ASTM D880-92(2015)

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 and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. Specific precautionary statements are given in Note 1 and Section 7.

General Information

• Status: Historical
• Publication Date: 30-Sep-2015
• ICS: 55.040 - Packaging materials and accessories
• 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: D880 − 92 (Reapproved 2015)
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 D4003 Test Methods for Programmable Horizontal Impact
Test for Shipping Containers and Systems
1.1 This test method covers two procedures for conducting
D4332 Practice for Conditioning Containers, Packages, or
impact tests on loaded containers or shipping units (pallet
Packaging Components for Testing
loads), as follows:
D5277 Test Method for Performing Programmed Horizontal
1.1.1 Procedure A, to test the ability of a container or
Impacts Using an Inclined Impact Tester
shipping unit to withstand impacts, and
E122 Practice for Calculating Sample Size to Estimate,With
1.1.2 Procedure B, to test the ability of a container or
Specified Precision, the Average for a Characteristic of a
shipping unit or interior packing, or both, to provide protection
Lot or Process
to the contents, when subjected to impacts.
2.2 ISO Standard:
1.2 Either of these two procedures may be used to evaluate
ISO 2244 Horizontal Impact Test (Horizontal or Incline
differentdesignsofcontainersofthesamesizeandcarryingthe
Plane Test: Pendulum Test)
same load. These procedures are suitable for testing various
types of containers such as boxes, crates, barrels, drums, kegs,
3. Terminology
bags, sacks, or pails made of various materials or combinations
3.1 Definitions—For definitions of terms applicable to this
of materials and for shipping units such as pallet loads or
test method see Terminology D996.
palletized units.
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
1.3 The procedures described in this test method are par-
3.2.1 hazard—removable solid object of any size or shape
ticularly suitable for testing large or heavily loaded containers.
placed on an impact surface (backstop) so as to contact a test
1.4 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded
specimen at any desired location during the impact of the
as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical
specimen into the impact surface (backstop).
conversions to SI units that are provided for information only
and are not considered standard.
4. Summary of Test Method
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the
4.1 An apparatus having a guided carriage capable of
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
holding a test container or shipping unit impacts into a rigid
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
impact surface (backstop) with or without hazards at a prede-
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
termined impact velocity. When testing the ability of a con-
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use. Specific precau-
tainer or shipping unit to withstand impact (Procedure A)
tionary statements are given in Note 1 and Section 7.
multiple tests with the same impact velocity or increasing
impact velocities may be conducted until failure occurs. When
2. Referenced Documents
testing the ability of the container, shipping unit, or interior
2.1 ASTM Standards:
packing, or combination thereof, to provide protection to the
D996 Terminology of Packaging and Distribution Environ-
contents (Procedure B), a predetermined number of impacts, at
ments
predetermined velocities, are applied and the container(s) and
contents are then inspected.
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D10 on
Packaging and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D10.21 on Shipping
5. Significance and Use
Containers and Systems - Application of Performance Test Methods.
5.1 The impact test has been found useful in laboratory
Current edition approved Oct. 1, 2015. Published October 2015. Originally
approved in 1968. Last previous edition approved in 2008 as D880 – 92 (2008).
simulation of impacts such as those encountered in manual and
DOI: 10.1520/D0880-92R15.
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 Available from American National Standards Institute (ANSI), 25 W. 43rd St.,
the ASTM website. 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 (2015)
mechanical handling and transportation. The impact test simu- 6.2 Instrumentation:
lates some types of shocks that could occur in the handling of 6.2.1 Instrumentation that may be an optical or mechanical
packages or shipping units and helps evaluate the ability of the timing device is required to measure the carriage impact
package to protect the contents against these shocks. The test velocity to an accuracy of 62 % of the actual value. When
mayalsopermitobservationofprogressivefailureofapackage testing is within a laboratory and for comparative purposes
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
been used in the past, especially the impact surface (backstop), severe mechanical responses in the test specimen. Therefore,
operating personnel must remain alert to potential hazards and
it has been found that interlaboratory correlation of test results
has been poor. take necessary precautions for their safety.The test area should
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
6. Apparatus
8.1 The number of test specimens depends on the desired
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.
6.1.2 There shall be an impact surface (backstop) that is 9.1 When the specimen is being tested by Procedure A to
determine the ability of the container or shipping unit to
integral with a solid mass at least 50 times the maximum mass
of the test specimen. The impact surface firmly attached to the withstand impact stresses, either the actual contents or a
dummy load simulating such contents can be used. When the
mass, shall be a steel plate not less than ⁄2 in. (13 mm) thick.
The impact surface (backstop) must have dimensions greater specimen is being tested by Procedure B to determine the
than those of the impacting surface of the test specimen to ability of the container or shipping unit or interior packing, or
permit full contact with the shipping container. both,toprovideprotectiontothecontents,actualcontentsshall
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
results and the accuracy of tests between laboratories. The test can be
NOTE 4—Certain contents or ingredients of the objects under test may
conducted on apparatus that does not meet the requirements of 6.1.2,
be replaced by inert materials of approximately the same weight and
provided it is clearly stated in 14.1.1.
characteristics.
6.1.3 The test machine shall provide some means of moving
9.2 Identification of Members—See Annex A1.
the test carriage to obtain the desired impact velocity.This may
be the result of mechanical or pneumatic means, gravity
10. Calibration
through the use of a 10 ° (nominal) incline, or a pendulum
10.1 Calibrate the impact carriage so that the desired impact
device.
velocity (65 %) may be achieved.
NOTE 3—Depending upon the configuration of the test machine there
10.2 Make the calibration using the carriage with a load
may be other forces acting before, during, or after the impact that may
simulating actual contents
...

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: D880 − 92 (Reapproved 2008) D880 − 92 (Reapproved 2015)
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
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 and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory
limitations prior to use. Specific precautionary statements are given in Note 1 and Section 7.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
D996 Terminology of Packaging and Distribution Environments
D4003 Test Methods for Programmable Horizontal Impact Test for Shipping Containers and Systems
D4332 Practice for Conditioning Containers, Packages, or Packaging Components for Testing
D5277 Test Method for Performing Programmed Horizontal Impacts Using an Inclined Impact Tester
E122 Practice for Calculating Sample Size to Estimate, With Specified Precision, the Average for a Characteristic of a Lot or
Process
2.2 ISO Standard:
ISO 2244 Horizontal Impact Test (Horizontal or Incline Plane Test: Pendulum Test)
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions—For definitions of terms applicable to this test method see Terminology D996.
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
3.2.1 hazard—removable solid object of any size or shape placed on an impact surface (backstop) so as to contact a test
specimen at any desired location during the impact of the specimen into the impact surface (backstop).
4. Summary of Test Method
4.1 An apparatus having a guided carriage capable of holding a test container or shipping unit impacts into a rigid impact surface
(backstop) with or without hazards at a predetermined impact velocity. When testing the ability of a container or shipping unit to
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 April 1, 2008Oct. 1, 2015. Published May 2008October 2015. Originally approved in 1968. Last previous edition approved in 20022008 as
D880 – 92 (2002).(2008). DOI: 10.1520/D0880-92R08.10.1520/D0880-92R15.
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.
Available from American National Standards Institute (ANSI), 25 W. 43rd St., 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 (2015)
withstand impact (Procedure A) multiple tests with the same impact velocity or increasing impact velocities may be conducted until
failure occurs. When testing the ability of the container, shipping unit, or interior packing, or combination thereof, to provide
protection to the contents (Procedure B), a predetermined number of impacts, at predetermined velocities, are applied and the
container(s) and contents are then inspected.
5. 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.
6. Apparatus
6.1 Testing Machine:
6.1.1 The test machine shall consist of a guided test carriage with a flat test specimen mounting surface and an impact surface
(backstop) with the plane of the face perpendicular within 630 min ( ⁄2 °) to the direction of movement of the carriage at impact.
6.1.2 There shall be an impact surface (backstop) that is integral with a solid mass at least 50 times the maximum mass of the
test specimen. The impact surface firmly attached to the mass, shall be a steel plate not less than ⁄2 in. (13 mm) thick. The impact
surface (backstop) must have dimensions greater than those of the impacting surface of the test specimen to permit full contact
with the shipping container.
NOTE 2—The purpose of the apparatus is to provide an impact surface (backstop) and mass that will improve interlaboratory correlation of test results
and the accuracy of tests between laboratories. The test can be conducted on apparatus that does not meet the requirements of 6.1.2, provided it is clearly
stated in 14.1.1.
6.1.3 The test machine shall provide some means of moving the test carriage to obtain the desired impact velocity. This may
be the result of mechanical or pneumatic means, gravity through the use of a 10 ° (nominal) incline, or a pendulum device.
NOTE 3—Depending upon the configuration of the test machine there may be other forces acting before, during, or after the impact that may affect the
test results.
6.1.4 The test machine should preferably have a means of preventing multiple impacts.
6.1.5 The test carriage shall provide surface friction such that the test specimen does not move during the period from rest to
impact, but will move freely upon impact.
6.1.6 The impact surface (backstop) may, if desired, be equipped with hazards that can be so placed as to contact the container
at the time of impact at any desired position between top and bottom edges of the container. The dimensions, material, and location
of the interposed hazard should be carefully specified.
6.2 Instrumentation:
6.2.1 Instrumentation that may be an optical or mechanical timing device is required to measure the carriage impact velocity
to an accuracy of 62 % of the actual value. When testing is within a laboratory and for comparative purposes only, instrumentation
is optional.
7. Safety Precautions
7.1 The procedures given in this test method may produce severe mechanical responses in the test specimen. Therefore,
operating personnel must remain alert to potential hazards and take necessary precautions for their safety. The test area should be
cleared prior to each test. Stop the test immediately if a dangerous condition should develop. The testing of hazardous materials
or products may require special precautions that must be observed. Safety equipment may be required and its use must be
understood before starting the test.
8. Sampling
8.1 The number of test specimens depends on the desired degree of precision and the availability of specimens. Practice E122
provides guidance on the choice of sample size. It is recommended that at least three representative test specimens be used.
D880 − 92 (2015)
9. Test Specimens
9.1 When the specimen is being tested by Procedure A to determine the ability of the container or shipping unit to withstand
impact stresses, either the actual contents or a dum
...