Shipping container integrity is crucial for ensuring the safe transport and storage of goods across global supply chains. At the heart of this integrity lies the container’s ability to withstand compressive forces, from withstanding heavy loads to handling tightly compact spaces in vehicles and cargo planes. How can you be sure your product and package make it to their final destination unscathed? There is a testing standard for this very scenario: shipping container compression testing, also known as ASTM D642.
This standardized test method for determining compressive resistance of shipping containers, components, and unit loads plays a vital role in the packaging industry. By simulating real-world stacking and compression scenarios, shipping container compression testing helps manufacturers strength of their shipping containers, protecting their products from damage due to packaging failures.
Why Compression Testing?
Shipping container compression testing can yield a variety of insights for manufacturers and logistics experts.
First, this testing can help maximize the load share of the packages’ inner contents, helping manufacturers fit more product into their container safely and effectively and optimizing costs.
This testing is also critical to validating material selection during box design. What materials hold up against the compression testing? And which should manufacturers avoid in the future? More than insights into materials, compression testing also verifies that the package’s design can withstand compression forces during shipment. This cuts down on product loss due to damage.
Shipping Container Compression Testing Methods
There are several testing orientations outlined by ASTM D642, which can be completed with or without the packaging components inside the containers. These compression tests include:
- Face-to-face compression: This is the most common orientation. Weight is applied to the top and bottom of the shipping container.
- Edge-to-edge compression: In this test, the weight is applied to diagonally to opposite edges of the container.
- Corner-to-corner compression: Finally, weight can be applied to diagonally to opposite corners of the container.
There are two types of compression testing machines typically used. Here at Purple Diamond, during our criteria gathering phase, we’ll decide which machine would suit your needs best.
The first machine is a fixed-platen machine. This means that both platens remain parallel throughout the test. This machine is required for edge-to-edge and corner-to-corner testing
The second testing machine is the swivel-platen machine. One platen can swivel to align with the container surface. This is typically used only for face-to-face compression testing.
Compression Testing with Purple Diamond
ASTM D642 shipping container compression testing helps ensure your products arrive at their destination without damage and ready for use. By pushing your packaging to its limits, this standardized test method provides invaluable insights into your container’s design and durability under pressure.
Don’t leave your product’s safety to chance. Take the proactive step towards packaging excellence by partnering with Purple Diamond for your ASTM D642 testing needs. Our state-of-the-art facilities, coupled with our team’s expertise, ensure that your shipping containers meet and exceed industry standards.
Ready to safeguard your products and optimize your packaging strategy? Contact us today for a complimentary consultation or to schedule a facility tour.
