ASTM D642 Compression Testing of Shipping Containers

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. 

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. 

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. 

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.