Testing Standard:
ASTM D1596 Standard Test Method for Dynamic Shock Cushioning
Standard Number
ASTM D1596
Standard Title
Test Method for Dynamic Shock Cushioning
Overview for ASTM D1596:
ASTM D1596 – This standard testing method covers the official guidelines and procedures for obtaining dynamic shock cushioning characteristics of packaging materials. The characteristics and data are reported through acceleration-time sequences that are essentially achieved by dropping a falling guided platen assembly onto a sample. This test method only addresses the cushioning contents and does not address any of the effects the drop may have on the exterior or the packaged product samples. Data can be decided and analyzed according to many varied factors during this test, including but not limited to sample size, thickness of cushioning, and more.
Rationale for ASTM D1596:
ASTM D1596 – As mentioned above, this testing method is used for gathering data on the cushioning materials and contents in a packaged product. The data found can and may be used for a single point of reference OR for use in the actual development of a dynamic curve for the cushion or specific material being evaluated. In these cases, the first data points of reference may be different than the others. This is because the data is taken and used for comparison among the varied materials at certain conditions and performance speculations. It should be known that caution should be endured if you are trying to compare or two different methods on the same packaged product, especially when it comes to predicting the data and/or actual performance results for said samples. Because of the difference in the first data, the end analysis of data results may be highly skewed and therefore is recommended against.
Key Points:
- Evaluates the performance of the packaging materials
Related Standards:
- ASTM D4168 - Standard Test Methods for Transmitted Shock Characteristics of Foam-in-Place Cushioning Materials
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