ASTM D6254/D6254M-99

Standard Specification for Wirebound Pallet-Type Wood Boxes

SCOPE
1.1 This specification covers the fabrication of new fully enclosed wirebound pallet-type wooden boxes intended for use as containers for domestic and overseas shipment of general materials and supplies, not exceeding 2500 lb [1134 kg] (see 10.1).
1.2 Wirebound pallet-type wooden box performance is dependent on its fabricated components; therefore, a variety of types, classes, and treatments reflecting varied performance are specified. This specification, however, does not cover wirebound pallet-type wooden box performance under all atmosphere, handling, shipping, and storage conditions.
1.3 If the use of other construction methods or techniques is acceptable and permitted (see 5.1.11), the resulting packaging systems shall be of equal or better performance than would result from the use of these specified material and procedures. The appropriate distribution cycle provided in Practice D 4169 can be used to develop comparative procedures and criteria.
1.4 The values stated in either inch-pound or SI units are to be regarded separately as standard. Within the text, the SI units are shown in brackets. The values stated in each system are not exact equivalents; therefore, each system must be used independently of the other. Combining values from the two systems may result in nonconformance with the standard. See IEEE/ASTM SI 10 for conversion of units.
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: 09-Oct-1999
• ICS: 55.160 - Cases. Boxes. Crates
• Technical Committee: D10 - Packaging
• Drafting Committee: D10.12 - Shipping Containers, Crates, Pallets, Skids and Related Structures

Relations

• Replaced By: ASTM D6254/D6254M-99(2005) - Standard Specification for Wirebound Pallet-Type Wood Boxes
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2005
• Referred By: ASTM D3951-18 - Standard Practice for Commercial Packaging
• Effective Date: 10-Oct-1999
• Referred By: ASTM D6573/D6573M-13(2020) - Standard Specification for General Purpose Wirebound Shipping Boxes
• Effective Date: 10-Oct-1999
• Referred By: ASTM B900-16(2022) - Standard Practice for Packaging of Copper and Copper Alloy Mill Products for U.S. Government Agencies
• Effective Date: 10-Oct-1999
• Referred By: ASTM D6253-16 - Standard Practice for Treatment and/or Marking of Wood Packaging Materials
• Effective Date: 10-Oct-1999

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: D 6254/D 6254M – 99
Standard Specification for
Wirebound Pallet-Type Wood Boxes
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D 6254/D 6254M; 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.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the Department of Defense.
1. Scope Visually-Graded Dimension, Lumber from In-Grade Tests
of Full-Size Specimens
1.1 This specification covers the fabrication of new fully
D 3951 Practice for Commercial Packaging
enclosed wirebound pallet-type wooden boxes intended for use
D 3953 Specification for Strapping, Flat Steel and Seals
as containers for domestic and overseas shipment of general
D 4169 Practice for Performance Testing of Shipping Con-
materials and supplies, not exceeding 2500 lb [1134 kg] (see
tainers and Systems
10.1).
D 4442 TestMethodsforDirectMoistureContentMeasure-
1.2 Wirebound pallet-type wooden box performance is de-
ment of Wood and Wood-Base Materials
pendent on its fabricated components; therefore, a variety of
D 4444 TestMethodsforUseandCalibrationofHand-Held
types, classes, and treatments reflecting varied performance are
Moisture Meters
specified. This specification, however, does not cover wire-
D 6199 Practice for Quality of Wood Members of Contain-
bound pallet-type wooden box performance under all atmo-
ers and Pallets
sphere, handling, shipping, and storage conditions.
F 1667 Specification for Driven Fasteners, Nails, Spikes,
1.3 If the use of other construction methods or techniques is
and Staples
acceptable and permitted (see 5.1.11), the resulting packaging
IEEE/ASTM SI 10 Standard for Use of the International
systems shall be of equal or better performance than would
System of Units (SI): The Modern Metric System
result from the use of these specified materials and procedures.
2.2 Federal Specifications:
The appropriate distribution cycle provided in Practice D 4169
TT-W-572 Wood Preservative: Water-Repellent
can be used to develop comparative procedures and criteria.
2.3 Code of Federal Regulations:
1.4 The values stated in either inch-pound or SI units are to
CFR Parts 107–180, Title 49, Hazardous Materials Regula-
be regarded separately as standard.Within the text, the SI units
tions
are shown in brackets.The values stated in each system are not
2.4 APA—The Engineered Wood Association Standard:
exact equivalents; therefore, each system must be used inde-
PSI-95 Construction and Industrial Plywood
pendentlyoftheother.Combiningvaluesfromthetwosystems
2.5 Hardwood Plywood and Veneer Association Standard:
may result in nonconformance with the standard. See IEEE/
HPVA HP-1-1994 Hardwood and Decorative Plywood
ASTM SI 10 for conversion of units.
2.6 National Motor Freight Traffıc Association:
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the
National Motor Freight Classification
safety concerns, if any associated with its use. It is the
2.7 Uniform Classification Committee Standard:
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
Uniform Freight Classification
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
2. Referenced Documents
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 04.10.
2.1 ASTM Standards:
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 15.08.
D 996 Terminology of Packaging and Distribution Environ- Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 14.02.
Available from the Federal Supply Service Bureau, Specification Section, Suite
ments
8100, 480 L’Enfant Plaza, SW, Washington, DC 20408.
D 1990 Practice for Establishing Allowable Properties for
Available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing
Office, Mail Stop: SSOP, Washington, DC 20402–9328.
Available from APA–The Engineered Wood Association, 7011 South 19th St.,
PO Box 11700, Tacoma, WA 98411-0700.
1 9
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D-10 on Available from Hardwood Plywood and Veneer Association, PO Box 2789,
Packaging and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D10.26 on Wooden Reston, VA 2290-0789.
Crates, Pallets and Skids. Available from National Motor Freight Traffic Association, American Truck-
Current edition approved Oct. 10, 1999. Published December 1999. Originally ing Associations, 2200 Mill Road, Alexandria, VA 22314.
published as D 6254/D 6254M – 98. Last previous edition D 6254/D 6254M – 98. Available from the Uniform Classification Committee, Tariff Publishing
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 15.09. Officer, 151 Ellis St., N.E. Suite 200, Atlanta, GA 30335.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.
D 6254/D 6254M
3. Terminology 4.3.2 Treatment B—With water preservative treatment (see
6.1.1.9).
3.1 Definitions—General definitions for packaging and dis-
4.3.3 Treatment C—Without preservative treatment.
tribution environments are found in Terminology D 996.
4. Classification
5. Ordering Information
4.1 Type:
5.1 Purchasers should select the preferred permitted options
4.1.1 Type I—Sheathed lumber, 2500-lb [1134-kg] maxi-
and include the following information in procurement docu-
mum load (see Fig. 1).
ments:
4.1.2 Type II—Sheathed lumber and veneer, 1500-lb [680-
5.1.1 Specification title, number, and date.
kg] maximum load (see Fig. 2).
5.1.2 Box type, class, and treatment required (see 4.1-4.3
4.1.3 Type III—Sheathed lumber and veneer with two dif-
and 7.1).
ferent length sidewalls, 1500-lb [680-kg] maximum load (see
5.1.3 Contents weight.
Fig. 3).
5.1.4 Modifications to container manufacturer’s identifica-
4.1.4 TypeIV—Sheathedplywood,2500-lb[1134-kg]maxi-
tion (see 7.6).
mum load (see Fig. 4).
5.1.5 Box dimensions specified in order of length by width
4.2 Class:
by depth (see 7.7 and Fig. 7).
4.2.1 Class 1—Partial four-way entry base (see Fig. 5).
5.1.6 When preservative treatment is required (see 4.3 and
4.2.2 Class 2—Two-way entry base (see Fig. 5).
6.1.1.9).
4.2.3 Class 3—Partial four-way entry base with two differ-
5.1.7 Whether boxes are to be shipped assembled or
ent length sidewalls (see Fig. 6).
knocked down (see 9.1).
4.2.4 Class 4—Two-way entry base with two different
5.1.8 Whether additional markings are required (see 9.2).
length sidewalls (see Fig. 6).
5.1.9 Whetherdifferentstrappingmaterialsarerequired(see
4.3 Treatment:
S3.2.1).
4.3.1 Treatment A—With water preservative treatment (see
6.1.1.9). 5.1.10 Whether additional support is required (see S3.2.3).
13 7
NOTE 1—All cleats (see Fig. 5 and Fig. 7), ⁄16 by ⁄8 in. nominal [16 by 16 mm]. Type I wirebound box (Select Class 1 or 2 base from Fig. 5).
FIG. 1 Type I Wirebound Box (Select Class 1 or 2 Base from Fig. 5)
D 6254/D 6254M
7 3
NOTE 1—Top battens (see Fig. 1 and Fig. 7) ⁄8 by 1 ⁄8 in. nominal [16 by 29 mm].
13 7
All cleats (see Fig. 5 and Fig. 7) ⁄16 by ⁄8 in. nominal [16 by 16 mm].
FIG. 2 Type II Wirebound Box (Select Class 1 or 2 Base from Fig. 5).
5.1.11 Whether other construction methods or techniques in. [25 mm] per 10-in.[254-mm] length for pallet base and box
are acceptable and permitted (see 1.3). frame members and shall not exceed 1 in. [25 mm] per
5.1.11.1 Whether proof that other constructions methods or 8-in.[203-mm] length for face boards. Members shall be free
techniques are acceptable (see 1.3) is required. from decay and sufficiently smooth on the exterior surface to
permit legible markings. Stains and discoloration not associ-
6. Materials and Manufacture
ated with decay will be permitted provided they are not so
6.1 Materials—It is encouraged that recycled material be pronounced as to obscure markings. Members shall be free
used when practical. All recovered, recycled, or virgin mate- from all defects that will interfere with specified stapling and
rials used in box manufacture shall meet the requirements of nailing. Each wood member shall be a single wood piece
this specification and referenced documents. In addition, ma- without any joints.
terials shall not affect or be affected by the product being 6.1.1.2 Cleat and Batten Knots—Any cleat or batten knot
packed. width shall not exceed ⁄4 the member width. Knots shall be
6.1.1 Wood—Wood used in box fabrication shall conform to sound and tight with no part within 1 ⁄4 in. [32 mm] of the cleat
PracticeD 6199asapplicableandshallconformtocommercial or batten end. Loose knots and knot holes shall not be
standards in accordance with Practice D 1990. Group I Woods permitted in cleats and battens.
shall not be permitted for cleats. Nominal dimensions shall be 6.1.1.3 Face and Deck Board and Stringer Knots—Any
as specified in Practice D 6199. face and deck board and stringer knot width shall not exceed
1 1
6.1.1.1 Wood Quality—Grain divergence (grain slope), 1 ⁄2in.[38mm]nor ⁄3thememberwidth.Knotsshallbesound
whether on a wooden member face or edge, shall not exceed 1 and tight with no part of any knot within 1 in. [25 mm] of the
D 6254/D 6254M
13 5
NOTE 1—Top cleat ⁄16 by 1 ⁄8 in. nominal [16 by 35 mm].
13 7
Bottom cleat ⁄16 by ⁄8 in. nominal [16 by 16 mm].
7 3
Top battens ⁄8 by 1 ⁄8 in. nominal [16 by 29 mm].
FIG. 3 Type III Wirebound Box (Select Class 3 or 4 Base from Fig. 6)
member end. Loose knots or knot holes not more than 1 in. [25 than the entire board length and not diverging to a board edge
mm] wide shall be permitted, provided they are not within 1 in. shall be permitted for sides, top, bottom and ends, provided
[25 mm] of the member end. that if the split were extended, the resulting boards would
6.1.1.4 Splits Extending Entire Board Length—Splits ex- comply with the minimum requirements of 6.1.1.4.
tendingtheentireboardlengthshallbepermittedforsides,top, 6.1.1.6 Splits Extending Through Staple or Nail Holes—
bottom, and ends, provided the width of the narrowest piece of Board-end slits, caused by a fastener, which are not longer than
the board measured from the split is 1 ⁄2 in. [38 mm] or greater, 3 in. [76 mm], are acceptable provided the split does not
and a staple holds each piece end in place. terminate in the board edge.
6.1.1.5 Splits Diverging to Board Edge—Splits diverging to 6.1.1.7 Wane or Bark—Wane along any one wood member
an outer box edge shall not be permitted. Splits extending less edge will be permitted for the full length of the member
D 6254/D 6254M
7 3
NOTE 1—Top battens (see Fig. 1 and Fig. 7) ⁄8 by 1 ⁄8 in. nominal [16 by 29 mm].
16 7
All cleats(see Fig. 5 and Fig. 7) ⁄16 by ⁄8 in. nominal [16 by 16 mm]
FIG. 4 Type IV Wirebound Box (Select Class 1 or 2 Base from Fig. 5)
provided it does not exceed ⁄8 in. [10 mm] in either direction lb/in. [655002to861844kPa].Staplesshallbeinaccordance
from the member edge. Bark shall not be permitted on any with Specification F 1667, Type IV, Style 3.
wood component. 6.1.4.1 Coating—The staple wire surface shall be galva-
6.1.1.8 Moisture Content—At the time of box fabrication, nized. The galvanized coating shall be smooth and shall not
wood member moisture content shall be in accordance with flake nor peel when the wire is wound around a ⁄16-in. [5-mm]
Practice D 6199 except that there shall be no restriction on diameter mandrel (see 8.2).
pallet base stringer’s moisture content. 6.1.5 Nails—Nails shall conform to Specification F 1667.
6.1.1.9 Preservation Treatment—When TreatmentAor B is Pallet nails shall be in accordance with Specification F 1667,
specified, pallet finished parts or complete pallet boxes shall be Type I, Style 18.
immersed or flooded completely so as to cover all interior and
7. Construction
exterior surfaces for the time period specified. Treatment A
shall utilize TT-W-572, Composition C or D preservative, or a 7.1 Type and Class—A partial four-way or two-way entry
commercial equivalent, for a minimum of 3 min. Treatment B base may be used with each box type as specified (see Section
shall utilize either a 2 % copper naphthenate, a 3 % zinc 5).
naphthenate, or a 1.8 % oxine copper, formerly referred to as 7.1.1 Type I Boxes—Type I boxes shall conform to Fig. 1.
copper-8-quinolinolate, solution for a minimum of 1 min. Type I boxes shall be limited to a 48-in. [1219-mm] maximum
6.1.2 Plywood—Type IVboxes shall use plywood conform- inside depth (load height). The inside length or width shall not
ing to ANSI/HPVA HP-1-1994, Type I, Grade 3-4; APA exceed 60 in. [1524 mm], and when added together, shall not
PS1-95, Interior with Exterior Glue; or APA PS1-95, Exterior, exceed 102 in. [2591 mm]. Bases shall conform to Fig. 5.
Grade C-C. Plywood shall have no defects (knot holes, worm 7.1.2 Type II Boxes—Type II boxes shall conform to Fig. 2.
holes, and so forth) extending through the panel. Unless Type II boxes shall be limited to a 40-in. [1016-mm] maximum
otherwise specified, plywood shall be finished unsanded. inside depth (load height). The inside length and width
6.1.3 Binding Wire—Binding wire shall be as a minimum, dimensions,whenaddedtogether,shallnotexceed96in.[2438
13-gage, 0.0915-in. [2.324 mm] diameter, low carbon, an- mm]. Bases shall conform to Fig. 5.
nealed steel wire. The wire’s physical properties shall permit 7.1.3 Type III Boxes—Type III boxes shall conform to Fig.
satisfactory forming of the loop closures without fracturing the 3 and to the dimensional limitations of 7.1.2. Bases shall
wire. The wire tensile strength shall be from 60 000 to 85 conform to Fig. 6.
000-lb/in. [413 685 to 586 054 kPa]. 7.1.4 Type IV Boxes—Type IV boxes shall conform to Fig.
6.1.3.1 Coating—The binding wire surface shall be galva- 4. Type IV boxes shall be limited to a 48-in. [1219-mm]
nized. The galvanized coating shall be smooth and shall not maximum inside depth (load height). The inside length shall
flake nor peel when the wire is wound around a ⁄16-in. [5-mm] notexceed96in.[2438mm].Theinsidewidthshallnotexceed
diameter mandrel (see 8.2). 48 in. [1219 mm]. The inside length and width dimensions,
6.1.4 Staples—Staples shall be made from low carbon steel when added together, shall not exceed 128 in. [3251 mm].
wire.The wire tensile strength shall be from 95 000 to 125 000 Bases shall conform to Fig. 5.
D 6254/D 6254M
FIG. 5 Class 2—Pallet Bases (for Types I, II, and IV Boxes)
7.2 Wirebound Blank: sions shall be as shown on the applicable figure with a 6
7.2.1 Cleats—Cleats shall be made of Group II, III, or IV
...