ASTM D6344-04(2017)

Standard Test Method for Concentrated Impacts to Transport Packages

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 This test method is intended to evaluate the ability of packaging to resist the force of concentrated impacts from outside sources, such as those encountered in various modes of transportation and handling. These impacts may be inflicted by adjacent freight jostling against the package in a carrier vehicle, by accidental bumps against other freight when loaded or unloaded from vehicles, by packages bumping against one another during sorting on conveyors or chutes, or many other circumstances.  
4.2 This test method is intended to determine the ability of packaging to protect contents from such impacts, and to evaluate if there is sufficient clearance or support or both between the package wall and its contents.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers procedures and equipment for testing complete filled transport packages for resistance against concentrated low-level impacts typical of those encountered in the distribution environment. The test is most appropriate for packages such as thin fluted/lighter grade corrugated boxes or stretch-wrapped packaging.  
1.2 The test result is a pass/fail determination, based on acceptance criteria previously established, and a record of the energy dissipated by the complete filled transport package during a low level concentrated impact.
Note 1: This test method discusses the conduct of the test from a prescribed height that either meets or does not meet specific acceptance criteria. It may be possible to conduct this type of testing using modified procedures that provide a numerical response. These might include an incremental test where the drop height (or mass) is increased until a specific failure occurs or an up-and-down or staircase procedure used to find the average height to failure.  
1.3 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.  
1.4 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 30-Apr-2017
• ICS: 55.020 - Packaging and distribution of goods in general
• Technical Committee: D10 - Packaging
• Drafting Committee: D10.21 - Shipping Containers and Systems - Application of Performance Test Methods

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM D6344-04(2009) - Standard Test Method for Concentrated Impacts to Transport Packages
• Effective Date: 01-May-2017
• Refers: ASTM D4169-23e1 - Standard Practice for Performance Testing of Shipping Containers and Systems
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2023
• Refers: ASTM D4169-23 - Standard Practice for Performance Testing of Shipping Containers and Systems
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2023
• Refers: ASTM D4169-14 - Standard Practice for Performance Testing of Shipping Containers and Systems
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2014
• Refers: ASTM D4332-13 - Standard Practice for Conditioning Containers, Packages, or Packaging Components for Testing
• Effective Date: 15-Mar-2013
• Refers: ASTM E122-09e1 - Standard Practice for Calculating Sample Size to Estimate, With Specified Precision, the Average for a Characteristic of a Lot or Process
• Effective Date: 01-Aug-2011
• Refers: ASTM D996-10a - Standard Terminology of Packaging and Distribution Environments
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2010
• Refers: ASTM D4169-09 - Standard Practice for Performance Testing of Shipping Containers and Systems
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2009
• Refers: ASTM E122-09 - Standard Practice for Calculating Sample Size to Estimate, With Specified Precision, the Average for a Characteristic of a Lot or Process
• Effective Date: 01-Aug-2009
• Refers: ASTM D4169-08 - Standard Practice for Performance Testing of Shipping Containers and Systems
• Effective Date: 01-Aug-2008
• Refers: ASTM E122-07 - Standard Practice for Calculating Sample Size to Estimate, With Specified Precision, the Average for a Characteristic of a Lot or Process
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2007
• Refers: ASTM D4332-01(2006) - Standard Practice for Conditioning Containers, Packages, or Packaging Components for Testing
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2006
• Refers: ASTM D4169-05 - Standard Practice for Performance Testing of Shipping Containers and Systems
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2005
• Refers: ASTM D4169-04a - Standard Practice for Performance Testing of Shipping Containers and Systems
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2004
• Refers: ASTM D4169-04 - Standard Practice for Performance Testing of Shipping Containers and Systems
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2004

Overview

ASTM D6344-04(2017): Standard Test Method for Concentrated Impacts to Transport Packages establishes a standardized procedure for evaluating the ability of packaging to withstand concentrated low-level impacts that routinely occur during the distribution and handling of goods. This method is especially relevant for transport packages made from thin fluted or lighter grade corrugated boxes and stretch-wrapped packaging.

The standard outlines test procedures and equipment specifications to simulate typical scenarios where packages experience concentrated external impacts-such as freight-to-freight contact during transit, accidental bumps during loading and unloading, or collision during automated sorting. The key outcome is a pass/fail determination based on pre-established acceptance criteria and the documented energy absorbed by the tested package.

Key Topics

• Concentrated Impact Resistance: Focuses on the package’s ability to resist localized impacts from external forces, helping manufacturers ensure that packaging offers adequate protection for its contents.
• Testing Scope: Covers complete, filled transport packages-not just empty cartons-replicating real-world distribution conditions.
• Test Procedures: Specifies equipment such as a hemispherical-ended steel rod, guided or non-guided free fall, and pendulum impact methods. Conditioning of test items according to humidity and temperature guidelines is also addressed.
• Acceptance Criteria: Test results offer a clear pass/fail judgment, derived from acceptance criteria established prior to testing.
• Documentation Requirements: The method instructs users to thoroughly document package dimensions, construction, test conditions, acceptance criteria, and results for transparency and repeatability.

Applications

ASTM D6344 is widely used across industries seeking to optimize packaging for the rigorous distribution environment. Common applications include:

• Packaging Design Validation: Ensures that new or modified packaging designs can withstand distribution impacts and adequately protect products.
• Quality Control: Allows manufacturers and shippers to regularly assess their packaging’s performance and maintain consistency.
• Transport Readiness: Applicable prior to large-scale distribution to prevent product loss or damage caused by package failure during handling and transport.
• Regulatory and Customer Compliance: Demonstrates adherence to established packaging standards, reinforcing trust with stakeholders and meeting industry requirements.

Specific package types best suited for this test method are:

• Thin fluted or lighter-grade corrugated boxes
• Stretch-wrapped packages
• Packages experiencing high handling frequency or stacking

This test is not only crucial for protecting contents but also for ensuring safety, reducing returns, and minimizing total shipping costs.

Related Standards

ASTM D6344 references and complements several other key ASTM standards in packaging and transportation, including:

• ASTM D4169 - Practice for Performance Testing of Shipping Containers and Systems
• ASTM D4332 - Practice for Conditioning Containers, Packages, or Packaging Components for Testing
• ASTM E122 - Practice for Calculating Sample Size to Estimate the Average for a Characteristic of a Lot or Process
• ASTM D996 - Terminology of Packaging and Distribution Environments

These related documents provide additional guidance concerning terminology, environmental conditioning for tests, and broader performance testing protocols.

---

Keywords: concentrated impact, packaging resistance, transport packages, corrugated boxes, stretch-wrapped packaging, impact testing, ASTM D6344, shipping containers, package testing, distribution environment

Standards Content (Sample)

This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: D6344 − 04 (Reapproved 2017)
Standard Test Method for
Concentrated Impacts to Transport Packages
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D6344; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision.Anumber in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval.A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope D4169Practice for Performance Testing of Shipping Con-
tainers and Systems
1.1 This test method covers procedures and equipment for
D4332Practice for Conditioning Containers, Packages, or
testingcompletefilledtransportpackagesforresistanceagainst
Packaging Components for Testing
concentrated low-level impacts typical of those encountered in
E122PracticeforCalculatingSampleSizetoEstimate,With
the distribution environment. The test is most appropriate for
Specified Precision, the Average for a Characteristic of a
packages such as thin fluted/lighter grade corrugated boxes or
Lot or Process
stretch-wrapped packaging.
1.2 The test result is a pass/fail determination, based on
3. Terminology
acceptance criteria previously established, and a record of the
3.1 Definitions—General definitions for the packaging and
energy dissipated by the complete filled transport package
distribution environments are found in Terminology D996.
during a low level concentrated impact.
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
NOTE 1—This test method discusses the conduct of the test from a
3.2.1 acceptance criteria—the acceptable condition of
prescribed height that either meets or does not meet specific acceptance
package and contents that must be met after the shipping
criteria. It may be possible to conduct this type of testing using modified
container has been tested.
procedures that provide a numerical response. These might include an
incremental test where the drop height (or mass) is increased until a
4. Significance and Use
specific failure occurs or an up-and-down or staircase procedure used to
find the average height to failure.
4.1 This test method is intended to evaluate the ability of
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the
packaging to resist the force of concentrated impacts from
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
outsidesources,suchasthoseencounteredinvariousmodesof
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
transportationandhandling.Theseimpactsmaybeinflictedby
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
adjacent freight jostling against the package in a carrier
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
vehicle,byaccidentalbumpsagainstotherfreightwhenloaded
1.4 This international standard was developed in accor-
or unloaded from vehicles, by packages bumping against one
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
another during sorting on conveyors or chutes, or many other
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
circumstances.
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
4.2 This test method is intended to determine the ability of
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
packaging to protect contents from such impacts, and to
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
evaluate if there is sufficient clearance or support or both
between the package wall and its contents.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
5. Apparatus
D996Terminology of Packaging and Distribution Environ-
5.1 Cylindrical Mass with Full Radius (Hemispherical)
ments
End—Solid steel rod 32 mm 6 2 mm (1.25 in. 6 0.1 in.) in
diameter, approximately 115 mm (4.5 in.) long, one end
rounded to form a hemisphere, with a mass of 680 6 15 g (1.5
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D10 on
6 0.03 lb).Athreaded eye-bolt may be attached to the end for
Packaging and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D10.21 on Shipping
Containers and Systems - Application of Performance Test Methods.
positioning and support prior to guided free fall drop, but it
CurrenteditionapprovedMay1,2017.PublishedJuly2017.Originallyapproved
must be included in the 680 g (1.5 lb) mass (see Fig. 1).
in 1998. Last previous edition approved in 2009 as D6344–04 (2009). DOI:
Threaded eyebolts must be attached to the side for positioning
10.1520/D6344-04R17.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or andsupportwhenusedasapendulum,andmustbeincludedin
contactASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. ForAnnual Book ofASTM
the 680 g (1.5 lb) mass.
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
theASTM website. 5.2 Guided Free Fall (see Fig. 2):
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D6344 − 04 (2017)
5.4 Pendulum (see Fig. 3):
5.4.1 Twocordssuspendthesteelroddescribedin5.1,such
that it may be swung as a pendulum from a specified vertical
distance.Thelengthofpendulumcordsshallbeatleast2m(79
in.). Cords must be secured in the eyebolts to prevent slippage
duringtest.Theswingingrodmuststrikethetestsurfacewithin
10 mm (0.4 in.) of the desired point of impact.The test surface
must be perpendicular to the direction of the falling mass.
FIG. 1 Cylindrical Mass (steel rod)
5.4.2 The test specimen must be braced securely so it does
not move when impacted.
5.5 Conditioning Apparatus—Adequate facilities shall be
provided for conditioning test specimens at the proper humid-
ity and temperature prior to testing.
5.5.1 It is recommended that atmospheres for conditioning
be selected from those given in Practice D4332. Unless
otherwise specified, fiberboard or paperboard containers shall
be conditioned in accordance with the preconditioning and
standard conditioning atmospheres specified in Practice
D4332.
6. Sampling
6.1 The test specimens and number of samples shall be
chosen to permit an adequate determination of representative
performance. Practice E122 is recommended.
7. Test Specimen
7.1 It is preferable to prepare the package with the actual
contents for which it was designed (see Note 2). Close the
packageinthesamemannerthatwillbeusedinpreparingitfor
shipment.
NOTE 2—Where the use of actual goods is not feasible because of
excessivecostordanger,adummyloadsimulatingthegoodsmaybeused,
provided the dummy load has the same exterior surfaces as the actual
goodsandinteriorpackagingmaterialsarethesameasthoseinactualuse.
FIG. 2 Guided Free Fall
5.2.1 The cylindrical mass (rod) is held in a start position in
a stiff tube of at least 38 mm (1.5 in.) diameter, such that the
tube’s main axis is perpendicular within 2 degrees. The end of
the tube should be positioned 50 to 100 mm (2 to 4 in.) above
the test specimen. The mass may be held in position, at the
specified vertical distance, with either a string from the top of
thetube,orbyasupportpinplacedthroughthesideofthetube.
5.2.2 The mass is allowed to fall freely when released to
strike the test specimen with its rounded end. The free falling
rod must strike the test surface within 10 mm (0.4 in.) of the
desiredpointofimpact.Thetestsurfacemustbeperpendicular
to the direction of the falling mass.
5.3 Non-guided Free Fall:
5.3.1 If greater precision of impact velocity is desired, the
cylindrical mass (rod) may be dropped without guidance of a
tube. Means of
...