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 finding the shipper’s max compression resistance by evaluating it empty and by assessing it full. The amount of load share expected from the inner contents can be calculated. Also, it is 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 successfully survive the compressive forces they are subjected to during storage and distribution. 

This test is important because shipping containers are subjected to various compression forces during transportation, storage, and handling. The test helps to evaluate the ability of the container to withstand these forces without breaking or deforming beyond acceptable limits.

The ASTM D642 test is particularly important for containers that will be stacked, as stacking can increase the compressive forces on the containers. The test results help to ensure that the containers are strong enough to withstand the pressure of being stacked without collapsing or damaging the contents.

In summary, the ASTM D642 compression testing of shipping containers is important to ensure that the containers can withstand the rigors of transport, storage, and handling without breaking or deforming beyond acceptable limits. This helps to ensure the safe and secure transport of goods and protects against damage, loss, and liability.

Since compressive resistance is such a crucial factor, it needs to be decided. We will confirm its criteria by deciding whether it’s fixed or swiveled platen type testing machine. 

This test method covers all compression tests on shipping containers, including but are not limited to boxes and drums, components, or both. The shipping containers themselves may be evaluated with or without packaging contents. The choice is up to you. Most of the time we do recommend the package include its contents though, due to gaining a more correct 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 necessary. A consultation is usually necessary to go over specifics of your project. Please reach out via the contact form to discuss further.