ASTM D6534-05(2010)

Standard Test Method for Determining the Peak Force-to-Actuate a Mechanical Pump Dispenser

ABSTRACT
This test method covers the procedures for determining the peak force-to-actuate of a mechanical pump dispenser. The apparatus required to perform the tests include a motorized compression tester or custom force-to-action machine, a device that can display the resulting force, and a means to rigidly hold the mechanical pump dispenser during testing. Appropriate machine operating and substance handling should be taken and calibration should be performed on the equipment before testing the clean, dry, and unused pump dispensers.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers the determination of the peak force-to-actuate, sometimes called force-to-actuate (FTA), of a mechanical pump dispenser.
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The inch-pound units given in parentheses are for information only.
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. Specific precautionary statements are given in Section 5.

General Information

• Status: Historical
• Publication Date: 30-Sep-2010
• ICS: 55.130 - Aerosol containers
• Technical Committee: F02 - Primary Barrier Packaging
• Drafting Committee: F02.30 - Mechanical Dispensers

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM D6534-05 - Standard Test Method for Determining the Peak Force-to-Actuate a Mechanical Pump Dispenser
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2010
• Replaced By: ASTM D6534-18 - Standard Practice for Determining the Peak Force-to-Actuate of a Mechanical Pump Dispenser
• Effective Date: 01-May-2018

Standards Content (Sample)

NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or withdrawn.
Contact ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest information
Designation: D6534 − 05 (Reapproved 2010)
Standard Test Method for
Determining the Peak Force-to-Actuate of a Mechanical
Pump Dispenser
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D6534; 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 pump dispenser at a constant velocity and adjustable stroke
lengths while accurately measuring the resulting force (that is,
1.1 This test method covers the determination of the peak
load cell).
force-to-actuate, sometimes called force-to-actuate (FTA), of a
mechanical pump dispenser.
NOTE 1—Since the velocity during actuation will affect the FTA of
certain mechanical pump dispenser designs, care must be taken in
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the
selecting the correct type of equipment with the sufficient actuation
standard. The inch-pound units given in parentheses are for
velocity.
information only.
4.2 A device connected to the compression tester that can
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the
display the resulting force in newtons (N) or pounds force (lbf)
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
of 0.1 accuracy.
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
4.3 Ameans to rigidly hold the mechanical pump dispenser
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use. Specific precau-
during testing (that is, glass bottle or a holding fixture; see Fig.
tionary statements are given in Section 5.
1).
2. Referenced Documents
5. Precautions
2.1 ASTM Standards:
5.1 Appropriate handling considerations should be given to
D3890 Test Method for Number of Strokes to Prime a
flammable, toxic, caustic, or other potentially hazardous ma-
Mechanical Pump Dispenser
terials used.
3. Significance and Use
5.2 Appropriate operating considerations should be taken
3.1 This test method can be used to compare the peak
with pinch points on the motorized compression tester.
force-to-actuate performance of different mechanical pump
5.3 Ensure that the exit orifice of the mechanical pump
dispensers.
dispenser is pointed away from the operator and other people.
3.2 This test method can be used to determine the perceived
ease of use of a mechanical pump dispenser. 5.4 Ensure that the motorized compression tester is properly
calibrated.
3.3 This test method can be used to determine the peak
force-to-actuate of a mechanical pump dispenser.
5.5 ActuationRateforFingerPumps—Careshouldbetaken
when selecting the travel speed of the ram. For some mechani-
4. Apparatus
cal pump dispenser styles, the speed of actuation and length of
4.1 Motorized Compression Tester, or Custom Force-to- stroke can affect the peak force to actuate. As a rule of thumb,
Action Machine, with the capability to actuate the mechanical
mechanical pump dispensers with a stroke length of 7 mm or
greater should use an actuation velocity of 35 to 75 mm per
second,whilemechanicalpumpdispenserswithastrokelength
This test method is under the jurisdiction ofASTM Committee F02 on Flexible
of less than 7 mm should use an actuation velocity of 35 mm
Barrier Packaging and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee F02.30 on
per second or less. Especially for fine mist spray pumps, the
Mechanical Pump Dispensers.
Current edition approved Oct. 1, 2010. Published March 2011. Originally
above mentioned rates are preferred. A different rate may be
approved in 2000. Last previous edition approved in 2005 as D6534 – 05. DOI:
used; however, the true force-to-actuate during use may not be
10.1520/D6534-05R10.
2 measured. The actuation rate used should be recorded in 10.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
5.6 Actuation Rate for Trigger Pumps—Actuation rate for
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website. trigger sprayers to be 90 strokes per min.
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D6534 − 05 (2010)
NOTE 3—If unprimed pumps are to be tested only, do not fill container.
9.2 Placethemechanicalpumpdispenserontherigidfixture
used for holding the sample during testing.
9.3 Define and document the relevant data of:
9.3.1 Stroke length, if it pertains,
9.3.2 Actuation rate,
9.3.3 Number of strokes,
9.3.4 Description of pump,
9.3.5 Product tested.
9.3.6 Fortriggerpumps,documenttheaveragecontactpoint
distance from the end of the trigger.
9.4 If the test is to be performed on an unprimed mechanical
pump dispenser, place the mechanical pump dispenser onto the
holding fixture while directing the exit orifice of the mechani-
cal pump dispenser away from the direction of the operator. If
the test is to be performed on a primed mechanical pump
dispenser, and the mechanical pump dispenser has not been
primed, prime the mechanical pump dispenser in accordance
with Test Method D3890.
NOTE 4—A product collection device or means of ventilation is
recommended for the safety of the operator.
9.5 Activate the force-to-actuate tester.
NOTE 5—If the ram is allowed to bottom-out on the package, this will
result in an excessive peak force value, a damaged package, or damaged
machine, or combination thereof. Bottoming-out of the ram is detected by
watching the force gage for a spike at the end of the travel. If the ram on
the tester does bottom-out, the peak force value will be much greater than
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