirements for Test Method G.
1.1.4 Test Method H—Rolling Test—For determining the ability of complete, filled large shipping cases or crates to withstand the effects of rolling.
Note 2—Test Method H fulfills the requirements of ISO 2876. ISO 2876 may not meet the requirements for Test Method H.
1.2 Additional Test Procedures:
1.2.1 Test methods for mechanical handling of unitized loads and large shipping cases and crates are set forth in Test Method D 6055. Additional tests that apply to mechanical handling of unitized loads and large cases and crates include incline impact tests, described in Test Method D 880 and horizontal impact tests, described in Test Methods D 4003 and Test Method D 5277. Test Methods D 4003 includes a special pallet marshaling test and Test Methods D 1185 provides test methods for pallets and related structures.
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 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as the standard. The SI units given in parentheses are for information only.
1.4 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)
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:D6179–97 (Reapproved 2003)
Standard Test Methods for
Rough Handling of Unitized Loads and Large Shipping
Cases and Crates
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D 6179; 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 Thesetestmethodscovertestingtheintegrityofunitized
shipping containers and systems.
loads and large shipping cases and crates as well as the ability
1.3 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded
of the contents to endure rough handling. Not all of the test
as the standard. The SI units given in parentheses are for
methods are applicable to all products, containers, and loads.
information only.
These test methods are applicable to common means of
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the
material handling as follows:
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
1.1.1 Test Method A, B, C, D, and E—Drop Test—For
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
measuring the ability of the case or crate or unitized load to
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
withstand rough handling impacts and provide information
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
useful in improving the design of the container. Normally, Test
Methods A and B are not applied to unitized loads.
2. Referenced Documents
1.1.2 Test Method F—Tip Test—For determining the ability
2.1 ASTM Standards:
of filled tall or top heavy cases or crates to resist tipping over.
D 880 Test Method for Impact Testing for Shipping Con-
1.1.3 Method G—Tipover Test—For determining the ability
tainers and Systems
of filled large shipping cases or crates to resist the impacts
D 996 Terminology of Packaging and Distribution Environ-
associated with tipover hazards, and for determining the ability
ments
of the packaging and packing methods to provide protection to
D 1185 Test Methods for Pallets and Related Structures
the contents, when the case or crate is tipped over.
Employed in Materials Handling and Shipping
NOTE 1—Test Method G fulfills the requirements of ISO 8768.
D 4003 Test Methods of Controlled Horizontal Impact Test
ISO 8768 may not meet the requirements for Test Method G.
for Shipping Containers
1.1.4 Test Method H—Rolling Test—For determining the
D 4169 Practice for Performance Testing of Shipping Con-
ability of complete, filled large shipping cases or crates to
tainers and Systems
withstand the effects of rolling.
D 4332 Practice for Conditioning Containers, Packages, or
Packaging Components for Testing
NOTE 2—Test Method H fulfills the requirements of ISO 2876.
D 5276 Test Method for DropTest of Loaded Containers by
ISO 2876 may not meet the requirements for Test Method H.
Free Fall
1.2 Additional Test Procedures:
D 5277 Test Method for Performing Programmed Horizon-
1.2.1 Test methods for mechanical handling of unitized
tal Impacts Using an Inclined Impact Tester
loads and large shipping cases and crates are set forth in Test
D 5487 Test Method for Simulated Drop of Loaded Con-
Method D 6055. Additional tests that apply to mechanical
tainers by Shock Machines
handling of unitized loads and large cases and crates include
D 6055 Test Methods for Mechanical Handling of Unitized
incline impact tests, described in Test Method D 880 and
Loads and Large Shipping Cases and Crates
horizontal impact tests, described in Test Methods D 4003 and
2.2 ISO Standards:
Test Method D 5277. Test Methods D 4003 includes a special
ISO 2876 Packaging—Complete, Filled Transport
pallet marshaling test and Test Methods D 1185 provides test
methods for pallets and related structures.
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
These test methods are under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D10 on
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
Packaging and are the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D10.21 on Shipping
the ASTM website.
Containers and Systems–Application of Performance Test Methods .
Current edition approved Oct. 1, 2003. Published March 1998.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.
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.
D6179–97 (2003)
Packages—Rolling Test 5.1.1.1 Lift with heavy steel strapping or wire (to release,
ISO 8768 Packaging—Complete, Filled Transport the strapping or wire is cut), or
Packages—Toppling Test 5.1.1.2 Lift with a forklift truck (while restraining the test
item, the forklift truck is removed from under it), or
3. Terminology 5.1.1.3 Liftwithaclamptruck.(Applysufficientforcetolift
test item to prescribed height, then release test item), or
3.1 Definitions:
5.1.1.4 Use a tractor with block and tackle (blocks are
3.1.1 General terms in these test methods are defined in
pulled from under test item) or,
Terminology D 996.
5.1.1.5 Use a commercial drop tester for test items that are
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
within the weight limitations of the machine.
3.2.1 flat—for purposes of drop tests, tip tests, tipover tests,
5.1.2 Perform the test upon a flat, horizontally level, con-
and rolling tests, no two points on the surface differ in level by
crete slab, pavement, or similarly unyielding surface, massive
more than 0.080 in. (2 mm); however, where one of the
enough to be immovable and rigid enough to be non-
dimensions of the test package in contact with the surface is
deformable under test conditions, with a mass at least 50 times
greater than 40 in. (1000 mm), a maximum difference in
that of the test item and large enough to ensure that the test
surface level of 0.20 in. (5 mm) will be acceptable.
package falls entirely upon the surface.
3.2.2 large shipping case or crate—a case or crate of such
5.2 Tip Test and Tipover Test Apparatus—In performing the
size and weight to require mechanical handling.Acase or crate
tip or tipover test, the test item may be handled with any
of this type may weigh from 100 lb (45 kg) up to many tons
convenient equipment, such as a forklift truck, a host, a block
and measure proportionately. The case or crate may be secured
and tackle, by hand, or any means capable of applying a
to or carried by a base or pallet. Frame members may be
horizontal load to the vertical faces of the test item at a
provided for rigidity throughout the container.
particular height above the center of gravity and of sufficient
3.2.3 rigid—for purposes of drop tests, tip tests, and tipover
force to cause tipping without causing the test item to slide on
tests, a surface that will not be deformed by more than 0.0040
2 2
thehorizontalsurface.Performthetestuponaflat,horizontally
in. (0.1 mm) when any area of 0.16 in. (100 mm ) is loaded
level, concrete slab, pavement, or similarly unyielding surface,
statically with 22 lb (10 kg) anywhere on the surface.
massive enough to be immovable and rigid enough to be
3.2.4 rolling—rotating a test package about its axis so as to
non-deformable under test conditions, with a mass at least 50
impact on each face in turn.
times that of the test item and large enough to ensure that the
3.2.5 unitized load—a type of unit load consisting of
test item falls entirely upon the surface.
articles or containers secured together so as to be handled as an
5.3 Rolling Test Apparatus—In performing the rolling test,
entity.
the test item may be handled with any convenient equipment,
such as a forklift truck, a hoist, a block and tackle, or by hand.
4. Significance and Use
Perform the test upon a flat, horizontally level, concrete slab,
4.1 These test methods will allow the user to determine
pavement, or similarly unyielding surface, massive enough to
integrity and stability of the load as well as provide guidance
be immovable and rigid enough to be non-deformable under
to improve the design of the shipping container or the unit load
test conditions, with a mass at least 50 times that of the test
where deficiencies are found.
item and large enough to ensure that the test item falls entirely
4.2 Damagetoproductsorpackagesobservedduringtesting
upon the surface.
can be expected to correlate at least in a qualitative way to
damage observed in actual distribution handling systems.
6. Test Specimen and Number of Tests
4.3 The results received from shock machine testing and
6.1 Test several cases, crates, or unitized loads of a given
free fall drop testing are different for certain products. Where
design, if possible, to obtain replication of results. If it is not
this test is performed to satisfy a regulatory or contractual
possibletotestanentireunitizedload,thensufficientarticlesor
requirement, its use is subject to approval by the agency
containers should be assembled such that the height and one
concerned.
base dimension are nearly the same as the proposed unitized
load. The same test item may often be used for all applicable
5. Apparatus
tests if not tested to failure. Load the test item with the actual
5.1 Drop Test Apparatus—In performing the drop test, the
contents for which it was designed. If use of actual contents is
case, crate, or unitized load may be handled with any conve-
not practical, a dummy load of the same total mass, size, and
nient equipment, such as a block and tackle, a hoist, or jacks
weightdistributionmaybesubstituted.Thecontentsordummy
withprovisionmadeforreleasingthetestitemeitherbypulling
load shall be blocked, braced, and cushioned in place and the
supporting blocks from under it when tackle and jacks are used
package closed normally as for shipment.
or by a release hook when a hoist is used.
6.2 Identify faces, edges, and corners of containers as
5.1.1 Other apparatus may be used for dropping a case,
shown in Fig. A1.1 of Test Method D 5276.
crate, or unitized load as follows:
7. Conditioning
7.1 It is recommended that atmospheres for conditioning be
selected from those shown in Practice D 4332. Unless other-
Available from American National Standards Institute, 11 W. 42nd St., 13th
Floor, New York, NY 10036. wise specified, fiberboard and other paperboard containers
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.
D6179–97 (2003)
NOTE 3—When conducting a drop test using slings on a corrugated
shall be preconditioned and conditioned in accordance with the
fiberboard case, it is necessary to install a nominal 2 by 6 in. (50 by 150
standard atmosphere specified in Practice D 4332.
mm)woodenboardatleast1in.(25mm)longerthanthedimensionofthe
case on top of the case and in line with each sling.This board will prevent
8. Acceptance Criteria
each sling from collapsing the top of the corrugated fiberboard case when
8.1 Reference Practice D 4169 for acceptance criteria and it is being lifted prior to the drop test.
the correlation to relative performance criteria.
9.4.1 Test Method E—Shock Machine Method—The free
fall drop test may, in some instances, be performed using a
9. Drop Tests
programmable shock machine of appropriate dimensions using
9.1 Test Method A—Rotational Edge Drop Test—Raise one
the apparatus and procedures described in Test Method
end of the case or crate and set it upon a timber or other
D 5487. See 4.3 for an equivalency statement for the shock
support, placed at right angles to the length of the case or crate.
machine method and free fall method of drop testing. See
The height of the support shall be sufficient to ensure that there
Annex A1 for alternative drop test procedures.
willbenosupportforthebasebetweentheendsofthetestitem
9.5 Measurements During Drop Tests (Optional)—Measure
when dropping takes place, but should not be high enough to
dimensions of the test item, typically diagonals, and record
cause the test item to slide on the support when the drop end is
before the test is started and after each drop. The differences in
raised for the drop. Raise the other end of the test item
successive measurements permit a study of the distortions and
successively to prescribed heights and release to fall freely on
deflectionsthathavetakenplace.Inadditiontothesemeasures,
the impact surface. Where test items are tall or top heavy,
a record should be made of any changes or breakage in the test
provision must be made to prevent the test item from tipping
item and their location. A recommended sample form for
over after the drop is made. The drop test impact surface is
recording the measurements and notations made during the
specified fully in the Apparatus section. If the stability of the
drop tests is shown in Fig. 1.
load is in question, theTipTest (Test Method F) or theTipover
Test(TestMethodG),orboth,shouldbeperformed.SeeAnnex
10. Tip Test
A1 for alternative drop test procedures.
10.1 Test Method F—Tip Test—Use a case or crate fully
9.2 Test Method B—Rotational Corner Drop Test—Start up
loaded with the actual contents. If use of actual contents is not
by setting up the case or crate as defined for the Test Method
practical, a dummy load of the same total mass, size, and
Arotational edge drop test. Placea4to10in. (100 to 254 mm)
weightdistributionmaybesubstituted.Thecontentsordummy
block flat under one corner of the end already supported in
load shall be blocked, braced, and cushioned in place and the
order to raise one corner higher than the other so that impacts
package closed normally as for shipment.
on the diagonally opposite corner can be obtained. Raise the
10.2 Tip the test item to a predetermined angle from vertical
unsupportedendofthetestitemsothatthelowercornerofthat
in the most critical direction and release it. Unless otherwise
end reaches a specified height from the impact surface and
specified, it is recommended that an angle of 22° be used.
allow to fall freely. Where test items are tall or top heavy,
provision must be made to prevent the test item from tipping
10.3 The test item should right itself and not tip over in
over after the drop is made. If the stability of the load is in
either the tipped direction or the opposite direction.
question,theTipTest(TestMethodF)ortheTipoverTest(Test
10.4 The test should be repeated in all potential
...
Questions, Comments and Discussion
Ask us and Technical Secretary will try to provide an answer. You can facilitate discussion about the standard in here.