ASTM D6344-04(2009)
(Test Method)Standard Test Method for Concentrated Impacts to Transport Packages
Standard Test Method for Concentrated Impacts to Transport Packages
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
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.
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.
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Designation: D6344 − 04 (Reapproved 2009)
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 3. Terminology
1.1 This test method covers procedures and equipment for 3.1 Definitions—General definitions for the packaging and
testingcompletefilledtransportpackagesforresistanceagainst distribution environments are found in Terminology D996.
concentrated low-level impacts typical of those encountered in
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
the distribution environment. The test is most appropriate for
3.2.1 acceptance criteria—the acceptable condition of
packages such as thin fluted/lighter grade corrugated boxes or
package and contents that must be met after the shipping
stretch-wrapped packaging.
container has been tested.
1.2 The test result is a pass/fail determination, based on
acceptance criteria previously established, and a record of the
4. Significance and Use
energy dissipated by the complete filled transport package
4.1 This test method is intended to evaluate the ability of
during a low level concentrated impact.
packaging to resist the force of concentrated impacts from
NOTE 1—This test method discusses the conduct of the test from a outsidesources,suchasthoseencounteredinvariousmodesof
prescribed height that either meets or does not meet specific acceptance
transportationandhandling.Theseimpactsmaybeinflictedby
criteria. It may be possible to conduct this type of testing using modified
adjacent freight jostling against the package in a carrier
procedures that provide a numerical response. These might include an
vehicle,byaccidentalbumpsagainstotherfreightwhenloaded
incremental test where the drop height (or mass) is increased until a
or unloaded from vehicles, by packages bumping against one
specific failure occurs or an up-and-down or staircase procedure used to
find the average height to failure.
another during sorting on conveyors or chutes, or many other
circumstances.
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
4.2 This test method is intended to determine the ability of
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
packaging to protect contents from such impacts, and to
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
evaluate if there is sufficient clearance or support or both
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
between the package wall and its contents.
2. Referenced Documents
5. Apparatus
2.1 ASTM Standards:
5.1 Cylindrical Mass with Full Radius (Hemispherical)
D996Terminology of Packaging and Distribution Environ-
End—Solid steel rod 32 mm 6 2 mm (1.25 in. 6 0.1 in.) in
ments
diameter, approximately 115 mm (4.5 in.) long, one end
D4169Practice for Performance Testing of Shipping Con-
rounded to form a hemisphere, with a mass of 680 6 15 g (1.5
tainers and Systems
6 0.03 lb).Athreaded eye-bolt may be attached to the end for
D4332Practice for Conditioning Containers, Packages, or
positioning and support prior to guided free fall drop, but it
Packaging Components for Testing
must be included in the 680 g (1.5 lb) mass (see Fig. 1).
E122PracticeforCalculatingSampleSizetoEstimate,With
Threaded eyebolts must be attached to the side for positioning
Specified Precision, the Average for a Characteristic of a
andsupportwhenusedasapendulum,andmustbeincludedin
Lot or Process
the 680 g (1.5 lb) mass.
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D10 on
5.2 Guided Free Fall (see Fig. 2):
Packaging and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D10.21 on Shipping
5.2.1 The cylindrical mass (rod) is held in a start position in
Containers and Systems - Application of Performance Test Methods.
a stiff tube of at least 38 mm (1.5 in.) diameter, such that the
Current edition approved March 1, 2009. Published March 2009. Originally
tube’s main axis is perpendicular within 2 degrees. The end of
approved in 1998. Last previous edition approved in 2004 as D6344–04. DOI:
10.1520/D6344-04R09.
the tube should be positioned 50 to 100 mm (2 to 4 in.) above
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
the test specimen. The mass may be held in position, at the
contactASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. ForAnnual Book ofASTM
specified vertical distance, with either a string from the top of
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website. thetube,orbyasupportpinplacedthroughthesideofthetube.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D6344 − 04 (2009)
FIG. 1 Cylindrical Mass (steel rod)
FIG. 3 Pendulum
10mm(0.4in.)ofthedesiredpointofimpact.Thetestsurface
must be perpendicular to the direction of the falling mass.
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
FIG. 2 Guided Free Fall
be conditioned in accordance with the preconditioning and
standard conditioning atmospheres specified in Practice
D4332.
5.2.2 The mass is allowed to fall freely when released to
6. Sampling
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
6.1 The test specimens and number of samples shall be
desiredpointofimpact.Thetestsurfacemustbeperpendicular
chosen to permit an adequate determination of representative
to the direction of the falling mass.
performance. Practice E122 is recommended.
5.3 Non-guided Free Fall:
7. Test Specimen
5.3.1 If greater precision of impact velocity is desired, the
cylindrical mass (rod) may be dropped without guidance of a
7.1 It is preferable to prepare the package with the actual
tube. Means of suspending the mass and its release must be
contents for which it was designed (see Note 2). Close the
such that accuracy of positioning (drop height and impact
packageinthesamemannerthatwillbeusedinpreparingitfor
point) are not affected.
shipment.
5.3.2 The free falling rod must strike the test surface within
NOTE 2—Where the use of actual goods is not feasible because of
10mm(0.4in.)ofthedesiredpointofimpact.Thetestsurface
excessivecostordanger,adummyloadsimulatingthegoodsmaybeused,
must be perpendicular to the direction of the falling mass.
provided the dummy load has the same exterior surfaces as the actual
goodsandinteriorpackagingmaterialsarethesameasthoseinactualuse.
5.4 Pendulum (see Fig. 3):
5.4.1 Twocordssuspendthesteelroddescribedin5.1,such
8. Procedure
that it may be swung as a pendulum from a specified vertical
distance.Thelengthofpendulumcordsshallbeatleast2m(79 8.1 Identify faces of
...
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:D6344–98 (Reapproved 2003) Designation:D6344–04 (Reapproved 2009)
Standard Test Method for
Concentrated Impacts to Transport Packages
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D 6344; 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 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.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
D 996 Terminology of Packaging and Distribution Environments
D 4169 Practice for Performance Testing of Shipping Containers and Systems
D 4332 Practice for Conditioning Containers, Packages, or Packaging Components for Testing
E 122 PracticeforChoiceofSampleSizetoEstimateaMeasureofQualityforaLotorProcessPracticeforCalculatingSample
Size to Estimate, With Specified Precision, the Average for a Characteristic of a Lot or Process
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions— General definitions for the packaging and distribution environments are found in Terminology D 996.
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
3.2.1 acceptance criteria—the acceptable condition of package and contents that must be met after the shipping container has
been tested.
4. 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.
5. Apparatus
5.1 Cylindrical Mass with Full Radius (Hemispherical) End—Solid steel rod 32 mm 6 2 mm (1.25 in. 6 0.1 in.) in diameter,
approximately115mm(4.5in.)long,oneendroundedtoformahemisphere,withamassof680 615g(1.5 60.03lb).Athreaded
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D10 on Packaging and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D10.22 on Physical Test Methods
.
Current edition approved Nov. 10, 1998. Published January 1999.
Current edition approved March 1, 2009. Published March 2009. Originally approved in 1998. Last previous edition approved in 2004 as D 6344 – 04.
ForreferencedASTMstandards,visittheASTMwebsite,www.astm.org,orcontactASTMCustomerServiceatservice@astm.org.ForAnnualBookofASTMStandards
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.
D6344–04 (2009)
eye-bolt may be attached to the end for positioning and support prior to guided free fall drop, but it must be included in the 680
g (1.5 lb) mass (see Fig. 1). Threaded eyebolts must be attached to the side for positioning and support when used as a pendulum,
and must be included in the 680 g (1.5 lb) mass.
5.2 Guided Free Fall (see Fig. 2):
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 the tube, or by
a support pin placed through the side of the tube.
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 desired point of impact. The test surface must be perpendicular 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 suspending the mass and its release must be such that accuracy of positioning (drop height and impact point) are not
affected.
5.3.2 The free falling rod must strike the test surface within 10 mm (0.4 in.) of the desired point of impact.The test surface must
be perpendicular to the direction of the falling mass.
5.4 Pendulum (see Fig. 3):
5.4.1 Two cords suspend the steel rod described in 5.1, such that it may be swung as a pendulum from a specified vertical
distance. The length of pendulum cords shall be at least 2 m (79 in.). Cords must be secured in the eyebolts to prevent slippage
during test. The swinging rod must strike the test surface within 10 mm (0.4 in.) of the desired point of impact. The test surface
must be perpendicular to the direction of the falling mass.
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 humidity and
temperature prior to testing.
5.5.1 It is recommended that atmospheres for conditioning be selected from those given in Practice D 4332. Unless otherwise
specified, fiberboard or paperboard containers shall be conditioned in accordance with the preconditioning and standard
conditioning atmospheres specified in Practice D 4332.
6. Sampling
6.1 The test specimens and number of samples shall be chosen to permit an adequate determination of representative
performance. Practice E 122 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 package
in the same manner that will be used in preparing it for shipment.
NOTE 2—Where the use of a
...
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