Testing Standard:
ASTM D6344 Test Method for Concentrated Impacts to Transport Packages
Standard Number
ASTM D6344
Standard Title
Test Method for Concentrated Impacts to Transport Packages
Overview for ASTM D6344:
ASTM D6344 is a test method for testing loaded transport packages for resistance against concentrated low-level impacts typical in a distribution environment. This test method is a general guideline to conduct the testing accurately with repeatable procedures. Purple Diamond Testing offers this testing as part of our packaging integrity testing services. The test involves dropping a weight onto the package in a controlled manner and measuring the resulting damage or deformation. The test is designed to simulate the stresses that a package may experience during shipping and to ensure that the package can maintain its integrity and protect its contents under normal conditions. This test method is commonly used in the packaging industry to evaluate the performance of shipping containers, pallets, and other packaging materials.
Rationale for ASTM D6344:
Test Method for Concentrated Impacts to Transport Packages. Its intended use is to evaluate the performance of packaging from concentrated impacts from outside sources met in various modes of transportation. This test method is commonly used in ASTM D4169 and ASTM D7386 to create specific hazards in a laboratory environment that are 100% repeatable.
This test method’s intended use is to evaluate the ability of product packaging to resist the force of impacts from external forces. Some of these external source impacts met are from different forms of transportation and handling, depending on the conditions, locations, etc. The impacts may be inflicted by freight next to or against the package in its method of transportation. Some cases may be accidental bumps against each other packages when moving or not moving or being loaded or unloaded. Packages can travel via conveyors, chutes, planes, trains, cars, and more. At Purple Diamond, we will find out what your packages’ transit route is and decide what type of external factors should be added into the test when evaluating your sample.
The transit route is especially important to find out because the packaging contents need to be protected throughout the entire journey. You do not want to lose or damage products along the way, due to the fault of not evaluating the packaging beforehand.
“The test method covers the procedures and equipment for testing complete filled transport packages for resistance against concentrated low-level impacts typical of those encountered in the distribution environment. The test is most proper for packages such as thin fluted/lighter grade corrugated boxes of stretch-wrapped packaging. The test result is a pass/fail determination, based on acceptance criteria previously established, and a record of the energy dissipated by the complete filled transport package during a low-level concentrated impact.” – astm.org/d6344-04r17.html
Key Points:
- Evaluates the performance of the outer packaging of a packaged-product
- Determines the ability of packaging to protect inner contents from concentrated, low-level impacts
- Consider ASTM D4169 and ASTM D7386 for multiple options to run performance tests that simulate unique distribution cycles that utilize ASTM D6344
In conclusion, The ASTM D6344 test method is used to evaluate the performance of transport packaging when subjected to concentrated impacts, such as dropping or hitting the package at a specific point. This test method is applicable for a wide range of packaging materials, such as corrugated fiberboard, plastic containers, and metal cans. The test provides a repeatable and standardized procedure to evaluate whether the packaging can protect the product inside from damage or breakage due to concentrated impacts during transportation. This is important as transport packaging is subjected to various types of impacts during distribution, and its ability to withstand such impacts can affect the product’s quality, safety, and appearance. By using the ASTM D6344 test method, manufacturers and suppliers of transport packaging can ensure that their products comply with industry standards, and that their customers receive high-quality packaging that provides adequate protection to the products. Additionally, using this test method can reduce potential liabilities and costs associated with damaged products during transportation. Purple Diamond is an accredited lab. Please reach out with any questions.
Related Standards:
- ASTM D4169 – Practice for Performance Testing of Shipping Containers and Systems
- ASTM D4332 – Practice for Conditioning Containers, Packages, or Packaging Components for Testing
- ASTM D7386 – Practice for Performance Testing of Packages for Single Parcel Delivery Systems
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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
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The APASS program was designed by Amazon to help support vendors, sellers, and manufacturers in obtaining certification of their products as Frustration Free Packaging (FFP), Ships in Own Container (SIOC), or Prep-Free Packaging (PFP).
