ASTM D4168-95(2008)e1
(Test Method)Standard Test Methods for Transmitted Shock Characteristics of Foam-in-Place Cushioning Materials
Standard Test Methods for Transmitted Shock Characteristics of Foam-in-Place Cushioning Materials
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
Data obtained by these methods may be used to determine the transmitted shock cushioning characteristics of foam-in-place packaging materials. These data allow design of cushioning systems that can provide adequate and efficient use of foam for protection of goods during a distribution life-cycle.
These methods, in contrast to other methods that usually test only the cushioning foam, are designed to evaluate foam-in-place cushioning materials in a manner in which the foam-in-place packaging material is used. In particular, the method includes simultaneous use of a plastic film, the foam, and the box usually used in this method of packaging. See Fig. 1.
SCOPE
1.1 These test methods determine the shock-absorbing characteristics of foam-in-place packaging materials.
1.2 Test Method A uses a free-fall package drop test apparatus.
1.3 Test Method B uses a shock-test apparatus.
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.
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´1
Designation: D4168 − 95(Reapproved 2008)
Standard Test Methods for
Transmitted Shock Characteristics of Foam-in-Place
Cushioning Materials
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D4168; 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.
ε NOTE—Sections 2 and 3.1 were updated editorially in April 2008.
1. Scope 3.2 Definitions:
3.2.1 acceleration—the rate of change of velocity of a body
1.1 These test methods determine the shock-absorbing char-
with respect to time, measured in inches per second per second
acteristics of foam-in-place packaging materials.
(metres per second per second).
1.2 Test Method A uses a free-fall package drop test appa-
3.2.2 velocity—the rate of change of position of a body in a
ratus.
specified direction with respect to time, measured in inches per
1.3 Test Method B uses a shock-test apparatus.
second (metres per second).
1.4 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded
3.3 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical
3.3.1 equivalent free-fall height—the calculated height of
conversions to SI units that are provided for information only
free fall in a vacuum required for a falling body to attain a
and are not considered standard.
measured or given impact velocity.
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the
3.3.2 foam-in-place cushioning material—a material that is
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
formed by dispensing chemical components which react and
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
expand to produce a foam cushioning material in a container or
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
mold.
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
3.3.3 free rise core density—the density of a foam sample
2. Referenced Documents takenfromtheinteriorofabunoffoam(withoutskin)thatwas
2 produced under unrestricted (free-rise) conditions in pounds
2.1 ASTM Standards:
per cubic foot (kilograms per cubic metre).
D996 Terminology of Packaging and Distribution Environ-
3.3.4 static loading—the applied mass in pounds (kilo-
ments
grams) divided by the area, measured in square inches (square
D3332 Test Methods for Mechanical-Shock Fragility of
Products, Using Shock Machines metres) to which the mass is applied in pounds per squares
inches (kilograms per square metre).
D5276 Test Method for Drop Test of Loaded Containers by
Free Fall
3.3.5 velocity change—the sum of the impact velocity and
D5487 Test Method for Simulated Drop of Loaded Contain-
any rebound velocity.
ers by Shock Machines
3.4 Symbols:
3.4.1 g—symbolfortheaccelerationduetotheeffectsofthe
3. Terminology
earth’s gravitational pull. While somewhat variable, it is
3.1 General definitions for packaging and distribution envi-
usually considered a constant of value 386 in./s/s (9.8 m/s/s).
ronments are found in Terminology D996.
4. Summary of Test Methods
These test methods are under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D10 on
4.1 The test methods consist of using the cushioning mate-
Packaging and are the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D10.13 on Interior
Packaging.
rial to be tested to support a weighted test block inside a
Current edition approved April 1, 2015. Published April 2008. Originally
package. The complete package is subjected to drops or
approved in 1982. Last previous edition approved in 2002 as D4168 – 95(2002).
controlled shocks and the accelerations transmitted to the test
DOI: 10.1520/D4168-95R08E01.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or block are measured.
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
4.2 Either Test Method A or B may be used. However, the
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website. two methods will not necessarily give the same result.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
´1
D4168 − 95 (2008)
5. Significance and Use 6.3.2 Accuracy of reading to be within 65 % of the actual
value.
5.1 Data obtained by these methods may be used to deter-
6.3.3 Cross-axis sensitivity less than 5 % of full scale.
mine the transmitted shock cushioning characteristics of foam-
in-place packaging materials. These data allow design of 6.4 Test Block:
cushioning systems that can provide adequate and efficient use 6.4.1 The test block shall have a rigid square bottom face of
of foam for protection of goods during a distribution life-cycle. not less than 8 in. (203 mm) on a side. Its height shall be a
minimum of half the bottom square dimension and a maximum
5.2 These methods, in contrast to other methods that usually
of the full bottom square dimension.
test only the cushioning foam, are designed to evaluate
6.4.2 The test block shall include provisions for firmly
foam-in-place cushioning materials in a manner in which the
mounting ballast weight to adjust its total weight to a desired
foam-in-place packaging material is used. In particular, the
value.
method includes simultaneous use of a plastic film, the foam,
6.4.3 An accelerometer mounting attachment shall be pro-
and the box usually used in this method of packaging. See Fig.
vidednearthecenterofgravityoftheblock.Theblockshallbe
1.
designed and constructed to be as rigid as possible and to
minimize motion of the various components.
6. Apparatus
6.4.4 A recommended configuration is shown in Fig. 2.
6.1 Test Method A:
Also, it is suggested that the box weight be evenly distributed
6.1.1 The free-fall drop test apparatus shall conform to the
about the center of the bottom face of the test block.
requirements as described in Test Method D5276.
6.4.5 Ballast weights are added or removed to achieve the
6.2 Test Method B: desired static loading on the cushioning material. The acceler-
6.2.1 The shock test apparatus shall conform to the require- ometer shall be considered as a portion of the ballast weight.
ments as described in Test Method D5487.
6.5 Outer Container, shall be a regular, slotted container
6.3 Instrumention and Shock Sensors—Accelerometers, sig- (RSC) corrugated box fabricated with 200 psi (1380 kPa) test
nal conditioners, and data storage apparatus are required to “C” flute fiberboard.
monitor acceleration versus time histories at various points on
7. Sampling
the test apparatus and test specimen. The instrumentation
systems shall have the following minimum properties: 7.1 Because users form their own cushioning materials, it is
6.3.1 Frequency response range from 2 Hz or less to at least
very important that accurate records be prepared of all physical
1000 Hz. data pertaining to those materials for later identification. In
addition, the specific characteristics of the film used with the
cushion shall be recorded. Care must be taken to ensure that
samples are of representative quality. It is recommended that
all samples be allowed to cure and stabilize after being poured
for a minimum period of 24 h before they are tested.
FIG. 1 Specimen Ready For Test FIG. 2 Test Block
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D4168 − 95 (2008)
7.2 Specimens—IfanyoftherequirementsofSections7and
∆V 5 =2 gh (1)
8 are not met, the container and cushioning material shall be
where:
discarded and the procedure repeated with new material. Fig. 1
∆V = required velocity change, in./s (m/s),
shows a typical specimen assembled and ready for test.
2 2
g = acceleration of gravity, in./s (m/s ), and
h = desired equivalent freefall drop height, in. (m).
8. Preparation of Test Specimens
8.1 Modified Free-Rise Bottom Cushion Fabrication (Op- 9.1.2 Following the recommendations of the shock machine
tion 1): manufacturer, adjust the machine to produce a shock pulse of
8.1.1 Dispense a layer of the foam-in-place cushioning notgreaterthan3mstotaldurationandavelocitychangeequal
material into the bottom of the box. Place the barrier film over to that calculated in 9.1.1.
the foam; then position the test block such that the foam will
9.1.3 Rigidly mount an accelerometer or velocity-
rise to a depth equal to the thickness to be tested.Alternatively, measuring instrumentation such as optical sensors on the
a dummy test block jig referenced to the top of the box may be carriage to measure this velocity change.
used to ensure the correct position of the test block. The sides
9.1.4 Secure the test specimen to the shock table carriage in
of the foam cushion shall be 3 in. (76 mm) thick and should
such a way to ensure a flat impact of the test specimen.
come up about half of the depth of test block. Care must be
NOTE 1—Instrumentation to mesaure the velocity change of the shock
taken to dispense a proper amount of foam in order that the
table is required. This may be a device that integrates the area electroni-
cushion samples are of representative quality, are not overly
cally under the shock pulse wave form. Alternatively, it can be measured
densified, and are free of large voids. See Fig. 3. by photodiode-type devices that measure shock table impact and rebound
velocity. Calculation that assumes
...
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:D4168–95 (Reapproved 2002) Designation: D 4168 – 95 (Reapproved
e1
2008)
Standard Test Methods for
Transmitted Shock Characteristics of Foam-in-Place
Cushioning Materials
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D 4168; 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.
e NOTE—Sections 2 and 3.1 were updated editorially in April 2008.
1. Scope
1.1 These test methods determine the shock-absorbing characteristics of foam-in-place packaging materials.
1.2 Test Method A uses a free-fall package drop test apparatus.
1.3 Test Method B uses a shock-test apparatus.
1.4
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
2.1 ASTM Standards:
D996Terminology of Packaging and Distribution Environments
D1596Test Method for Dynamic Shock Cushioning Characteristics of Packaging Material ASTM Standards:
D 996 Terminology of Packaging and Distribution Environments
D 3332 Test Methods for Mechanical-Shock Fragility of Products, Using Shock Machines
D4332Practice for Conditioning Containers, Packages, or Packaging Components for Testing
D 5276 Test Method for Drop Test of Loaded Containers by Free Fall
D 5487Test Method for Simulated Drop of Loaded Containers by Shock Machines
E122Practice for Calculating Sample Size to Estimate, With Specified Precision, the Average for a Characteristic of a Lot or
Process Test Method for Simulated Drop of Loaded Containers by Shock Machines
3. Terminology
3.1Definitions:
3.1.1
3.1 General definitions for packaging and distribution environments are found in Terminology D 996.
3.2 Definitions:
3.2.1 acceleration—the rate of change of velocity of a body with respect to time, measured in inches per second per second
(metres per second per second).
3.1.2
3.2.2 velocity—the rate of change of position of a body in a specified direction with respect to time, measured in inches per
second (metres per second).
3.23.3 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
3.2.13.3.1 equivalent free-fall height—the calculated height of free fall in a vacuum required for a falling body to attain a
measured or given impact velocity.
These test methods are under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D10 on Packaging and are the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D10.13 on Interior Packaging
.
Current edition approved May 15, 1995. Published July 1995. Originally published as D4168–82. Last previous edition D4168–88.
Current edition approved April 1, 2008. Published April 2008. Originally approved in 1982. Last previous edition approved in 2002 as D 4168 – 95(2002).
For referencedASTM standards, visit theASTM website, www.astm.org, or contactASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM Standards
volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.
e1
D 4168 – 95 (2008)
3.2.2
3.3.2 foam-in-place cushioning material—amaterialthatisformedbydispensingchemicalcomponentswhichreactandexpand
to produce a foam cushioning material in a container or mold.
3.2.3
3.3.3 free rise core density—the density of a foam sample taken from the interior of a bun of foam (without skin) that was
produced under unrestricted (free-rise) conditions in pounds per cubic foot (kilograms per cubic metre).
3.2.4
3.3.4 static loading—the applied mass in pounds (kilograms) divided by the area, measured in square inches (square metres)
to which the mass is applied in pounds per squares inches (kilograms per square metre).
3.2.5
3.3.5 velocity change—the sum of the impact velocity and any rebound velocity.
3.3
3.4 Symbols:Symbols:
3.3.1
3.4.1 g—symbol for the acceleration due to the effects of the earth’s gravitational pull. While somewhat variable, it is usually
considered a constant of value 386 in./s/s (9.8 m/s/s).
4. Summary of Test Methods
4.1 The test methods consist of using the cushioning material to be tested to support a weighted test block inside a package.
The complete package is subjected to drops or controlled shocks and the accelerations transmitted to the test block are measured.
4.2 Either Test Method A or B may be used. However, the two methods will not necessarily give the same result.
5. Significance and Use
5.1 Data obtained by these methods may be used to determine the transmitted shock cushioning characteristics of foam-in-place
packaging materials. These data allow design of cushioning systems that can provide adequate and efficient use of foam for
protection of goods during a distribution life-cycle.
5.2 These methods, in contrast to other methods that usually test only the cushioning foam, are designed to evaluate
foam-in-place cushioning materials in a manner in which the foam-in-place packaging material is used. In particular, the method
includes simultaneous use of a plastic film, the foam, and the box usually used in this method of packaging. See Fig. 1.
6. Apparatus
6.1 Test Method A:
FIG. 1 Specimen Ready For Test
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D 4168 – 95 (2008)
6.1.1 The free-fall drop test apparatus shall conform to the requirements as described in Test Method D 5276.
6.2 Test Method B:
6.2.1 The shock test apparatus shall conform to the requirements as described in Test Method D 5487.
6.3 Instrumention and Shock Sensors —Accelerometers, signal conditioners, and data storage apparatus are required to monitor
acceleration versus time histories at various points on the test apparatus and test specimen.The instrumentation systems shall have
the following minimum properties:
6.3.1 Frequency response range from 2 Hz or less to at least 1000 Hz.
6.3.2 Accuracy of reading to be within 65 % of the actual value.
6.3.3 Cross-axis sensitivity less than 5 % of full scale.
6.4 Test Block:
6.4.1 Thetestblockshallhavearigidsquarebottomfaceofnotlessthan8in.(203mm)onaside.Itsheightshallbeaminimum
of half the bottom square dimension and a maximum of the full bottom square dimension.
6.4.2 The test block shall include provisions for firmly mounting ballast weight to adjust its total weight to a desired value.
6.4.3 An accelerometer mounting attachment shall be provided near the center of gravity of the block. The block shall be
designed and constructed to be as rigid as possible and to minimize motion of the various components.
6.4.4 Arecommended configuration is shown in Fig. 2.Also, it is suggested that the box weight be evenly distributed about the
center of the bottom face of the test block.
6.4.5 Ballast weights are added or removed to achieve the desired static loading on the cushioning material. The accelerometer
shall be considered as a portion of the ballast weight.
6.5 Outer Container, shall be a regular, slotted container (RSC) corrugated box fabricated with 200 psi (1380 kPa) test “C” flute
fiberboard.
7. Sampling
7.1 Becauseusersformtheirowncushioningmaterials,itisveryimportantthataccuraterecordsbepreparedofallphysicaldata
pertaining to those materials for later identification. In addition, the specific characteristics of the film used with the cushion shall
be recorded. Care must be taken to ensure that samples are of representative quality. It is recommended that all samples be allowed
to cure and stabilize after being poured for a minimum period of 24 h before they are tested.
7.2 Specimens—If any of the requirements of Sections 7 and 8 are not met, the container and cushioning material shall be
discarded and the procedure repeated with new material. Fig. 1 shows a typical specimen assembled and ready for test.
8. Preparation of Test Specimens
8.1 Modified Free-Rise Bottom Cushion Fabrication (Option 1):
8.1.1 Dispense a layer of the foam-in-place cushioning material into the bottom of the box. Place the barrier film over the foam;
then position the test block such that the foam will rise to a depth equal to the thickness to be tested.Alternatively, a dummy test
blockjigreferencedtothetopoftheboxmaybeusedtoensurethecorrectpositionofthetestblock.Thesidesofthefoamcushion
FIG. 2 Test Block
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D 4168 – 95 (2008)
shall be 3 in. (76 mm) thick and should come up about half of the depth of test block. Care must be taken to dispense a proper
amount of foam in order that the cushion samples are of representative quality, are not overly densified, and are free of large voids.
See Fig. 3.
8.2 Premolded Bottom Cushion Fabrication (Option 2):
8.2.1 The bottom cushion may be premolded outside of the outer container by using a wooden mold having the inside
dimensions of the outer container, and including an insert in the bottom that duplicates the size and shape of the test block. The
sides of the foam cushion shall be 3 in. (76 mm) thick and should come up to half of the depth of the test block. Care must be
taken to
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