Pallet Testing
Comparing and testing different pallet designs produces peak performance indicators that can be used to evaluate a pallet design’s strength, durability, and overall functionality. This kind of testing and evaluation affords us an acute understanding of the performance of the product and the impact of any design changes made to the product, such as new material or even new production locations. During this process, both the performance of individual elements or the packaging system as a whole, may be evaluated and validated.
What is Pallet Testing?
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.
How We Test for Pallet Durability
Sample data gathered from testing is critical to effectively evaluate pallet durability and assess the pallet’s ability to withstand associated hazards during distribution, handling, or storage. Purple Diamond’s dedicated Pallet Testing Lab is able to analyze pallet durability through testing in compliance with ASTM D1185-98a and ISO 8611-1.
- 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?
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.
Related Testing Standards
Accreditations
Achieving ISO 17025 Accreditation is the pinnacle in third-party laboratory testing accreditation. It confirms that the facility has management, quality, and technical systems in place to ensure accurate and reliable analyses.
ISTA is revered as the certification standard for package testing for distribution. ISTA’s Testing Protocol remains a series of testing methodologies and standards well recognized within the packaging community.
A select few companies are authorized by PHMSA as an approved third-party packaging testing laboratory in accordance with Hazardous Materials Regulations, critical to ensuring safe transport of dangerous goods.
Affiliations
With over 12,000 standards globally, ASTM International’s fully transparent standards development enhances performance and confidence in consumer choices.
The Technical Association of Pulp and Paper Industry’s peer-reviewed standards improve production through operational methods and industry recognized best practices.
