Standard Test Method for Evaluation of Mechanical Handling of Unitized Loads Secured with Stretch Wrap Films

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
This test method is intended for use primarily as a means of comparing the performance of unitizing films. It can also be used to compare the effectiveness of different wrap cycles with the same wrapping materials. No direct correlation between these test results and actual field performance has been established.
This test method simulates mechanical handling anticipated during all distribution phases.
This test method leaves open to the discretion of the user the establishment of test levels and numbers of cycles constituting the test, so that the user might tailor the test to simulate a particular distribution environment. The section on mechanical handling over 100 pounds (45 kg) in Practice D 4169 may provide some guidance in this regard.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers evaluation and comparison of the ability of unitizing films to survive various methods of mechanical handling.
1.2 The test method described is applicable to common means of material handling, including the following: forklift, push/pull, clamp truck, crane, and spade lift-type handling systems.
1.3 The test levels may be varied to reflect known levels of intensity accurately for the specific unit load under testing.
1.4 The methodology of performing the mechanical handling tests is described in detail in Test Methods D 6055 and Test Methods D 6179. This test method will describe only sample preparation and evaluation in the special case of evaluating the performance of stretch film for load unitizing.
1.5 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses are for information only.
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
30-Sep-2003
Technical Committee
Current Stage
Ref Project

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ASTM D5331-03 - Standard Test Method for Evaluation of Mechanical Handling of Unitized Loads Secured with Stretch Wrap Films
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NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or withdrawn.
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Designation:D5331–03
Standard Test Method for
Evaluation of Mechanical Handling of Unitized Loads
1
Secured with Stretch Wrap Films
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D 5331; 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 3. Terminology
1.1 This test method covers evaluation and comparison of 3.1 Definitions—General definitions for packaging and dis-
the ability of unitizing films to survive various methods of tribution environments are found in Terminology D 996.
mechanical handling. 3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
1.2 The test method described is applicable to common 3.2.1 large shipping case or crate—for the purposes of this
means of material handling, including the following: forklift, test method, a shipping container constructed of any material,
push/pull, clamp truck, crane, and spade lift-type handling and of such size and weight, to require mechanical handling.A
systems. case or crate of this type may weigh from 100 lb (45 kg) to
1.3 The test levels may be varied to reflect known levels of many tons and measure proportionally. The case or crate may
intensity accurately for the specific unit load under testing. be secured to or carried by a base or pallet. Frame members
1.4 The methodology of performing the mechanical han- may be provided for rigidity throughout the container.
dling tests is described in detail in Test Methods D 6055 and 3.2.2 spade life attachment—a lift truck attachment used for
Test Methods D 6179. This test method will describe only top handling products packaged in interlocking flange cartons
sample preparation and evaluation in the special case of (IFC) or folded cap or folded flap style cartons.
evaluating the performance of stretch film for load unitizing. 3.2.3 unitized load—for the purposes of this test method,
1.5 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded consisting of a number of packages (two or more) wrapped or
as the standard. The values given in parentheses are for banded together as a shipping unit. When unitized, these
information only. packages typically weigh more than 100 lb (45 kg). The
1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the unitized method may be shrink wrapping, banding, strapping,
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the taping, or gluing.Abase consisting of a pallet or slip sheet may
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro- or may not be used.
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
4. Significance and Use
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
4.1 This test method is intended for use primarily as a
2. Referenced Documents
means of comparing the performance of unitizing films. It can
2
2.1 ASTM Standards: also be used to compare the effectiveness of different wrap
D 996 Terminology of Packaging and Distribution Environ- cycles with the same wrapping materials. No direct correlation
ments between these test results and actual field performance has
D 4169 Practice for Performance Testing of Shipping Con- been established.
tainers and Systems 4.2 This test method simulates mechanical handling antici-
D 6055 Test Methods for Mechanical Handling of Unitized pated during all distribution phases.
Loads and Large Shipping Cases and Crates 4.3 Thistestmethodleavesopentothediscretionoftheuser
D 6179 Test Methods for Rough Handling of Unitized the establishment of test levels and numbers of cycles consti-
Loads and Large Shipping Cases and Crates tuting the test, so that the user might tailor the test to simulate
a particular distribution environment. The section on mechani-
cal handling over 100 pounds (45 kg) in Practice D 4169 may
1
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D10 on
provide some guidance in this regard.
Packaging and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D10.25 on Palletizing
and Unitizing of Loads.
5. Apparatus
Current edition approved Oct. 1, 2003. Published December 2003. Originally
approved in 1992. Last previous edition approved in 1998 as D 5331 – 98.
5.1 Load Wrapping Apparatus—A machine or apparatus to
2
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
wrap the test load. The wrap application method is preferably
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
asnearaspossibletothatusedinanactualproductionsituation
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website. (stretch wrapper or manual wrapping unit).
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