ASTM D642-20

Standard Test Method for Determining Compressive Resistance of Shipping Containers, Components, and Unit Loads

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 Compressive resistance is one of the properties used to evaluate the ability of shipping containers, components, and unit loads to successfully survive the compressive forces they are subjected to during storage and distribution (see Note 1).
Note 1: For constant load test refer to Test Method D4577.  
4.2 Compressive resistance may be determined with either fixed- or swiveled-platen-type testing machines. However, a fixed-head compression machine is required to perform edge-to-edge and corner-to-corner orientations on test specimens (see Note 2). Also, unit loads are generally tested only in the top-to-bottom orientation.
Note 2: Fixed-platen machines generally cause corrugated box specimens to fail at their strongest point, while swivel-platen machines cause corrugated box specimens to fail at their weakest point.5 The swiveled platen is allowed to move to the weakest point of the container.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers compression tests on shipping containers (for example, boxes and drums) or components, or both. Shipping containers may be tested with or without contents. The procedure may be used for measuring the ability of the container to resist external compressive loads applied to its faces, to diagonally opposite edges, or to corners. This test method covers testing of multiple containers or unit loads, in addition to individual shipping containers, components, materials, or combination thereof.  
1.2 The test method of applying load may be used to compare the characteristics of a given design of container with a standard, or to compare the characteristics of containers differing in construction.  
1.3 This test method is related to TAPPI T 804. This test method fulfills the requirements of International Organization for Standardization (ISO) Test Method 12048. The ISO standards may not meet the requirements for this test method.  
1.4 The test may be conducted with the container loaded with contents and interior packaging in cases where the contents share the load.  
1.5 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.  
1.6 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, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.  
1.7 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-Sep-2020
• ICS: 55.180.40 - Complete, filled transport packages
• Technical Committee: D10 - Packaging
• Drafting Committee: D10.21 - Shipping Containers and Systems - Application of Performance Test Methods

Relations

• Refers: ASTM D4169-23 - Standard Practice for Performance Testing of Shipping Containers and Systems
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2023
• Refers: ASTM D4169-23e1 - Standard Practice for Performance Testing of Shipping Containers and Systems
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2023
• Refers: ASTM D4577-19(2023) - Standard Test Method for Compression Resistance of a Container Under Constant Load
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2023
• Refers: ASTM D4442-20 - Standard Test Methods for Direct Moisture Content Measurement of Wood and Wood-Based Materials
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2020
• Refers: ASTM D4577-19 - Standard Test Method for Compression Resistance of a Container Under Constant Load
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2019
• Refers: ASTM D4577-05(2018) - Standard Test Method for Compression Resistance of a Container Under Constant Load
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2018
• Refers: ASTM D4442-16 - Standard Test Methods for Direct Moisture Content Measurement of Wood and Wood-Based Materials
• Effective Date: 15-Nov-2016
• Refers: ASTM D1968-15 - Standard Terminology Relating to Paper and Paper Products
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2015
• Refers: ASTM D4442-15 - Standard Test Methods for Direct Moisture Content Measurement of Wood and Wood-Based Materials
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2015
• Refers: ASTM D4169-14 - Standard Practice for Performance Testing of Shipping Containers and Systems
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2014
• Refers: ASTM E4-14 - Standard Practices for Force Verification of Testing Machines
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2014
• Refers: ASTM D4332-13 - Standard Practice for Conditioning Containers, Packages, or Packaging Components for Testing
• Effective Date: 15-Mar-2013
• Refers: ASTM D685-12 - Standard Practice for Conditioning Paper and Paper Products for Testing
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2012
• 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

Overview

ASTM D642-20: Standard Test Method for Determining Compressive Resistance of Shipping Containers, Components, and Unit Loads is a key international standard published by ASTM International. This test method provides established procedures for measuring the compressive resistance of shipping containers, packaging components, and unit loads. This is a critical assessment of packaging strength during storage and distribution within supply chains, ensuring safe delivery of goods.

Compressive resistance testing evaluates how well a container withstands external compressive forces applied to its faces, edges, or corners. Results obtained can be used to compare different packaging designs, materials, or construction methods, and to verify compliance with quality and regulatory requirements.

Key Topics

• Compressive Resistance Evaluation

  • Assesses ability of containers and packaging components to withstand compressive loads encountered during storage, stacking, and shipment.
  • Supports comparison between different container designs, construction types, and material specifications.

• Test Configurations

  • Allows testing of complete containers (such as boxes and drums), individual components, materials, and combinations thereof.
  • Permits containers to be tested both with and without their intended contents.

• Test Equipment

  • Describes use of both fixed-platen and swiveled-platen compression testing machines.
    • Fixed-platen machines are required for edge-to-edge and corner-to-corner orientations.
    • Swiveled-platen machines better locate the weakest failure point in containers.
  • Specific conditioning requirements for temperature and humidity are outlined to ensure repeatable results.

• Reporting and Precision

  • Emphasizes comprehensive reporting of container structural details, test conditions, and observed failures.
  • Provides guidance on repeatability, reproducibility, calibration, and sampling requirements for reliable data.

Applications

ASTM D642-20 compression resistance testing is widely used across industries relying on shipping containers and packaging, including:

• Packaging Design and Quality Control

  • Determines whether a container design meets compression strength requirements for safe stacking during storage or transit.
  • Helps optimize packaging for material savings without compromising safety.

• Supply Chain Risk Management

  • Ensures packaged goods will be able to endure anticipated stacking and handling forces during warehousing, shipping, and distribution.

• Regulatory Compliance and Benchmarking

  • Provides a standardized method referenced by regulatory bodies and buyers to demonstrate packaging integrity.
  • Enables suppliers to benchmark packaging solutions against recognized international standards.

• Performance Testing of Unit Loads

  • Validates load stability for palletized or unitized shipments to prevent failures during transportation.

Related Standards

ASTM D642-20 is closely associated with several other significant standards:

• ASTM D4577 - Test Method for Compression Resistance Under Constant Load.
• TAPPI T 804 - Compression Testing for Fiberboard Containers (compatible for fixed-platen machines).
• ISO 12048 - Packaging - Complete, Filled Transport Packages - Compression and Stacking Test.
• ASTM D4169 - Practice for Performance Testing of Shipping Containers and Systems.
• ASTM D4332 & D685 - Practices for Conditioning Containers and Paper Products for Testing.
• ASTM E4 - Practices for Force Verification of Testing Machines.

These related standards help provide a comprehensive framework for the performance verification of packaging, supporting global supply chains and logistics operations.

---

Keywords: ASTM D642-20, compression resistance, shipping containers, packaging test, unit loads, fixed platen, swiveled platen, packaging standards, supply chain testing, packaging performance, corrugated boxes, compression test method.

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: D642 − 20
Standard Test Method for
Determining Compressive Resistance of Shipping
Containers, Components, and Unit Loads
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D642; 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.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense.
1. Scope Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
1.1 This test method covers compression tests on shipping
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
containers (for example, boxes and drums) or components, or
both. Shipping containers may be tested with or without
2. Referenced Documents
contents. The procedure may be used for measuring the ability
of the container to resist external compressive loads applied to
2.1 ASTM Standards:
its faces, to diagonally opposite edges, or to corners. This test
D685 Practice for Conditioning Paper and Paper Products
method covers testing of multiple containers or unit loads, in
for Testing
addition to individual shipping containers, components,
D996 Terminology of Packaging and Distribution Environ-
materials, or combination thereof.
ments
1.2 The test method of applying load may be used to D1968 Terminology Relating to Paper and Paper Products
compare the characteristics of a given design of container with
D4169 Practice for Performance Testing of Shipping Con-
a standard, or to compare the characteristics of containers tainers and Systems
differing in construction.
D4332 Practice for Conditioning Containers, Packages, or
Packaging Components for Testing
1.3 This test method is related to TAPPI T 804. This test
D4442 Test Methods for Direct Moisture Content Measure-
method fulfills the requirements of International Organization
ment of Wood and Wood-Based Materials
for Standardization (ISO) Test Method 12048. The ISO stan-
D4577 Test Method for Compression Resistance of a Con-
dards may not meet the requirements for this test method.
tainer Under Constant Load
1.4 The test may be conducted with the container loaded
E4 Practices for Force Verification of Testing Machines
with contents and interior packaging in cases where the
E122 Practice for Calculating Sample Size to Estimate,With
contents share the load.
Specified Precision, the Average for a Characteristic of a
1.5 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded
Lot or Process
as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical
2.2 TAPPI Standards:
conversions to SI units that are provided for information only
T 412 Moisture in Pulp, Paper and Paperboard
and are not considered standard.
T 804 CompressionTestingofFiberboardShippingContain-
1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the
ers
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
2.3 ISO Standard:
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
ISO 12048 Packaging—Complete, Filled Transport
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
Packages—Compression and Stacking Test Using Com-
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
pression Tester
1.7 This international standard was developed in accor-
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D10 on Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
Packaging and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D10.21 on Shipping the ASTM website.
Containers and Systems - Application of Performance Test Methods. Available from the Technical Association of the Pulp and Paper Industry, 15
Current edition approved Oct. 1, 2020. Published October 2020. Originally Technology Parkway South, Atlanta, GA 30092.
approved in 1941. Last previous edition approved in 2015 as D642 – 15. DOI: Available from American National Standards Institute, 25 W. 43rd St., 4th
10.1520/D0642-20. Floor, New York, NY 10036.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D642 − 20
3. Terminology universal joint to a point directly centered on the platen,
allowing the platen to tilt freely.
3.1 Definitions—General terms for Packaging and Distribu-
tion Environments are found in Terminology D996. 5.2 Suitable Closure Apparatus—See Appendix X1.
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard: 5.3 ConditioningApparatus—Provideadequatefacilitiesfor
3.2.1 Terms specific to fiberboard containers are found in conditioning test containers at proper relative humidity and
Terminology D1968. temperaturepriortotestinaccordancewiththerequirementsof
3.2.2 fixed platen testing machine (Fig. 1)—a testing ma- the specifications covering the containers to be tested. It is
chine equipped with two platens which are both restrained recommended that the atmospheres for conditioning be se-
from tilting. lected from those shown in Practice D4332. Unless otherwise
specified, fiberboard and other paperboard containers shall be
3.2.3 swiveled platen testing machine (Fig. 2)—a testing
preconditioned and conditioned in accordance with the stan-
machineequippedwithtwoplatens,onerigidlyrestrainedfrom
dard atmosphere specified in Practice D4332 for transit simu-
tilting while the other platen is universally mounted and
lation testing or Practice D685 when quantification of box
allowed to tilt freely.
compression strength is required.
4. Significance and Use
6. Sampling, Test Specimens, and Test Units
4.1 Compressive resistance is one of the properties used to
6.1 Choose test specimens and sample quantities to provide
evaluate the ability of shipping containers, components, and
an adequate determination of representative performance. For
unit loads to successfully survive the compressive forces they
large production runs, lot sampling is advised. Application of
are subjected to during storage and distribution (see Note 1).
Practice E122 is suggested.
NOTE 1—For constant load test refer to Test Method D4577.
6.2 Whenever sufficient containers and contents are
4.2 Compressive resistance may be determined with either
available, it is recommended that five or more replicate tests be
fixed- or swiveled-platen-type testing machines. However, a
conducted to improve the statistical reliability of the data
fixed-head compression machine is required to perform edge-
obtained.
to-edge and corner-to-corner orientations on test specimens
6.3 The specimens being tested shall be complete in all
(see Note 2). Also, unit loads are generally tested only in the
respects. Depending on the purpose of the test, interior
top-to-bottom orientation.
components may or may not be included. Tests shall be made
NOTE 2—Fixed-platen machines generally cause corrugated box speci-
on specimens with or without contents as prescribed.
mens to fail at their strongest point, while swivel-platen machines cause
6.4 The test specimen shall be closed and secured in the
corrugated box specimens to fail at their weakest point. The swiveled
platen is allowed to move to the weakest point of the container. same manner as will be used in preparing them for shipment
unless otherwise specified. The method of flap securement for
5. Apparatus
corrugated containers may affect test results (see Appendix
X1).
5.1 Compression Testing Machines:
5.1.1 Fixed-Platen Testing Machine—Two platens, flat to
7. Calibration and Standardization
within0.01in.(0.25mm)foreach12in.(304.8mm)inlength,
7.1 The accuracy of the test equipment must be verified to
and one of which is movable in the vertical direction so as to
ensure reliable test data.
compress the container between the platens. One is the
7.1.1 The overall system accuracy of the recorded or indi-
load-measuring platen, and both should be of sufficient size so
cated applied load (force) shall be verified in accordance with
that the test container does not extend beyond the edges of the
Practice E4. The loading range being verified shall be speci-
platens. Both platens are fixed in the horizontal directions so as
fied. The individual load levels within that range used for
to have no lateral movement greater than 0.05 in. (1.3 mm),
calibration testing shall be specified. The algebraic difference
and are held parallel throughout the test to within 0.04 in. (1
between errors of two applications of the same force level
mm) for each 12 in. (304.8 mm) in the length and width
(repeatability) shall not exceed 1 %. If testing below the
dimensions.
Practice E4 verified loading range is desired, then the maxi-
5.1.2 Swivel-Platen Testing Machine—Two platens, flat to
mum permissible error shall not exceed 60.2 % of the full
within0.01in.(0.25mm)foreach12in.(304.8mm)inlength,
range of the force sensor. Calculate as follows:
and one which is movable in the vertical direction so as to
compress the container between the platens. One is the
E 5 F 30.002 (1)
S
load-measuring platen, and both should be of sufficient size so
where:
that the test container does not extend beyond the edges of the
E = maximum permissible error, lbf or N, and
platens. One platen is fixed in the horizontal direction so as to
F = force sensor’s full range, lbf or N.
have no lateral movement greater than 0.05 in. (1.3 mm). The S
second platen is attached to the machine by a swivel or
7.1.2 The required resolution on box displacement during
compression testing differs by intended use. The accuracy of
the recorded or indicated platen displacement must be verified
Singh, S. P., Burgess, G., Langlois, M., “Compression of Single-Wall Corru-
in accordance with the equipment manufacturer’s recom-
gated Shipping Containers Using Fixed and Floating Test Platens,” ASTM JOTE,
July 1992. mended procedures.
D642 − 20
7.1.2.1 For quantification of box strength in compression (445 N) and 500 lbf (2220 N), respectively, are recommended.
where the accuracy of the output is affected by displacement For other types of test specimens a suitable pre-load may or
(for example, for design testing): The displacement error, may not be selected.
including the effects of any backlash in the loading system,
9.4 Fixed-platen machines must be used for tests where the
shall not exceed 60.02 in. (60.5 mm).
compressive loads are applied on test specimen edges, or on
7.1.2.2 For sequential testing to a calculated load and
diagonal corners (Fig. 1). Either fixed-platen or swivel-platen
quantification of box strength testing where a yield in the load
machines may be used for face-to-face compressive tests (Fig.
is used as the stop criteria: The displacement error, including
2).
the effects of any backlash in the loading system, shall not
9.5 If the testing machine is not fitted with a load-
exceed 60.1 in. (62.5 mm).
deformation recorder, record the test load for every 0.1 in. (2.5
7.1.3 The accuracy
...

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: D642 − 15 D642 − 20
Standard Test Method for
Determining Compressive Resistance of Shipping
Containers, Components, and Unit Loads
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D642; 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.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense.
1. Scope
1.1 This test method covers compression tests on shipping containers (for example, boxes and drums) or components, or both.
Shipping containers may be tested with or without contents. The procedure may be used for measuring the ability of the container
to resist external compressive loads applied to its faces, to diagonally opposite edges, or to corners (Fig. 1 and Fig. 2). corners.
This test method covers testing of multiple containers or unit loads, in addition to individual shipping containers, components,
materials, or combination thereof.
1.2 The test method of applying load may be used to compare the characteristics of a given design of container with a standard,
or to compare the characteristics of containers differing in construction.
1.3 This test method is related to TAPPI T804, which is similar for fixed platen machines but does not recognize swivel platen
machines. T 804. This test method fulfills the requirements of International Organization for Standardization (ISO) Test Method
12048. The ISO standards may not meet the requirements for this test method.
1.4 The test may be conducted with the container loaded with contents and interior packaging in cases where the contents share
the load.
1.5 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.
1.6 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 safety, health, and healthenvironmental practices and determine the
applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.7 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.
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D10 on Packaging and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D10.21 on Shipping Containers and
Systems - Application of Performance Test Methods.
Current edition approved April 1, 2015Oct. 1, 2020. Published May 2015October 2020. Originally approved in 1941. Last previous edition approved in 20102015 as
D642 – 00D642 – 15.(2010). DOI: 10.1520/D0642-15.10.1520/D0642-20.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D642 − 20
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
D685 Practice for Conditioning Paper and Paper Products for Testing
D996 Terminology of Packaging and Distribution Environments
D1968 Terminology Relating to Paper and Paper Products
D4169 Practice for Performance Testing of Shipping Containers and Systems
D4332 Practice for Conditioning Containers, Packages, or Packaging Components for Testing
D4442 Test Methods for Direct Moisture Content Measurement of Wood and Wood-Based Materials
D4577 Test Method for Compression Resistance of a Container Under Constant Load
E4 Practices for Force Verification of Testing Machines
E122 Practice for Calculating Sample Size to Estimate, With Specified Precision, the Average for a Characteristic of a Lot or
Process
2.2 TAPPI Standard:Standards:
T 412 Moisture in pulp, paperPulp, Paper and paperboardPaperboard
T 804 Compression testing of fiberboard shipping containersTesting of Fiberboard Shipping Containers
2.3 ISO Standard:
ISO 12048 Packaging—Complete, filled transport packages—Compression and stacking test using compression testerFilled
Transport Packages—Compression and Stacking Test Using Compression Tester
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions—General terms for Packaging and Distribution Environments are found in Terminology D996.
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
3.2.1 Terms specific to fiberboard containers are found in Terminology D1968.
3.2.2 fixed platen testing machine—machine (Fig. 1)—a testing machine equipped with two platens which are both restrained from
tilting.
3.2.3 swiveled platen testing machine—machine (Fig. 2)—a testing machine equipped with two platens, one rigidly restrained
from tilting while the other platen is universally mounted and allowed to tilt freely.
4. Significance and Use
4.1 Compressive resistance is one of the properties used to evaluate the ability of shipping containers, components, and unit loads
to successfully survive the compressive forces they are subjected to during storage and distribution (see Note 1).
NOTE 1—For constant load test refer to Test Method D4577.
4.2 Compressive resistance may be determined with either fixed- or swiveled-platen-type testing machines. However, a fixed-head
compression machine is required to perform edge-to-edge and corner-to-corner orientations on test specimens (see Note 2). Also,
unit loads are generally tested only in the top-to-bottom orientation.
NOTE 2—Fixed-platen machines generally cause corrugated box specimens to fail at their strongest point, while swivel-platen machines cause corrugated
box specimens to fail at their weakest point. The swiveled platen is allowed to move to the weakest point of the container.
5. Apparatus
5.1 Compression Testing Machines:
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM Standards
volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
Available from the Technical Association of the Pulp and Paper Industry, 15 Technology Parkway South, Atlanta, GA 30092.
Available from American National Standards Institute, 25 W. 43rd St., 4th Floor, New York, NY 10036.
Singh, S. P., Burgess, G., Langlois, M., “Compression of Single-Wall Corrugated Shipping Containers Using Fixed and Floating Test Platens,” ASTM JOTE, July 1992.
D642 − 20
5.1.1 Fixed-Platen Testing Machine—Two platens, flat to within 0.01 in. (0.25 mm) for each 12 in. (304.8 mm) in length, and one
of which is movable in the vertical direction so as to compress the container between the platens. One is the load measuring
load-measuring platen, and both should be of sufficient size so that the test container does not extend beyond the edges of the
platens. Both platens are fixed in the horizontal directions so as to have no lateral movement greater than0.05 than 0.05 in. (1.3
mm), and are held parallel throughout the test to within 0.04 in. (1 mm) for each 12 in. (304.8 mm) in the length and width
dimensions.
5.1.2 Swivel-Platen Testing Machine—Two platens, flat to within 0.01 in. (0.25 mm) for each 12 in. (304.8 mm) in length, and
one which is movable in the vertical direction so as to compress the container between the platens. One is the load-measuring
platen, and both should be of sufficient size so that the test container does not extend beyond the edges of the platens. One platen
is fixed in the horizontal direction so as to have no lateral movement greater than 0.05 in. (1.3 mm). The second platen is attached
to the machine by a swivel or universal joint to a point directly centered on the platen, allowing the platen to tilt freely.
5.2 Suitable Closure Apparatus —Apparatus—See Appendix X1.
5.3 Conditioning Apparatus—Provide adequate facilities for conditioning test containers at proper relative humidity and
temperature prior to test in accordance with the requirements of the specifications covering the containers to be tested. It is
recommended that the atmospheres for conditioning be selected from those shown in Practice D4332. Unless otherwise specified,
fiberboard and other paperboard containers shall be preconditioned and conditioned in accordance with the standard atmosphere
specified in Practice D4332 for transit simulation testing or Practice D685 when quantification of box compression strength is
required.
6. Sampling, Test Specimens, and Test Units
6.1 Choose test specimens and sample quantities to provide an adequate determination of representative performance. For large
production runs, lot sampling is advised. Application of Practice E122 is suggested.
6.2 Whenever sufficient containers and contents are available, it is recommended that five or more replicate tests be conducted to
improve the statistical reliability of the data obtained.
6.3 The specimens being tested shall be complete in all respects. Depending on the purpose of the test, interior components may
or may not be included. Tests shall be made on specimens with or without contents as prescribed.
6.4 The test specimen shall be closed and secured in the same manner as will be used in preparing them for shipment unless
otherwise specified. The method of flap securement for corrugated containers may affect test results (see Appendix X1).
7. Calibration and Standardization
7.1 The accuracy of the test equipment must be verified to ensure reliable test data.
7.1.1 The overall system accuracy of the recorded or indicated applied load (force) shall be verified in accordance with Practice
E4. The verified loading range shall be specified, and errors within the loading range being verified shall be specified. The
individual load levels within that range used for calibration testing shall be specified. The algebraic difference between errors of
two applications of the same force level (repeatability) shall not exceed 61.0 % of reading (as calculated in Practice 1 %. E4). If
testing below the Practice E4 verified loading range is desired, then the maximum permissible error shall not exceed 60.2 % of
the full range of the force sensor. Calculate as follows:
E 5 F 30.002 (1)
S
where:
E = maximum permissible error, lbf or N, and
F = force sensor’s full range, lbf or N.
S
7.1.2 The required resolution on box displacement during compression testing differs by intended use. The accuracy of the
recorded or indicated platen displacement must be verified in accordance with the equipment manufacturer’s recommended
D642 − 20
procedures. The error, including the effects of any backlash in the loading system, shall not exceed 60.1 in. (62.5
mm).manufacturer’s recommended procedures.
7.1.2.1 For quantification of box strength in compression where the accuracy of the output is affected by displacement (for
example, for design testing): The displacement error, including the effects of any backlash in the loading system, shall not exceed
60.02 in. (60.5 mm).
7.1.2.2 For sequential testing to a calculated load and quantification of box strength testing where a yield in the load is used as
the stop criteria: The displacement error, including the effects of any backlash in the loading system, shall not exceed 60.1 in.
(62.5 mm).
7.1.3 The accuracy of the platen travel rate at 0.5 in./min (12.7 mm/min) must be verified throughout each loading range in
accordance with the equipment manufacturer’s recommended procedures. The error, including any backlash in the loading system,
shall not exceed 60.10 in./min (62.5 mm/min).
...