ASTM E920-97(2019)

Standard Specification for Commercially Packaged Laboratory Apparatus

ABSTRACT
This specification covers the procedures for testing loaded shipping containers. Drop and vibration tests are performed to measure the ability of the shipping container to protect the product from the shock and vibration the container receives during normal handling and transporting. This specification is not intended for use with hazardous materials. The procedures are suitable for all types of laboratory apparatus, including reusable and disposable macro and micro products.
SCOPE
1.1 This specification covers the procedures for testing loaded shipping containers. Drop and vibration tests are performed to measure the ability of the shipping container to protect the product from the shock and vibration the container receives during normal handling and transporting. This specification is not intended to supplant material specifications or existing preshipment test procedures. This specification is not intended for use with hazardous materials.  
1.2 These procedures are suitable for all types of laboratory apparatus, including reusable and disposable macro and micro products.  
1.3 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.  
1.4 The following precautionary caveat pertains only to the test method portion, Section 4, of this specification: 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.  
1.5 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-Jun-2019
• ICS: 55.180.40 - Complete, filled transport packages
• Technical Committee: E41 - Laboratory Apparatus
• Drafting Committee: E41.01 - Laboratory Ware and Supplies

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM E920-97(2013) - Standard Specification for Commercially Packaged Laboratory Apparatus
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2019
• Refers: ASTM D999-08(2023) - Standard Test Methods for Vibration Testing of Shipping Containers
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2023
• Refers: ASTM D3951-18(2023) - Standard Practice for Commercial Packaging
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2023
• Refers: ASTM D5276-19(2023) - Standard Test Method for Drop Test of Loaded Containers by Free Fall
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2023
• Refers: ASTM D3951-18 - Standard Practice for Commercial Packaging
• Effective Date: 01-May-2018
• Refers: ASTM D5276-98(2017) - Standard Test Method for Drop Test of Loaded Containers by Free Fall
• Effective Date: 01-Sep-2017
• Refers: ASTM D3951-15 - Standard Practice for Commercial Packaging
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2015
• Refers: ASTM D999-08(2015) - Standard Test Methods for Vibration Testing of Shipping Containers
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2015
• Refers: ASTM D685-12 - Standard Practice for Conditioning Paper and Paper Products for Testing
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2012
• Refers: ASTM D3951-10 - Standard Practice for Commercial Packaging
• Effective Date: 15-Aug-2010
• Refers: ASTM D5276-98(2009) - Standard Test Method for Drop Test of Loaded Containers by Free Fall
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2009
• Refers: ASTM D999-08 - Standard Test Methods for Vibration Testing of Shipping Containers
• Effective Date: 01-Aug-2008
• Refers: ASTM D999-07 - Standard Test Methods for Vibration Testing of Shipping Containers
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2007
• Refers: ASTM D999-01 - Standard Test Methods for Vibration Testing of Shipping Containers
• Effective Date: 10-Apr-2001
• Refers: ASTM D999-96 - Standard Methods for Vibration Testing of Shipping Containers
• Effective Date: 10-Apr-2001

Overview

ASTM E920-97(2019) - Standard Specification for Commercially Packaged Laboratory Apparatus provides a comprehensive framework for evaluating the robustness and reliability of packaging used for shipping laboratory apparatus. Developed by ASTM International, this standard outlines procedures for testing loaded shipping containers to ensure products are protected from the shocks and vibrations encountered during typical handling and transportation. It applies to all types of laboratory apparatus, including both reusable and disposable macro and micro products, but excludes hazardous materials.

This standard helps manufacturers, suppliers, and quality assurance professionals ensure that laboratory apparatus arrive at their destinations intact, supporting reliability in laboratory operations and maintaining the integrity of scientific equipment.

Key Topics

• Testing Procedures: The standard specifies drop and vibration tests to simulate real-world shipping and handling environments. These procedures assess how well packaging protects laboratory apparatus from physical shocks and vibrations during transport.
• Applicability: Suitable for all commercially packaged laboratory apparatus-both reusable and disposable items, whether macro or micro in scale.
• Conditioning: Test specimens must be conditioned according to ASTM D685 to ensure consistent testing conditions.
• Acceptance Criteria:
  • Disposable glassware must endure testing with no breakage in any tested unit; bulk-packed items may not exceed 3% total breakage.
  • All other laboratory apparatus must also survive without any breakage in all tested units.
  • Outer packaging must securely contain products and protect contents, with allowances for retesting if initial trials fail.
• Reporting: Suppliers must maintain records of laboratory test reports and provide written certification of packaging compliance upon request.
• Measurement Units: Standard testing results are reported in inch-pound units, with SI conversions for informational purposes.

Applications

ASTM E920-97(2019) supports a wide range of stakeholders in the laboratory, packaging, and supply chain sectors:

• Manufacturers: Incorporate the standard into quality assurance programs to reduce the risk of product damage during transit, resulting in fewer returns and higher customer satisfaction.
• Distributors and Suppliers: Specify ASTM E920 compliance to verify that incoming shipments meet rigorous shipping durability criteria, minimizing product loss and downtime.
• Procurement Professionals: Use the standard as a requirement in purchase contracts for laboratory glassware, plastic ware, and instruments to ensure robust commercial packaging.
• Quality Control and Regulatory Affairs: Reference this standard for documentation and certification during product audits and regulatory review processes.

By aligning packaging and shipping methods with ASTM E920, organizations can confidently manage the risks associated with the transportation of delicate laboratory equipment.

Related Standards

Several ASTM standards are referenced to complement and support the requirements of ASTM E920-97(2019):

• ASTM D685 - Practice for Conditioning Paper and Paper Products for Testing
• ASTM D999 - Test Methods for Vibration Testing of Shipping Containers
• ASTM D3951 - Practice for Commercial Packaging
• ASTM D5276 - Test Method for Drop Test of Loaded Containers by Free Fall
• ASTM D775 - Test Method for Drop Test of Containers

These related standards detail methods for specimen conditioning, drop testing, vibration simulation, and packaging performance. Organizations seeking to strengthen their packaging protocols or validate the robustness of their laboratory shipping containers should familiarize themselves with these key standards.

Keywords: ASTM E920, laboratory apparatus packaging, commercial packaging, drop test, vibration test, packaging durability, shipping containers, laboratory equipment shipping standard.

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: E920 −97 (Reapproved 2019)
Standard Specification for
Commercially Packaged Laboratory Apparatus
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E920; 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.
INTRODUCTION
This specification is proposed as a package performance standard to be met for items shipped
domestically. The standard would apply only when requested by the buyer.
1. Scope 2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
1.1 This specification covers the procedures for testing
D685 Practice for Conditioning Paper and Paper Products
loaded shipping containers. Drop and vibration tests are
for Testing
performed to measure the ability of the shipping container to
D999 Test Methods for Vibration Testing of Shipping Con-
protect the product from the shock and vibration the container
tainers
receives during normal handling and transporting. This speci-
D3951 Practice for Commercial Packaging
fication is not intended to supplant material specifications or
D5276 Test Method for Drop Test of Loaded Containers by
existing preshipment test procedures. This specification is not
Free Fall
intended for use with hazardous materials.
1.2 These procedures are suitable for all types of laboratory
3. Requirements
apparatus, including reusable and disposable macro and micro
3.1 Three test specimens are required. Each specimen shall
products.
be run through the sequence of tests in the order given.
1.3 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded
3.2 Condition test specimens in accordance with Practice
as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical
D685. Standard conditions must be maintained throughout the
conversions to SI units that are provided for information only
test sequence.
and are not considered standard.
3.3 The packaging shall comply with Practice D3951 except
1.4 The following precautionary caveat pertains only to the
cleanliness of laboratory apparatus shall be as required by the
test method portion, Section 4, of this specification: This
ProductStandard,theQualityAssuranceStandard,orasagreed
standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns,
upon between the manufacturer and the purchaser.
if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user
of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and 4. Procedure
environmental practices and determine the applicability of
4.1 Vibration Test—Perform the vibration test in accordance
regulatory limitations prior to use.
with Method A of Methods D999.
1.5 This international standard was developed in accor-
4.1.1 Proceed with the following test duration and se-
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
quence: bottom for 30 min; side for 15 min; and end for
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
15 min. Total vibration time will be 60 min.
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
4.2 Drop Test—Perform the drop test in accordance with
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
Method D775.
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
4.2.1 Determine the drop height of the specimen from the
following:
This
...