ASTM_D_6344_-_04_2009.pdf

Designation:D634404(Reapproved 2009)Standard Test Method forConcentrated Impacts to Transport Packages1This standard is issued under the fixed designation D6344;the number immediately following the designation indicates the year oforiginal adoption or,in the case of revision,the year of last revision.A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval.Asuperscript epsilon()indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.1.Scope1.1 This test method covers procedures and equipment fortesting complete filled transport packages for resistance againstconcentrated low-level impacts typical of those encountered inthe distribution environment.The test is most appropriate forpackages such as thin fluted/lighter grade corrugated boxes orstretch-wrapped packaging.1.2 The test result is a pass/fail determination,based onacceptance criteria previously established,and a record of theenergy dissipated by the complete filled transport packageduring a low level concentrated impact.NOTE1This test method discusses the conduct of the test from aprescribed height that either meets or does not meet specific acceptancecriteria.It may be possible to conduct this type of testing using modifiedprocedures that provide a numerical response.These might include anincremental test where the drop height(or mass)is increased until aspecific failure occurs or an up-and-down or staircase procedure used tofind the average height to failure.1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of thesafety concerns,if any,associated with its use.It is theresponsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.2.Referenced Documents2.1 ASTM Standards:2D996 Terminology of Packaging and Distribution Environ-mentsD4169 Practice for Performance Testing of Shipping Con-tainers and SystemsD4332 Practice for Conditioning Containers,Packages,orPackaging Components for TestingE122 Practice for Calculating Sample Size to Estimate,WithSpecified Precision,the Average for a Characteristic of aLot or Process3.Terminology3.1 DefinitionsGeneral definitions for the packaging anddistribution environments are found in Terminology D996.3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:3.2.1 acceptance criteriathe acceptable condition ofpackage and contents that must be met after the shippingcontainer has been tested.4.Significance and Use4.1 This test method is intended to evaluate the ability ofpackaging to resist the force of concentrated impacts fromoutside sources,such as those encountered in various modes oftransportation and handling.These impacts may be inflicted byadjacent freight jostling against the package in a carriervehicle,by accidental bumps against other freight when loadedor unloaded from vehicles,by packages bumping against oneanother during sorting on conveyors or chutes,or many othercircumstances.4.2 This test method is intended to determine the ability ofpackaging to protect contents from such impacts,and toevaluate if there is sufficient clearance or support or bothbetween the package wall and its contents.5.Apparatus5.1 Cylindrical Mass with Full Radius(Hemispherical)EndSolid steel rod 32 mm 6 2 mm(1.25 in.6 0.1 in.)indiameter,approximately 115 mm(4.5 in.)long,one endrounded to form a hemisphere,with a mass of 680 6 15 g(1.56 0.03 lb).A threaded eye-bolt may be attached to the end forpositioning and support prior to guided free fall drop,but itmust be included in the 680 g(1.5 lb)mass(see Fig.1).Threaded eyebolts must be attached to the side for positioningand support when used as a pendulum,and must be included inthe 680 g(1.5 lb)mass.5.2 Guided Free Fall(see Fig.2):5.2.1 The cylindrical mass(rod)is held in a start position ina stiff tube of at least 38 mm(1.5 in.)diameter,such that thetubes main axis is perpendicular within 2 degrees.The end ofthe tube should be positioned 50 to 100 mm(2 to 4 in.)abovethe test specimen.The mass may be held in position,at thespecified vertical distance,with either a string from the top ofthe tube,or by a support pin placed through the side of the tube.1This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D10 onPackaging and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D10.21 on ShippingContainers and Systems-Application of Performance Test Methods.Current edition approved March 1,2009.Published March 2009.Originallyapproved in 1998.Last previous edition approved in 2004 as D6344 04.DOI:10.1520/D6344-04R09.2For referenced ASTM standards,visit the ASTM website,www.astm.org,orcontact ASTM Customer Service at serviceastm.org.For Annual Book of ASTMStandards volume information,refer to the standards Document Summary page onthe ASTM website.Copyright ASTM International,100 Barr Harbor Drive,PO Box C700,West Conshohocken,PA 19428-2959.United States1 5.2.2 The mass is allowed to fall freely when released tostrike the test specimen with its rounded end.The free fallingr