ASTM D642-15

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

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 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.  
4.2 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 corrugated box specimens to fail at their strongest point, while swivel-platen machines cause corrugated box specimens to fail at their weakest point.5 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.

General Information

• Status: Historical
• Publication Date: 31-Mar-2015
• ICS: 55.180.40 - Complete, filled transport packages
• Technical Committee: D10 - Packaging
• Drafting Committee: D10.21 - Shipping Containers and Systems - Application of Performance Test Methods

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: D642 − 15
Standard Test Method for
Determining Compressive Resistance of Shipping
1
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 U.S. Department of Defense.
1. Scope 2. Referenced Documents
2
1.1 This test method covers compression tests on shipping 2.1 ASTM Standards:
D685 Practice for Conditioning Paper and Paper Products
containers (for example, boxes and drums) or components, or
both. Shipping containers may be tested with or without for Testing
D996 Terminology of Packaging and Distribution Environ-
contents. The procedure may be used for measuring the ability
of the container to resist external compressive loads applied to ments
D4169 Practice for Performance Testing of Shipping Con-
itsfaces,todiagonallyoppositeedges,ortocorners(Fig.1and
Fig. 2). This test method covers testing of multiple containers tainers and Systems
D4332 Practice for Conditioning Containers, Packages, or
or unit loads, in addition to individual shipping containers,
components, materials, or combination thereof. Packaging Components for Testing
D4442 Test Methods for Direct Moisture Content Measure-
1.2 The test method of applying load may be used to
ment of Wood and Wood-Base Materials
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
3
International Organization for Standardization (ISO) Test
2.2 TAPPI Standard:
Method 12048. The ISO standards may not meet the require-
T 412 Moisture in pulp, paper and paperboard
ments for this test method.
T 804 Compression testing of fiberboard shipping containers
4
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-
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
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 [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
1
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D10 on Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
Packaging and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D10.21 on Shipping the ASTM website.
3
Containers and Systems - Application of Performance Test Methods. Available from the Technical Association of the Pulp and Paper Industry, 15
Current edition approved April 1, 2015. Published May 2015. Originally Technology Parkway South, Atlanta, GA 30092.
4
approved in 1941. Last previous edition approved in 2010 as D642 – 00(2010). Available from American National Standards Institute, 25 W. 43rd St., 4th
DOI: 10.1520/D0642-15. Floor, New York, NY 10036.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
1

---------------------- Page: 1 ----------------------
D642 − 15
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 for transit simu-
equipped with two platens, one rigidly
...

This document is not an ASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of an ASTM standard an indication of what changes have been made to the previous version. Because
it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
of the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.
Designation: D642 − 00 (Reapproved 2010) D642 − 15
Standard Test Method for
Determining Compressive Resistance of Shipping
1
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 U.S. Department of Defense.
1. 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.
2. Referenced Documents
2
2.1 ASTM Standards:
D644D685 Test Method for Moisture Content of Paper and Paperboard by Oven DryingPractice for Conditioning Paper and
Paper Products for Testing (Withdrawn 2010)
D996 Terminology of Packaging and Distribution Environments
3
D2016 Methods of Test for Moisture Content of Wood (Withdrawn 1987)
D4169 Practice for Performance Testing of Shipping Containers and Systems
D4332 Practice for Conditioning Containers, Packages, or Packaging Components for Testing
D4442 Test Methods for Direct Moisture Content Measurement of Wood and Wood-Base Materials
D4577 Test Method for Compression Resistance of a Container Under Constant Load
E4 Practices for Force Verification of Testing Machines
E122 Practice for Calculating Sample Size to Estimate, With Specified Precision, the Average for a Characteristic of a Lot or
Process
3
2.2 TAPPI Standard:
T 412 Moisture in pulp, paper and paperboard
T 804 Compression testing of fiberboard shipping containers
1
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D10 on Packaging and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D10.21 on Shipping Containers and
Systems - Application of Performance Test Methods.
Current edition approved Aug. 1, 2010April 1, 2015. Published October 2010May 2015. Originally approved in 1941. Last previous edition approved in 20052010 as
ε1
D642 – 00(2005)(2010). . DOI: 10.1520/D0642-00R10.10.1520/D0642-15.
2
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM Standards
volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
3
Available from the Technical Association of the Pulp and Paper Industry, 15 Technology Parkway South, Atlanta, GA 30092.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
1

---------------------- Page: 1 ----------------------
D642 − 15
4
2.3 ISO Standard:
ISO 12048 Packaging—Complete, filled transport packages—Compression and stacking test using compression tester
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions—General terms for Packaging and Distribution Environments are found in Terminology D996.
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
3.2.1 fixed platen testing machine—a testing machine equipped with two platens which
...