ASTM D5276 Drop Test by Free Fall

ASTM D5276 is used to evaluate the packaged-product’s ability to protect the inner contents when exposed to a sudden shock from a free-fall impact. This test is mainly used for full boxes, cylindrical packaging, bags and sacks. Due to the size and weight, the drop test is suitable for the containers that are manually managed throughout the distribution cycle.

The ASTM D5276 standard outlines the procedure for performing drop testing by free fall of packaged products and shipping containers to determine their ability to withstand the normal hazards of handling and transportation. 

The test involves dropping the package or container in a free fall from a specified height onto a hard surface, and then inspecting the package for any damage. The testing can be performed with different types of packages or containers, such as boxes, drums, or pallets.

The following steps are outlined in the standard for performing a drop test:

1. Select the package or container to be tested, along with the orientation and configuration. 

2. Place the package or container onto the drop testing apparatus in the proper position. 

3. Determine the drop height based on the package weight and product fragility. 

4. Release the package or container from the drop height onto a hard, flat surface. 

5. Inspect the package or container for any damage, such as cracks, punctures, or deformation. 

6. Repeat the test with different orientations and configurations if necessary. 

The ASTM D5276 standard provides specific guidance on the proper equipment, procedures, and acceptance criteria for conducting drop tests by free fall. This testing can help manufacturers and shippers evaluate the durability and safety of their products during transportation, and make necessary improvements to the packaging design or materials.

Due to the nature of this testing, some industries like the e-commerce and manufacturing companies will benefit from a test like ASTM D5726. If a company employs this standard, many factors are likely to take place. Inevitably, there will be better packaging. What happens to the current design of the package after it is dropped will be decided and evaluated. From there, the design and engineering are liable to be changed, especially if the packaged product was highly damaged during the drop test. Eliminating or decreasing costs is also something positive that can come out of performing a drop test. The standard test method is done to try to achieve the best quality and efficiently packaging system there is out there for a particular product. Also, by using the ASTM method and certifications, the company gets put in a position to negotiate transport costs, due to the guarantee the product will withstand all environmental distribution factors during transit. Purple Diamond Testing offers ASTM D5276 Testing as part of our packaging compliance and validation services. 

According to ASTM.org, “Significance and Use

4.1 This test method is intended for use in evaluating the ability of a container to withstand the sudden shock resulting from a free fall drop impact, or to evaluate the ability of a container and its inner packing to protect its contents during the sudden shock resulting from a free fall drop impact. This test method may also be used to compare the performance of different package designs. This test method may also allow observation of the progressive failure of a container and the damage to its contents.

4.2 This test method is particularly suitable for containers that are normally managed manually during some part of their distribution cycle. Containers of such bulk or mass that they cannot be managed manually may be evaluated more satisfactorily following Test Method D880, Test Methods D6055, Test Methods D6179, or Test Methods D4003. See Practice D4169 for added guidance.

Scope

1.1 This test method covers procedures for the drop testing of loaded boxes, cylindrical containers, and bags and sacks by the free-fall method.

1.2 For containers not exceeding 110 lb. (50 kg), this test method fulfills the requirements of ISO Standards 2206:1987 and 2248:1985. These ISO standards may describe procedures that do not meet the requirements for this test method.

1.3 The values said in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to SI units that are supplied for information only and are not considered standard.

1.4 This standard does not purport to address all the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to set up proper safety, health, and environmental practices and decide the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

1.5 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.”