ASTM D4168-95(2021)

Standard Test Methods for Transmitted Shock Characteristics of Foam-in-Place Cushioning Materials

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 Data obtained by these methods may be used to determine the transmitted shock cushioning characteristics of foam-in-place packaging materials. These data allow design of cushioning systems that can provide adequate and efficient use of foam for protection of goods during a distribution life-cycle.  
5.2 These methods, in contrast to other methods that usually test only the cushioning foam, are designed to evaluate foam-in-place cushioning materials in a manner in which the foam-in-place packaging material is used. In particular, the method includes simultaneous use of a plastic film, the foam, and the box usually used in this method of packaging. See Fig. 1.
FIG. 1 Specimen Ready For Test
SCOPE
1.1 These test methods determine the shock-absorbing characteristics of foam-in-place packaging materials.  
1.2 Test Method A uses a free-fall package drop test apparatus.  
1.3 Test Method B uses a shock-test apparatus.  
1.4 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.  
1.5 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.  
1.6 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

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: D4168 − 95 (Reapproved 2021)
Standard Test Methods for
Transmitted Shock Characteristics of Foam-in-Place
1
Cushioning Materials
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D4168; 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 D5487 Test Method for Simulated Drop of Loaded Contain-
ers by Shock Machines
1.1 These test methods determine the shock-absorbing char-
acteristics of foam-in-place packaging materials.
3. Terminology
1.2 Test Method A uses a free-fall package drop test appa-
3.1 General definitions for packaging and distribution envi-
ratus.
ronments are found in Terminology D996.
1.3 Test Method B uses a shock-test apparatus.
3.2 Definitions:
1.4 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded
3.2.1 acceleration, n—the rate of change of velocity of a
as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical
body with respect to time, measured in inches per second per
conversions to SI units that are provided for information only
second (metres per second per second).
and are not considered standard.
3.2.2 velocity, n—the rate of change of position of a body in
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the
a specified direction with respect to time, measured in inches
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
per second (metres per second).
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
3.3 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. 3.3.1 equivalent free-fall height, n—the calculated height of
1.6 This international standard was developed in accor- free fall in a vacuum required for a falling body to attain a
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard- measured or given impact velocity.
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
3.3.2 foam-in-place cushioning material, n—a material that
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
is formed by dispensing chemical components which react and
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
expand to produce a foam cushioning material in a container or
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
mold.
2. Referenced Documents 3.3.3 free rise core density, n—the density of a foam sample
2 takenfromtheinteriorofabunoffoam(withoutskin)thatwas
2.1 ASTM Standards:
produced under unrestricted (free-rise) conditions in pounds
D996 Terminology of Packaging and Distribution Environ-
per cubic foot (kilograms per cubic metre).
ments
D3332 Test Methods for Mechanical-Shock Fragility of 3.3.4 static loading, n—the applied mass in pounds (kilo-
Products, Using Shock Machines grams) divided by the area, measured in square inches (square
D5276 Test Method for Drop Test of Loaded Containers by metres) to which the mass is applied in pounds per squares
Free Fall inches (kilograms per square metre).
3.3.5 velocitychange,n—thesumoftheimpactvelocityand
any rebound velocity.
3.4 Symbols:
1
These test methods are under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D10 on
3.4.1 g—symbolfortheaccelerationduetotheeffectsofthe
Packaging and are the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D10.13 on Interior
Packaging. earth’s gravitational pull. While somewhat variable, it is
Current edition approved Oct. 1, 2021. Published November 2021. Originally
usually considered a constant of value 386 in./s/s (9.8 m/s/s).
approved in 1982. Last previous edition approved in 2015 as D4168 – 95(2015).
DOI: 10.1520/D4168-95R21.
2
4. Summary of Test Methods
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
4.1 The test methods consist of using the cushioning mate-
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website. rial to be tested to support a weighted test block inside a
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D4168 − 95 (2021)
package. The complete package is subjected to drops or monitor acceleration versus time histories at various points on
controlled shocks and the accelerations transmitted to the test the test apparatus and test specimen. The instrumentation
block are measured. systems shall have the foll
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