ASTM D6537-00(2021)

Standard Practice for Instrumented Package Shock Testing For Determination of Package Performance

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 This practice is intended to provide the user with a process to obtain data on package performance when a packaged product is subjected to shock. These measures can be used to quantify or qualify a package system.  
4.2 Data from this practice may provide a measure of a package's ability to mitigate the various levels of shipping shock or impact hazards. These measures may be used to prescribe a mode of shipping and handling that will not induce damage to the packaged product or to define the required levels of protection that must be provided by its packaging.  
4.3 This practice could potentially be used in conjunction with the data derived from Test Method D3332 (Method B) for optimizing cushion design.  
4.4 This practice obtains data at the interface of the product and package (coupled) or element response, depending on the intent of the user (see 10.1 and 10.1.1).
SCOPE
1.1 This practice covers methods for obtaining measured shock responses using instrumentation for an actual or simulated product package system when subjected to defined shock inputs to measure package performance.  
1.2 This practice establishes methods for obtaining measured shock data for use with shock and impact test methods. It is not intended as a substitute for performance testing of shipping containers and systems such as Practice D4169.  
1.3 This practice will address acceleration measuring techniques. Other ways of measuring shock impacts, such as high speed video, are not covered by this practice.  
1.4 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-Sep-2021
• ICS: 55.040 - Packaging materials and accessories
• Technical Committee: D10 - Packaging
• Drafting Committee: D10.13 - Interior Packaging

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 D3332-99(2023) - Standard Test Methods for Mechanical-Shock Fragility of Products, Using Shock Machines
• 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 D6055-96(2019) - Standard Test Methods for Mechanical Handling of Unitized Loads and Large Shipping Cases and Crates
• Effective Date: 01-Aug-2019
• Refers: ASTM D4003-98(2019)e1 - Standard Test Methods for Programmable Horizontal Impact Test for Shipping Containers and Systems
• Effective Date: 01-Aug-2019
• Refers: ASTM D5276-98(2017) - Standard Test Method for Drop Test of Loaded Containers by Free Fall
• Effective Date: 01-Sep-2017
• Refers: ASTM D3332-99(2016) - Standard Test Methods for Mechanical-Shock Fragility of Products, Using Shock Machines
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2016
• Refers: ASTM D4003-98(2015) - Standard Test Methods for Programmable Horizontal Impact Test for Shipping Containers and Systems
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2015
• Refers: ASTM D4169-14 - Standard Practice for Performance Testing of Shipping Containers and Systems
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2014
• Refers: ASTM D6055-96(2014) - Standard Test Methods for Mechanical Handling of Unitized Loads and Large Shipping Cases and Crates
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2014
• Refers: ASTM D996-10a - Standard Terminology of Packaging and Distribution Environments
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2010
• Refers: ASTM D3332-99(2010) - Standard Test Methods for Mechanical-Shock Fragility of Products, Using Shock Machines
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2010
• Refers: ASTM D4169-09 - Standard Practice for Performance Testing of Shipping Containers and Systems
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2009
• Refers: ASTM D5276-98(2009) - Standard Test Method for Drop Test of Loaded Containers by Free Fall
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2009

Overview

ASTM D6537-00(2021): Standard Practice for Instrumented Package Shock Testing For Determination of Package Performance is an international standard developed by ASTM International. This standard provides methods for measuring the shock response of package systems using instrumentation when subjected to defined shock inputs. The objective is to obtain reliable data to evaluate, quantify, or qualify the protective performance of package systems against the shock hazards encountered in shipping and handling environments.

Instrumented package shock testing plays a critical role in modern supply chains and packaging engineering. By using precise shock measurement techniques, packaging professionals can assess how well a package protects its contents during impacts, helping prevent product damage and optimize packaging design. This standard addresses essential topics such as shock measurement methods, calibration, test specimen preparation, and interpretation of measured data.

Key Topics

• Shock Measurement Methods: The standard details procedures for obtaining measured shock responses using accelerometers and associated instrumentation. It covers the use of actual or simulated product/package systems, focusing on acceleration measurement rather than alternative techniques, such as high-speed video.
• Protective Performance Evaluation: Data derived from these tests can be used to assess a package’s ability to protect products from shipping shocks, helping to establish packaging specifications and handling guidelines.
• Calibration and Accuracy: The importance of regular calibration of test equipment is emphasized, with references to relevant international standards such as ISO 10012 for quality assurance of measuring equipment. Accurate calibration ensures reliable shock data.
• Test Specimen Preparation: Procedures for testing both actual and simulated package contents are included, making the standard applicable to a wide variety of product and package types, including prototypes, production samples, and cost-prohibitive items.
• Interpretation of Results: The standard provides guidance on interpreting waveform data, identifying peak acceleration, pulse duration, and velocity change. It describes techniques for filtering and fairing complex shock waveforms to isolate the primary shock pulse.

Applications

ASTM D6537-00(2021) is widely applicable in industries where product integrity during shipping is critical. Practical uses include:

• Packaging Design and Optimization: Assess cushioning systems and optimize materials based on measured shock data, often in conjunction with ASTM D3332 for cushion design.
• Product Qualification and Verification: Demonstrate compliance with shipping and handling requirements by quantifying a package system’s performance under realistic shock events.
• Shipping and Handling Decisions: Inform proper modes and conditions of shipping to minimize product damage risks.
• Quality Control: Routine shock testing as part of a package development or production quality assurance process.
• Regulatory Compliance and Risk Management: Leverage standardized shock testing protocols to meet industry, customer, or regulatory mandates for packaging performance.

Instrumented shock testing using ASTM D6537-00(2021) assists manufacturers, shippers, and packaging engineers in developing, validating, and improving protective packaging systems for a diverse range of products.

Related Standards

To ensure robust and comprehensive testing, ASTM D6537-00(2021) is often used alongside other important standards, including:

• ASTM D4169: Standard Practice for Performance Testing of Shipping Containers and Systems
• ASTM D3332: Test Methods for Mechanical-Shock Fragility of Products, Using Shock Machines
• ASTM D4003: Test Methods for Programmable Horizontal Impact Tests for Shipping Containers and Systems
• ASTM D5276: Test Method for Drop Test of Loaded Containers by Free Fall
• ASTM D5277: Test Method for Performing Programmed Horizontal Impacts Using an Inclined Impact Tester
• ASTM D5487: Test Method for Simulated Drop of Loaded Containers by Shock Machines
• ASTM D6055/D6179: Test Methods for Mechanical and Rough Handling of Unitized Loads
• ISO 10012: Quality Assurance for Measuring Equipment

These referenced standards collectively support comprehensive packaging testing and evaluation programs.

Keywords: instrumented package shock testing, package performance, shock measurement, packaging evaluation, ASTM D6537, packaging standards, shipping container testing, package impact hazards, cushion design testing

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: D6537 − 00 (Reapproved 2021)
Standard Practice for
Instrumented Package Shock Testing For Determination of
Package Performance
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D6537; 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 practice covers methods for obtaining measured
D5276Test Method for Drop Test of Loaded Containers by
shock responses using instrumentation for an actual or simu-
Free Fall
lated product package system when subjected to defined shock
D5277Test Method for Performing Programmed Horizontal
inputs to measure package performance.
Impacts Using an Inclined Impact Tester
1.2 This practice establishes methods for obtaining mea-
D5487Test Method for Simulated Drop of Loaded Contain-
sured shock data for use with shock and impact test methods.
ers by Shock Machines
It is not intended as a substitute for performance testing of
D6055Test Methods for Mechanical Handling of Unitized
shipping containers and systems such as Practice D4169.
Loads and Large Shipping Cases and Crates
1.3 This practice will address acceleration measuring tech- D6179Test Methods for Rough Handling of Unitized Loads
and Large Shipping Cases and Crates
niques. Other ways of measuring shock impacts, such as high
speed video, are not covered by this practice.
2.2 ISO Standard:
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the 10012Quality Assurance for Measuring Equipment
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
3. Terminology
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
3.1 Definitions:
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
3.1.1 General definitions for packaging and distribution are
1.5 This international standard was developed in accor-
found in Terminology D996.
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
3.2.1 accelerometer, n—a sensor that converts acceleration
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
into a proportional electric signal for measurement.
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
3.2.2 coeffıcient of restitution, n—the ratio of the rebound
velocity to the impact velocity.
2. Referenced Documents
3.2.3 complex waveform, n—acceleration versus time graph
2.1 ASTM Standards:
representing the responses of many different spring/mass
D996Terminology of Packaging and Distribution Environ-
systems when subjected to an impact. Also referred to as a
ments
complex shock-pulse.
D3332Test Methods for Mechanical-Shock Fragility of
Products, Using Shock Machines
3.2.4 faired acceleration, n—the amplitude representing the
D4003Test Methods for Programmable Horizontal Impact
primaryorintendedresponsesysteminacomplexshockpulse.
Test for Shipping Containers and Systems
3.2.5 fairing, n—the graphical smoothing of a recorded
pulse by visually estimating the amplitude of the primary
waveform when high frequency responses are also present.
This practice is under the jurisdiction ofASTM Committee D10 on Packaging
and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D10.13 on Interior Packaging.
3.2.6 peak acceleration, n—the maximum absolute value of
Current edition approved Oct. 1, 2021. Published November 2021. Originally
acceleration which occurred during the shock pulse.
approved in 2000. Last previous edition approved in 2014 as D6537–00 (2014).
DOI: 10.1520/D6537-00R21.
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 Available fromAmerican National Standards Institute (ANSI), 25 W. 43rd St.,
the ASTM website. 4th Floor, New York, NY 10036, http://www.ansi.org.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D6537 − 00 (2021)
th
accelerometerassemblyshouldbelessthan ⁄10 themassofthestructure
3.2.7 primary waveform, n—acceleration versus time graph
being measured (1).
representing the response of the spring/mass system of interest
when subjected to an impact. Also referred to as a primary 5.2.1.4 Cross axis sensitivity less than 5% of actual value.
shock-pulse. 5.2.1.5 Cabling—Use cables that are suitable to the system
used. Accelerometer cables should be as lightweight and
3.2.8 pulse duration, n—the amount of time the shock
flexibleaspossibletoavoidmassloadingontheaccelerometer
accelerationisbeyondareferencelevel.Thislevelisgenerally
or structure being tested. Cable length may alter the desired
taken as 10% of the pulse peak acceleration (not the zero
signal depending on the application and type of accelerometer
baseline) to most accurately represent the effective duration
used. Refer to manufacturers’ recommendations for appropri-
and frequency of the pulse.
ate cable type and length because various accelerometer types
3.2.9 velocity change, n—the sum of the velocity at impact
require special cables and are not necessarily interchangeable.
and the rebound velocity.
6. Sampling
4. Significance and Use
6.1 Sampling procedures and the number of test specimens
depends on the specific purposes and needs of the testing.
4.1 This practice is intended to provide the user with a
Refer to the sampling procedure for the standard test method
process to obtain data on package performance when a
chosen.
packagedproductissubjectedtoshock.Thesemeasurescanbe
used to quantify or qualify a package system.
7. Test Specimen
4.2 Data from this practice may provide a measure of a 7.1 Option 1—Actual contents and package.
package’s ability to mitigate the various levels of shipping
7.1.1 Usethisoptiontoevaluatetheprotectivecapabilityof
shock or impact hazards. These measures may be used to the package intended for shipment and when the actual
prescribe a mode of shipping and handling that will not induce contents are available. Testing a prototype package may yield
damagetothepackagedproductortodefinetherequiredlevels results that differ from a production manufactured package.
of protection that must be provided by its packaging. Care should be taken to ensure that the construction and
materials of the prototype are representative of a production
4.3 This practice could potentially be used in conjunction
package. Re-testing may be required with a production pack-
withthedataderivedfromTestMethodD3332(MethodB)for
agetoverifyearliertestresults.(Warning—Damagetothetest
optimizing cushion design.
specimen may result from shock or impact testing.)
4.4 This practice obtains data at the interface of the product 7.1.2 The contents may or may not be operational or in
and package (coupled) or element response, depending on the calibration.
intent of the user (see 10.1 and 10.1.1).
7.2 Option 2—Simulated contents and package.
7.2.1 Usethisoptiontoevaluatethepackagewhenaccessto
5. Apparatus
the actual contents is prohibitive because of availability,
excessive cost or hazardous nature. This option may also be
5.1 Shock or impact apparatus shall be as described in the
desirable to eliminate or minimize high frequency responses
established shock or impact method used. Examples of shock
that the actual product may produce.
and impact apparatuses are described in Test Methods D4003,
7.2.2 Amock-up simulating the actual product with respect
D5276, D5277, D5487 and D6055.
to dimensions, center of gravity, moment of inertia and other
5.2 Instrumentation:
product characteristics may be used.
5.2.1 Instrumentation System—Accelerometer(s), cables,
7.2.3 A dummy load may be used to represent the loading
signalconditioner,andadataacquisitionsystemarerequiredto
characteristics of the actual product within the package.
record acceleration versus time histories. The instrumentation
7.2.4 Mock-ups and dummy loads are to be fabricated from
system shall have the following minimum properties:
rigid, non-responsive materials such as wood, plastic, model-
5.2.1.1 Frequency response from at least 2 Hz to at least ing foam, aluminum, or steel, and be durable enough to
withstand the intended impacts without failing. A mock-up
1000 Hz.
loadmayusepart(s)oftheactualproductwithmodificationsto
5.2.1.2 Accuracy reading to be within 65% of the actual
replicatetheactualproductorbefabricatedentirelyfromother
value.
materials.
5.2.1.3 Accelerometers—An appropriate accelerometer
shallbeusedthatiscapableofmeasuringtheaccelerationinput 7.3 Minor modifications may be made to the product or
over the desired amplitude frequency and temperature range. package to accommodate accelerometers, cabling, or to ob-
Avoid accelerometers where the mass characteristics of the serve the product during the test. Such modifications are
accelerometer, including any attachments to it (mountings, allowed as long as they do not affect the test results.
cables, etc.), will affect the weight or stiffness of the surface to
7.4 Care must be taken to ensure that no degradation has
which it is attached.
occurred to the package if the test packages have been shipped
NOTE1—Afalsereadingofthemountingstructureorunnecessaryhigh
frequency responses will occur if the mass of the accelerometer is too The boldface numbers in parentheses refer to a list of references at the end of
large in relation to the mounting surface. The mass characteristics of the this standard.
D6537 − 00 (2021)
to the test site. If any doubt exists as to the condition of the 10.1.1 Element or Component Response (Option 1
package, repackage the product in new packaging material Only)—To measure acceleration imparted through the package
before testing. and through the product’s structure to a component or element
of interest, follow all accelerometer and mounting recommen-
8. Calibration
dations in 5.2.1.4, 10.1, and 10.2. The responses from an
8.1 The accuracy of the test equipment must be verified to element or component might not represent the performance of
thecushionsystemduetothespring/masscharacteristicsofthe
ensure reliable test data.
8.1.1 System calibration is generally accomplished by hav- element or component.
ing each of the individual components calibrated periodically
10.2 Accelerometer Mounting—The method of accelerom-
(2).
eter mounting can have a significant effect on quality of the
8.2 Verification of calibration must be performed on a data. Looseness or loss of contact between the accelerometer
regular basis to ensure compliance with all accuracy require- and its mounting surface can cause false or spurious readings.
ments established in Section 5. Refer to manufacturer’s rec- The best and most reliable method is a threaded fastening
ommendations on calibration schedules. Typically, system mounteddirectlytoasmoothsurface.Oftenthisisnotpossible
verificationisperformedatleastonanannualbasis.Innocase or convenient, however, and methods using various adhesives,
shall the time interval between verification of system calibra- cements, magnetic mounts, and waxes can be used with good
tion exceed 18 months. success. See Appendix X1 for discussion on mounting tech-
niques.
8.3 Contractual regulations may require more periodic cali-
10.2.1 The accelerometer should be mounted so that its
brations.
sensitive axis is aligned as accurately as possible with the
8.4 International standards, such as ISO 10012 provide
acceleration direction to be measured. Any misalignment will
insightandmethodsfordeterminingre-calibrationintervalsfor
result in an error which is proportional to the cosine of the
most measuring equipment.
anglebetweentheaccelerometer’smeasuringdirectionandthe
8.5 Accelerometers may need to be re-calibrated on a more direction of actual motion.
frequent basis. Factors such as extent of use, environmental or
NOTE 5—Example—If an accelerometer is mounted at an angle of 10°
otherunusualconditionsmayrequirethattheaccelerometerbe
from the direction of actual motion, it will measure only a component of
re-calibrated before its scheduled due date.
the acceleration A, equal to A × cosine 10° = A × 0.985, which is an error
of 1.5%.
9. Conditioning
10.3 Document the sensing orientation of the accelerometer
9.1 Conditionthepackageandcomponentstothecondition-
in reference to the axis of the product. When the package is
ing requirements in accordance with the test method being
assembled the accelerometer orientation may not be readily
followed.Unlessotherwisespecified,conductalltestswiththe
accessible. Most recording devices require pre-impact setup
same conditions prevailing.
prior to each test to ensure that the shock or impact event for
the desired axis is recorded.
10. Procedure
10.4 Makenecessaryconnectionsfromtheaccelerometer(s)
10.1 Total Product Response—Mounttheaccelerometerata
to the signal conditioner. Refer to manufacturer’s recommen-
location on the product that represents the product as a single
dations for proper connections. Labeling of the cables by
mass.This location should be rigid and non-flexible to prevent
channel or axis is recommended if more than one accelerom-
extraneous responses from being measured, thus distorting or
eter is used during testing.
influencing the resulting data. The accelerometer is to be
10.4.1 Cables should be securely fastened to the mounting
mounted on the product, or simulated product, so that the
structure with tape, a clamp, or other adhesive to minimize
sensitiveaxisoftheaccelerometerisalignedinthedirectionof
cable whip and connector strain. Cable whip can introduce
the applied shock. Where possible, mount the accelerometer
noise, especially in high impedance signal paths. Cable strain
near the product’s center of gravity, or along a line passing
near the electrical connector can often lead to intermittent or
through the center of gravity for the axis being measured.
brokenconnectionsandlossofdata.Cablesshouldbefastened
Measuredshockresponsesfromlocationsotherthanthecenter
to the structure with ample slack equal to or greater than the
of gravity may be misleading due to item rotation.
maximum amount of potential displacement the structure may
NOTE 2—Caution should be used when mounting the accelerometer to
undergo to avoid damage to the sensor/cable connection. See
theexterioroftheproduct.Damagetotheaccelerometercanresultifthere
Fig. 1 for proper cable connection.
isinsufficientdistancebetweentheproductandtheinteriorofthepackage
upon impact.
NOTE 6—Avoid routing cables along floors or walkways where they
NOTE 3—Utilization of more than one accelerometer to record multiple
may be stepped on or become contaminated. Also avoid routing cables
axes or vectors simultaneously can expedite testing when evaluating
nearAC power wires. If necessary to crossAC power lines, do so at right
multiple orientat
...