ASTM D951 Water Resistance of Shipping Containers

ASTM D951 – Test Method for Water Resistance of Shipping Containers by Spray Method. This test method helps determine the outer packaging’s ability to resist deterioration caused by water and is commonly performed in addition to other physical testing, including compression and drop testing. The ability to resist water during the distribution cycle ensures the containers’ continued protection of the inner contents.

Before actually going through with this test method, the samples must be conditioned sufficiently after closing and sealing the entire sampling. This process is done so that any adhesives, protective coatings, glued flaps, etc will have reached the final normal conditioning. The sample will need to be at the same temperature as room temperature before the testing procedure begins. 

First though, the same must be weighed before and after conditioning. Pieces of the machinery are adjusted to the required intensity (both the nozzle and flow control must be adjusted). The sprays are then maneuvered throughout the entire operating system, including the inside the test room, until the whole space has reached a setting with an equal amount. Unless specified otherwise, the temperature must be 23 degrees Celsius, which is controlled by the thermostat.

For more information on the rest of the steps of this test method please reach out to someone on the Purple Diamond Team. We are here to assist in anyway that we can, especially when it comes to explaining the test methods that your particular packaged product may need in order to be successful on the final market.