Testing Standard:
Standard Number
ASTM D642
Standard Title
Test Method for Determining Compressive Resistance of Shipping Containers, Components, and Unit Loads
Overview for ASTM D642:
Rationale for ASTM D642:
ASTM D642 – Test Method for Determining Compressive Resistance of Shipping Containers, Components, and Unit Loads. This test method is useful in identifying the shipper’s max compression resistance by testing it empty and by testing it full. The amount of load share expected from the inner contents can be calculated. Also possible to evaluate how the corrugated reacts to different environmental conditions such as high humidity exposure. Compressive resistance is one of the most important properties used to evaluate the withstanding ability or package integrity of shipping containers, components, and unit loads. The hopes of any successful test will be that the unit loads and shipments actually successfully survive the compressive forces they are subjected to during storage and distribution.Â
Since compressive resistance is such an important factor, it needs to be determined. We will confirm its criteria by determining whether it’s fixed or swiveled platen type testing machine.Â
This particular test method covers all compression tests on shipping containers, included but are not limited to boxes and drums, components, or both. The shipping containers themselves may be tested with or without packaging contents. The choice is up to you. Most of the time we do recommend the package include it’s contents though, due to gaining a more accurate test result. The procedure ultimately is used for measuring the ability of the shipping container to resist external factors and forces. The forces are applied to the entire box, sometimes on the sides, sometimes on the edges, and sometimes on the top or bottom.Â
It is true that the test method of external factors to a load may be used to compare characteristics of a given design of a container. The design of the original packaged product can be changed if need be.Â
Key Points:
- Can be used to maximize the load share of inner contents
- Critical to validating material selection during box design
- Optimize costs by mitigating damages accrued through transit
- Verifies box design will adequately resist compression during distribution
Related Standards:
- ISO 12048 – Packaging – Complete, Filled Transport Packages – Compression and Stacking Tests Using a Compression Tester
- TAPPI T804 – Compression Test of Fiberboard Shipping Containers
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
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