Pallet Testing
What is Pallet Testing? | ASTM D1185
Pallet Testing assures that your pallets can hold and support full unit loads of products throughout transit. Testing pallets is vital for confirming that the base level structure employed will be able to offer adequate protection for the products that it will hold during both transportation and storage. Utilizing revered testing standards in a controlled environment, pallet testing allows a direct comparison of products, including an assessment of structural materials and design configurations used. The pallet testing process itself’s main goal is to analyze and determine whether the package design currently desired will reliably work in order to make sure that your packaged goods are getting from point A to point B via pallets. Purple Diamond will evaluate strength, in the pallet and the packaged product. The main question looking to be answered is whether or not the load will hold up without breaking at some point during the package journey?
How We Test for Pallet Durability | Pallet Testing | D1185
- ASTM D1185-98a - Standard Test Methods for Pallets and Related Structures Employed in Materials Handling and Shipping
- ISO 8611-1 - Pallets for Materials Handling – Flat Pallets – Part 1: Test Methods
Pallet Test
- Vibration - Vibration can affect the stability, quality, and performance of unit loads and pallets. We use state-of-the-art vibration tables to test pallet durability during physical distribution.
- Drop - We perform free-fall drop tests from varying heights in accordance with section ASTM 9.1. Drop tests simulate the shocks that may be encountered during physical or mechanical handling.
- Incline - Our lab features an Incline Impact Tester that can test the weight and impact of a full unit load on a pallet. Incline testing, similar to drop testing, simulates the movements of transit and the shocks that are possible.
Evaluating Pallet Components
- Compression - At Purple Diamond, we conduct static compression tests, which distributes weight which is fully supported by the surface underneath. These compressions will show the maximum unit load weight that your pallet can withstand.
- Bending - Bending also helps to assess the long term durability of your pallet. By performing dynamic compression tests where the pallet is only partially supported while subjected to active stressors, we mirror the elevated movement in transit using a forklift.
- Fasteners - Keeping pallets together is vital for the safe arrival of products and unit loads. Testing nails and staple fasteners through withdrawal and lateral resistance, comparisons can be made between which work best for each pallet design. Fasteners in wood are tested to ASTM D1761 guidelines.
Unit Loads
- Packaged Goods - By placing packaged goods on a pallet and conducting testing, pallets are monitored for their strength and durability. Purple Diamond can test full unit loads according to ASTM D1185 and ISO 8611 standards.
- Strapping/Banding - Some unit loads require strapping or banding to keep products intact throughout transit. We test the strength of these straps and bands through compression and vibration.
- Stretch Film - Wrapping unit loads in stretch film is the most versatile and common material for full load utilization. Stretch film can adapt to the imperfect loads that may not be perfectly square.
Why Purple Diamond for Pallet Testing?
At Purple Diamond, our team of engineers are able to analyze pallet durability in our dedicated Pallet Testing Lab. Testing performance of the base level structure and analyzing pallet durability is critical to ensuring vital protection for the products that it will hold during both transportation and storage. We’re here to help ensure that your pallets can hold and support full unit loads of products throughout transit.
Purple Diamond conducts testing according to the standards and protocols set forth by organizations such as ASTM and ISO. Our team is committed to delivering high-quality results as we develop a comprehensive solution to your specific pallet testing needs. As always, Purple Diamond offers you the ability to either schedule an initial consultation, complimentary, OR you can book a facility tour and come on in and visit. Definitely feel free to stop in to the lab if you are close to the Lehigh Valley. The packaging and whole Purple Diamond team is here to assist you anyway that we can. The initial consultation can be either a phone call or a zoom call, whatever is more convenient for you. Reach out via the Contact Us page by either filling out the contact us form OR booking some time on the calendar below the contact form. Either way we will get back to you! Thank you so much for reading down this far and thank you for considering Purple Diamond as your dedicated testing, engineering, and design facility for all of your packaging needs.
Related Testing Standards
- ASTM D642
- ASTM D685
- ASTM D880
- ASTM D951
- ASTM D999
- ASTM D3078
- ASTM D3103
- ASTM D3285
- ASTM D4169
- ASTM D4332
- ASTM D4728
- ASTM D5265
- ASTM D5276
- ASTM D5277
- ASTM D5487
- ASTM D6055
- ASTM D6179
- ASTM D6344
- ASTM D6653
- ASTM D7386
- ASTM F88
- ASTM F1140
- ASTM F1886
- ASTM F1929
- ASTM F1980
- ASTM F2096
- ASTM F2250
- ASTM F3039
- ASTM D1596
Contact Us
At Purple Diamond, we offer a free consultation or a guided tour of our facilities. Consultations can be done over the phone or on zoom, so choose what suits you best. To get in touch, go to our Contact Us page and fill out the form or book an appointment using the calendar below. Our goal is to assist you in any way possible, so please don’t hesitate to contact us. Thank you so much for reading down this far and thank you for considering Purple Diamond as your dedicated testing, engineering, and design facility for all of your packaging needs.
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